The Project
Developing the plan
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the lead federal agency under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for preparing an EIS. The ports of Longview, Kalama, Woodland and Vancouver in Washington and the Port of Portland in Oregon are the non-federal sponsors of the plan. As non-federal sponsors, the Washington ports are also responsible for actions that require compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
The Corps and the sponsor ports, with input from the public and stakeholders, will determine the best management plan for placing dredged material and evaluate ways to reduce the need for dredging. The planning effort will consider the natural resources of the Lower Columbia River while keeping the region open for business. A well-maintained channel allows larger ships to efficiently carry more cargo, supports regional and local jobs, provides major and direct economic benefits, and maintains local and federal navigation investments.
For more information on the channel and the maintenance planning process, please contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Portland District office at 503-808-4510 or ColumbiaNavChannel@usace.army.mil.
Public involvement opportunities
In August 2024, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with the ports of Portland, Vancouver, Woodland, Kalama, and Longview, released the Lower Columbia River Dredged Material Management Plan Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for public review and comment. You can view the Notice of Availability here. The DEIS is accessible online and at local libraries.
Physical copies are available at the following locations:
- Longview Public Library, 1600 Louisiana St, Longview, WA
- Holgate Multnomah County Library, 7905 SE Holgate Blvd, Portland, OR
- St. Helens Public Library, 375 S 18th Street, St Helens, OR
- Cathlamet Public Library, 115 Columbia Street, Cathlamet, WA
The EIS public review process is required under NEPA (40 CFR 1501.7) and SEPA [RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c)]. It is one of the final steps in the environmental planning process. The public review process:
- Facilitates direct interaction between the public and the project team
- Informs the public of the findings of the report and the status of the study
- Provides the means for the public to submit comments on the report
The Corps and the Sponsor Ports hosted five in-person public meetings around the region in September and October to provide the public an opportunity to comment on the DEIS. There was also a virtual meeting held September 24 for those who could not attend in person meetings. View a recording of this meeting here.
Project timeline
This timeline is dependent upon U.S. Army Corps of Engineers activities and is subject to change.
2025-2024
- Draft Environmental Impact Statement released
here.
- Corps and Sponsor Ports host public meetings in September and October 2024.
- Draft EIS comments addressed.
- Final EIS complete.
- New channel maintenance plan takes effect.
2020 - 2018
- Corps develops alternatives.
2023-2021
- Began developing draft EIS
- Corps and sponsor ports host five virtual open houses to share updated project information.
- View presentation materials
- Watch a recording of one open house 2023
2017
- Corps and sponsor ports publish Notice of Intent (NEPA)/Determination of Significance (SEPA) announcing the proposal to jointly prepare an EIS.
- Initial scoping public meetings held around the region.
- View meeting materials
