MaineDOT Seeks Corps Permit for Sandy River Bank Stabilization (USA)

The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) is seeking a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, to conduct work in waters of the United States in conjunction with placing stone fill to stabilize an eroding bank adjacent to Route 149 in Phillips, Maine.

The Maine Department of Transportation proposes to place stone riprap fill below the ordinary high water line of an unnamed overflow channel of the Sandy River in Phillips in order to stabilize approximately 80 linear feet of eroding bank adjacent to Route 149. Approximately 100 cubic yards of riprap will be placed along the eroding bank and at an existing culvert located just to the east.

Approximately 20 cubic yards of riprap will be placed below the ordinary high water line. Dewatering the work site will require the installation of temporary sandbag cofferdams. The project will result in approximately 240 square feet of permanent stream bed impact and 500 square feet of temporary stream bed impact.

This proposed work may impact Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for Atlantic salmon. This habitat consists of stream bottom composed of mixed sand, gravel, cobble and boulders. Long-term impact to this species is expected to be minimal with appropriate erosion control measures, in stream work windows, and other best management practices.

Therefore, the Corps has made a preliminary determination that the site-specific adverse effect will be minimal. Further consultation with the federal resource agencies regarding EFH conservation recommendations is being conducted and will be concluded prior to the final permit decision.

Similarly, consultation will be initiated regarding the presence of salmon as they are a federally listed endangered species.

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Press Release, May 7, 2014