EXH0771028000

PCHBPollution Control Hearings Board of the State of Washington

RE: Request for 401 Certification for Proposed Columbia River Channel Improvements Dear Colonel Butler and Mr. Daneker: The Departmentof Ecology has reviewed all of the pertinent information available to us pertaining to the two actions proposed in the drait and final NEPA documents for the IntegratedFeasibility Report for Channel Improvements andthe Corps' request for water qualitycertification pursuantto Section 401 of the Clean WaterAct. The two actions are (1) the deepening of the Columbia River navigation channel by three feet, from river mile +3 to 106.5, and (2) the designation of two ocean disposal sites. At this time, Ecology is unable to certify that there is reasonable assurance that these actions will be done in a manner that will meet applicable State water quality standards. Thus the request for water quality certification is hereby denied without prejudice. Ecology's decision to deny without prejudice allows the Corps, if it so desires, to continue to work with the State on the issues of concern and to reapply for certification. Ecology is issuing this denial without prejudice because there is not yet sufficient information to have reasonable assurance that water quality standards will be met. Based on the information we currentlyhave, we are unable to certify that this proposed project will meet antidegradation requirementsandprotect andmaintain beneficial and characteristic uses (such as fish, shellfish, wildlife habitat, recreation), as required by state water quality standards (Chapter 173-201A WAC). The reasons that Ecology is unable to certify the project at this time include but are not limited…
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