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Scoping Letter: Multi-Agency Research Project on Deterrent System for Asian Carp at Barkley Lock and Dam

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking public and agency comments concerning environmental or socioeconomic issues that should be addressed in the course of the NEPA process for the proposed multi-agency research project on an acoustic deterrent system for Asian carp at Barkley Lock and Dam, Livingston and Lyon Counties, Kentucky

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking public and agency comments concerning environmental or socioeconomic issues that should be addressed in the course of the NEPA process for the proposed multi-agency research project on an acoustic deterrent system for Asian carp at Barkley Lock and Dam, Livingston and Lyon Counties, Kentucky. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, University of Minnesota, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District would combine funding, technology, and staff to conduct a three-year test to determine the effectiveness of a fish deterrent system at restricting or reducing movement of Asian carp through the Barkley lock chamber.

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY NASHVILLE DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS 110 9TH AVENUE SOUTH, ROOM A-405 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37203 IN REPLY REFER TO

April 9, 2018

Project Planning Branch

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District (USACE), is initiating scoping under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for a proposed multiagency research project on an acoustic deterrent system for Asian carp at Barkley Lock and Dam, Livingston and Lyon Counties, Kentucky. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, University of Minnesota, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, and USACE would combine funding, technology, and staff to conduct a three-year test to determine the effectiveness of a fish deterrent system at restricting or reducing movement of Asian carp through the Barkley lock chamber. The proposed project would test a bio-acoustic fish fence (BAFF) installed in the downstream Barkley Lock approach channel. Information gathered from this research would inform possible installations of BAFF systems at other sites in the Mississippi and Ohio River basins. The proposed project supports a recommendation of the National "Management and Control Plan for Bighead, Black, Grass, and Silver Carps in the United States (2007)". Asian carp have become a major concern in the Mississippi River basin. Movement through lock systems are the primary means of upstream reservoir access for invasive fish such as Asian carp. The BAFF uses customized sound signals, directional strobe lighting, and an air bubble curtain to produce an underwater linear deterrent for movement of fish. While the BAFF is in place, researchers would use existing telemetry receivers and other electronic devices to assess the extent of Asian carp movement through Barkley Lock. The existing telemetry system and the large number of Asian carp in the Barkley tailwater make this an ideal location for this research. The BAFF system would be installed on the river bottom in the downstream lower lock approach. In addition, consideration for a sound-only (speakers) portion of the BAFF system would be made during the first year of monitoring and, if needed, installed near the lock chamber discharge ports on the spillway side of the riverward lockwall (Figure 1). Figures 2 and 3 show an illustration of the system's use and typical underwater BAFF equipment. Other supporting parts of the BAFF system such as air compressors and system controls would be installed on or near the downstream lock walls. The BAFF system requires a level river bed for installation, so dredging is required to prepare the river bed and to remove upstream bed load. Dredging is also required to install the BAFF below an elevation (at or below elevation 286 feet) to avoid inhibiting lock entry at low river levels. This dredging and equipment installation would require a Water Quality Certification from the Kentucky Division of Water.

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Commercial barge and other boat traffic may experience intermittent lockage delays during installation of the BAFF equipment. Periodic maintenance activities for the BAFF equipment would be conducted to best minimize effects on commercial lock passages, including repair boats and/or divers to clean and check the BAFF system. Deployment of the BAFF system may affect anglers who fish below Barkley Lock. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has proposed to implement a fishing restriction in the area of the BAFF due to the potential for considerable damage to the system. This zone would begin 200 feet below the BAFF as illustrated on Figure 1. The BAFF system is planned to be removed after the three-year test period, at which time the area would reopen for fishing. This letter serves to solicit scoping comments from the public; Federal, state, local agencies, and officials; Indian Tribes; and other interested parties to consider and evaluate the potential impacts of the proposed activity in accordance with the NEPA process. We encourage comments not only about resources in the immediate project area, but also of plans or proposals for any other development that may impact or influence project resources. Comments are used to assess impacts on fish, wildlife, endangered species, water quality, historic properties, water supply, conservation , economics, aesthetics, wetlands, flood hazards, floodplain values, land use, navigation, shore erosion, sedimentation, recreation, energy needs, safety, climate change, considerations of property ownership, general environmental effects, cumulative effects, and in general , the needs and welfare of the people. This letter also serves to initiate the public involvement requirements of Section 1°06 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. Comments should be submitted within 30 days of the date of this letter to the address on the letterhead or electronically to Cody.A.Flatt@usace.army .mil. For additional information regarding the proposed project, please contact Cody Flatt at (615) 736-7954. Sincerely ,

Angela A. Dunn Chief, Project Planning Branch

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Figure 1: Aerial Photo of Barkley Lock. Red lines indicate proposed BAFF system location in lower lock approach channel and possible speakers (only) at lock discharge ports. Yellow hashing represents proposed fishing restriction zone.

Figure 2: Illustration of a Typical Bio-Acoustic Fish Fence (BAFF)

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Figure 3: Example of BAFF (sound, air, and light) system that would be installed on river bottom. Note additional Debris Encasement Guards may be used to protect equipment from damage.

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