SPA 124 Permit Decision Notice: Bartlett Canal Bank Armoring Emergency Watershed Protection Project
Nov 6, 2024 11:42 AM
The Stillwater Conservation District is sponsoring the Bartlett Canal Bank Armoring Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) project. Heavy bank erosion occurred during the historic June 2022 flooding event resulting in significant loss of stream bank upstream of the Bartlett Canal headgate in Carbon County. The project site is approximately 160 linear feet of eroded stream bank along the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River (Clarks Fork), 5.7 miles upstream of the town of Fromberg. The stream bank is now steep and undercut with visible signs of scouring. The area of erosion is directly upstream of the existing headgate for the Bartlett Canal. The Bartlett Canal Company relies on the headgate to provide irrigation water from the Clarks Fork to its users. As such, it is important to armor and stabilize the stream bank due to the proximity of the headgate. The project consists of installing approximately 635 cubic yards of MDT class I rock rip rap and 165 cubic yards of gravel filter. The rip rap revetment will be placed along 160 linear feet of stream bank and keyed into the bank 20 feet at the upstream extent of the bank stabilization. Approximately 483 cubic yards of the rock rip rap and 125 cubic yards of the gravel filter will be placed below the ordinary high-water mark for reinforcement of the eroded streambank at the project. Large-tracked excavators will be used to clear and grub the site, excavate the stream bank, stockpile material, grade bank lines, install rip rap rock and gravel filter, and complete final grading. Dump trucks and side dumps will be used to deliver gravel and riprap rock materials to the project site and haul away debris and overburden materials. All disturbance areas will be reseeded with the riparian/floodplain and dry upland seed mixes recommended by the NRCS Carbon County Field Office District Conservationist. Final stabilization of disturbed areas will be considered complete when vegetation establishment is 70 percent of background.
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.