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Maine Department of Transportation seeks permit to place fill to replace Route 191 Bridge in Meddybemps

Published Jan. 26, 2015

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 U.S. in conjunction with the replacement of the Route 191 Bridge in Meddybemps, Maine.

 

The Maine Department of Transportation proposes to place permanent and temporary fill below the ordinary high water line of the Dennys River in Meddybemps in order to facilitate the replacement of the existing deteriorated Route 191 Bridge. The proposed project will result in approximately 180 square feet of permanent river bed impact (abutments and shore stabilization) and 1,800 square feet of temporary river bed impact (temporary access and cofferdams).

 

This work is designed to replace critical transportation infrastructure, ensure public safety, and protect the economic vitality of Maine’s transportation network. The Corps is soliciting comments from the public; federal, state and local agencies and officials; Indian Tribes; and other interested groups in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of the proposed activity. Any comments received will be considered by the Corps to determine whether to issue, modify, condition or deny a permit for this proposal.

 

In water construction at the site will impact Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for Atlantic salmon. This habitat consists of river bottom composed of ledge and boulders interspersed with smaller stones, silt, sand and gravel. The Federal Highway Administration has initiated consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service. The Corps has made a preliminary determination that the site-specific adverse effect will not be substantial. Further consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service regarding EFH conservation recommendations is being conducted and will be concluded prior to the final permit decision.   

 

The application for the federal permit was filed with the Corps in compliance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, which regulates the discharge or fill of material in U.S. waters, including wetlands. The public notice, with additional information, can be viewed on the Corps website at

http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/PublicNotices.aspx. The decision whether to issue a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact of the proposed activity on the public interest.

 

Public comments referencing this permit request by the Maine Department of Transportation (File # NAE-2015-00090) should be forwarded no later than Feb. 27, 2015 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. 2015-005