Alabama Legislature Bans Mud Dumping in Mobile Bay

The Alabama Legislature on Tuesday gave final approval to the “Save Our Bay” bill, a measure that would ban the environmentally harmful practice known as mud dumping in Mobile Bay. The legislation now goes to Governor Kay Ivey for her expected signature.

The bill, HB181, carried in the Senate by State Senator Chris Elliott (R-Josephine) and in the House by State Representative Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise), prohibits the dumping of dredged sediment into the bay. This practice has drawn criticism from conservation groups and coastal residents for its impact on water quality and aquatic habitats.

“As Baldwin County’s State Senator, protecting Mobile Bay and preserving the environment that makes our area such a special place to live, work, worship and raise our families rank among my highest priorities,” Elliott said after passage. “With passage of this bill, we have shielded the commercial and sport fishing industries, ensured that our waters remain clean and clear, and protected the important oyster beds, seagrasses and other aquatic life that mud dumping harms.”

Elliott added that residents “live in the most awesome place on Earth, and it’s up to us to keep it that way,” noting the bill will help ensure the bay “remains a paradise.”

The Mobile Baykeeper group applauded the passage of the bill on Facebook, saying, “This is a huge win for the people of Coastal Alabama, but it is not the end. This is the beginning of a revival of our waters. The passage of the bill to end mud-dumping shows what happens when our communities unite around our waters. Together, our voices give our leaders permission to act with courage.”

The practice of mud dumping — technically referred to by some as thin-layer placement — involves spraying sediment from dredged shipping channels back into the bay. Critics say it clouds the water and smothers marine life, including oyster beds and seagrass beds that are vital to the bay’s ecology.

The bill aligns with recent federal policy changes championed by U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, which require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dedicate at least 70% of dredged material to beneficial projects such as marsh creation, shoreline protection or habitat restoration. Under the new State law, mud dumping cannot be counted as a “beneficial use” in Alabama.

Supporters said the legislation mirrors similar bans in States including Florida, Georgia and Louisiana, and balances environmental protection with the economic needs of the Port of Mobile and local fisheries.

The bill now goes to Governor Kay Ivey to be signed into law.

The text of HB181 as enrolled may be found HERE.