News Release
| Release Number: | 99-101 |
| Dated: | 11/23/1999 |
| 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 Bandon to construct a wharf and amphitheater at mile 0.9 of the Coquille River in Bandon, Ore., to enhance and revitalize the Bandon riverfront.
As part of its permit evaluation process, the Corps is requesting public review and comment on the proposed project prior to making its determination on whether to issue or deny a permit for the work.
The Port is requesting authorization to drive 191 timber piles and 41 concrete piles, which would support a 24,500-square-foot wharf. On the wharf, the Port of Bandon proposes to build an amphitheater and picnic shelter. To mitigate for fishery impacts, the applicant proposes to drive four to six piles in or near the Coquille River to secure large woody debris for fisheries habitat improvement. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is consulting with the Port to find a suitable location.
If the permit is issued, the applicant would be required to adhere to special conditions, which include: prevent construction debris from entering the waterway; ensure pretreated lumber and pilings dry completely before using near or in the waterway; prevent any petroleum or other chemicals from entering the waterway; perform work in a way that will minimize turbidity; and only perform in-water work within the ODFW preferred work period, which, in the Coquille River, is between Oct. 1 and Feb. 15 each year.
For a copy of the Corps’ Public Notice, which describes the proposed project in detail, please call Ron Marg at (503) 808-4390, or access the notice on the Corps’ Internet site at http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/g/Regs/Pub_bull.htm.
Written comments should reach the Corps by Dec. 13, 1999, and should be mailed to: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Attn: CENWP-OP-GP (Ron Marg), P.O. Box 2946, Portland, Oregon 97208-2946. Comments also may be sent via e-mail to ron.e.marg@usace.army.mil.
The Corps also is soliciting input from federal, state and local agencies and officials, Indian tribes, and other interested parties to help permit reviewers evaluate the impacts of this proposed project on endangered species, historic properties, water quality, general environmental effects, and other public interest factors.
The Corps will issue or deny the permit under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
A Water Quality Certification, as required under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, also will be needed from the State. Also, because fish species listed under the Endangered Species Act are in the river, the Corps has entered into consultation with the National Marines Fisheries Service. A permit will not be issued or denied until the consultation process is completed.