MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – The federal government has cracked down on the Memphis River Parks Partnership after they were caught dumping mud into the Mississippi River without a permit.
The Corp of Engineers ordered the group in charge of operating the riverfront to stop after several residents took video of what was going on downtown at Beale Street Landing.
The heavy equipment is sitting idle now, but Tuesday cell phone video shows it in action. Material was being dumped into the river.
“We were just walking along the riverfront,” said Karen Soro.
Soro is just one of the people who shot footage on her phone and sent it to the Corp of Engineers.
“When I saw them do it, it tells me clearly they don’t have our best interest at heart,” said Soro.
Soro is against the groups proposed plan to renovate Tom Lee Park which is why she keeps a watchful eye on what’s happening along the water .
As for the dumping, the Corp of Engineers says dumping the material without a permit is a violation of the federal River and Harbor Act, which is why they were ordered to stop dumping.
“I went down there and talked to the individual to ask if he had a permit. and he said not that he knew of but they did it for maintenance, said Randy Clark, Corp of Engineers Biologist.
In a statement from the head of the Memphis River Parks Partnership, Carol Coletta said, “Scraping the mud is completely optional. It is extremely time consuming dangerous work by our team. We do it so the area has a nicer appearance and additional access. Depending on what the Corp decides, and the cost of disposing the unusual amount of caked on mud.” She went on to say, “We will decide how to proceed.”
The Corp of Engineers is working with the River Parks Partnership to get the proper permit. That could happen as early as Monday.
Full statement from Carol Coletta with Memphis River Parks Partnership:
Jeni, the video you sent was recorded at Beale Street Landing. As you likely know, when the river rises, mud collects at the dock there. Each year (and for many years), once the river recedes, the mud that has collected is scraped and disposed of. Our COO is working with The Corps on permitting.
Scraping the mud is completely optional. It is extremely time-consuming, dangerous work by our team. We do it so the area has a nicer appearance and additional access. Depending on what the Corps decides and the cost of disposing of the unusual amount of caked on mud (thanks to the long high water season), we’ll decide how to proceed.
Thanks for the inquiry. It gives us a chance to correct the record.
Check out the MEMPHIS sign on Mud Island, outfitted with new Tiger stripes as of yesterday. Very cool.
We’ll keep you posted on new developments on the riverfront. We appreciate your interest.
Carol