SPA 124 Permit Meridian Road Culvert Replacement – Fred Burr Creek Ravalli County Road and Bridge Department

Jul 12, 2024 4:39 PM

Decision Notice

The Ravalli County Road and Bridge Department has applied for a Montana Stream Protection Act 124 Permit to replace an undersized culvert crossing at the intersection of Fred Burr Creek and Meridian Road south of Victor, Montana. The existing triple culverts in Fred Burr Creek at Meridian Road are undersized and cause an obstruction to stream flow and upstream fish movement during high water periods. The culverts have led to sediment aggradation upstream of the culverts creating an overly widened channel. The culverts are also frequently plugged with debris forcing water to flow over the roadbed. The Ravalli County Road and Bridge Department has proposed to remove the existing triple culverts and replace them with a larger capacity, single span concrete box culvert. Replacement of the crossing should improve flow and sediment movement at the site as well as allow for unrestricted upstream and downstream fish passage.

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 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.