DOCSLIB.ORG

Blatnik Bridge Draft Purpose and Need Statement

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Blatnik Bridge Draft Purpose and Need Statement DRAFT PURPOSE AND NEED STATEMENT 1 Background The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) have initiated the planning for improvements to the Blatnik bridge. See Figure 1 for project location. MnDOT will act as the lead agency for the development, design and construction of the Blatnik Bridge (I-535) per the border bridge cooperative agreement with WisDOT. FHWA is the lead federal agency responsible for approval of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and documentation for this project. The environmental processes and requirements of the state of Minnesota will be followed; however, Wisconsin state laws and regulations, and additional environmental processes apply to project activities proposed within the state of Wisconsin. MnDOT and WisDOT are working cooperatively in the planning, design and decision-making for this project as they have been for the inspection and maintenance of the structure. All studies and reports completed for the bridge are coordinate between both agencies. Both DOT’s include the Blatnik bridge in their respective plans for major bridge improvements starting in 2028. This agreement requires a 50/50 cost share for all border bridges. The John A. Blatnik Bridge (Minnesota Bridge 9030, Wisconsin Bridge B-16-5, hereafter called the Blatnik Bridge) on Interstate 535 (I-535) connects the two communities of Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin across the St. Louis Bay. It is one of two bridges that connect the two communities (collectively called the Twin Ports) over the waterway. The other is the Richard I. Bong Memorial Bridge on U.S. Route 2 (US 2) to the southwest (hereafter called the Bong Bridge). The Blatnik Bridge is 7,975 feet long (about 1.5 miles) and consists of a main truss unit (three span continuous truss) flanked by steel beam approach span units (referred to as the Minnesota and Wisconsin approach spans), with a total of 52 spans. 1 The main truss span unit is 1,140 feet long with a 600-foot long center span over the main navigation channel and includes spans 16, 17, and 18 supported on piers 15 through 18. 2 The Minnesota approach spans are 2,019 feet long and include spans 1 through 15. The Wisconsin approach spans are 4,816 feet long and include spans 19 through 52. The U.S. Coast Guard has jurisdiction over structures spanning navigational channels, including the main truss over the navigational channel and the Wisconsin approach spans over Howard’s Pocket, a side channel. As originally designed, the bridge was able to accommodate the Routine (Annual) Permit vehicle weight of 154,000 pounds (lbs), from its opening in 1961 through 2007. 1 A span is the segment of a bridge between two piers or a pier and an abutment 2 A bridge pier is a vertical loadbearing member such as an intermediate support for adjacent ends of two bridge spans BLATNIK BRIDGE SP 6981-26 February 23, 2021 1 DRAFT PURPOSE AND NEED STATEMENT Figure 1: Blatnik Bridge Project Location BLATNIK BRIDGE SP 6981-26 February 23, 2021 2 DRAFT PURPOSE AND NEED STATEMENT Figure 2: Blatnik Bridge today (52 total spans, 3 truss spans and 49 approach spans) The Blatnik Bridge serves as a local, regional, and international connection for vehicle and freight traffic on I-535 / U.S. Highway 53 (US 53) between Minnesota and Wisconsin. The corridor has been identified as a designated route in several transportation studies due to its importance for vehicle and freight mobility, including: • Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) High Priority Corridor program, Corridor No. 41 (Falls to Falls Corridor; International Falls, MN to Chippewa Falls, WI) • Wisconsin Connections 2030 Long Range Multi-Modal Transportation Plan, “backbone” route • Duluth-Superior Metropolitan Interstate Council (MIC) Long Range Transportation Plan, major trunk line or main supply line • Metropolitan Interstate Council Duluth-Superior Area Truck Route Study 2018 Update, designated truck route The Blatnik Bridge serves a regionally important role for long-distance freight and vehicle traffic. The Blatnik Bridge sits at the epicenter of the Port of Duluth-Superior, which accommodates the maritime transportation needs of a wide range of industries including agriculture, forestry, mining and manufacturing, construction, power generation, and passenger cruising. It is also crucial to maintaining local mobility. During routine maintenance or in the event of a lane closure or blockage on the Blatnik or Bong Bridge, traffic reroutes from one to the other, thus the two crossings are essential to access between the two communities. Construction of the Blatnik Bridge began in 1958, and it was opened to traffic in 1961, replacing the original movable interstate bridge. The Blatnik Bridge has required expansion, safety modifications, and increasing maintenance frequency in order to maintain its serviceability. • In 1973, the raised median along the centerline of the bridge (separating opposing traffic) was replaced with a traffic barrier to improve