SPA 124 Permit Decision Notice: Biel Emergency Watershed Protection Project – Phase II
Jul 25, 2024 9:06 AM
The Stillwater Conservation District is sponsoring an Emergency Watershed Protection project to repair and complete a previously permitted bank stabilization project (SPA 124 #: MI-24-04). The initial project was not completed before runoff began in June 2024. Although flood stage was not reached, flows during the 2024 runoff overtopped the constructed soil lifts and washed away recently placed materials (e.g., topsoil, rocks, erosion control fabric). Additionally, 22 supersacks were placed in the river at the upstream end of the project under emergency procedures to divert water away from the bank and a private residence. Phase II proposes to address outstanding issues at this site which includes adding two more soil lifts at the upstream end of the project and compacting and grading approximately 720 cubic yards of fill in the area between the streambank and soil lifts. Some of the fill will include onsite materials such as rock from existing gravel bar (195 cubic yards) and gravel/sand mixture from the super sacks as well imported topsoil (335 cubic yards). No work will be performed in or below the active channel. Disturbed areas will be reseeded with NRCS-approved native grasses and where applicable, willows and other woody vegetation should be planted to add stability to the streambank.
The overall purpose of this project is to reduce bank erosion risks for several private residences and properties along the upper Stillwater River. This project will not reduce the risk of future flooding. The objective of phase II is to fix the issues from previous construction efforts. Current conditions at this site could put the landowners, streambank, and natural resources with higher risks of erosion, increased sediment into the river, and unwanted channel migration changes. Additionally, the removal of 22 supersacks placed in early June that are still in the active channel will allow the river to better connect to its floodplain.
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.