News Release
| Release Number: | 01-136 |
| Dated: | 9/27/2001 |
| 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 Portland which requests approval to redevelop one of its terminals on the Willamette River in Portland, Ore.
The Port proposes to construct two new navigational aids, install temporary pilings, construct and repair stormwater outfalls and perform bank stabilization work. The purpose of the work is to refurbish and reconfigure the existing Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc.'s auto receiving and processing facility located at Terminal 4.
The proposed effort would occur at berth 414, 415 and 416. The placement of the navigational aids and dolphins would require the use of vibratory and impact equipment and the construction of temporary piling, which would require excavation and concrete work. Improvements to the existing stormwater system would require the construction of two new stormwater outfalls and the repair of three existing outfalls. This work would be accomplished by excavating about 120 cubic yards of material and replacing about 110 cy of material and the placement of riprap. To stabilize and restore the bank, the Port proposes to remove a 35-foot-wide strip of asphalt at the top of the bank and plant the area with native plants. In addition, about 84 existing concrete pilings and/or pedestals would be cut off at the mud line and removed. This area also would be planted with native plants.
As part of its permit evaluation process, the Corps is requesting public review and comment on the proposed project prior to making its permitting decision for the work.
For a copy of the Corps' Public Notice 2001-00553, which describes the proposed project in detail, please write to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ATTN: CENWP-OP-GP, P.O. Box 2946, Portland, OR 97208-2946. A copy of the public notice is posted on the Corps' Internet site at http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/g/notices/200100553.pdf. Photocopies of drawings supporting the proposed project are included in the public notice.
Written comments must reach the Corps by Oct. 4, 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 also is soliciting input from federal, state and local agencies and officials, Indian Tribes, and other interested parties to help permit reviewers consider and 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 evaluate the permit request under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act and the Endangered Species Act, in consultation with the National Marines Fisheries Service.