News Release
| Release Number: | 01-111 |
| Dated: | 7/26/2001 |
| Contact: | Heidi Y. Helwig, 503-808-4510 |
Portland, Ore. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating a 5-year permit application from Rodgers Marine to conduct annual maintenance dredging in the Columbia River along Marine Drive. The purpose of the work is to maintain adequate depths for the existing marina and to repair an eroded bankline.
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 a permit for the work.
The project at river mile 109 involves removing sediments by hydraulic dredge in a 300- by 500-foot area to a depth of -6 feet. The applicant estimates that about 7,000 cubic yards of material would be removed initially, with additional material removed on an as-needed basis. The dredged material would be used as fill material to repair about 200 feet of eroded bankline, which is part of the Multnomah Drainage District levee system.
To prevent future erosion, the applicant also proposes to place dredged material under the marina's gangway to tie the bank into the existing shoreline on the east with the proposed shoreline (after fill) on the west. Also, riprap would be placed on the bank to elevation 18 feet; the area above elevation 18 feet would be planted with a fescue/rye grass mix.
The Corps will consider whether the proposed project meets standards of Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act for work in or affecting navigable waters and of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act for discharge of dredged or fill material placed into waters of the U.S.
Preliminary determinations indicate that the described activity will come under the Endangered Species Act and will require consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service. A permit will not be issued or denied until the consultation process is completed.
For a copy of the Corps' Public Notice 2001-00368, which describes the proposed project in detail (including drawings in support of the proposed project), please write to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ATTN: CENWP-OP-GP (Judy Linton), P.O. Box 2946, Portland, Ore. 97208-2946. A copy of the public notice also is posted on the Corps' Internet site at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/g/notices/200100368.pdf.
Written comments should reach the Corps by Aug. 13, 2001, and should be mailed to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Attn: CENWP-OP-GP (Judy Linton), P.O. Box 2946, Portland, Ore. 97208-2946. Send e-mail comments to Judy.L.Linton@usace.army.mil.
The Corps is soliciting comments from federal, state and local agencies and officials, Native American tribes, and other interested parties.