Public Notice (PN) Date: October 2, 2023 PN Reference Number: POA-2012-00235 v1.0
PN Expiration Date: October 23, 2023 Waterway: Tanana River
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=3Yfur9eVd on or before the public notice expiration date listed above.
Applicant: Whitestone Community Association, Steven Selvaggio, PO Box 1630 Delta Junction, AK 99737; (907) 803-3021; steven.wsmech@gmail.com.
Agent: Whitestone Community Association, Steven Selvaggio, PO Box 1630 Delta Junction, AK 99737; (907) 803-3021; steven.wsmech@gmail.com.
Project Name: Whitestone Community Association Boat Dock
Location: The proposed activity is located within Section S6 T9S R10E, T. 9S, R. 10E; Fairbanks Meridian; in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska. Project Site (Latitude, Longitude): 64.15653, -145.86912. With potential discharge location(s) as follows for Pit run gravel at64.156533, -145.869125.
Purpose: The applicant's stated purpose is to construct a causeway and dock area on exposed gravel bars in the Tanana River to provide access for the residents of the community of Whitestone to their jobs, medical care, supplies and other necessaries of life.
Project Description: The applicant proposes to discharge a total of 3,000 cubic yards of pit run gravel and 1,000 cubic yards of rip rap into 3.64 acres below ordinary high-water (OHW) of the Tanana River. Impacts include previous work conducted between 2018 and 2021 in addition to future work necessary to maintain access for residents to their jobs and needed medical attention. The proposed project is not intended to fill the entire 3.64 acres at any one time, rather, fill material will be discharged as needed to build and maintain a causeway and dock area on exposed gravel bars in the highly dynamic Tanana River. Areas within the proposed 3.64-acre impact area will be improved as needed depending on changing river conditions from year to year to maintain access to navigable water. Causeways built will not exceed 20-feet in width and will range from 50-feet to 300-feet in length. Two 8-foot by 25-foot floating docks and two 4-foot by 20-foot aluminum gangway ramps will be anchored to concrete blocks on shore and moved as necessitated depending on riverbank conditions. The proposed work would occur between the months of March and December starting in 2024 and ending in 2028.
Additional Information: Additional authorizations required for the work include a land use permit from Alaska Department of Natural Resources and a fish habitat permit from Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). ADF&G issued Fish Habitat Permit FH23-lll-0070 on April 28, 2023, authorizing the grading of an exposed gravel bar and placement of several loads of pit-run gravel from the southwestern bank of the Tanana River out to an existing boat dock for a portion of the proposed work. The permit indicated the work should not have adverse effects on anadromous fish or their habitat and should not obstruct the free passage of fish.
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: The applicant stated alternative locations were explored but none were found to be viable. Community members require docking facilities for up to eight or ten boats and the proposed project location has provided the only consistent access to dependable transportation. Attempts to use a smaller dock downstream of the proposed project were unsuccessful due to safety concerns from shallow water and lack of adequate space. The applicant stated more permanent alternatives are beyond the available financial resources of the community.
b. Minimization: The applicant stated only the minimum amount of fill needed to construct a safe and reliable access point would be used. The proposed work would utilize existing gravel deposits in the Tanana River to further reduce impacts. Due to frequently changing river conditions, the proposed work would be temporary and likely last no more than one or two boating seasons before being washed away by the river.
c. Compensatory Mitigation: The applicant is not proposing compensatory mitigation due to the steps described above to avoid and minimize impacts to waters of the U.S.
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 Megan 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.