USACE seeks input on new dredged material management plan

The USACE St. Paul District is seeking public comments on a new dredged material management plan and Environmental Assessment released on March 22 for the Mississippi River’s Lower Pool 4.

The draft plan describes what the Corps proposes to do with the dredged material, or river sand, once it’s removed from the Mississippi River navigation channel near Wabasha, Minnesota.

If approved, the new plan would ensure Corps officials can economically manage dredged river sand for at least the next 20 years, while remaining protective of the environment.

The updated plan is the culmination of extensive collaboration with the city of Wabasha to develop shared solutions for managing the river sand within the community, said USACE.

“I am grateful to Mayor Emily Durand for her leadership and vision, and the city of Wabasha staff for their teamwork and collaboration leading up to this point. The working relationship between the city and the Corps has unlocked an innovative approach for keeping vital commercial navigation traffic flowing on the Mississippi and empowers the city to help manage river sand in ways that benefit the community,” said Col. Karl Jansen, St. Paul District commander.

A public meeting to discuss the new plan and to receive public comments is scheduled for 7 p.m., April 13, at the Wabasha-Kellogg High School, Wabasha, MN.