Purpose
To notch a series of wing dams throughout Pool 2 in order to improve main channel border habitat for fishes. Wing dam notching will enable downstream scouring, which creates overwintering habitat.
Location
The project area is in the middle and lower half of Pool 2, Upper Mississippi River, downstream of St. Paul, Minnesota; spanning Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties, Minnesota.
Description
In 2009, through the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP) authority, a Project Implementation Report (PIR) for the Pool 2 Wing Dam Modification Project was completed. The PIR established ecosystem restoration goals and specific performance measure indicators; specified the without-project condition or baseline for each performance measure indicator; and, for each separable element of the ecosystem restoration, identified specific target goals for each performance indicator.
The recommended plan as identified in the PIR includes notching 30 wing dams to improve channel border habitat for fish; 23 wing dams were proposed to have a single notch, and seven wing dams were proposed to have a double notch. The project delivery team (PDT) is currently assessing the existing condition of the 30 wing dams as well as potential impacts to navigation that could be triggered by wing dam notching. The number and location of wing dam notches will be modified to meet project benefits in accordance with existing conditions.
Status
An economic update for NESP was completed in fiscal year 2019. Pre-Construction Engineering and Design (PED) activities are now advancing with $4,500,000 in fiscal year 2020 Investigation funds. Approximately $150,000 will be required to complete required PED for the Pool 2 Wing Dam Modification Project. The PDT is striving to complete plans and specifications by the second quarter of fiscal year 2021. The team is transitioning into design and has identified 23 wing dams that will be notched for habitat benefit.
Construction will likely be completed in-house utilizing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ maintenance and repair crew at an estimated cost of $140,000. The project is anticipated to be construction ready to complete work in fiscal year 2021 if funding is available.
Authority
NESP was authorized in the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (Title VIII) to construct small-scale navigation improvements
(mooring cells and switchboats), seven new 1200-foot lock chambers and ecosystem/habitat restoration.
Funding
Project Costs to Date $75,000
Estimated Total Project Cost $300,000