Any applicant for a federal license or permit to conduct an activity that might result in a discharge into navigable waters, in accordance with Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1977 (PL95-217), also must apply for and obtain certification from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation that the discharge will comply with the CWA, the Alaska Water Quality Standards, and other applicable State laws.
Notice is hereby given that a request for a CWA §401 Water Quality Certification of a Department of the Army Permit application, Corps of Engineers’ Reference Number POA-2021-00057, Tongass Narrows, has been received for the discharge of dredged and/or fill materials into waters of the United States (WOUS), including wetlands, as described below and shown on the enclosed project figures/drawings. The public notice and related project figures/drawings are also accessible from the DEC website at http://dec.alaska.gov/water/wastewater/.
Any person desiring to comment on the project with respect to water quality, may submit comments electronically via the DEC public notice site (preferred method) at https://water.alaskadec.commentinput.com/?id=4DHMt
Alternatively, you may direct written comments or request for public hearing via email or mail to the address or email listed above by the Public Notice expiration date. All comments submitted via mail or email should include the PN reference number listed above in the subject heading. Mailed comments must be postmarked on or before the expiration date of the public notice.
Applicant: City of Ketchikan, 2930 Tongass Avenue, Ketchikan, Alaska 99901, Eric Bowles,
ericb@ktn-ak.us., (907) 228-4724
Project Name: Bar Harbor Parking Lot Expansion
Location: The proposed activity is located within Section 23, T. 75 S., R. 90 E.; Latitude 55.350999° N., Longitude -131.681233° W.; in Ketchikan, Alaska.
Purpose: The applicant’s stated purpose is to construct a parking lot that will be combined with the adjacent parking lot.
Project Description: The applicant proposes placement of approximately 6,000 cubic yards (CY) of material into 0.28 acres of tidelands to expand the existing street level parking area servicing Bar Harbor (Lot 9A and 9B). The proposed fill area would have a retaining wall along the seaward side. The proposed wall would be constructed of large boulders, ranging from 18-inches to 54-inches in diameter. The proposed wall would be 32 feet long, 23 feet high, and 4 feet wide. Currently there is an 18-inch high density polyethylene storm pipe that ends in Lot 9B. This storm pipe would be extended 140 feet to go through the proposed retaining wall. All the activity is proposed to take place during low tide. At a later point in time, pavement would be placed over the area for parking.
Lot 9A currently has a structure on a pier, while Lot 9B, currently has a wooden trestle used to access Bar Harbor ramp 2 and the boat stalls below. Removal is proposed for all structures currently on lots 9A. The trestle on lot 9B would have 153 linear feet removed, starting at Tongass Avenue and leaving the 47 feet by 47 feet parking area portion in place. The piles would be removed with an excavator by pulling them vertically. Holes left from the removal would be filled by the material described above. Alternatively, if removal is unsuccessful, the piles will be cut off flush to the ground and abandoned in place. To ensure a 6 ft elevation difference between the finished parking lot grade and the top of the piles, excavation would take place around the piles closest to Tongass Avenue (should they not pull out). After excavation, the piles would be cut off, and all material excavated would be put back.
After reviewing the application, the Department may certify there is reasonable assurance the activity, and any discharge that might result, will comply with the CWA, the Alaska Water Quality Standards, and other applicable State laws. The Department also may deny or waive certification.
The permit application and associated documents are available for review. For inquires or to request copies of the documents, contact dec-401cert@alaska.gov, or call 907-269-6285.
Disability Reasonable Accommodation Notice
The State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. If you are a person with a disability who may need special accommodation in order to participate in this public process, please contact ADA Coordinator Brian Blessington at 907-269-6272 or TDD Relay Service 1-800-770-8973/TTY or dial 711 within 5 days of the expiration date of this public notice to ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided.