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Fairhope council authorizes mayor to sign Mobile Baykeeper letter urging end to in‑bay disposal of dredge material
Summary
After public comment from Mobile Baykeeper representatives, the council approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign a letter to U.S. Senator Katie Britt asking for federal funds and a short‑term ban on in‑bay disposal of maintenance dredge spoil due to environmental concerns.
Representatives from Mobile Baykeeper urged the Fairhope City Council to support a letter to U.S. Sen. Katie Britt requesting federal funding to avoid in‑bay disposal of maintenance dredge material and to seek a short‑term ban on in‑bay disposal until offshore or alternative disposal options are funded. Rachel Ball of Mobile Baykeeper said the request is not against dredging itself but against disposal within the bay, citing potential harm to marine habitat and fisheries. “This is not calling for the halting of the dredging itself…we did not do it here from 1986 until 2012,” Ball said, noting other major ports avoid in‑bay disposal.
A second public commenter expressed support for Mobile Baykeeper's position. Council members voted to authorize Mayor Sullivan to sign the letter to Senator Britt as drafted by Mobile Baykeeper, asking the Senate subcommittee on appropriations to approve appropriations for offshore disposal and to consider an immediate short‑term ban on in‑bay disposal where practicable.
Ending: The council passed the resolution to authorize the mayor to sign the letter; staff will transmit the city's signed letter to Sen. Britt's office along with supporting materials provided by Mobile Baykeeper.
