Army Corps to Fix Dikes, But Sorry Marine Mammals in Columbia River
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Repairs to Improve Flood Control and Navigation
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will repair and replace pile dikes on the lower Columbia River (Miller Sands–Rice Island at RM 22.75–24.63 and Cottonwood Island at RM 68–71) to restore flood control, prevent erosion, maintain safe vessel passage, and reduce the frequency and need of maintenance dredging. In-water construction is anticipated in windows beginning November 2026 through February/March 2027.
Construction Schedule and Work Windows
The two pile-dike projects will involve impact and vibratory pile installation and removal during daylight hours (30 minutes before civil dawn to 30 minutes after civil dusk). The MSRI Project has pile-driving restricted to a 4-month window (November 2026 through March 2027) with approximately 15 days of debris/pile removal and about 8 days of pile installation; the CI Project is scheduled November 2026 through February 2027 with permanent/temporary pile installation or removal taking approximately 66 non-consecutive days and a maximum of 8 piles per day.
Timing Limits Near Pinniped Haulout
Work on one Cottonwood Island pile dike (PD 68.35) is restricted to November because it is approximately 200 meters from a seasonal pinniped haulout site. More broadly, activities for both projects are limited to daylight hours (30 minutes before civil dawn to 30 minutes after civil dusk).
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