FJ Sayers Dam Master Plan Revision / Missions / Civil Works / Starrucca Creek Emergency Streambank Stabilization

Starrucca Creek, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania Continuing Authorities Program Section 14 Emergency Streambank Stabilization Project

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Baltimore District is undertaking an emergency stabilization project along Starrucca Creek in Thompson Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. The project is being carried out under the authority of the Continuing Authorities Program (CAP), Section 14, which authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to protect public facilities from streambank erosion. The project is being completed in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

This project addresses ongoing erosion from the creek that is threatening the stability of State Route 1005. The roadway is a critical piece of infrastructure, providing the primary and fastest route for emergency services to the Borough of Starrucca. To ensure public safety and protect this vital route, a permanent solution is being implemented.

The project involves realigning a 245-foot section of Starrucca Creek away from the road, grading the eroding bank to a stable slope, and armoring approximately 265 feet of the embankment with riprap. These measures will halt the erosion, secure the roadway, and ensure the long-term reliability of SR 1005 for the community.

Draft Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment (IFR/EA)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District (USACE) has conducted an environmental analysis in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended. The Draft Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment (IFR/EA) for the Starrucca Creek, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania Continuing Authorities Program, Section 14, Emergency Streambank Stabilization Feasibility Study, dated March 2026, addresses streambank stabilization activities at Starrucca Creek along State Route (SR)1005 in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.

USACE has prepared a Draft IFR/EA to evaluate potential environmental effects associated with the Proposed Action. The Draft IFR/EA, incorporated herein by reference, evaluated three action alternatives for this study in addition to the No-Action Alternative.

  • Alternative 1 includes relocation of SR 1005 and serves as a basis for comparison under the Section 14 program
  • Alternative 2a consists of re-establishing Starrucca Creek’s original stream alignment by removing shoaled material, realigning the stream, and reinforcing the streambank along SR 1005 using riprap
  • Alternative 2b consists of re-establishing Starrucca Creek’s original stream alignment by removing shoaled material, relocating the stream, and reinforcing the streambank along SR 1005 with riprap and a rock retaining wall

The proposed action is Alternative 2a - Starrucca Creek channel modification and streambank stabilization utilizing riprap. The Proposed Action consists of removing approximately 1,160 cubic yards of gravel sedimentation from within Starrucca Creek and realigning approximately 245 feet of the channel further north away from State Route 1005, as well as stabilizing the stream’s south bank and reinforcing the road foundation with riprap armoring. The accompanying IFR/EA, made available for a 30-day public review, supports the conclusion that the project does not constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.

Comments and questions may be submitted using the fillable form below or directly to Project Manager Grant Cunningham at Grant.M.Cunningham@usace.army.mil. Public comments will be accepted through April 25, 2026.

Questions and Comments

If you have a question, comment or any feedback regarding the Starrucca Creek CAP Section 14 Project, please fill out the below fields and click submit.  Your information and question/comment will then be sent to our project team.  



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Related Documents

Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) Section 14

The project is authorized under Continuing Authorities Program (CAP), a group of nine legislative authorities by which the Secretary of the Army, acting through the USACE Chief of Engineers, is authorized to plan, design, and implement certain types of water resources projects without additional project-specific congressional authorization. This CAP study was conducted under Section 14 of the 1946 Flood Control Act, as amended, which provides USACE the authority to develop and construct or repair streambank and shoreline protection projects to protect endangered roadways, bridge approaches, and other public facilities.