Project Description: USACE is proposing to repair 10 of the 15 Cottonwood Island pile dikes. Repairs will include the installation of 141 new timber piles, enhanced enrockment and new shore connections at 10 of the pile dikes, and 17 new hazard marker piles. The new structures will predominantly be below Ordinary High Water (OHW). The proposed action is anticipated to reduce the need for maintenance, extend the lifecycle of the structures while protecting Cottonwood Island shoreline from erosion. In addition, the action is intended to reduce the need for maintenance dredging in the proposed action area.
USACE has prepared a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed action in accordance with the Council on Environmental Quality’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations found at 42 U.S.C. §§ 4331. The EA was started in 2023 and therefore follows the 2020 Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) guidelines in place at the time. USACE has made a preliminary determination that the effects of the proposed action would not be significant, and that the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not warranted. Following public review, USACE will make a final determination on whether to make a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or prepare an EIS.
Environmental Document: The draft EA is available at the USACE Digital Library here: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16021coll7/id/28581/rec/4
Public Comment Period: The draft EA will be available for public comment for 15 days after the date of this public notice. The public comment period is intended to provide those interested in or affected by this action an opportunity to make their concerns or comments known.
Comment Submittal: Please submit written comments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District by January 22nd, 2026. Written comments may be sent via email to Duncan Newberry, Environmental Resources Branch at duncan.s.newberry@usace.army.mil, or to the mailing address below:
District Engineer
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Portland District
Attn: CENWP-PME-E / Duncan Newberry
P.O. Box 2946 Portland, Oregon 97208-2946
Mailed comments on this notice must be postmarked by the above expiration date. In your response, please refer to the above public notice title and date. Any responses received after the above expiration date will not be considered.
Questions or comments regarding the draft EA can also be directed to Duncan Newberry by calling (541) 968-1387 or email at duncan.s.newberry@usace.army.mil.