THE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-National Marine Fisheries Service has made available for public review a draft environmental assessment for the Garapan Fishing Base Shoreline Revetment.
An online dictionary defines revetment as “a surfacing material placed on top of soft earth that is subject to flowing water to prevent erosion or to contain hazardous material spills around storage tanks or process vessels. A revetment is typically made of very hard materials for their superior wear resistance.”
NMFS prepared the draft environmental assessment in accordance with the requirements of an NOAA administrative order.
According to its draft environmental assessment, NMFS is proposing to provide federal funds to the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council or Wespac to support the construction of a rock revetment along Garapan Fishing Base.
Once it receives the funds from NMFS, Wespac would, in turn, provide them to the CNMI Department of Lands and Natural Resources for the construction of revetment along the land-lagoon interface stabilizing 380 feet of shoreline along Garapan Fishing Base.
“Stabilizing the shoreline would protect public land and infrastructure and reduce erosion resulting in improved water quality in [the] Saipan Lagoon along [the] shore. Garapan Fishing Base supports sustainable fishing infrastructure including a boat ramp, trailer parking, and supports other community activities including shore fishing, community markets and recreation. DLNR would implement a suite of best management practices intended to protect air and water quality, marine benthic habitats and wildlife, historic resources, and other features of the coastal and marine environment during construction,” the draft environmental assessment stated.
For more information or to submit comments, go to https://www.regulations.gov/document/NOAA-NMFS-2021-0132-0002
