In-Water Staging Areas and Use of Barges
Where appropriate and practical, barges will be used to stage equipment and construct the project, to reduce noise, traffic disturbances, and effects on terrestrial vegetation. When barge use is not practical, construction equipment and plant materials will be staged in staging areas approved through the ESA Section 7(a)(2) Review Form process. Existing staging sites, maintenance toe roads, and crown roads will be used for project staging and access to avoid affecting previously undisturbed areas. For projects that involve in-water work for which boats and/or temporary floating work platforms are necessary, buoys will be installed so that moored vessels will not beach on the shoreline and anchor lines will not drag. Moored vessels and buoys will not be within 25 feet of vegetated shallow waters.