The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District is proposing to extend oyster reef restoration into shallower water depths than has previously been performed by the Corps.
Previously, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation evaluated the impacts of oyster reef restoration at water depths that maintain at least an eight foot water column above restored reefs, including many proposed sites in Harris Creek. The Corps has prepared a supplemental Environmental Assessment evaluating the impacts of expanding oyster restoration and rehabilitation activities into water depths between six and nine feet. This would maintain at least a five foot water column above restored reefs within the Harris Creek oyster sanctuary. The supplemental Environmental Assessment determined there would be no significant environmental impact as a result of this proposed action.
You are encouraged to comment on the finding of no significant impact during the public comment period, Mar. 20 to Apr. 21, 2014. More information on oyster restoration can be found online at http://www.nab.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental/OysterRestoration.aspx
Written comments may be submitted by mail, postmarked no later than Apr. 21, 2014 at the following address: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ATTN: Angela Sowers, Rm. 11600, 10 South Howard St., Baltimore, MD 21201; or by e-mail to angela.sowers@usace.army.mil. For more information, please call 410-962-7440.
Release no. 14-003