The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, released a draft Environmental Assessment for its Lower Pool 2 Channel Management Study – Boulanger Bend to Lock and Dam 2, near Hastings, Minnesota, on June 19.
The purpose of the project is to provide safe, reliable and efficient navigation through the Boulanger Bend area, near river miles 817 to 821.
The Corps has been unable to maintain this area to the authorized dimensions due to increased sedimentation and reduced budgets. The proposed plan includes excavating and maintaining a wider channel that is still within authorized dimensions and to place two new rock sills to reduce sediment buildup.
These changes would improve navigability and safety and reduce channel maintenance requirements, USACE said.
This project requires a review of environmental effects under the National Environmental Policy Act. The proposed action has been coordinated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. National Park Service, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office and the Metropolitan Council.
A final determination on the draft Environmental Assessment will be made following a 30-day public review period, said USACE.
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