Irreversible environmental harm could result from dredging.
Dredging for Weaver’s Cover could remove more than 3.1 million cubic yards of sediment, with the majority being dumped in Rhode Island Sound. The disturbance, re-suspension, and disposal of sediments will harm water quality in and disturb the ecosystem of Narragansett Bay. Dredging could negatively affect the fish and shellfish habitat of the Narragansett Bay Estuary, which supports numerous marine species, including the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle, a federally endangered species. Both Narragansett Bay and the Taunton River support important fisheries such as winter flounder.
Serious environmental harm could result from ballast water.
LNG tankers could cross Narragansett and Mount Hope Bay up to 100-140 times annually, or an average of once every three days. Ballast water from tankers could introduce new invasive species into the Bay. Aquatic invasive species are second only to habitat destruction as a cause of permanent losses in biological diversity in U.S. aquatic ecosystems.
Security measures could significantly impact the public use of Narragansett Bay.
A boat-free security zone of two miles ahead, one mile astern, and 1,000 feet on both sides of an LNG tanker in Narragansett Bay would be enforced as a tanker moved up the Bay to the Taunton River. Estimates are that if the tanker was traveling at 3 knots, it would take about 40 minutes to move through one security zone. Bridge traffic across the Bay would also be cleared for this time period as the tanker’s security zone approached and passed under the bridge. Such closures have serious economic ramifications for the State of Rhode Island.
Federal regulatory agencies have expressed concern about the potential impacts.
The U.S. Department of the Interior has expressed concerns about the compatibility of the proposed LNG terminal with the Wild and Scenic River designation of the lower Taunton River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has expressed concern about the need to protect fishery resources and a similar view about the incompatibility of the proposal with the Wild and Scenic river values of the Taunton River.
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