24 Aug 2023

Proposed Change to Categorical Permissions For Requests To Alter U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Civil Works Projects in the Rock Island District

Expiration date: 9/22/2023

The USACE Rock Island District is soliciting comments from the public, federal, state, and local agencies and officials, Indian Tribes, and other interested parties about a proposed modification to Categorical Permission #5 described herein and in the 2018 PEA. To make this decision, comments are used to assess impacts on endangered species, historic properties, water quality, general environmental effects, and other public interest factors listed above. The District will use the comments to determine the need for a public hearing and the overall public interest in the proposed activity.

17 Aug 2023

Whistle Stop Stream Mitigation Bank (CEMVR-RD-2023-1080)

Expiration date: 9/19/2023

The bank sponsor proposes to complete activities in one phase on 45.12-acres of property in Dallas County, Iowa. The creek occupies 2,982-linear feet and the proposed conceptual alignment would re-meander the channel to a length of approximately 3,478-linear feet. This project would result in the generation of approximately 48,676 stream compensatory mitigation credits.

14 Aug 2023

Des Moines Water Reclamation Authority Effluent Pump Station (Public Notice ID #2023-0005)

Expiration date: 8/29/2023

In compliance with 33 USC 408 (Section 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899; hereinafter Section 408), the Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority has requested permission to modify the Des Moines I Levee, an existing federally-authorized FRMP.

9 Aug 2023

Springfield Supplement Water Supply and Aquatic Recreation Project (CEMVR-OD-P-2016-0095)

Expiration date: 9/25/2023

The proposed project is located southeast of the existing Lake Springfield and north of Pawnee, Illinois in Section 31 of Rochester Township (see attached map). The proposed earthen dam is located on Horse Creek, approximately 2.3 miles southwest of the confluence of Horse Creek and the South Fork of the Sangamon River. The project area, including the inundation area and surrounding uplands, is expected to be approximately 7,983 acres and lies between Old Route 66 to the west, Cardinal Hill Road to the east, and Carroll Street in Pawnee, Illinois to the South. It is estimated that 71.1 acres of wetland habitat and 241,217 linear feet of stream habitat are potentially jurisdictional waters and are located within the project area. The District Engineer, U.S. Army Engineer District, Rock Island, Illinois is announcing the availability of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) for the City of Springfield (City), City, Water, Light & Power (CWLP) and is evaluating a Department of the Army permit application from CWLP. Permits are issued under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (Section 404), which regulates the placement of dredge or fill material in the nation’s waters.

3 Aug 2023

Wapsipinicon State Park (CEMVR-RD-2021-641)

Expiration date: 9/1/2023

Within Wapsipinicon State Park on the Wapsipinicon River in Section 11, Township 84 North, Range 4 West, Jones County, Iowa. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources proposes to install 20 weirs along the right bank of the Wapsipinicon River for a length of approximately 3000 linear feet. The purpose for the weir installation is to protect an existing road that is close to the riverbank and may be undercut by the river. Each weir will be approximately 90-feet long and will consist of approximately 50 boulders. Each weir will be keyed appropriately into the banks of the river to prevent scour.

31 Jul 2023

City of Des Moines Southeast Connector (CEMVR-RD-2023-269)

Expiration date: 8/29/2023

The proposed project is the final phase of the Southeast Connector (SEC) which will start at East Martin Luther King Boulevard and travel east to U.S. Highway 65. The project will cross Four Mile Creek and associated wetlands in Section 8, Township 78 North, Range 23 West, Polk County, Iowa. The City of Des Moines proposes to construct the final segment of the Southeast Connector which will begin from SE 30th Street east to U.S. Highway 65 for a distance of approximately 2miles. The Southeast Connector will match the existing segments and will be a two-lane road with grading complete for an eventual 4-lane buildout. Sections of SE 30th, SE 36th, SE 43rd and Vandalia Road will be improved as part of the overall project.

