In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District, has assessed the environmental effects of the

• Main Author: Kevin Wilson
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anchorage; Beluga*; Alaska
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.222.7496; http://209.112.168.2/protectedresources/whales/beluga/development/portofanc/harbor_ea_fonsi_082008.pdf

The proposed action increases the dredging volume and frequency of dredging in Anchorage Harbor. Dredged material disposal will be at the existing open water disposal site. Construction of the expanded port facilities requires up to 5.6 million cubic yards of dredging during this transitional period. After such time, the dredging should drop to maintenance levels between 2 and 2.5 million cubic yards of dredged material annually. Dredging will occur from mid-May through November to maintain water depth (-35 feet mean lower low water) appropriate for navigation in Anchorage Harbor and to-45 feet mean lower low water for the authorized expansion project). Two to four barge trips (occasionally five trips) each containing approximately 1,500 cubic yards of dredged material will be made per day to the disposal area during the dredging season. Dredging footprints have changed as described in the EA to accommodate the port expansion project. The disposal site is the same, but expanded to allow for both deeper water areas and ability to maneuver from belugas if necessary. The proposed dredging and disposal activity will not produce significant environmental effects. No threatened or endangered species, critical habitat, marine mammals, wetlands