News Release
| Release Number: | 05-011 |
| Dated: | 1/27/2005 |
| Contact: | Diana J. Fredlund, 503-808-4510 |
PORTLAND, Ore.-The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating a permit application from the Jackson County Urban Renewal Agency to improve public infrastructure in the White City, Ore., urban area, located north of Medford.
The proposed project work would involve culverting an open drainage ditch, constructing a stormwater collection system and upgrading an existing dirt road by paving and widening it.
As part of its permit evaluation process, the Corps is requesting public review and comment on the proposed project prior to making its permit decision.
For a copy of the Corps' Public Notice 1997-00403, which describes the proposed project in detail, please write to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ATTN: CENWP-OP-G (Dominic Yballe), 1600 Executive Parkway, Suite 210, Eugene, OR 97401-2156 or call (541) 465-6894.
A copy of the public notice, including photocopies of supporting drawings, is posted on the Corps' Internet site at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/g/notices/199700403.pdf.
Written comments must reach the Corps by Feb. 22, 2005, and should be mailed to the above address. Send e-mail comments to Dominic.P.Yballe@nwp01.usace.army.mil. Comments must reference the public notice number.
The Corps also is soliciting input from 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 404 of the Clean Water Act for discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States.
A permit will not be issued until the state has concurred with the applicant's certification that the described activity complies with Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.
A portion of the proposed project will affect Agate Desert Vernal Pools and associated species, and the activity may adversely affect endangered or threatened species and critical habitat. The Corps will initiate formal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as required, under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. A permit for the proposed activity will not be issued or denied until the consultation process is complete.
The proposed project is not located on property registered in the latest version of the National Register of Historic Places. This notice has been provided to the State Historic Preservation Office.