Corps seeks public comment on Draft Tiered Environmental Assessment, R-562 PL 84-99 Levee Rehabilitation

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ draft tiered environmental assessment (EA) for the R-562 Public Law (PL) 84-99 levee rehabilitation is currently available for public review. The EA evaluates the environmental impacts of correcting damages to the R-562 levee system, caused by the flood on the Missouri River in 2019. These damages have compromised the level of flood protection that the levee system provides and poses a risk to property and life safety. Repairs to the levee system are needed to address this risk to property and life safety by restoring a level of flood protection to the leveed area. The proposed project is located between Missouri River miles 541.5-549.0 in Otoe and Nemaha Counties, Nebraska.

This draft EA is consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, the Council on Environmental Quality’s (CEQ) regulations for implementing NEPA (40 CFR 1500-1508), the Corps’ regulations for implementing NEPA (33 CFR 230 and Engineering Regulation 200-2-2) and other applicable environmental laws and regulations. 

BACKGROUND: Flooding on the Missouri River in 2019 caused widespread damage to the R-562 levee system, including severe scouring and multiple breaches. Repairs proposed include repairs of critical section losses, crest damages, relief well damages, drainage structures, and breaches. A proposed riverward realignment of the levee section surrounding one of the breaches would be within the boundaries of the levee sponsor’s historic easement. The proposed project is necessary to restore a level of flood protection to the leveed area.  

The public is encouraged to provide comments on the draft tiered environmental assessment. The draft tiered environmental assessment is available for viewing at: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16021coll7/id/27049.

Comments can be mailed to: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District; CENWO-PM-AC; ATTN: R-562 PL 84-99 Levee Rehabilitation Tiered 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 26, 2024.