Environmental Coordination of Maintenance Dredging Projects and Associated Structures
In accordance with National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA), Clean Water Act (CWA) and Federal Regulations, maintenance dredging activities are subjected to periodic public review, concurrence by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Section 401 (Clean Water Act) Certification by the regulating state. Portland District issues periodic Public Notices describing the project. The material to be dredged, the proposed method of dredging and subsequent handling of the dredged material, including any special considerations, are covered in the notice. Public Notices also serve to inform the public of the availability of environmental documents, including those required under NEPA.
Current Public Notices, Statement of Findings and Water Quality Certification
NORTH COAST
- Baker Bay, Ilwaco Channel
- Baker Bay, West Channel
- Chinook Channel
- Columbia River
- Columbia River, Government Island S. Channel
- Mouth of the Columbia River
- Cowlitz, Old Mouth
- Hood River Boat Channel
- Oregon Slough
- Skipanon
- Wahkiakum Ferry Channel, WA & OR
SOUTH COAST
- Coquille River
- Chetco River Entrance Channel
- Coos Bay
- Depoe Bay
- Port Orford
- Rogue River Boat Basin and Entrance
- Siuslaw River, Entrance to River Mile 7
- Tillamook Bay and Entrance
- Umpqua River/Winchester Bay
- Umpqua River to River Mile 11
- Yaquina Bay and Harbor
Statement of Environmental Policy for Operations and Maintenance Dredging
The Corps of Engineers undertakes operations and maintenance activities where appropriate and environmentally acceptable. All practicable and reasonable alternatives are fully considered on an equal basis. This includes the discharge of dredged or fill materials into waters of the US or ocean waters in the least costly manner, at the least costly and most practicable location, and consistent with engineering and environmental requirements (33 CFR Part 335.4.). The least-cost alternative, consistent with sound engineering practices and selected through the 404 (b)(1) guidelines or ocean disposal criteria, will be designated the Federal standard for the proposed project (33 CFR Part 336.1 (c ) (1)). Public Notices for Corps operations and maintenance activities are normally issued for an indefinite period of time and are not reissued unless changes in the disposal plan warrant re-evaluation under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act or Section 103 of the Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (33 CFR Part 337.1 (a)).
Sediment Quality of Material Dredged During Maintenance Dredging
The Portland District Corps of Engineers has an ongoing program to evaluate material to be dredged in accordance with national joint EPA-Corps of Engineers testing manuals and a Regional manual developed in cooperation with EPA-Region10, and the States of Oregon and Washington.
These manuals are available at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/ec/h/hr/. A final Dredged Material Evaluation Framework for the Lower Columbia River Management Area was released in November 1998.
It can be accessed through https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/ec/h/hr/. The work group is currently working to supplement the manual to cover other waterways in Oregon.
Endangered Species Act Coordination
All projects proposed for dredging undergo a review for compliance with the Endangered Species Act. When appropriate, formal and informal consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service are undertaken and completed prior to the initiation of the maintenance dredging.
Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites
The Portland District Corps of Engineers works closely with the EPA Region X, on the management and monitoring of ocean disposal sites for dredged material along the Oregon Coast, in accordance with requirements of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA). The District also takes the lead in the evaluation studies and prepares reports recommending sites for designation by EPA under Section 102 of the MPRSA.
Regional Sediment Evaluation Team (RSET)
Making Sense of Sediment Evaluations is a presentation created by the Regional Sediment Evaluation Team and Northwest Regional Sediment Evaluation Framework.