Project scope
Beneficial-use dredged material from the Cedar Island back-barrier for enhancement, expansion, and protection on the Cedar Island back-barrier shoreline wetlands and marsh islands:
● Reduce the current rate of tidal wetland shoreline and marsh island degradation and loss
● Expand and enhance the existing wetlands and marsh islands to enhance fish habitat, fishery resources, and wildlife habitat
● Increase the area of intertidal mudflat habitat to provide increased foraging opportunities for avian fauna
● Create long-term, sustainable solutions to reduce tidal wetland erosion rates, increase sediment accretion rates, and increase shoreline protection
● Enhance existing shoreline protection to the town of Wachapreague through wetland and marsh island creation, enhancement and protection
● Adaptively manage dredged material placement sites in response to the constantly fluxing ecosystem under the continual threats of such erosion, subsidence and sea-level rise
Authorization
Continuing Authorities Program Section 204, Water Resources Development Act of 1992, as amended: beneficial use of dredged material from an authorized federal navigation channel for the protection, restoration, and creation of aquatic and related habitats.
Study sponsor
(Anticipated) Virginia Marine Resource Commission
Project study area
Cedar Island, a barrier island located within the Delmarva Peninsula in the Virginia Coast Reserve, the largest expanse of protected coastal habitat in the United States; Cedar Island Bay Channel; Burtons Bay Channel; Finney Creek Channel; and Bradford Bay Channel.
Schedule
The CAP process begins with initial efforts of the feasibility phase to identify the problem and study area and determine if there is a federal interest in proceeding with more detailed work and identifying a federal cost-sharing sponsor. A NEPA public scoping meeting was held Dec. 6, 2016.
February 2016 -- Federal interest determination approval
December 2016 -- Alternative formulation briefing
April 2019 -- Submit draft report to North Atlantic Division
May 2019 -- Release of draft Integrated Feasibility Report/Environmental Assessment
June 4, 2019 -- Public meeting regarding release of draft
June 18, 2019 -- Completion of public review
July 2019 -- Submit final report to North Atlantic Division
September 2019 -- Report approval
If you have comments or questions, contact Richard Harr of USACE Norfolk District at richard.m.harr@usace.army.mil or 757-201-7746. They can also be sent via regular mail to: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District, ATTN: Richard Harr, 803 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510.