OMAHA, Neb. – A draft supplemental environmental assessment for the control of Eurasian watermilfoil at the Fort Peck Reservoir, Mont. is currently available for public review. The draft supplemental EA evaluates the environmental impacts of controlling the spread of this noxious weed through application of herbicides, penoxsulam and flumioxazin, approved for aquatic sites in conjunction with the use of a barrier curtain.
This draft supplemental 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.
BACKGROUND: On August 4, 2010, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks discovered Eurasian watermilfoil within the Fort Peck Reservoir. Alternatives were analyzed in a May 2011 EA for control of the noxious weed. The selected method of control was a combination of herbicide use, suction dredging, mechanical control, hand removal and bottom barriers. A copy of the final EA that was developed for the project is available for viewing at http://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Planning/EnvironmentalPlanning/FinalDocuments.aspx. Since the release of the May 2011 EA, two aquatically-approved herbicides, penoxsulam and flumioxazin, have since come under consideration for use of Eurasian watermilfoil control within the Fort Peck Reservoir to prevent herbicide resistance.
The public is encouraged to provide comments on the draft supplemental environmental assessment, which is available for viewing at: http://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Planning/EnvironmentalPlanning/DraftDocuments.aspx. Comments can be mailed to: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District; CENWO-PM-AC; ATTN: Fort Peck Eurasian Watermilfoil 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 August 23, 2013.
Release no. 20130726-001