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Corps submits Columbia River channel environmental document to NMFS, USFWS (Corps Press Release 1/3/02) Portland, Ore.-- In a Biological Assessment transmitted today to regulatory agencies, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers details environmental effects and proposed restoration features relating to the Columbia River Federal Navigation Channel Improvement Project. The Biological Assessment addresses concerns raised by National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) following NMFS’ withdrawal of its “No Jeopardy” Biological Opinion on the channel project in August 2000. NMFS cited new information on flow and bathymetry, plus new information on contaminants in fish tissue as their primary concerns and reason for withdrawing the Biological Opinion The Biological Assessment analyzes potential environmental effects, and incorporates additional restoration features and research actions. Despite some short-term effects on the river system - mostly through slightly increased suspended sediments and turbidity during construction - the Corps believes the project can be completed without long-term negative effects to salmonid populations. The Corps will monitor before, during and after construction to validate this assumption. “This Biological Assessment reflects our firm commitment to produce a thorough scientific analysis that addresses all information required by NMFS and USFWS,” said Laura Hicks, project manager for the Corps. “An independent panel of seven scientists worked with us to consider the technical issues, identify best available science and evaluate materials on the entire range of topics connected with the project. I believe the information transmitted to the regulatory agencies in this Biological Assessment is solid.” The Biological Assessment is available on the Corps’ website at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/issues/. The nine restoration actions presented in the Biological Assessment include: providing rearing habitat for juvenile salmonid populations by improving intertidal marshes and mudflats, and reconnecting backwaters and side channels to the Columbia River; controlling invasive plants; increasing habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors; and increasing benthic invertebrate productivity, which increases the estuarine food supply. These actions were selected based upon the type, function and value of habitat that would benefit the listed populations. It was agreed between the agencies that type, function and value were more important than total acres restored. In addition, the Biological Assessment also outlines how the Corps will safeguard the environment while completing the project. Fourteen compliance measures - which prescribe safeguards, techniques and best management practices - will be in place during construction to ensure the project avoids or minimizes potential effects on listed and candidate salmonid populations. Specific monitoring actions associated with dredging and disposal also will be performed before, during and after the construction period. Also, through its ecosystem research actions, the Corps hopes to broaden the region’s understanding of the lower Columbia River ecosystem and, in turn, increase the knowledge base for the recovery of the various listed populations. This Biological Assessment is required by the 1973 Endangered Species Act to ensure the actions of a federal agency are “not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of [critical] habitat.” The Corps is seeking formal consultation with NMFS and USFWS for three reasons:
The Corps has proposed deepening the 40-foot-deep federal navigation channel by three feet for 106 miles between the mouth of the Columbia River and Portland, Ore. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will use the Biological Assessment along with other information as they develop Biological and Conference opinions that will decide the future of the channel project. By law, the agencies have 90 days after they receive the Biological Assessment to complete Biological and Conference opinions.
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