The Coast Guard has outlined 10 anchorages for hazardous barges on the Hudson River which will disrupt river traffic, including sailors and other recreational vessels.  The Montrose site, shown here, will cover 127 acres of open water, and will impede boating at Stony Point and Haverstraw.

The Coast Guard is asking for public feedback on the plan by September 7.  The full list of anchorages is here.

Opponents to the plan include Dutchess County, which says the anchorages increase risks for oil spills and pollution, and spoil the river’s natural beauty. Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano says the proposal “will lead to the re-industrialization of our pristine Hudson riverfront.”

These anchorages do not belong on the scenic Hudson River.  Please contact Craig Lapiejklo of the Coast Guard First District (Craig.d.lapiejko@uscg.mil) and your local elected officials to express your concern.

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UPDATE from Craig Lapiejklo, USCG, 2018:

The Coast Guard has suspended future rulemaking decisions regarding additional anchorage grounds on the Hudson River until we more fully understand the safety and environmental risks associated with the many waterway uses of the Hudson River.

The Coast Guard has made public the Hudson River Ports and Waterways Safety Assessment (PAWSA) report from the workshops held in Poughkeepsie and Albany in November of 2017.

The press release can be found here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/bulletins/1e0963d?reqfrom=share

The report can be found here: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=pawsaFinalReports 

To view the complete history of this rulemaking in the online docket please go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal atwww.regulations.gov and enter docket number “USCG-2016-0132” in the search bar.