safety. • In 1994, the approach spans were widened to accommodate an entrance ramp on the Minnesota approach and to increase the outside shoulder width to 8 feet on the Minnesota and BLATNIK BRIDGE SP 6981-26 February 23, 2021 3 DRAFT PURPOSE AND NEED STATEMENT Wisconsin approach spans. The widening was accomplished primarily by extending the existing pier caps to support additional beams and the concrete deck while utilizing the reserve capacity in the original columns and foundations (piers 8 through 14 and piers 19 - 51). Portions of the Minnesota approach spans included additional columns and foundations to support the widened entrance ramp (piers 1 through 7). The main truss spans were extensively rehabilitated to repair or replace deteriorated truss elements and the entire bridge deck was replaced. Due to the structural complexity of the truss unit, the truss spans were not widened, nor were the piers that support the main truss spans (piers 15 through 18). • In 2008, the truss span unit underwent emergency repairs for floor beam gusset plates. • In 2010, select cable suspender ropes on the main truss spans were removed and replaced to complete a laboratory condition assessment of undetected corrosion within a representative sample of the cable suspender ropes. • In 2012, the bridge expansion joints were replaced and the entire bridge was repainted. • In 2012, 2015, and 2016, additional repairs were made to the gusset plates and floor trusses of the truss unit. Overall, the bridge today requires a yearly inspection and structural maintenance at frequent intervals (approximately every four years for safety and serviceability). The next major maintenance project is scheduled for 2022 and is planned to include modifications to the existing bridge deck drainage system, concrete deck crack sealing, select concrete substructure repairs, sealing of the post-tensioned concrete pier caps, and selective spot painting with a focus on continued preservation. In addition to ongoing maintenance, the truss spans of the Blatnik Bridge are non-redundant, meaning if any one member of the truss fails, the bridge is not functional. In 2018, MnDOT began an existing bridge assessment, including a load rating analysis and subsurface pile investigation to examine the existing condition of the bridge. The 2018 study is set to be completed in 2021. Additionally, in 2017, WisDOT and the City of Superior completed a Safety and Operational Study of US 53 on the Wisconsin side of the Blatnik Bridge. 3 These studies establish the existing bridge and traffic operation conditions and provided a baseline for the development of the project needs. Geometric deficiencies in the bridge design and access interchanges along with adverse weather conditions influence poor traffic operations during peak periods and contribute to a high critical crash history. The unique setting of I-535 terminating in a neighborhood in Wisconsin complicates the traffic operations in the nearby local road network. 2 Needs Analysis MnDOT, in cooperation with WisDOT, has identified a number of factors justifying the need for the Blatnik Bridge project. The needs have been categorized as primary or secondary as defined below. Primary needs include the primary transportation problems in the project corridor. Three primary needs have been identified: • Bridge condition • Vehicle safety 3 Additional traffic operations data and analysis can be viewed in WisDOT’s US 53 Study, Safety, and Operations Summary (project 1198-03-06), September 25, 2017. BLATNIK BRIDGE SP 6981-26 February 23, 2021 4 DRAFT PURPOSE AND NEED STATEMENT • Vehicle mobility Secondary needs are other transportation problems that may be able to be addressed at the same time as primary needs. One secondary need has been identified: walkability/bikeability. 2.1 Bridge Condition The Blatnik Bridge is identified by both MnDOT and WisDOT as a high priority improvement project. The bridge is ranked number 1 by MnDOT for risk of service interruption. These rankings are based on a risk analysis that considers the high probability of service interruptions (based on deterioration, condition, load rating restrictions) combined with high consequences for service interruptions (traffic volume, route and classification, length of bridge). The Blatnik truss span is nearing the end of its service life (Year 2030) and, as a result, is weight restricted to 80,000 lbs and has maintenance and preservation needs that require extensive ongoing investment. The approach spans are also weight restricted and have maintenance needs that will require extensive investment over the next 25 years; 2045 is the projected design life of the approach spans. To prepare for and identify when bridge investments will be needed, MnDOT uses the Bridge Replacement and Improvement Management (BRIM) tool to forecast future work types, costs, and schedules for a 20-year planning horizon. BRIM provides several measures that are used to help prioritize investments and improvements for MnDOT for the planning horizon. These include: Bridge Planning Index (BPI), BRIM BPI Rank, and Project Selection Policy (PSP) Score.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • District 1 / Northeastern Minnesota 1 Industry Clusters
