MEA’s comments to the US Army Corps of Engineers on WisDOT’s application to fill 18 acres of wetlands for a Highway Weigh and Enforcement Facility south of Superior, Wisconsin argued that the application was not ready for a decision because:

1. The 6-year old wetland delineations were outdated and unusable under Corps policy;
2. The environmental assessment was outdated and inadequate for failure to take into account declining traffic volumes and the availability of newer technology, including mobile equipment, that would enable use of a smaller facility; and
3. That insufficient consideration had been given to use of the footprint of the existing facility, which would eliminate the need for destruction of additional wetlands. 

Like other commenters, MEA requested an extension of the public comment period, to enable adequate input from members of the public on this little-known project.  In response, the Corps has announced that the public comment period has been extended until May 14, 2010.  MEA’s comments, and the comments of the Wisconsin Wetlands Association, which MEA supported, are attached. 

Comments should be submitted by May 14 to:

Jason Berkner
Regulatory Branch
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
15954 Rivers Edge Drive, Suite 240
Hayward, Wisconsin 54843

Phone (715) 934-2170
Fax   (715) 934-2173
Email: Jason.R.Berkner@usace.army.mi

Midwest Environmental Advocates's Comments

Midwest Environmental Advocates's Supplemental Comments

Wisconsin Wetlands Association's Comments