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Draft report for potential shoreline protection and ecosystem restoration project at Lower Brule available for public review

Published Nov. 21, 2018

OMAHA, Neb. – A draft feasibility report with environmental assessment to address shoreline erosion and restore degraded wetland and riparian habitats along Lake Sharpe near the town of Lower Brule, SD is currently available for public review. The draft report and EA evaluates the impacts of constructing a one-mile long stone breakwater along the shoreline to reduce erosion which is imminently threatening the town’s sewage lagoons. 

In addition to shoreline erosion, reservoir filling and wind/wave and ice forces have caused habitat degradation which has negatively impacted Tribal members’ connection with the river and culturally significant natural resources. Solutions to restore ecosystem function were evaluated including constructing a 50-foot wide earth-filled island that would be planted with cottonwoods, willows, and various other plant species that are culturally significant to the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. A shallow backwater/wetland would then be created between the island and the shoreline. 

The proposed project would also include ancillary recreation features such as an access road, parking area, swim beach, boat ramp, staging area, vault toilets, picnic shelters and picnic tables, and a fish cleaning station. 

The public is encouraged to provide comments on the draft report, which is available for viewing at: www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Planning/Project-Reports/. Comments can be mailed to: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District; CENWO-PMA-C; ATTN: Luke Wallace/LBST EA; 1616 Capitol Avenue; Omaha, NE 68102-4901. Comments can also be emailed to: cenwo-planning@usace.army.mil. Comments must be postmarked or received no later than December 21, 2018. 

This draft EA is consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, the Council on Environmental Quality’s regulations for implementing NEPA (40 CFR 1500-1508), the Corps’ regulations for implementing NEPA (33 CFR 325 and Engineering Regulation 200-2-2) and other applicable environmental laws and regulations.


Contact
Omaha District Public Affairs Office
402-995-2417

Release no. 18-084