SUBJECT: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque, Omaha, and Sacramento Districts (Corps), is proposing to reissue Regional General Permit (RGP) 37 for Stream Stabilization Projects in Colorado and expand the coverage area of the permit to include all three Corps districts within the State of Colorado. This notice is to inform interested parties of the proposed reissuance of RGP 37 with statewide coverage and to solicit comments.
AUTHORITY: Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 for structures or work in or affecting navigable waters and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act for the discharge of dredged or fill material in all waters of the United States.
PURPOSE AND NEED: The purpose of this proposed RGP is to authorize stream stabilization projects that cause only minimal individual and cumulative environmental impacts.
SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES: Activities proposed to be authorized by this RGP are limited to stream bank and stream bed stabilization activities, including riprap, grade control and in-stream structures, such as jetties and weirs, within the State of Colorado. For a full description of the activities and proposed conditions, see the attached draft permit. Activities that do not comply with the provisions of this RGP may require a standard individual permit.
LENGTH OF AUTHORIZATION: This RGP, if reissued, will expire five years from the date of issuance.
OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATIONS: Water quality certification or a waiver, as required under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, is required for this regional general permit. The State of Colorado Water Quality Control Division is evaluating the proposed RGP and the Corps anticipates that Colorado 401 Water Quality certification will be issued for the permit.
COMMENT PERIOD: All comments pertaining to this Public Notice must reach this office on or before September 23, 2017. Extensions of the comment period may be granted for valid reasons provided a written request is received by the limiting date. If no comments are received by that date, it will be considered that there are no objections. Anyone may request, in writing, that a public hearing be held to consider this effort. Requests shall specifically state, with particularity, the reason(s) for holding a public hearing. If the Corps determines that the information received in response to this notice is inadequate for thorough evaluation, a public hearing may be warranted. If a public hearing is warranted, interested parties will be notified of the time, date, and location. Please note that names and addresses of those who submit comments in response to this public notice may be made publicly available through the Freedom of Information Act.
SUBMITTING COMMENTS: Written comments, referencing Public Notice SPA-2012-00357, must be submitted to the office listed below on or before September 23, 2017.
Joshua G. Carpenter, Senior Project Manager
US Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District
Southern Colorado Regulatory Office
200 South Santa Fe Ave., Suite 301
Pueblo, CO 81003
Phone: 719-543-6914
Email: joshua.g.carpenter@usace.army.mil
Please note that all written comments received are subject to release to the public through the Freedom of Information Act.