The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) is seeking a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, to conduct work in waters of the United States in conjunction with replacing the Route 11 bridge in Brownville, Maine.
The Maine Department of Transportation proposes to place permanent and temporary fill material below the ordinary high water line of Whetstone Brook and in adjacent freshwater wetlands in Brownville in order to replace the existing deteriorated Route 11 bridge.
The proposed project will result in approximately 10,350 square feet of temporary stream bed impact; 3,440 square feet of permanent stream bed impact; 4,440 square feet of temporary wetland impact; and 1,025 square feet of permanent wetland impact.
The application for the federal permit was filed with the Corps in compliance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, which regulates the discharge or fill of material in United States waters, including wetlands.
This proposed work may impact Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for Atlantic salmon. This habitat consists of stream bottom composed of silt, sand, gravel and stones. Impact to this species is expected to be minimal with appropriate erosion control measures, in stream work windows, and other best management practices. The Corps has made a preliminary determination that the site-specific adverse effect will be minimal.
Further consultation with the federal resource agencies regarding EFH conservation recommendations is being conducted and will be concluded prior to the final permit decision. Similarly, consultation will be initiated regarding the presence of salmon as they are a federally listed endangered species.
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Press Release, November 14, 2013