EXAMPLE 3. ABBREVIATED CONSULTATION

William F. Lawless

Chief, Regulatory Branch

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

696 Virginia Road

Concord, MA 01742-2751

Dear Mr. Lawless:

We have reviewed the application by the Town of Granville to perform channel restoration work along an approximately 875 linear foot section of the White River in Granville, Vermont. The work will consist of the construction of 50-60 rock cascade steps and five pools for energy dissipation and channel stability. The project plans include a temporary diversion channel to be constructed above the ordinary high water line to facilitate construction "in-the-dry." The work will involve the excavation of 4375 cubic yards (cy) of material below OHW and the placement of about 4803 cy of stone fill and 1322 cy of excavated material below OHW. About 39,375 square feet of river bottom will be permanently impacted by the project.

The proposed project would occur in a section of the White River which has been designated under the Magnuson-Stevens Act as essential fish habitat for federally managed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). The National Marine Fisheries Service supports implementation of this project because it will result in a more stable and ecologically viable spawning habitat for anadromous Atlantic salmon. Atlantic salmon currently have natural access to this reach of the river and have been documented downstream of this location in recent years. These fish lay there eggs in gravel pools in late fall and the eggs generally hatch between March and June. Accordingly, we recommend that the all in-water work is limited to the low-flow period between July 15 and October 1 in order to minimize both direct disruption and secondary downstream turbidity impacts to Atlantic salmon nests. Provided that that the permit is conditioned to include this time-of-year restriction, we have no objections to issuance of this permit.

If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact Eric Hutchins at (978) 281-9313.

Sincerely,

Peter D. Colosi, Jr.

Assistant Regional Administrator for Habitat Conservation