Economic interests in southeastern Pennsylvania are pushing a plan to deepen the Delaware River, which will dredge (and in some cases blast) about one hundred miles of the Delaware River near Philadelphia, from 40 to 45 feet. The area is within four feet of a pristine aquifer serving three states. It will cost at least $264 million and many think the cost could be as high as $500 million. For each dollar spent, only fifty cents in benefits will return to our local economy!

Why does Clean Water Action oppose the Delaware Deepening Project??

• It threatens to contaminate drinking water supplies and harm aquatic life in the River. The blasting operations could crack and "nick" the rock protecting an aquifer that serves Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Also, experts are concerned that dredge spoil disposal sites could leach dangers toxins into aquifers from which we drink.
• The project will not increase tonnage shipped on the river or provide more jobs to the region. The Project will only deepen the main channel of the river. In order for the oil companies and shippers to really benefit, they will need to dredge from the main channel to their docks. So far, none of the seven oil companies has agreed to spend the money needed to dredge from the main channel to their facility. Several have said that they see no benefit from the project.
• It will cost taxpayers and commuters millions, with little benefit to the local economy. The deepening project will cost taxpayers at least $264 million, perhaps even $500 million. According to the US General Accounting Office, for every dollar spent on this project, only 50 cents of benefit will be returned to our region! Competing ports like Baltimore already have a 50 foot channel. Deepening the Delaware to 45 feet will not attract business away from these harbors.
• The project will generate tons of toxic dredge spoils that must be disposed of somewhere. Delaware and New Jersey don't want them, nor do the communities in northeastern Pennsylvania where Governor Rendell hopes to dump the dredge spoils. All these communities fear toxins and heavy metals from the spoils.

Take Action Now!

Pennsylvania politicians, led by Governor Rendell, have been trying to pressure NJ and DE to abandon their objections to the project. It is critical we not let this happen. Write to Governor Rendell and urge him to reconsider his support, taking a second look at the costs and benefits of the Delaware River Deepening.

Please join citizens, environmental group and businesses from around the region to object to Delaware Deepening because it is not viable economically and is a major threat to the health and welfare of our region.

The Governor needs to hear from his constituents: Write him at 225 Main Capitol, Harrisburg, PA 17120.