05-20-2011, 11:10 AM
SALEM, Ore. -ODFW is seeking public comment on an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) request to amend an existing fish passage waiver for a highway project near Eugene.
Artificial obstructions must provide passage for native migratory fish whenever they are installed or repaired. ODOT is in process of replacing the Willamette River bridges and decommissioning the existing detour bridge over an unnamed tributary of the Willamette River located at Mile Point 192.25 on Interstate 5. ODOT had earlier received a fish passage waiver for a culvert crossing and is asking to amend this waiver to include additional temporary culverts needed to construct the new bridges and demolish existing bridges. The proposed addition of more culverts has triggered the Oregon fish passage law that requires ODOT to provide fish passage at the site, or to provide mitigation at an alternative site.<br />
To mitigate for the temporary loss of fish passage, ODOT proposes to provide temporary fish passage below the bridge site and to provide habitat improvement at the site.<br />
"The department has determined that the proposed mitigation would provide a net benefit to fish even with the loss of passage at the Interstate 5 site," said Greg Apke, ODFW Fish Passage Program leader. "So unless we receive public comments that would cause us to change this determination, the fish passage waiver will be approved."<br />
The ODOT waiver amendment application, proposed waiver agreement, and benefit analysis are available at the ODFW Web site www.dfw.state.or.us. Written comments, or requests for additional information, should be sent to Greg Apke, ODFW, 3406 Ave. NE, Salem OR 97303 or Greg.D.Apke@state.or.us, or by calling (503) 947-6228.<br />
Written comments must be received by June 8, 2011 to be considered.
Artificial obstructions must provide passage for native migratory fish whenever they are installed or repaired. ODOT is in process of replacing the Willamette River bridges and decommissioning the existing detour bridge over an unnamed tributary of the Willamette River located at Mile Point 192.25 on Interstate 5. ODOT had earlier received a fish passage waiver for a culvert crossing and is asking to amend this waiver to include additional temporary culverts needed to construct the new bridges and demolish existing bridges. The proposed addition of more culverts has triggered the Oregon fish passage law that requires ODOT to provide fish passage at the site, or to provide mitigation at an alternative site.<br />
To mitigate for the temporary loss of fish passage, ODOT proposes to provide temporary fish passage below the bridge site and to provide habitat improvement at the site.<br />
"The department has determined that the proposed mitigation would provide a net benefit to fish even with the loss of passage at the Interstate 5 site," said Greg Apke, ODFW Fish Passage Program leader. "So unless we receive public comments that would cause us to change this determination, the fish passage waiver will be approved."<br />
The ODOT waiver amendment application, proposed waiver agreement, and benefit analysis are available at the ODFW Web site www.dfw.state.or.us. Written comments, or requests for additional information, should be sent to Greg Apke, ODFW, 3406 Ave. NE, Salem OR 97303 or Greg.D.Apke@state.or.us, or by calling (503) 947-6228.<br />
Written comments must be received by June 8, 2011 to be considered.