SPA 124 permit decision notice: Cushman Bridge rip rap repair on the Musselshell River
Mar 3, 2025 3:32 PM
Golden Valley County (hereafter, the County) is proposing to repair rip rap around the bridge abutments (approximately 60-70 feet at each abutment) and an approximate 100 linear foot section of streambank where rip rap had been placed during re-construction of the bridge in 2018. This accumulates to a total of 700 cubic yards of Class II rip rap material being replaced at the bridge. Construction activities will be limited to areas only necessary for rip rap placement and all disturbances will be seeded after construction. The County anticipates beginning the rip rap repairs in April 2025 and expects the work to last only two weeks.
High flows in 2023 increased scour around the abutments and eroded portions of rip rap that was previously placed, putting the current bridge structure at risk of failure. The bridge serves as a critical emergency services access route for residents in the southern half of Golden Valley County. The County is proposing to replace rip rap within the previous dimensions to minimize encroachments into the stream.
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.