18 Jul 2023

Dubuque Maus Lake Culvert Repair Modifications to the Iowa Flood Control Works Levee, Dubuque, Iowa (Public Notice ID #2023-0002)

Expiration date: 8/2/2023

In compliance with 33 USC 408 (Section 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899; hereinafter Section 408), The City of Dubuque is requested permission to modify the Dubuque, Iowa Flood Control Works Levee, an existing federally authorized flood risk management project in Dubuque County, Iowa. The proposed project involves the Dubuque, Iowa Flood Control Works Levee and is located near Maus Park Lake along the Mississippi River at approximate River Mile 578.7 in Dubuque, Iowa. 

14 Jul 2023

Sonstegard Family Farms Silver Lake Wetland Mitigation Bank (CEMVR-RD-2023-0911)

Expiration date: 8/12/2023

The bank sponsor proposes to complete activities on approximately 78 acres of privately owned property that would result in the establishment of wetland mitigation credits. The bank sponsor proposes to develop credits by restoring natural hydrologic conditions and re-establishing native vegetation cover to historic wetlands at the site that have been altered by drainage and cropping. The proposed site is located within Sections 16 and 17, Township 100 North, Range 38 West, Dickinson County, Iowa.

14 Jul 2023

Blair Wetland Mitigation Bank (CEMVR-RD-2023-0865)

Expiration date: 8/12/2023

The bank sponsor proposes to complete activities on 195.44-acres of property owned by the prospective bank manager (Brice Blair) and a private landowner. The proposed site is located approximately 4-miles west of Rockwell, Iowa and consists of five parcels within Section 29, Township 88 North, Range 33 West, Calhoun County, Iowa.

6 Jul 2023

Lamberts Landing Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank (CEMVR-RD-2023-0464)

Expiration date: 8/5/2023

The bank sponsor proposes to complete activities on approximately 79-acres of property owned by MADD, LLC. This project would result in the generation of emergent wetland, forested wetland, and stream compensatory mitigation credits. The goal of this project is to restore 27.07-acres of emergent wetland and 4.43-acres of forested wetland, enhance 23.64-acres of existing wetland and 13.56-acres of forested wetland, and establish 9.71-acres of buffer to generate an initial estimate of 52.53 wetland credits and restore 1,652 linear feet of stream to generate an initial estimate of 3,056 stream credits.

6 Jul 2023

Realignment of Regulatory Program Areas of Responsibility between Rock Island District and Chicago District

Effective August 01, 2023, the Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program areas of responsibility between the Rock Island District and Chicago District in Illinois will be changed. This change in boundaries between the two Districts is part of a larger effort to realign the Districts along watershed boundaries in accordance with OPORD 2020-04 (USACE Mission Realignment Implementation). In order to reduce impacts to the public, the Districts have agreed to change the Regulatory boundaries along county lines as opposed to watershed boundaries. To achieve this, the Regulatory Program responsibilities within the four counties of Kendall, Grundy, Kankakee, and Iroquois will be transferred from the Rock Island District to the Chicago District. All of Lee, Dekalb, LaSalle, Livingston, and parts of Ford County will remain in the Rock Island District.

5 Jul 2023

Stream Compensatory Mitigation Bank Proposal (CEMVR-RD-2023-0807)

Expiration date: 8/5/2023

This project is the second phase of the overall Trails End Mitigation Bank project. The first phase of the project (Corps Project No. CEMVR-OD-P-20190433) included creation, restoration, and enhancement of emergent and forested wetlands, as well as creation of upland buffer under the same name and which occupies a portion of the site. The bank sponsor proposes to complete activities on 285.62-acres of property owned by the Polk County Conservation Board.

27 Jun 2023

Re-issuance of Regional General Permit 26 Emergency Reconstruction and Repair Activities for Flood Damaged Areas In All Waters of the U.S. in the State of Illinois (CEMVR-RD-2022-0504 )

Expiration date: 6/27/2028

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, HAS REISSUED Regional General Permit 26 for work associated with emergency reconstruction and repair activities in all waters of the United States (including rivers, lakes, streams and wetland areas) in the State of Illinois within the regulatory boundaries of the Rock Island District, St. Louis District, Chicago District and Memphis District, under the authority of Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (33 USC 403) and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC 1344).

