Any applicant for a federal license or permit to conduct an activity that might result in a discharge into navigable waters, in accordance with Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1977 (PL95-217), also must apply for and obtain certification from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation that the discharge will comply with the CWA, the Alaska Water Quality Standards, and other applicable State laws.
Notice is hereby given that a request for a CWA §401 Water Quality Certification of a Department of the Army Permit application, Corps of Engineers’ Reference Number POA-2018-00463, Mariner Park Slough, has been received for the discharge of dredged and/or fill materials into waters of the United States (WOUS), including wetlands, as described below and shown on the enclosed project figures/drawings. The public notice and related project figures/drawings are also accessible from the DEC website at http://dec.alaska.gov/water/wastewater/.
Any person desiring to comment on the project with respect to water quality, may submit comments electronically via the DEC public notice site (preferred method) at https://water.alaskadec.commentinput.com/?id=kEV9P
Alternatively, you may direct written comments or requests for public hearing via email or mail to the address listed above by the Public Notice expiration date. All comments submitted via mail or email should include the PN reference number listed above in the subject heading. Mailed comments must be postmarked on or before the expiration date of the public notice.
Applicant: City of Homer, Aaron Yeaton, GIS Technician, 3575 Heath Street, Homer, Alaska 99603, ayeaton@ci.homer.ak.us, (907) 435-3137
Project Name: Mariner Park Slough Outlet Maintenance
Location: The proposed activity is located within Section 28, T. 6 S., R. 13 W., Seward Meridian; USGS Quad Map Seldovia C-5; Latitude 59.6324º N., Longitude -151.4980º W.; Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB); KPB Parcel # 181-010-25; northwest of Mariner Park off of Homer Spit Road, in Homer, Alaska.
Purpose: The applicant’s stated purpose is to reestablish tidal flushing within Mariner Park Slough. Tidal flushing is important in maintaining the area’s shorebird habitat.
Project Description: The applicant proposes to excavate 275 cubic yards of native beach material from a 6,000 square foot (sf) area below the high tide line (HTL), 23.4 foot above the mean lower low water (MLLW) elevation of 0.0 foot) of Mariner Park Slough and Kachemak Bay and discharge the dredged material into a 6,000 sf area below the HTL to reestablish the tidal outlet between Mariner Park Slough and Kachemak Bay which would reestablish natural flows in Mariner Park Slough. Discharged material would block an existing side channel which frequently becomes naturally dammed and does not provide adequate tidal flushing. Material would be excavated/moved with a bulldozer, excavator, or similar machinery during lower tide cycles. No work would occur below the mean high water mark (MHWM, 17.3 foot above the MLLW elevation of 0.0 foot) of Kachemak Bay. Work would be performed on a recurring basis, as needed to address future slough mouth closures.
After reviewing the application, the Department may certify there is reasonable assurance the activity, and any discharge that might result, will comply with the CWA, the Alaska Water Quality Standards, and other applicable State laws. The Department also may deny or waive certification.
The permit application and associated documents are available for review. For inquires or to request copies of the documents, contact dec-401cert@alaska.gov, or call 907-269-6285.
Disability Reasonable Accommodation Notice
The State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. If you are a person with a disability who may need special accommodation in order to participate in this public process, please contact ADA Coordinator Brian Blessington at 907-269-6272 or TDD Relay Service 1-800-770-8973/TTY or dial 711 within 5 days of the expiration date of this public notice to ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided.