CONCORD, Mass. – The Town of Falmouth, Mass., is proposing to expand on its plans for comprehensive dredging and beach nourishment that was permitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District on Dec. 20, 2012 (file number NAE 2010-145).

This additional work would dredge about 28,000 square feet in Green Pond Channel with beach nourishment in Acapeket Association Beach and Pyne Trustees Beach; and dredge about 50,000 square feet in Waquoit Channel with beach nourishment on South Cape Beach in Mashpee, Mass. The total dredge volume of 2,300 cubic yards would be produced over the next 10 years.

This project will impact 1.79 acres of Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for various species and life stages. This habitat consists of sandy subtidal substrate and shoaled areas within boating channels. However, 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 Essential Fish Habitat 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 United States waters, including wetlands; and 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 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 on this proposed work (file # NAE-2010-145) should be forwarded no later than Dec. 12, 2013 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, Regulatory Division (ATTN: John Sargent), 696 Virginia Road, Concord, MA 01742-2751. Additional information is available from Permit Project Manager John Sargent at 978-318-8026 or toll free 800-343-4789 or 800-362-4367 (if calling from within Massachusetts) or by email to: john.c.sargent@usace.army.mil.