Buffalo River Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV)

The Buffalo District is currently preparing a solicitation to award a contract to enhance aquatic habitat within the Buffalo River and by extension habitat in Lake Erie. The Buffalo River drains a 447 square mile watershed, emptying into the eastern end of Lake Erie at the City of Buffalo. The banks of the lower Buffalo River are beset with urban/industrial use facilities that modified and hardened river banks. Submerged vegetation is sparse throughout this part of the river. The urban/industrial use of the river has greatly declined over the years as the amount of heavy industry in the region has declined. Many adjacent urban/industrial use facilities were abandoned and are now being revitalized for new proposes. In many of these areas modified and hardened shorelines are no longer needed and are candidates for improvement and/or restoration under the USEPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Program. Improvements to habitat in the lower Buffalo River are directly linked to restoration initiatives for Lake Erie. Three proposed aquatic habitat restoration sites have been identified for this project. These sites are located within the city of Buffalo, in the Buffalo River. The sites have been named for their association with upland development. The Ellicott site is located at river mile (RM) 1.2, the Savarino site is located at RM 1.5, and the Irish Propane site is located at RM 2.1 (figure provided as attachment). All of the sites are located on the right bank of the river and consist of the shallow water areas between the shorelines and the edge of the navigation channel. Specific work to be performed for each reach is currently being finalized. Measures for the restoration of aquatic habitat will include the installation of in?water structure features such as locked logs and rootwads, and the planting of submerged and emergent vegetation. Aquatic vegetation has been observed growing in one of the proposed project locations (Savarino). Work at this site will enhance the established vegetation. Design for this project is modeled after the actions proposed by Buffalo Niagara River Keeper for the River Fest Park/BMGC and Blue Tower Turning Basin In?water and Shoreline Habitat Restoration Project. This project is one of a number of projects seeking to reestablish habitat in the Lower Buffalo River. All projects in the vicinity will require monitoring after completion. Responsibility for monitoring is expected to fall under the jurisdiction of USEPA. Specific to this project, the contract requirements will include a one year warranty on plantings. This project is funded through the USEPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Program, and is being accomplished for USEPA under the authority of the Economy Act (31 U.S.C. 1535) by the USACE. Note: a response is not required at this time.