Header Images

 

Site Title

NEW ENGLAND DISTRICT

Public Affairs Menu

Redirecting...

News Release Manager

Maine Department of Transportation seeks permit to place fill at 8 sites in state to repair, replace bridges, culverts

Published Jan. 22, 2013
CONCORD, Mass. – The Maine Department of Transportation 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 replacing or repairing bridges or culverts at 8 locations in the state of Maine.

The Maine Department of Transportation proposes to place permanent and temporary fill material below the ordinary high water line of numerous waterways and in their adjacent freshwater wetlands at 8 locations throughout the state of Maine in order to repair, rehabilitate, or replace existing deteriorated bridges or culverts. This work is designed to address critical bridges and other structures that need immediate attention to ensure public safety and protect the economic vitality of Maine’s transportation network. Projects are in Abbot, Sebec, Howland, Levant, Waltham, Machiasport, and Woolwich.

The application for the federal permit was filed by the Maine Department of Transportation with the Corps in compliance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, which regulates the discharge or fill of material in United States waters, including wetlands.

The proposed work may impact Essential Fish Habitat for Atlantic salmon. This habitat consists of stream and river bottom composed of silt, sand and gravel mixed with stones. Impact to this species is expected to be minimal with appropriate erosion control measures, in stream work windows, and other best management practices.

The Corps has made a preliminary determination that the site-specific adverse effect will be minimal. Further consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service regarding Essential Fish Habitat 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.

The public notice, with additional information, can be viewed on the Corps website at http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/PublicNotices.aspx.

Public comments referencing this permit request by the Maine Department of Transportation (File # NAE-2013-00111) should be forwarded no later than Feb. 21, 2013 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, Maine Project Office (ATTN: Jay Clement), 675 Western Ave., #3, Manchester, Maine 04351. Additional information is available from Permit Project Manager Jay Clement at 207-623-8367 or by email to jay.l.clement@usace.army.mil.
Contact
Tim Dugan
978-318-8264
cenae-pa@usace.army.mil

Release no. 2013-007