In a press release submitted to The Lincoln County News, Newcastle Public House, LLC is seeking a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for work in U.S. waters in conjunction with continued work on a floating marina in Newcastle.
The applicant (previously called Newcastle Shores, Inc.) had previously been issued a Dept. of Army permit, valid for five years, that has recently expired prior to the applicant completing construction of the entire permitted project, specifically the construction of the floating marina. Project continuation requires reissue of this permit.
The current marine proposal entails reconfiguring those portions of the marina that already exist along with the installation of floats to create slips to accommodate approximately 46 vessels.
This reconfiguration results in slip space for an additional seven vessels. The overall limits or extension into the waterway is similar to that which was initially permitted in 2003. The work is proposed on the west side of the Damariscotta River in Newcastle.
The proposed project will impact approximately 1.5 acres of Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for various species and life stages. Impact to these species is expected to be minimal because the project consists primarily of float installation and the attendant piles will not displace significant amounts of the marine bottom.
Therefore, the Corps has made a preliminary determination that the site-specific adverse effect will not be substantial. Further consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service regarding EFH conservation recommendations is being conducted and will be concluded prior to the final permit decision.
The public notice can be viewed online at the Corps website, www.nae.usace.army.mil. Click on the state of Maine, then click on public notices.
Public comments referencing this permit request (File #NAE-2008-3365) should be forwarded no later than Feb. 20 to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, Maine Project Office (Attn: Peter Tischbein), 675 Western Ave., #3, Manchester, 04351.
Additional information is available from Tischbein by phone at: 623-8367, or by email at: peter.tischbein@usace.army.mil.
