News Release
| Release Number: | 01-169 |
| Dated: | 12/20/2001 |
| Contact: | Matt Rabe, 503-808-4510 |
Portland, Ore.- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating a permit application from the Sauvie Island Drainage Improvement Co., to extend a 36-inch irrigation intake pipe 75 feet toward the Multnomah Channel of the Willamette River in Multnomah County, Ore.
The proposed work would occur on the east bank of the Multnomah Channel at river mile 20.
The 75 feet of pipe would be supported by four new in-water support structures each constructed of two 12-inch steel pilings and cross support flanges. A proposed intake pump at the end of the line would require an excavation in the riverbed about 5 to 10 feet deep and 20 feet long. A dual intake fish screen at the end of the line would be supported by a structure constructed of four 12-inch steel pilings and cross support flanges. A dolphin placed five feet upstream of the new fish screen would be constructed with three 12-inch steel pilings.
The extended irrigation intake pipe would improve water withdrawal practices to allow full use of irrigation water rights. The current pipe is close to the bank and fills in with sediment. The lowest portion of the pipe is frequently above the water surface elevation, eliminating gravity flow of water.
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 2001-00873, which describes the proposed project in detail, please write to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ATTN: CENWP-OP-GP (Susan Sturges), P.O. Box 2946, Portland, OR 97208-2946 or call (503) 808-4381. A copy of the public notice is posted on the Corps' Internet site at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/g/notices/200100873.pdf . Photocopies of drawings supporting the proposed project are included in the public notice. Written comments must reach the Corps at the above address by Jan. 17, 2002. Send e-mail comments to Susan.M.Sturges@usace.army.mil .
The Corps is also soliciting input from the public, federal, state and local agencies and officials, Indian Tribes, and other interested parties in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of this proposed activity on endangered species, cultural resources, water quality, general environmental effects, and other public interest factors.
The Corps will evaluate the permit request under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, for work in or affecting navigable waters of the United States, and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act for discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States.
A permit for the described work will not be issued until certification, as required under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, has been received or is waived from the certifying state.
Because the proposed project may affect property registered in the latest version of the National Register of Historic Places, a consultation under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1996 will be initiated with the State Historic Preservation Office. A permit for the proposed activity will not be issued until the consultation process is completed.
Also, because the proposed project may affect an endangered or threatened species or its critical habitat and may adversely affect essential fish habitat, the Corps will initiate consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service, under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and Section 305 of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. A permit for the proposed activity will not be issued or denied until the consultation process is complete.