The Sand Plan: guidelines that address a fact of life on the Columbia, and that's dredging

Each year, the US Army Corps of Engineers dredges tons and tons (and tons) of sand out of the river to keep the ship channel open and navigable. We all rely on it to receive the goods we need to live our lives. It's also a huge economic driver for the region.
But the dilemma remains: where to put all that sand? The agency, along with river ports, has drafted a docuoment called the Sand Plan, which will spell out where dredge spoils will go for the next 20 years.
The public comment period is open now through early October. Regonal meetings and a virtual meeting are happening starting next week. Make your voice heard. Dredging can affect ecosystems, fish spawning grounds, and even enhance riparian conditions if properly handled.
Get involved in an important process - creating a plan that attempts to balance the needs of all stakeholders in the river, including those (like wild creatures) who cannot speak for themselves.
See a copy of the draft plan here: Draft DMMP-EIS on the USACE Digital Library
Email comments here: [email protected] (Please add “Draft DMMP-EIS” in the subject line of your email.)
In-person meetings:September 16 • 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.Cowlitz County Event Center1900 7th Avenue, Longview, Wash.
September 17 • 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.Norse Hall444 WA-409 Cathlamet, Wash.
September 18 • 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.St. John’s Community Center8427 N Central Street, Portland, Ore.
September 20 • 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.Astoria Senior Center1111 Exchange Street, Astoria, Ore.
USACE and the sponsor ports will host a virtual meeting:September 24 • 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.Meeting login information will be posted on this webpage: www.nwp.usace.army.mil/lcrchannelmaintenance/

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