News Release
| Release Number: | 00-003 |
| Dated: | 1/18/2000 |
| Contact: | Heidi Y. Helwig, 503-808-4510 |
Portland, Ore. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating a permit application from the Port of Astoria to dredge two of its slips to maintain adequate depths for deep-draft vessels. As part of its permit evaluation process, the Corps is requesting public comment on the proposed project prior to making its determination on whether to issue or deny a permit for the work.
The Port is seeking authorization to remove 100,000 cubic yards of material from two of its facility’s slips. Since the Port submitted its application, it requested an amendment to allow the removal of an additional 100,000 cubic yards. The Port dredges its harbor annually, using a hydraulic dredge and flow lane disposal. The material to be removed has been tested and is suitable for unconfined in-water disposal.
For a copy of the Corps of Engineers’ Public Notice, which describes the proposed project in detail, please call Teena Monical at (503) 808-4384, or access the notice on the Corps’ Internet site at http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/g/Regs/Pub_bull.thm>. Photocopies of two drawings supporting the proposed project are included in the public notice.
Written comments should reach the Corps by Jan. 28, 2000, and should be mailed to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Attn: CENWP-OP-GP (Teena Monical), P.O. Box 2946, Portland, Ore., 97208-2946. Comments also may be sent via e-mail to teena.g.monical@usace.army.mil>.
The Corps also is soliciting comments from federal, state and local agencies and officials, American Indian tribes, and other interested parties.
The Corps will issue or deny the permit under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. A Water Quality Certification, as required under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, will be needed from the State. Also, because the proposed activity may affect listed salmon species, a decision will not be made until the Corps consults with the National Marine Fisheries Service.