26 Jun 2023

Silver Lake Growth, LLC (CEMVR-RD-2023-0682)

Expiration date: 7/28/2023

Project Location: The project is located on a 30-acre parcel on the south shore of Silver Lake to the northwest of the intersection of Beachcomber Drive and Highway 9, on both sides of the recreational trail. Section 33, Township 100 North, Range 38 West, Dickinson County, Iowa Project Description: This project involves developing a 30-acre parcel on the south shore of Silver Lake for either residential and/or commercial use as well as reconstructing a proposed recreational trail along one of the wetlands. Currently, the parcel contains approximately 21 acres of delineated wetlands of which 5.41 acres will be filled during project work. This project includes grading, road paving, trail paving, storm sewer improvements, installation of water and sanitary sewer services, and construction of structures. The intent of this proposed development is to follow the natural ridge that separates the two wetland areas with the proposed roadway. 

23 Jun 2023

MidAmerican Energy (CEMVR-RD-2023-0598)

Expiration date: 7/22/2023

The applicant proposes to demolish: the main building, and turbine hall associated outbuildings and structures, two cooling water intake screen houses (Screen House Nos.1 and 2), and the removal of underground facilities associated with the plant. Restoration primarily consists of placing imported earth fill to raise the elevation of portions of the site, restoration of the river bank at the location of the main building, and modification of the stormwater drainage system.

23 Jun 2023

Land of the Swamp White Oak (Maurer) Wetland Mitigation Bank (CEMVR-RD-2023-0799)

Expiration date: 7/22/2023

Project Location: The proposed site is located within Section 31, Township 79 North, Range 2 West, Cedar County, Iowa.  Bank Objectives: The fundamental objective of compensatory mitigation is to offset environmental losses resulting from unavoidable impacts to waters of the United States (WOTUS) authorized by Department of the Army Permits. Other Objectives include the support of the national goal of no net-loss of wetlands, the enhancement of wildlife habitat within the Pee Dee Creek-Cedar River watershed, to compensate for wetland losses in a manner which contributes to the long-term ecological functioning of the watershed where the bank is located, the reduction of temporal losses of wetland functions, and to restore and enhance water quality and habitat within the Land of the Swamp White Oak Preserve. Project Description/Bank Establishment: The bank sponsor proposes to complete activities on 96-acres of property owned by The Nature Conservancy of Iowa (TNC), which is within TNC’s Land of the Swamp White Oak Preserve. This project would result in the generation of wetland compensatory mitigation credits. The goal of this project is to restore 22.7-acres of wetland, enhance 23.3-acres of existing wetland, and enhance 45.4-acres of buffer to generate an initial estimate of 45.68 wetland credits. The bank sponsor proposes to use different construction methods to aid in the completion of this project. Hydrologic restoration will include plugging existing onsite ditches in addition to light grading of specific areas. Improvements to the vegetative community include management to remove and control invasive species while promoting the growth of native species. Specifically, management may include chemical or mechanical removal of invasives and/or the use of periodic prescribed burns. Establishment of native plant communities will focus on herbaceous wet prairie species within wetland areas and will include interspersed tree planting. Wetland buffer areas will be planted with an upland prairie seed mix again with interspersed tree plantings. A wetland delineation, and additional information on construction techniques, target plant community types, and detailed planting plans will be completed prior to the submission of the draft Mitigation Banking Instrument.

14 Jun 2023

STATE OF MISSOURI ISSUANCE OF REGIONAL GENERAL PERMIT 41 (GP-41) FLOOD RECOVERY/REPAIR ACTIVITES – STATES OF MISSOURI (CEMVR-OD-P-2017-1263)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, HAS ISSUED GP-41, authorizing the protection and the repair of existing damaged structures, damaged land areas, and damaged fills that were previously authorized by a Department of the Army (DA) permit. GP-41 is issued under the authority of Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (33 USC 403) and/or Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC 1344). The GP-41 authorizes disaster recovery and repair activities within the Rock Island District’s regulatory boundary within the State of Missouri, provided that the project proponent, contractor, etc. complies with all general, special and water quality certification conditions included in GP-41. Additionally, GP-41 does not obviate the project proponent from obtaining other Federal, state, and/or local authorizations, required by law, prior to completing the authorized work described in GP-41. The limit of authorization of GP-41 is to those areas within the Rock Island District’s regulatory boundary in Missouri that have been declared a natural disaster area by the governor of the state or by the President of the United States. Other Corps of Engineers Districts with regulatory authority in the State of Missouri will issue a similar Department of the Army permit that authorizes disaster recovery activities specific to each of those districts.

