Army Corps Fixes River Dikes, But Sorry, Marine Mammals—Incidental Takes Allowed
Published Date: 4/27/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants to fix pile dikes on the Lower Columbia River in Oregon and Washington, which might accidentally disturb some marine mammals. NOAA is asking the public to comment on this plan and the possible one-year renewals before deciding. These repairs will happen soon, and the public has until May 27, 2026, to share their thoughts.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Repairs Aim To Improve Navigation
USACE's pile dike repair projects are intended to restore flood control, prevent erosion, maintain safe vessel passage, and reduce the frequency and need for maintenance dredging in parts of the Lower Columbia River. The MSRI work area is between river miles (RM) 23 and 25 and CI is between RM 68 and RM 71, with in-water construction planned in the November 2026 through February/March 2027 windows.
Work Windows and Daylight Restrictions
Pile driving and other in-water work will be restricted to daylight hours (30 minutes before civil dawn to 30 minutes after civil dusk) and to the projects' in-water windows: MSRI pile driving restricted to a 4-month window between November 2026 and March 2027 (overall MSRI schedule spans 5 months) and CI work from November 2026 through February 2027. Specific limits include debris/pile removal for MSRI (~15 days) and MSRI pile installation (~8 days), and permanent/temporary pile installation or removal for CI (~66 non-consecutive days).
Reduced Need For Maintenance Dredging
USACE states the projects would reduce the frequency and need for maintenance dredging in portions of the Lower Columbia River as a result of replacing degraded pile dikes and improving channel control. That effect is a stated objective of the MSRI and CI projects.
NOAA May Issue Marine Mammal IHAs
NOAA (NMFS) is proposing to issue two incidental harassment authorizations (IHAs) that would allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to incidentally take (Level A and Level B harassment) certain marine mammals—harbor porpoise, Steller sea lion, California sea lion, and harbor seal—during pile driving for the Miller Sands-Rice Island (MSRI) and Cottonwood Island (CI) projects. NMFS and USACE do not expect serious injury or mortality and are proposing one-year IHAs (statutory maximum) if issued.
Public Comment Deadline Set
NOAA (NMFS) is requesting public comments on the proposed IHAs and potential one-time, 1-year renewals; comments must be received by May 27, 2026. The agency will review comments before making a final decision and will summarize responses in its final notice.
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