Public Notices

Final EA and FONSI: Oaks Bottom habitat restoration project

Published Feb. 4, 2016
PUBLIC NOTICE
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

for the Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment for Oaks Bottom Section 206 Habitat Restoration Project 
Multnomah County, Oregon


CENWP-PM-E-15-4
Issue Date: February 4, 2016

Interested parties are hereby notified that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District (Corps) is making available a Final Environmental Assessment on the Draft Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment for Oaks Bottom Section 206 Habitat Restoration Project in Multnomah County, Oregon. The Corps proposes to restore a more natural tidal hydrologic connection between Oaks Bottom and the Lower Willamette River to improve fish and wildlife habitats and provide unhindered fish passage into and out of Oaks Bottom. Most importantly, this project would benefit juvenile salmonids listed under the Endangered Species Act that would be able to use Oaks Bottom to a much greater extent as rearing habitat than presently. 

The proposed restoration plan includes replacement of the culvert under the railroad berm along the Willamette River with a larger culvert at a lower elevation, removal of a water control structure, excavation of tidal slough channels, removal of invasive plant species, revegetation with riparian and wetland species, and installation of two viewing platforms.

The final EA is available on the Corps’ web site: http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Media/Announcements.aspx.

The Corps has determined the proposed action would not significantly affect the quality of the human environment and that an environmental impact statement is not required.  A finding of no significant impact was signed on January 29, 2016.   
 
Environmental Document:  The draft document for the proposed activity is available for public review and comment on the Corps’ Web site: http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Media/Announcements.aspx.  

Additional Information:  Questions regarding the document should be directed to Ms. Patti Clinton, (503) 808-4771, Patricia.L.Clinton@usace.army.mil, or at the address below. 
                                             
            District Engineer
            U.S. Army Corps of Engineer District, Portland
            Attn:  CENWP-PM-E/Patti Clinton
            P.O. Box 2946, Portland, Oregon  97208-2946