PN Reference Number: POA-2023-00152 v1.0     
Waterway: Glacier Stream

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’ PN Reference Number indicated above 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 project figures/drawings. The public notice and related project figures/drawings are accessible from the DEC website at https://dec.alaska.gov/water/wastewater/.

To comment on the project or request for a public hearing with respect to water quality, submit comments electronically via the DEC public notice site at https://water.alaskadec.commentinput.com/?id=GR7SB on or before the public notice expiration date listed above.

Applicant:  
City of Valdez, Scott Benda, PO Box 307 Valdez, AK 99686; 907-835-5478; SBenda@ValdezAK.Gov.

Agent: 
DOWL, Josh Grabel, 5015 Business Park Blvd., Suite 4000 Anchorage, AK 99503; 907-865-1258; jgrabel@dowl.com.

Project Name:
Glacier Stream Erosion Protection Project

Location:
The proposed activity is located within Section 1, T. 9S, R. 6W; Copper River Meridian; in Valdez-Cordova Census Area, Alaska. Project Site (Latitude, Longitude):  61.11917, -146.22075. With potential discharge location of Rip rap and overburden: -146.216136, 61.121225.

Purpose:
The Project purpose is to install streambank erosion protection to redirect erosive flows from the Glacier Haul Road and the land adjacent to Valdez Glacier Stream that is experiencing high rates of erosion.

Project Description:
In response to the erosion and land loss, the City of Valdez proposes constructing six erosion control spur dikes to redirect erosive flows from the site and to encourage sediment deposition behind the structures.  The proposed project would extend erosion control structures northeast of the existing Haul Road Revetment.  The bluff will also be shaped and compacted to a 4H:1V slope to stabilize the site, act as a material source for the spur dikes, and prevent mass wasting of material if erosion does occur.  An access ramp is proposed in the area where the erosion is closest to the Haul Road.  The ramp will allow construction traffic access to the channel bed without excessive diversion while also encouraging sediment deposition to replace material removed by erosive flows.

The Project Proposes to discharge of 22,000 cubic yards of rip rap and 37,200 cubic yards of alluvial fill material into 7-acres into riverine waters below the Ordinary High Water mark of Glacier Stream for construction of six spur dikes and an access ramp. Specifically, the work includes construction of spur dike one approximately 650-foot-long by 132-foot-wide, spur dike two approximately 430-foot-long by 108-foot-wide, spur dike three approximately 500-foot-long by 108-foot-wide, spur dike four 400-foot-long by 108-foot-wide, spur dike five 365-foot-long by 108-foot-wide, spur dike six 370-foot-long by 108-foot-wide, and an access ramp 300-foot-long by 75-foot-wide.

Applicant Proposed Mitigation:
The applicant proposes the following mitigation measures to avoid, minimize, and compensate for impacts to waters of the United States from activities involving discharges of dredged or fill material.

a. Avoidance: Avoidance of waters the U.S. is not practicable to meeting the project purpose of redirecting erosive stream flows.

b. Minimization: Streamflow will be diverted away from the project area temporarily using existing stream bed material and constructing a temporary diversion berm. Fill material will be stockpiled in uplands on existing gravel pads offsite. Clean fill will be utilized and sourced from an existing, permitted material site and alluvial fill from the project site. Trees will be protected in place and all disturbed areas will be reseeded with native vegetation.

c. Compensatory Mitigation: No compensatory mitigation is proposed for stream impacts.

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 Meg Kohler at 907-269-4198 or TDD Relay Service 1-800-770-8973/TTY or dial 711 prior to the expiration date of this public notice to ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided.