CONCORD, Mass. – Alan Howell 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 constructing a fixed timber walkway leading to a fixed pier on residential property in Old Saybrook, Conn.

The work is proposed in Hydes Point Creek at 132 Ayers Point Road in Old Saybrook. The proposed project includes work in navigable waters of the U.S. for a new, fixed walkway and pier configuration at a residential property. The proposed dock configuration will provide waterside access over an existing marsh. This structure will be primarily used for kayak and canoe launching and retrieving.

Proposed new work includes installing a 3.3-foot-wide by 205-foot-long timber catwalk with grate decking and cable rails that leads to a 6-foot-wide by 15-foot-long post/pipe and timber multi-level pier with grate decking.

The application for the federal permit was filed with the Corps of Engineers in compliance with Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, which provides for federal regulation of any work in, or affecting navigable waters of the United States.

The proposed project potentially will have an adverse effect on Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for various species and life stages. The Corps has made a preliminary determination that the site-specific impacts may be substantial. Further consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service regarding EFH conservation recommendations is being conducted and will be concluded prior to a final permit decision. The Corps will coordinate with the applicant regarding implementation of these recommendations.

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 proposed work (file # NAE-2012-722) should be forwarded no later than Aug. 16, 2013 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, Regulatory Division (ATTN: Lindsay Flieger), 696 Virginia Road, Concord, MA 01742-2751. Additional information is available from Permit Project Manager Lindsay Flieger at 978-318-8656 or toll free 800-343-4789 or 800-362-4367 (if calling from within Massachusetts) or by email to: lindsay.flieger@usace.army.mil.