12 Jun 2023

Cassville Lower Dredge Placement (CEMVR-RD-2023-0800)

Expiration date: 7/12/2023

A high water event on the Mississippi River has caused significant shoaling within the 9-Foot Navigation Channel in the District’s area of operation. Water levels are falling rapidly, and actual depths are forecast to fall below nine feet by 11 June 2023 in the Cassville Lower Reach. The activity is considered an imminent closure in accordance with the GREAT II, Channel Maintenance Handbook dated December 1980. Barge groundings are imminent and navigation delays are likely with elevated risks for channel closures. With water levels continuing to fall, the District anticipates these areas are likely to result in channel closures without channel maintenance dredging. The District is declaring this situation an emergency. USACE procedures associated with implementing emergency actions prior to completion of environmental coordination are addressed in 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 337.7 (Practice and Procedures, Emergency Actions) and 33 CFR § 230.8 (Procedures for Implementing National Environmental Policy Act, Emergency Actions). The District has initiated environmental coordination with Federal and State agencies but has not completed all environmental compliance requirements for dredged material placement. The District intends to satisfy as many requirements before dredging as possible, but some requirements may be met after-the-fact. The emergency action is not considered major in scope, and the District does not anticipate it will result in significant environmental impacts.

9 May 2023

Rock Creek Lake (CEMVR-RD-2023-277)

Expiration date: 6/7/2023

The applicant proposes to stabilize the bank of Rock Creek Lake by placing rock armoring along the shoreline at 57 locations for a total distance of18,510 linear feet. Most of the riprap is new and will be placed along the shoreline on a 2:1slope with the toe at a depth below ordinary high-water mark between one to three feet. The riprap will be placed one to three feet below pool elevation. No bank reshaping is required. All disturbed areas will be seeded, mulched, and fertilized. The applicant has stated there are no impacts on existing wetlands, no borrow areas, stockpile and staging will occur in existing gravel parking lots, there will be no tree clearing, and existing trees will be preserved and worked around with small equipment. There is no borrow areas needed for this project and the riprap will come from a limestone rock quarry. The purpose of this project is to stabilize the shoreline of Rock Creek Lake

19 Apr 2023

Little Walnut Creek Stream and Wetland Mitigation Bank (CEMVR-RD-2023-0482)

Expiration date: 5/18/2023

The bank sponsor proposes to complete activities on 90 acres of publicly owned property that would result in the establishment of both stream and wetland mitigation credits. The goal of this project is to restore 2,333 linear feet of Little Walnut Creek and four adjacent tributaries to generate an initial estimate of 98,194.45 stream credits. The bank sponsor proposes to use many different in-stream methods to aid in restoring these portions of stream, including re-meandering it to restore natural sinuosity to the channel and decrease the slopes. The sponsor also proposes to improve floodplain connectivity, install floodplain benches, and improve habitat by creating wood riffles and toe wood within the stream. Improvements to the riparian buffer include vegetation management to remove invasive species and promote native species diversity. Another goal of this project is to enhance an adjacent wetland and wetland buffer to generate an initial estimate of 7.85 emergent wetland credits. A wetland delineation has not been completed on this site but will be completed prior to the submission of the draft mitigation bank instrument.

19 Apr 2023

Union Pacific Railroad (CEMVR-RD-2019-1371)

