Environmentalists and two Fisher Island organizations have challenged state approval of a Port of Miami dredging project that is a priority of Gov. Rick Scott.
The opponents, including the Tropical Audubon Society, Biscayne Bay Waterkeeper, Inc., and the Fisher Island Community Association, contend the dredging project will endanger water quality, pose a threat to endangered and protected species and undermine a Fisher Island seawall.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced earlier this year it would approve a permit for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to move forward with the project.
Three legal challenges filed by the opponents were sent Friday to the state Division of Administrative Hearings.
“Should the permit and variances be issued, there will be substantial impacts to water quality, the coral reefs, fish and other marine wildlife,” said one of the petitions, filed by Tropical Audubon, Biscayne Bay Waterkeeper and Miami-Dade resident Dan Kipnis.
Scott and other supporters say the dredging project will allow larger ships to use the port and position Miami as a key player when the expanded Panama Canal opens in 2014.
