Corp to update permit that affects Missouri River bank stabilization projects

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is updating a permit that would allow bank stabilization projects in Missouri River reservoirs in North and South Dakota.

The permit has been in place since late 2000, Project Manager Cheryl Goldsberry said. It authorizes the district commander to use an alternative procedure for evaluating permit applications that are similar and cause minimal impacts.

The permit needs to be renewed every five years, Goldsberry said.

The permit would streamline bank stabilization projects when there is a need and government money is earmarked for it, said Jason Renschler with the Corps.

Reservoirs include Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case and Lewis and Clark Lake, though no projects are planned.

“This permit avoids the unnecessary duplication of regulatory control exercised by other government agencies,” Goldsberry said. “It’s like a permit to acquire other permits.”

Bank stabilization projects prevent destruction of culturally significant sites, Goldsbery said.

“If further erosion were allowed to continue, the cultural features would be seriously impacted,” Goldsberry said.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Natural Resource Manager Linda Phelps would not disclose locations.

“The sites are protected so people don’t start looting,” Phelps said.

Bank protection work would typically involve shaping the existing cut bank, which may require placing earthen fill material, according to a press release. Bedding material consisting of either spalls or coarse gravel would be placed on the newly sloped bank line. Either quarried stone or field boulders would then be placed for riprap.

In areas where culturally significant sites become exposed due to erosion caused by wave action from fluctuating reservoir water levels, a riprap protection layer/blanket may be installed using the same basic bank stabilization methods.

At some of the sites, the construction of a temporary road may be required for access. Adequate culverts would be installed to allow drainage. Temporary roads would be removed upon completion of the bank stabilization work and the site returned to previous conditions.

Typically, a work pad would be constructed at the base of the cut bank.

Written comments must be postmarked by Sept. 1 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, Regulatory Branch, 1616 Capitol Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68102.

For additional information, contact Goldsberry at 402-995-2462 or at cheryl.goldsberry@usace.army.mil.

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