19-084 Corps invites comments on draft FONSI and EA for aquatic invasive mussel control rapid response plan

Published July 19, 2019

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Walla Walla District invites public comments on a Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for a Rapid Response Action Plan (Plan) for the eradication of potential zebra (Dresissena polymorhpa) and quagga mussel (D. bugensis), infestations in the Columbia River Basin (CRB), as well as across infested waterbodies in the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Comments will be accepted July 19, 2019 through Aug. 19, 2019.

The Corps is proposing to assist the states with establishing and executing rapid response measures if discovery of dreissenid mussels within the four-state area occurs.  Rapid response actions could also be conducted by the Corps or by other federal land managing agencies at federally owned or managed water resources projects and related facilities (e.g., dams, boat ramps, etc.) within the CRB.  The proposed action is needed because the risk of water bodies in the CRB being infected is high and the introduction and establishment of zebra or quagga mussels has the potential to cause billions of dollars in economic damage and untold damage to the ecosystem and the species dependent upon it. 

The Draft FONSI and EA is available for viewing or downloading on the Walla Walla District website at www.nww.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental-Compliance.

The Corps will accept public input July 19, 2019 through Aug. 19, 2019. All information and comments submitted will be included in the permanent public record.

Public comments may be submitted electronically to the Corps using the online comment form on the webpage, or via email NEPANWW@usace.army.mil -- type “Rapid Response EA” in the subject line. Written comments may also be sent via U.S. Postal Service, addressed to:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District
ATTN: CENWW-PPL-C - Rapid Response EA
201 North 3rd Ave.
Walla Walla, WA 99362-1876

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Contact
CENWW-PA
509-527-7020
CENWW-PA@USACE.ARMY.MIL

Release no. 19-084