News Item
Westchester County Business Journal: "Riverkeeper threatens two environmental lawsuits against Tappan Zee builders"
The Riverkeeper says this aerial photo taken shows how Tappan Zee Bridge project activities have caused the resuspension of bottom sediments, causing plumes of turbid water, in clearly visible contrast to the natural conditions of the Hudson River estuary. Lee Ross/Riverkeeper
Riverkeeper Inc. has informed the state Thruway Authority and the group of contractors designing and building the new Tappan Zee Bridge of its intent to sue them for violating federal laws, according to two letters penned by the environmental organization Dec. 16.
The separate citizen lawsuit threats – both directed at the Thruway Authority and the consortium building the bridge, Tappan Zee Constructors LLC – are related to Riverkeeper’s allegations that the construction of the new bridge has contributed to the increase of sturgeon mortality and sediment pollutant that has surfaced from the bottom of the Hudson River, violations of the Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act, respectively.
In a prepared statement, the Thruway Authority responded that it has taken “unprecedented measures” to protect all aquatic life and reduce resuspension of sediments in the Hudson River where the construction for the bridge connecting Westchester and Rockland counties is taking place.
With the letter, the Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic, an attorney group with Pace University School of Law that represents Ossining-based Riverkeeper, gives the bridge builders a 60-day notice to either come to the table and discuss potential remedies as part of a settlement, or be sued.
Read more: http://westfaironline.com/76508/riverkeeper-threatens-two-environmental-...
