MIAMI, FL. (AP) - Environmentalists and recreational divers filed a federal lawsuit challenging plans to dredge Port Everglades, arguing the project will harm coral reefs.
The groups filed their lawsuit Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Miami.
The groups including Miami Waterkeeper and the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association argue that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved the project without using the latest science to determine effects on coral reefs.
The port, about 30 miles north of Miami, is near reefs that are home to dozens of species of coral.
Miami Waterkeeper executive director Rachel Silverstein says they don't want to see the same reef damage that occurred during the Port of Miami dredging.
The Corps said it anticipates a new biological assessment to be done in January and that the project will be in planning stages through 2018.
