NOTICE TO ALL tNTERESTED AGENCIES, PUBLIC GROUPS AND CITIZENS:
The U.S. Army, Corps of Engineers (USAGE), Detroit District, has completed a Detailed Project Report and Environmental Assessment (DPR/EA) for the Kinnickinnic River Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration project in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, addressing the removal of a portion of the concrete channel lining and replacement with a rock riffle/pool complex. The DPR/EA may be reviewed on line at the following web address: "http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/Planning/Planning-andStudies/" under Draft Planning Studies. A paper copy of the DPR/EA may be reviewed during normal business hours at the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) office lobby located at 260 W. Seeboth St. , Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53208 (telephone number: (414) 272-5100). A paper copy is also available for review at the Washington Park Library, located at 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53208 (telephone number: (414) 286-3000). A paper copy may be obtained by writing to the USAGE address identified below.
This section of the Kinnickinnic River was straightened and the river bed lined with concrete in the 1970's for flood control purposes. The proposed action for this project involves the removal of the existing concrete channel lining in approximately 5800 lineal feet of river bed, channel widening, river bed/bank stabilization, and construction of a more natural river bed consisting of 14 rock riffle and pool sections for fish passage. The bed elevations of the riffles and pools were set to provide the best possible aquatic habitat conditions over a range of flows. A low-flow channel is also incorporated into the geometry of the riffle sections to provide increased flow depths during periods of low flow. Implementing the proposed project will provide for fish passage and other environmental benefits.
Environmental review of the proposed action indicates that no significant cumulative or long-term adverse environmental impacts would be expected as a result of project implementation. The identified adverse effects would be minor, including short-term noise and air emissions from equipment operation; temporary, non-adverse turbidity from construction operations; temporary displacement of fish ; and destruction of the few bottom-dwelling organisms within the existing concrete channel. Fish and other aquatic invertebrates would return upon completion of construction.
The DPR/EA includes a Section 404(b)(1) Evaluation, pursuant to the Clean Water Act, for placement of fill material into the waters of the United States. Any person who has an interest that may be affected by the discharge and/or disposal of fill material may request a public hearing. To be considered, the request must be submitted in writing to the contact provided below or to the following email address: "KinnickinnicRiver@usace.army.mil"within the comment period of this notice and must clearly set forth the interest that may be affected and the manner in which the interest may be affected by this activity. Any comments you may have concerning the proposed project must be made within thirty (30) days from the date of this notice. If no comments are received by the end of the thirty (30) day review period, it will be assumed that you have no comment. Please direct your comments to:
U.S. Army Engineer District, Detroit
ATTN: CELRE-PLE (Charles A. Uhlarik)
477 Michigan Ave.
Detroit, Michigan 48226-2550
The proposed project cannot be constructed unless a State of Wisconsin water quality certification is issued or waived pursuant to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. The proposed project's non-federal sponsor, MMSD, will obtain the required permits prior to construction.
Copies of this Public Notice and DPR/EA are being sent to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of Wisconsin and other Federal, tribes, state, local agencies, interested groups, and individuals. Following the 30 day comment period and a review of the comments received by the USACE, the District Engineer (Detroit District, USACE) will make a final decision regarding the necessity of preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed project. Based on the conclusions of the DPR/EA, it appears that preparation of an EIS will not be required; therefore, a preliminary Finding of No Significant Impact has been included in the DPR/EA