    Manufacturers’ Perspectives on Minnesota’s Transportation System District 1/Northeastern Minnesota June 2017 Cover photo credits: Front cover: Large truck, ship/lighthouse, highway and snow plow (inside) - David Gonzalez, MnDOT Wind turbine blade shipment at Duluth Port - Robert Welton, courtesy of Duluth Seaway Port Authority Back cover: Congested traffic (inside) and Duluth Port - David Gonzalez, MnDOT Table of Contents Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................................5 Purpose and Methodology .....................................................................................................................................5 Results .....................................................................................................................................................................5 Findings ...................................................................................................................................................................6 District 1 Business Priorities ...............................................................................................................................7 Characteristics that Affect the Transportation System ......................................................................................7 Recommended Next Steps ......................................................................................................................................7 MnDOT District
    [Show full text]
  • 2020-Chamber-Directory Web.Pdf
    Your Real Estate Experts! Dick Wenaas Greg Kamp Tommy Jess Mary Alysa JoLynn Kathy David Pam Archer Bellefeuille Binsfield Bjorklund Cooper Cortes Corbin Dahlberg Deb Ginger Cathy Sue Candi Melissa Brenda Mark Dreawves Eckman Ehret Erickson Fabre Fahlin Gregorich Honer Doug Tom Sharon Shaina Anissa Peter Kriss Kman Little McCauley Nickila Priley Rozumalski Sutherland Blythe Jonathan Patry Jeanne Ron Claude Chris Thill Thornton Truman Tondryk Tondryk Wenaas Wilk Duluth (218) 728-5161 - Cloquet (218) 879-1211 - Superior (715) 394-6671 • www.cbeastwestrealty.com vi 2020 Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce x Welcome to Our Beloved Community Welcome .................................. 1 uluth is a vibrant community filled with remarkable people and places. We enjoy Duluth History.......................... 2 an extraordinary city that supports, cares for and creates opportunities for all Duluth at a Glance .................. 5 Dof our citizens. If you have arrived on our shores, we are happy to have you join us. If you are Housing .................................... 6 considering making the Duluth area your home or place of business, wait no longer. Economy ................................ 10 We are ready to help you settle in for a lifetime. Building Our City .................... 12 This is one of the most beautiful places you are ever going to experience. We are ready to show it off, and that is why our Chamber is making this Community Guide available Education ............................... 16 to you. We believe the more you know about our Shining City on the Hill, the more Financial ................................ 20 you will be drawn to it. You will enjoy this big city with a small-town personality – Government ........................... 26 a rugged outpost with a cosmopolitan flair.
    [Show full text]
  • City of Superior Profile
    Section 3: City of Superior Profile CITY OF SUPERIOR PROFILE Overview The City of Superior, the county seat of Douglas County, is located in the northwest portion of Wisconsin on the western shore of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. The City is bounded primarily by three Lake Superior bays; Allouez Bay, Superior Bay and the St. Louis Bay. In addition, the city is bordered by the St. Louis River with its many inlets and bays, the Nemadji River, Pokegama River and numerous smaller continuous and intermittent streams. The City is approximately 42 square miles. Map 3.1: Hazard Mitigation Planning Area 3-1 City of Superior Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Section 3: City of Superior Profile Population & Demographics The City of Superior is home to 27,368 residents, according to the 2000 U.S. Census Bureau. The population density is 741 persons per square mile and is depicted in Map 3.2. Map 3.2: City of Superior Population Density by Census Block Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Table 3.1 City of Superior Year 2000 Census Population Special Needs Population Total Population Elderly (65 & over) Individuals below 2000 Census poverty level Superior 27,368 4114 (15%) 3507 (13%) Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Population estimates from 1970 to 2009 and population projections from 2010 to 2030 are listed in Table 3.2 and in Figure 3.11 respectively, as provided by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Wisconsin Demographic Service Center. Over the past four decades (1970-2000) the population has decreased but the population projections (2010-2030) show a more stable population trend.
