CONCORD, Mass. – The city of Bristol 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 stabilizing two river banks in Bristol, Conn., damaged by a storm in 2011.

The proposed work includes the discharge of fill material to stabilize two river banks that were severely damaged during Hurricane Irene in 2011. Flood waters continue to cause erosion of the banks resulting in bank failure and downstream sedimentation. Stabilizing the banks would also mitigate future erosion that has the potential to impact Connecticut Route 72 due to its close proximity to the site.

The work will stabilize approximately 310 linear feet of Pequabuck River bank, along both banks (a total of 620 linear feet) located at 201 Terryville Road in Bristol.

The scope of the proposed project includes excavation of loose material from the bank and streambed, followed by the placement of geotextile fabric, gravel, and rip rap to stabilize the bank against flood waters. The proposed project calls for the temporary placement of fill material within the floodway in order to provide water control and isolate work areas within the stream during construction.

The project includes the placement of rock weirs to enhance fish habitat through the stream reach.

The application for the federal permit was filed by the city of Bristol 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 more specifics on the proposed work, can be viewed on the Corps website at http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/PublicNotices.aspx.

Public comments on this work proposed by the city of Bristol (file # NAE-2012-2406) should be forwarded no later than Feb. 15, 2013 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, Regulatory Division (ATTN: Michael Riccio), 696 Virginia Road, Concord, MA 01742-2751. Additional information is available from Permit Project Manager Michael Riccio at 978-318-8685 or toll free 800-343-4789 or 800-362-4367 (if calling from within Massachusetts) or by email to: michael.s.riccio@usace.army.mil.