A controversial $62 million project to dredge Puerto Rico’s largest seaport, the San Juan Bay, has begun, despite opposition from environmentalists and a pending lawsuit. The project, overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, aims to remove nearly 3 million cubic yards of marine floor to allow larger vessels, including tankers serving a new liquid natural gas terminal, to access the port. Governor Pedro Pierluisi expects the project to provide a $400 million boost to the local economy and dismissed concerns about its environmental impact, stating that it has been authorized by federal agencies.
Environmentalists, led by the Center for Biological Diversity, have raised concerns about the potential harm to marine life caused by the dredging. They filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. government, arguing that the project could destroy corals and seagrass beds, as well as harm turtles and manatees. Despite the pending lawsuit, the dredging operation proceeded, with Curtin Maritime, a California-based company, tasked with carrying out the work. The dredged material will be deposited into the Atlantic Ocean two nautical miles north of Puerto Rico, approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The concerns raised by environmentalists include the impact of sedimentation on corals, which are already under threat from diseases and warming waters. The Center for Biological Diversity also highlighted the potential harm to manatees that depend on seagrass in the San Juan Bay for food. They noted that previous promises by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to mitigate the impact of dredging have not been fulfilled, adding to their skepticism about the current project. Despite these concerns, Governor Pierluisi and the Corps remain committed to the dredging, citing its importance to the economic growth and future development of Puerto Rico.
The project is seen as an investment in the future of Puerto Rico, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers investing nearly $45 million, while the Puerto Rican government is providing the remaining funds. The dredging vessel began operations in the background as officials shared details about the project, emphasizing its significance as an economic engine and vital lifeline for the island. The project is expected to be completed by October, with dredging depths reaching up to 46 feet in some areas of the harbor, increasing the port’s capacity to accommodate larger vessels and boost trade and business activities.
Despite the ongoing controversy and legal challenges, both the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Puerto Rican government are moving forward with the dredging project at the San Juan Bay. Governor Pierluisi remains optimistic about the project’s economic benefits, while environmentalists continue to express concerns about the potential harm to marine ecosystems. With the lawsuit pending in a U.S. District Court, the final decision on the project’s fate remains uncertain. However, the dredging operations are progressing as planned, with officials emphasizing the importance of the project for the future development and sustainability of Puerto Rico’s biggest seaport.
