March 26, 1998
Contact: Anne Donovan
(617) 727-9530 x411

Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management announces that the planning process for disposing of dredged material from Gloucester Harbor has begun. On Friday, crews are expected to begin drawing samples of sediment from proposed dredging areas. The contaminant levels of these samples will be assessed to determine how to dispose of the material in an environmentally safe and cost effective manner. An Environmental Notification Form (ENF) has been submitted to Trudy Coxe, the Secretary of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. The ENF initiates state and federal environmental review of the Gloucester dredging project.

"To safely dredge the Commonwealth's harbors we must accurately assess contaminants in the dredged material to determine an environmentally-safe method for disposal," explained Peg Brady, Director of Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management. "State and local officials are committed to working with community groups, especially the fishing community, to use this information to identify safe and cost-effective solutions."

Submission of the ENF launches a 21-day public comment period. Input from the City of Gloucester and the public is encouraged through this public comment process. Interested individuals should contact Dale Brown, the Gloucester Harbor Planning Coordinator, at 978-281-8740 to obtain a comment schedule.