This environmental dredging is often necessary because sediments in and around cities and industrial areas are frequently contaminated with a variety of pollutants. Since massive ships carry the bulk of the goods imported into the country, dredging plays a vital role in the nation's economy.ĭredging is also performed to reduce the exposure of fish, wildlife, and people to contaminants and to prevent the spread of contaminants to other areas of the water body. This water depth continues to increase over time as larger and larger ships are deployed. Vessels require a certain amount of water in order to float and not touch bottom. It is a routine necessity in waterways around the world because sedimentation-the natural process of sand and silt washing downstream-gradually fills channels and harbors.ĭredging often is focused on maintaining or increasing the depth of navigation channels, anchorages, or berthing areas to ensure the safe passage of boats and ships. This article was originally published at 11:05 a.m.Dredging is the removal of sediments and debris from the bottom of lakes, rivers, harbors, and other water bodies. The conditions have not yet been met, so no permits have been granted.Ģ:40 p.m.: This article has been updated throughout with the California Supreme Court’s ruling. Suction dredge mining largely occurs in mountain regions.Ĭalifornia passed a law last year that allows state officials to resume granting permits for suction dredge mining under certain conditions that include making sure the practice does not have any significant effect on fish and wildlife. There are more than 20,000 mining claims on federal lands in California.
The court’s ruling came more than a century after the famous California gold rush that brought tens of thousands of miners to the state from around the country.Ĭalifornia has experienced a mini-gold rush of sorts in recent years, as low water levels caused by the drought have lured amateur prospectors to riverbed spots that have been out of reach for decades. Miners countered that the state failed to show suction dredge mining killed any fish. State officials argued their right to protect the environment was not preempted by federal mining law. Suction dredges are powerful underwater vacuums that suck up rocks, gravel and sand from riverbeds to filter out gold.
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