The Alabama Legislature has given final approval to the “Save Our Bay” bill, legislation that will ban the practice commonly known as “mud dumping” in Mobile Bay.

The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, and state Rep. Rhett Marques, R-Enterprise, passed the Legislature on Jan. 26 and was officially enrolled on Feb. 3. Following approval by both the House and Senate last week, the enrolled version of the bill now heads to Gov. Kay Ivey on Feb. 3 for her consideration.

The measure prohibits the placement of dredged sediment from shipping channels into the open waters of Mobile Bay, a practice environmental advocates say clouds the water and smothers sensitive marine habitats, including oyster beds, seagrasses and other aquatic life.

“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 in a statement following the bill’s passage.

Elliott said the legislation is intended to protect commercial and recreational fishing industries while maintaining water quality in the bay.

“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,” he said.

Mud dumping refers to the practice of dispersing sediment dredged from shipping channels across the surface of the bay. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has described the method, which it calls “thin-layer placement,” as replicating natural sediment distribution. Environmental groups have disputed that characterization, citing concerns about the volume of material involved.

According to estimates from Mobile Baykeeper, roughly 90 million cubic yards of sediment could be generated in coming years as the Corps continues to maintain shipping channels.

At the federal level, U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Alabama, previously advanced a provision requiring the Corps to dedicate 70% of dredged sediment to what are defined as “beneficial uses.” The state legislation sponsored by Marques explicitly excludes mud dumping from being considered a beneficial use in Alabama.

Supporters of the bill say the legislation brings Alabama in line with other states, including Florida, Georgia and Louisiana, which have enacted similar restrictions.

Gabriella Chavez is a Report for America corps member who writes about growth and development in Baldwin County and our natural spaces for Gulf Coast Media. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://tinyurl.com/yaf8yf5n.