MEMPHIS, Tenn., Jan. 20, 2016 – In partnership with the
West Tennessee River Basin Authority, the Memphis District, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE) today issued a notice of availability of the draft Cypress
Creek Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study With Integrated Environmental
Assessment. USACE is now soliciting comments and information to improve this
report, and inform decision-makers regarding public opinions and local issues.
The report describes a Tentatively Selected Plan and
alternatives to that plan. The proposed plan includes the construction of 12
grade control weirs on the main stem of Cypress Creek from the Fayette/Shelby
County line through Oakland, Tenn. An
additional eight weirs are proposed along tributaries that enter Cypress Creek.
The purpose of these weirs is to stabilize the channel bottom of Cypress Creek.
No decisions have been made at this time, and public input will be considered
prior to any final decision. Locations for structures and access routes are
somewhat flexible. They will be discussed with land owners during the
development of detailed construction plans to determine the most efficient
locations and willing land owners.
Currently, Cypress Creek has long straight stretches of
channel with heavy flows during precipitation, little or no surface flow in dry
periods, and limited floodplain to mitigate flood events. Severe erosion is
causing sloughing of streambanks, lowering of the creek bed, problems with
culverts that pass under roads, and sand and sediment deposition. Floodplain
and bottomland hardwood forest habitat, which are important for birds and
mammals have also declined due to bank instability, erosion and bank sloughing.
Wildlife habitat in Cypress Creek is poor and fish movement is limited.
Collapsed road crossings have interrupted traffic flow in the area and required
emergency repairs.
The
Corps of Engineers is soliciting comments from the public; federal, state and
local agencies and officials; Indian Tribes; and other interested parties. Any
comments received will be considered by the West Tennessee River Basin
Authority and the Corps of Engineers to improve the quality of this report and
to determine the overall public interest in the assessment.
All of the project documents can be found at the following link: http://www.mvm.usace.army.mil/Missions/Projects/MemphisMetro.aspx
If you wish to obtain additional information or submit
comments on this proposal, please contact Marsha Raus (901/544-3455) at the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Planning Branch, 167 N. Main St., Room B-202,
Memphis, TN 38103-1894. Comments should be submitted by Feb. 22, 2016.
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