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Caesars riverboat writes plan to clear mud and silt

Monday, March 13, 2000 | 11:17 a.m.

BRIDGEPORT, Ind. -- State officials have cleared the way for Caesars Indiana to use high-powered water jets to prevent its riverboat casino's mooring basin from being clogged with mud and silt.

The water jets could help Caesars avoid potential shutdowns like one last June that closed its riverboat for two weeks for emergency dredging, costing Caesars at least $7 million in lost gaming revenues.

The shutdown happened when the 452-foot Glory of Rome riverboat nearly ran aground in mud and silt after water levels in the Ohio River dropped.

State environmental officials approved the company's use of the water jets this week by making changes to its water-quality permit. Several other changes were approved, including one that allows the gaming company to fill in two wetlands so it can build a 500-room hotel.

Caesars submitted two studies to address concerns about the water jets' impact. Three environmental groups had raised questions about whether the jets would hurt water quality and damage a large mussel bed adjacent to the riverboat's dock.

The riverboat is owned by Park Place Entertainment Corp. of Las Vegas.

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