Expiration date: 5/3/2023

The proposed project includes the removal and replacement of an existing railroad bridge across the Wapsipinicon River at Milepost 33.31 on the Clinton Subdivision. The proposed replacement bridge will occupy the same general footprint as the existing bridge. Dimensions of the new structure will be approximately 376.5-feet in length by 36-feet in width. Temporary bridges will be constructed to the north and south of the existing bridge for construction equipment access and will be removed upon project completion. An existing roadway off of US Highway 30 will be used, however, it will be permanently widened to accommodate vehicle and construction equipment access. Equipment/material staging will be located in a fallow agricultural field located to the southwest of the bridge. Construction of the new bridge will include temporary cofferdams, grading, and the installation of two new piers as support structures. Impacts from this project include approximately 0.098-acres of permanent stream impact from pier construction and 1.29-acres of temporary stream impact from construction and temporary bridges. Permanent impacts to adjacent wetlands will include 3.0total acres. Of this 3.0-acres, 2.45-acres of forested wetland will be temporarily impacted by construction and converted to emergent wetland after project completion. Though temporary, this conversion will be counted as a permanent impact due to the loss of functions and services. The remaining 0.55-acres of forested wetland will be permanently affected by fill material and will not be converted to another type of wetland following the project. Temporary impacts to additional emergent and scrub-shrub wetlands will include approximately 4.25-acres. These disturbed areas will be returned to pre-construction conditions following completion of the project.

17 Apr 2023

Muscatine Island Levee District–Economic Development Administration Funded Levee Superiority–Muscatine, IA Funded Hardened Controlled Overtopping Structure (Public Notice ID #2021-0014)

Expiration date: 5/17/2023

In compliance with 33 USC 408 (Section 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899; hereinafter Section 408), Economic Development Administration and Klingner & Associates PC request permission on behalf of Muscatine Island Levee District to modify the Muscatine Island Levee, an existing federally authorized FRMP. The existing Muscatine Island Levee District FRMP consists of approximately fourteen miles of earthen embankment, mainstem, and tie-back levees. Muscatine Island Levee District proposes a Levee Improvement Project on a three-mile reach of the mainstem levee (Feature 1, Figure 1), to be funded by the Economic Development Administration, and a Hardened Controlled Overtopping Structure at the downstream end of the levee (Feature 2, Figure 1).

14 Apr 2023

Missouri Stream Mitigation Method (MSMM)

Expiration date: 5/14/2023

REQUEST FOR COMMENTS FOR MISSOURI STREAM MITIGATION METHOD (MSMM) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Districts within the State of Missouri (Kansas City, Little Rock, Memphis, Rock Island, St. Louis) (Corps) initially finalized the MSMM on March 1, 2007. The MSMM is the primary tool the Corps uses to determine the amount of stream impacts and the appropriateness of compensatory mitigation proposals for Department of the Army permit actions within the State of Missouri. This updated revision of the MSMM will enhance the Corps ability to protect the Nation’s aquatic resources, while allowing reasonable development through fair, flexible and balanced permit decisions. The MSMM was further developed and modified using best available information and scientific concepts on May 29, 2013, and the Corps is planning to update the MSMM again. Thus, the Corps is requesting public comment on the most recent draft version of the MSMM.

5 Apr 2023

City of Waukee (CEMVR-RD-2023-371)

Expiration date: 5/9/2023

The Applicant has proposed to construct a new 22-acre impoundment for regional storm water management. The new pond will involve the excavation of 295,000 cubic yards of soil throughout the stream channel and ponded are which will allow the area to reach the depth needed to attain the storage goals. A new 434-foot-long pipe will be installed underneath 6th Street to allow the passage of water and at the end a rock splash basin will be built to dissipate the energy of the water. The side slopes of the pond are proposed to be at a 3:1 slope.

3 Apr 2023

Illinois Department of Transportation - District 6 (CEMVR-RD-2022-1617)

Expiration date: 5/3/2023

This project consists of removing and replacing the structure (SN 009-0001) that spans over the Illinois River and Curry Lake as well as the reconstruction of the roadway approaches and the 6th Street/US 67 intersection near Beardstown, IL. The proposed structure (SN 0090504) will be built approximately 162 feet west (downstream) from the existing bridge and will be 16 spans consisting of 4 units and will use steel web plate girders. Unit 1 will be 64 inches web plate girders, Unit 2 will be 128 inches web plate girders, and Unit 3 & 4 will be 82 inches web plate girders. The substructure will be drilled shafts. The total length of the structure will be 3,563 feet to 9 inches. The existing structure will be demolished after the proposed roadway and structure are constructed and open to traffic. Riprap will be placed for erosion control and scour protection.