    [Show full text]
  • BMO Harris Bank (With Value-Add Opportunity Via Vacancy) 1425 Tower Ave, Superior, WI, 54880 BMO Harris Bank | Superior, WI Table of Contents
    Net Lease Investment Offering BMO Harris Bank (With Value-Add Opportunity Via Vacancy) 1425 Tower Ave, Superior, WI, 54880 BMO Harris Bank | Superior, WI Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS Offering Summary Executive Summary ................................................................... 1 Investment Highlights ............................................................. 2 Property Overview ...................................................................... 3 Building Breakdown .................................................................4 Proforma Analysis ....................................................................... 5 Location Overview Photographs ...................................................................................6 Aerial .................................................................................................... 7 Site Plan .............................................................................................8 Floor Plan ..........................................................................................9 Map .....................................................................................................10 Market Overview Market Overview ..........................................................................11 Demographics .............................................................................12 Tenant Summary Tenant Profile ................................................................................13 | 2 | www.bouldergroup.com | Confidential Offering Memorandum
    [Show full text]
  • Collapse of I-35W Highway Bridge Minneapolis, Minnesota August 1, 2007
    Collapse of I-35W Highway Bridge Minneapolis, Minnesota August 1, 2007 highwayACCIDENT REPORT NTSB/HAR-08/03 National PB2008-916203 Transportation Safety Board NTSB/HAR-08/03 PB2008-916203 Notation 7975C November 14, 2008 Highway Accident Report Collapse of I-35W Highway Bridge Minneapolis, Minnesota August 1, 2007 National Transportation Safety Board 490 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20594 National Transportation Safety Board. 2008. Collapse of I-35W Highway Bridge, Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 1, 2007. Highway Accident Report NTSB/HAR-08/03. Washington, DC. Abstract: About 6:05 p.m. central daylight time on Wednesday, August 1, 2007, the eight-lane, 1,907-foot-long I-35W highway bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota, experienced a catastrophic failure in the main span of the deck truss. As a result, 1,000 feet of the deck truss collapsed, with about 456 feet of the main span falling 108 feet into the 15-foot-deep river. A total of 111 vehicles were on the portion of the bridge that collapsed. Of these, 17 were recovered from the water. As a result of the bridge collapse, 13 people died, and 145 people were injured. On the day of the collapse, roadway work was underway on the I-35W bridge, and four of the eight travel lanes (two outside lanes northbound and two inside lanes southbound) were closed to traffic. In the early afternoon, construction equipment and construction aggregates (sand and gravel for making concrete) were delivered and positioned in the two closed inside southbound lanes. The equipment and aggregates, which were being staged for a concrete pour of the southbound lanes that was to begin about 7:00 p.m., were positioned toward the south end of the center section of the deck truss portion of the bridge and were in place by about 2:30 p.m.
    [Show full text]
  • MIC Area Thoroughfare Plan
    i ii MIC Area Thoroughfare Plan March 2001 This study was funded through the Duluth-Superior Metropolitan Interstate Committee with funding from the: Federal Highway Administration Minnesota Department of Transportation Wisconsin Department of Transportation Arrowhead Regional Development Commission Northwest Regional Planning Commission Copies of this plan are available from the Duluth-Superior Metropolitan Interstate Committee 221 West First Street, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 529-7541 Prepared by the Duluth-Superior Metropolitan Interstate Committee Duluth-Superior urban area communities cooperating in planning and development through a joint venture of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission