All Interested Parties: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District (USACE), in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, has prepared an environmental assessment (EA) recommending a plan for aquatic ecosystem restoration in the Anacostia River watershed in Prince George's County, Maryland. The plan is being conducted in partnership with the Prince George's County Department of the Environment.
Purpose of Work: The purpose of the project is to restore in-stream physical habitat in the selected stream reaches and enhance aquatic ecosystem resilience by restoring fish passage and longitudinal connectivity.
Recommended Plan Description: The recommended plan proposes restoration of approximately 7 miles of in-stream habitat on six stream reaches within Northwest Branch, Sligo Creek, Northeast Branch, Paint Branch, and Indian Creek (see attached map). The plan will restore approximately 4 miles of fish passage, and connect approximately 14 miles of restored habitat. Fish blockages will be removed on Northwest Branch and Sligo Creek, providing anadromous fish species with access to their historical range. Restoration of in stream habitat and fish blockage removal will utilize natural channel design principles, including the placement of in stream structures (e.g., J-hooks, cross vanes) for riffle grade control and riffle/pool restoration.
An EA has been prepared for the actions relating to the construction of this project. Potential impacts were assessed with regard to aquatic ecosystem impacts; temporary construction impacts to water, air and traffic; endangered and threatened species; hazardous, toxic and radioactive substances; flooding; cultural resources; and the general needs and welfare of the public.
Any person who has an interest in the project may make comments and/or request a public hearing within 30 days of the date of publication of this notice. Comments must clearly set forth the interest that may be adversely affected by this proposed action and the manner in which the interest may be adversely affected. Written comments received on or before this date will become part of the written record and will be considered in the determination of impacts to the environment. We anticipate the EA to result in a finding of no significant impacts.
The draft feasibility report and integrated EA are available for viewing electronically at http://go.usa.gov/cJwx9, and hard copies can be found at the following Prince George's County libraries: Beltsville, Greenbelt, Hyattsville, Mount Rainier, and Bladensburg. Comments will be accepted by email to CENAB-CC@usace.army.mil or by mail to: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, Attn: Angie Sowers, 10 South Howard Street, Ste. 116000, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.
If you have any questions, please contact Angie Sowers by telephone at (410) 962-7440 or by email to Angela.Sowers@usace.army.mil.