SPA 124 Permit Decision Notice: Musselshell County Railroad Crossing Bridge Removal
Aug 26, 2024 3:11 PM
Musselshell County proposed to remove an old railroad crossing bridge on the Musselshell River located immediately downstream of the Goffena Road Bridge, which the Musselshell County Road Department (MCRD) is currently in the process of replacing. The railroad crossing is comprised of the original wooden railroad ties and abutments, which have become severely degraded and may cause further floodplain encroachment if the old railroad crossing were to fail entirely. In its current state, the crossing creates a narrowed reach of river channel and causes significant flood damage during high water and ice jam events. Removal of the bridge will allow the river to interact with its floodplain sediments, providing additional habitat complexity and an open river channel, and allow the upstream Goffena Road bridge to maintain its structural integrity in the event of high flow or ice jam events.
Based on the environmental review provided in the Draft EA, and, to the greatest extent possible, in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies, FWP determined the proposed action (Alternative 2), will not have significant adverse impacts on the human environment associated with the proposed action and constitutes a reasonable and appropriate strategy to achieve identified objectives. Therefore, preparation of an environmental impact statement or EIS is unnecessary.
FWP hereby adopts the Draft EA as final and approves Alternative 2, the Proposed Action.