and the Northwest Regional Planning Commission iii iv Duluth-Superior Metropolitan Interstate Committee Member and Staff Listing March 2001 Metropolitan Interstate Committee: NWRPC / MIC Staff: David Allen, City of Hermantown Sheldon Johnson, MIC Deputy Director Nick Baker, Douglas County Board Tom Brekke, St. Louis County Suburban Townships Transportation Advisory Committee: Russell Carlson, Douglas County Board John Allen, WisDOT Mike Conlan, City of Duluth Jim Benning, City of Duluth David Conley, Douglas County Board Jim Foldesi, St. Louis County Bill Eckman, Douglas County Board John Foschi, City of Proctor Earl Elde, St. Louis County Suburban Paul Halverson, Douglas County Townships Bryn Jacobson, Bike/Pedestrian Representative Edward Erickson, Superior City Council Dennis Jensen, Duluth Transit Authority Lynn Fena, Duluth City Council Dennis
    [Show full text]
  • Vol. 86 Wednesday, No. 35 February 24, 2021 Pages 11091–11386
    Vol. 86 Wednesday, No. 35 February 24, 2021 Pages 11091–11386 OFFICE OF THE FEDERAL REGISTER VerDate Sep 11 2014 17:30 Feb 23, 2021 Jkt 253001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4710 Sfmt 4710 E:\FR\FM\24FEWS.LOC 24FEWS khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with FR-1WS II Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 24, 2021 The FEDERAL REGISTER (ISSN 0097–6326) is published daily, SUBSCRIPTIONS AND COPIES Monday through Friday, except official holidays, by the Office PUBLIC of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration, under the Federal Register Act (44 U.S.C. Ch. 15) Subscriptions: and the regulations of the Administrative Committee of the Federal Paper or fiche 202–512–1800 Register (1 CFR Ch. I). The Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Assistance with public subscriptions 202–512–1806 Government Publishing Office, is the exclusive distributor of the official edition. Periodicals postage is paid at Washington, DC. General online information 202–512–1530; 1–888–293–6498 Single copies/back copies: The FEDERAL REGISTER provides a uniform system for making available to the public regulations and legal notices issued by Paper or fiche 202–512–1800 Federal agencies. These include Presidential proclamations and Assistance with public single copies 1–866–512–1800 Executive Orders, Federal agency documents having general (Toll-Free) applicability and legal effect, documents required to be published FEDERAL AGENCIES by act of Congress, and other Federal agency documents of public Subscriptions: interest. Assistance with Federal agency subscriptions: Documents are on file for public inspection in the Office of the Federal Register the day before they are published, unless the Email [email protected] issuing agency requests earlier filing.
    [Show full text]
  • Seiche Events from Coastal Hazards
    Section 5: Coastal Hazards COASTAL HAZARDS Location The City of Superior lies at the westernmost tip of Lake Superior, bordered by St. Louis Bay to the northwest, Superior Bay to the northeast, Allouez Bay to the southeast and the St. Louis River estuary in the southwest. The City is sheltered from Lake Superior by Minnesota and Wisconsin Points, natural sand bars spanning over 9 miles, separating Lake Superior from the bays and the City. The Superior Entry is a 500-foot open water gap between Wisconsin and Minnesota points used by recreational boating and shipping traffic accessing Superior Bay. Hazard Profile Coastal hazards affecting the City of Superior include high and low lake levels, storm surges, seiche events, wave run-up, wave set-up and coastal flooding as a result of one or more of the above. Several factors can contribute to coastal flood risk. Susceptibility is influenced by shore topography, landmasses, water depth and direction of event. The rivers and bays associated with the City are influenced by lake level fluctuations, storm surges and wave and seiche energy. The red clay soils and sandy shorelines are prone to erosion as direct and indirect effects of coastal water hazards. Despite potentially high wave and seiche energies from Lake Superior, the City of Superior remains relatively sheltered from disturbance due to the natural barrier of Minnesota and Wisconsin points. Wave and seiche events affecting the City tend not to pose a significant threat to life and property contained within the harbor. The City is a prime target for the natural phenomenon of “lake effect” snowstorms.
