The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District (USACE), in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), is evaluating the impacts of proposed construction actions at Lake Barkley Dam, Lyon County Kentucky (Figure 1). The construction items considered in this evaluation include: (1) site grading approximately 10 acres of land adjacent to the toe of Barkley Dam; (2) installation of six culverts; (3) construction of two drainage ditches; (4) deforestation of approximately 12.7 acres of mature pine stand (Figure 2).
The purpose of proposed work is to improve the short and long-term drainage health at the toe of Lake Barkley Dam. Improving drainage at the site is a general preventative measure to promote stability of the dam structure. The NEPA evaluation would describe the proposed action and evaluate project effects to the human environment. This letter serves to solicit scoping comments from the public; federal, state, and local agencies and officials; Indian Tribes; and other interested parties.
This letter also serves to initiate the public involvement requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. Section 106, implemented by regulations at 36 C.F.R. 800, requires USACE to consider the effects of its undertakings on historic properties. If required, appropriate architectural and archaeological investigations would be conducted within these areas affected by the proposed activities and resulting finding would be coordinated with the Kentucky State Historic Preservation Officer, Federally Recognized Tribes, and other consulting parties.
We request comments be sent by email to shane.m.brady@usace.army.mil no later than 30 days from the date of this letter to ensure consideration in the NEPA evaluation for this project.
For additional information regarding the proposed project, please contact Shane Brady at (615) 736-2472.
(Figure 1: Lake Barkley Dam)
(Figure 2: Proposed Construction Projects at Lake Barkley Dam Embankment)
