News Release
| Release Number: | 01-080 |
| Dated: | 5/23/2001 |
| Contact: | Matt Rabe, 503-808-4510 |
Portland, Ore. - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency are evaluating the potential use of two new ocean disposal sites near Newport, Ore. Prior to final selection of the sites, however, the agencies are seeking comments from parties with information that could affect the use of these sites.
The new sites would replace two historic ocean disposal sites that have reached their capacity. The new sites would provide a disposal location for dredged material removed to maintain the federal navigation channel in Yaquina Bay.
To comment on, or to receive a copy of, the Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site Evaluation Study and Environmental Assessment, write to: District Engineer, U.S. Army Engineer District - Portland, Attn: CENWP-PM-E (Stevens), P.O. Box 2946, Portland, OR 97208-2946. Written comments should be mailed no later than June 18, 2001. Questions may be directed to Steve Stevens, Environmental Resources Branch, at (503) 808-4768 or steven.j.stevens@usace.army.mil. Please refer to Public Notice number CENWP-PM-E-01-06 in any correspondence.
Through the site evaluation study, the Corps and EPA have concluded that designating the new ocean disposal sites is the only viable option at Yaquina Bay and that the number and size of the sites are warranted. The two new sites would have an estimated usable life of about 20 years each. Each site measures 4,000-feet wide by 6,500-feet long and is located about 2 miles offshore - one to the north and one south of the Yaquina Bay entrance.
The other options evaluated include upland beach; estuarine and various ocean disposal alternatives, as well as the no action alternative.
Prior to 1977, the Corps disposed of dredged materials in the general vicinity of the outer channel entrance, but was restricted to the area in front of the entrance in January 1977 when the EPA issued its final Ocean Dumping Regulations. The Corps used this "interim" site until 1986 when the agency designated a new temporary site to the north of the "interim" site. Dredged material disposal options are becoming more limited because of continued mounding in this area.
The Corps has maintained the federal navigation interest at Yaquina Bay since 1871. In 1896, the Corps constructed two rubble-mound jetties at the bay's entrance, and in 1919 began an annual dredging program that continues today. The navigation channel extends from the ocean inland 14 miles to Toledo, Ore. On average, the Corps removes 313,600 cubic yards of materials annually from this channel.
The study and the proposed sites meet the requirements of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972; National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; Endangered Species Act of 1973; National Historic Preservation Act of 1966; and the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. The study and environmental assessment looked at the effects of the site designation on the physical and biological resources in the area, the socio-economic impacts, sediment and water quality, and impacts on cultural resources.