Corps Reviews Permit Applications From Wheatland Ferry, Molalla and Albany

Photo By: Tim King

(SALEM) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reviewing three permit applications for for work along the Willamette River. One of the applications would allow river dredging to allow the continued operation of the Wheatland Ferry. Two involve filling in wetlands for building construction and expansion.

The Yamhill County Public Works Department has requested the project, located at the Wheatland Ferry, at Willamette River mile 72. They hope to dredge up to 2,500 cubic yards of material annually, to maintain sufficient depth for the Wheatland Ferry to operate. Public comments must be received by April 7th.

A copy of the public notice may be found at www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/g/docs/notices/199900559-1.pdf

The Hacienda Community Development Corporation wants to fill about 0.59 acre of wetland to facilitate development of a multi-building development. The project is located within the headwaters wetland associated with Creamery Creek near Molalla. The public has until April 7th to comment.

A copy of the public notice may be found at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/g/docs/notices/200600084.pdf

NW Natural Gas is requesting permission to construct a facility providing 6,300 sq. ft. of additional building space for employees and customers, that would permanently impact 1.08 acres of wetlands. This project is located in wetlands adjacent to an unnamed tributary to Oak Creek in Albany. Public comments must be received by April 7th.

A copy of the public notice may be found at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/g/docs/notices/200600104.pdf

The Corps of Engineers is soliciting comments from the public, federal, state and local agencies, Indian Tribes and other interested parties on these permit requests.

The Corps of Engineers will issue or deny any permit under authority of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, for discharge of dredged or fill material into U.S. waters, and/or under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 for work in or affecting navigable waters of the United States.

If the applicants have submitted a mitigation plan with the permit request, it will be considered. If a permit is issued, the Corps will decide on the appropriate and practicable compensatory mitigation for each proposed project.