Dredging the Columbia River will now get a pass on disturbing marine mammals
What happened
The US Army Corps of Engineers wants permission to dredge the Lower Columbia River for five years without worrying about marine mammals. This means they would not be penalized for accidentally harming small numbers of seals, sea lions, and other marine life during their operations.
Why it matters
The US Army Corps of Engineers needs to keep shipping channels clear. This proposed rule would give them a blanket permission to do that work for five years, even if it disturbs marine mammals. It shifts the burden of proof from the Corps having to prove no harm, to the public having to prove significant harm.
The signal
Watch for public comments on the proposed rule, specifically if environmental groups can provide new data on the actual impact of dredging on marine mammal populations.