Corps of Engineers issues permit for Navy wharf at Bangor

Published Aug. 22, 2012

Seattle – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a permit Aug. 21 to the U.S. Navy to construct and operate a second Explosives Handling Wharf (EHW-2) at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor in support of its submarine fleet.

 

“I have determined, based on all the data and analysis available to the Corps, that the proposal is the least environmentally damaging practicable alternative available to the applicant and is not contrary to the public interest,” said Col. Bruce A. Estok, the Corps’ Seattle District Commander.

 

The permitted project involves construction of a pile-supported wharf and access trestles, installation of a ramp and float, and construction of an access road. The wharf and access trestle component involves the following elements: driving up to 1,250 steel pipe piles and approximately  150 steel temporary piles, constructing a 632- by 250-foot overwater wharf, a 688- by 40-foot warping wharf, six 30- by 30-foot lightning protection towers, installing lighting on and under the wharf and approach trestles and over the surrounding water, constructing 81,208 square feet of overwater approach trestles, excavating and backfilling a 0.03-acre area at the shore to construct a trestle abutment, and installing an 80- by 3.5-foot grated ramp and a 35- by 18-foot concrete float. Construction of the access road involves excavating up to 560 cubic yards and placing up to 600 cubic yards of 8-inch minus gravel in 0.20-acre of  wetland.

 

The Navy will provide compensatory mitigation through the Hood Canal Coordinating Council (HCCC) In-Lieu Fee (ILF) program to meet requirements for compensatory mitigation.  The HCCC ILF was the subject of a separate approval process completed in July.

 

“I am very pleased the Navy will use the recently established Hood Canal ILF for their compensatory mitigation as this will allow the Coordinating Council to complete high quality restoration activities in proximity to the impacts that will be of benefit to the Hood Canal ecosystem” said Col. Estok.

 

The Hood Canal In Lieu Fee program is the first of its kind in Washington State to specifically address marine impacts and to develop a specific marine credit/debit tool for the ILF.  It is also the first ILF in Seattle District to be sponsored by a non-profit entity.  

The Navy’s project was the subject of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) prepared by the U.S. Navy. The documents can be viewed at https://www.nbkeis.com/ehw/


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Release no. 12-027