    [Show full text]
  • City of Superior Profile
    Section 3: City of Superior Profile CITY OF SUPERIOR PROFILE Overview The City of Superior, the county seat of Douglas County, is located in the northwest portion of Wisconsin on the western shore of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. The City is bounded primarily by three Lake Superior bays; Allouez Bay, Superior Bay and St. Louis Bay. In addition, the City is bordered by the St. Louis River with its many inlets and bays, the Nemadji River, Pokegama River and numerous smaller continuous and intermittent streams. The City is approximately 42 square miles. Map 3.1: Hazard Mitigation Planning Area 3-1 City of Superior Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Section 3: City of Superior Profile Population & Demographics The City of Superior is home to 27,368 residents, according to the 2000 U.S. Census Bureau. The population density is 741 persons per square mile and is depicted in Map 3.2. Map 3.2: City of Superior Population Density by Census Block Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Table 3.1 City of Superior Census Population, 2000 Census Special Needs Population Total Population Elderly (65 & over) Individuals below poverty level City of Superior 27,368 4,114 (15%) 3,507 (13%) Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Population estimates from 1970 to 2009 and population projections from 2010 to 2030 are listed in Table 3.2 and in Figure 3.11, as provided by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Wisconsin Demographic Service Center. Over the past four decades (1970-2000) the population has decreased but the population projections (2010-2030) show a more stable population trend.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Background
    DRAFT PURPOSE AND NEED STATEMENT 1 Background The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) have initiated the planning for improvements to the Blatnik bridge. See Figure 1 for project location. MnDOT will act as the lead agency for the development, design and construction of the Blatnik Bridge (I-535) per the border bridge cooperative agreement with WisDOT. FHWA is the lead federal agency responsible for approval of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and documentation for this project. The environmental processes and requirements of the state of Minnesota will be followed; however, Wisconsin state laws and regulations, and additional environmental processes apply to project activities proposed within the state of Wisconsin. MnDOT and WisDOT are working cooperatively in the planning, design and decision-making for this project as they have been for the inspection and maintenance of the structure. All studies and reports completed for the bridge are coordinate between both agencies. Both DOT’s include the Blatnik bridge in their respective plans for major bridge improvements starting in 2028. This agreement requires a 50/50 cost share for all border bridges. The John A. Blatnik Bridge (Minnesota Bridge 9030, Wisconsin Bridge B-16-5, hereafter called the Blatnik Bridge) on Interstate 535 (I-535) connects the two communities of Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin over the St. Louis Bay. It is one of two bridges that connect the two communities (collectively called the Twin Ports) over the waterway. The other is the Richard I. Bong Memorial Bridge on U.S. Route 2 (US 2) to the southwest (hereafter called the Bong Bridge).
    [Show full text]
  • AOC”) As a "Geographic Area Designated by the U.S
    STATE OF MINNESOTA MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY IN THE MATTER OF THE DECISION ON THE NEED FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR THE PROPOSED FINDINGS OF FACT 21ST AVENUE WEST AQUATIC HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW DULUTH, ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MINNESOTA AND ORDER Pursuant to Minn. ch. 4410, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (“MPCA”) staff prepared and distributed an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (“EAW”) for the proposed 21st Avenue West Aquatic Habitat Restoration project (“Project”) in Duluth, Minnesota. The MPCA hereby makes the following Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order (“FOF”) based on: the MPCA staff environmental review; the EAW; information from an earlier EAW by the city of Duluth; the Pilot Project (discussed below); comments and information received during the comment period; and other information in the record of the MPCA. FINDINGS OF FACT Parties 1. The MPCA is the Project proposer. The MPCA is also the governmental agency responsible for preparing the EAW for this Project. These FOF refer to the MPCA as the Project “Proposer” when the EAW discusses the MPCA in its role as proposer. The EAW uses “MPCA” when referring to the MPCA in its role as the agency responsible for the environmental review of this Project. 2. The United States Army Corps of Engineers (“Corps”) will serve as the prime contractor for the Proposer. The Corps will transport dredge material on barges to the Project site and place the material into the water at locations specified by the Proposer. In these FOF, “Proposer” also includes all actions taken by the Corps in its capacity as Proposer’s contactor.
    [Show full text]
  • Three-Dimensional Visualization Maps of Suspended-Sediment
    Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Three-Dimensional Visualization Maps of Suspended- Sediment Concentrations during Placement of Dredged Material in 21st Avenue West Channel Embayment, Duluth-Superior Harbor, Duluth, Minnesota, 2015 Explanation 240 180 90 45 in milligramps per liter 22 8 Suspended-sediment concentration, End of dredge material discharge pipe Scientific Investigations Report 2016–5086 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Cover illustration: Modified version of figure 13 from this report and 21st Avenue West Channel Embayment of the Duluth-Superior Harbor, Duluth, Minnesota, on September 4, 2015 (photograph provided by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). Three-Dimensional Visualization Maps of Suspended-Sediment Concentrations during Placement of Dredged Material in 21st Avenue West Channel Embayment, Duluth-Superior Harbor, Duluth, Minnesota, 2015 By Joel T. Groten, Christopher A. Ellison, and Mollie H. Mahoney Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Scientific Investigations Report 2016–5086 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Department of the Interior SALLY JEWELL, Secretary U.S. Geological Survey Suzette M. Kimball, Director U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2016 For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment—visit http://www.usgs.gov or call 1–888–ASK–USGS. For an overview of USGS information products, including maps, imagery, and publications, visit http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod/. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S.
    [Show full text]