Public Notice (PN) Date: July 16, 2026                      PN Reference Number: POA-2010-00837 v1.0
PN Expiration Date: August 17, 2026                        Waterway: Refuge Cove

Any applicant for a federal license or permit to conduct an activity that might result in a discharge into waters of the United States, in accordance with Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), must also apply for and obtain certification from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation that the discharge will comply with the CWA and the Alaska Water Quality Standards (18 AAC 70). The scope of certification is limited to the water quality-related impacts of the activity subject to the Federal license or permit (40 CFR 121.3, 18 AAC 15.180).

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[1] for the discharge of dredged and/or fill materials into waters of the United States (WOTUS), 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 a public hearing with respect to water quality, submit comments via (preferred method) DEC website https://dec.alaska.gov/commish/public-notices/ or email to the DEC email address: DEC-401Cert@alaska.gov with the subject line referencing Public Notice Reference Number: POA-2010-00837 v1.0 or on or before the public notice expiration date listed above.

Applicant: Jerrine Peeler, 332 D2 Loop Rd, Ketchikan, AK 99901, (907) 617-2182; Jerrineemily@yahoo.com

Project Name: Refuge Cove Dock

Dates of the proposed activity are planned to begin and end: 10/10/2026 to 10/10/2030

Location: The proposed activity is located within Section ATS 207, Plat V V1-69, T. Borough, R. Alaska, Copper River Meridian, in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska—Project Site (Latitude, Longitude): 55.405914, -131.74684.

Purpose: The applicant’s stated purpose is to replace the existing structure to save the dock from dilapidation. The applicant states that if steps are not taken to replace and repair the existing float, it will become a hazard to its users and neighbors. Additionally, the applicant states the ramp is nearly unusable during high-water king tide events as the ramp is partially underwater. Likewise, the applicant states that while addressing ramp issues, it would be an opportune time to stabilize the surrounding shoreline and to conform with improvements done on neighboring properties.

Description of Proposed Work: The applicant proposes to replace up to 12 existing 12-inch-diameter creosote pilings with 12 new 12-inch galvanized steel pilings to continue to support an existing dock and place up to approximately 242 cubic yards of rock fill material into 765 square feet along 100 linear feet below the high tide line of Refuge Cove to stabilize the shoreline and raise the existing ramp.

Additional Information: The applicant is working with the City of Ketchikan to ensure all other permitting requirements are met.

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.

1. Avoidance: The proposed project has been designed to avoid water by working at low tide.We are adding fill to an already existing walkway.
2. Minimization: Impacts on waters, as a result of the proposed project, have been minimized through working at low tide.The scope of the project is above mean high water.
3. Mitigation: Compensatory mitigation should not be required because there are no aquatic resources impacted.

After reviewing the application, the Department will evaluate whether the activity will comply with applicable water quality requirements (any limitation, standard, or other requirement under sections 301, 302, 306, and 307 of the CWA, any Federal and state laws or regulations implementing those sections, and any other water quality-related requirement of state law). The Department may certify (or certify with conditions) with reasonable assurance that the activity and any discharge that might result will comply with water quality requirements. The Department also may deny or waive certification. The permit application and associated documents are available for review. To inquire about or 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 to participate in this public process, please contact ADA Coordinator Kristin Mabry, kristin.mabry@alaska.gov, 1-907-334-0884; or TDD Relay Service 1-800-770-8973/TTY or dial 711 at least 3 days before the expiration/closure date of this public notice to ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided.

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