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Maine Department of Transportation seeks permit to place fill to replace Jacksonville Bridge in East Machias

Published Dec. 8, 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 Jacksonville Bridge in East Machias, Maine.

 

The Maine Department of Transportation proposes to place permanent and temporary fill below the ordinary high water line of the East Machias River and in adjacent freshwater wetlands in East Machias in order to facilitate the replacement of the existing deteriorated Jacksonville Bridge (Route 191). The proposed project will result in approximately 500 square feet of permanent river bed impact (abutments and shore stabilization), 1,650 square feet of temporary river bed impact (temporary access and cofferdams), 4,600 square feet of temporary wetland impact (temporary access), 3,900 square feet of permanent wetland impact, and 3,800 square feet of cover type conversion.

 

This work is designed to replace critical transportation infrastructure, ensure public safety, and protect the economic vitality of Maine’s transportation network. During construction of the new bridge, traffic will be maintained using a temporary bridge that will be built upstream of the existing bridge. 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.

 

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 can be viewed 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-2015-02226) should be forwarded no later than Jan. 8, 2016 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. 2015-118