East San Pedro Bay Plan on Display

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Los Angeles District is preparing to release a draft report recommending restoration of aquatic habitat within East San Pedro Bay.

The City of Long Beach is the local sponsor, said USACE.

The report identifies a Tentatively Selected Plan, which would be the Corps’ first open-ocean ecosystem restoration project in the nation.

According to USACE, the plan would provide near-shore and off-shore rocky reefs, kelp reefs and eelgrass beds, and is referred to as the Reef Restoration Plan.

“The Corps’ LA District is excited about the release of the tentatively selected plan,” said Col. Aaron Barta, commander of the Corps’ LA District. “We look forward to public input on the plan to help restore the unique underwater ecosystem environment of East San Pedro Bay.”

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Environmental Impact Report – which documents the analysis of alternatives and the proposed Tentatively Selected Plan – will be released November 29 for public comment before a final decision is made.