Public Notice: Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 Certification for Department of the Army Permit Application Number SAM-2022-00534-KMN, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, Mississippi Reef Complex, Gulf of America.

Summary

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4 has received a request for a CWA Section 401 water quality certification for a proposed 10-year Department of the Army CWA Section 10 permit, SAM-2022-00534-KMN, that would authorize construction of an approximately 16,575-acre artificial reef complex adjacent to Fish Haven 13 and approximately 15 miles south of the Pascagoula River in Federal and/or International Waters in the Gulf of America. 

The proposed western reef complex would be composed of approximately 11,500 acres, with depths ranging from 62 feet to 83 feet, and would contain approximately 70 artificial reefs sites. The proposed southern reef complex would be composed of approximately 5,075 acres, with depths ranging from 80 feet to 92 feet, and would contain approximately 20 artificial reefs sites.

Artificial reefs constructed within the proposed reef complex would be constructed from limestone aggregate, fabricated reef modules, repurposed concrete, vessels/barges, or structured steel. In addition, miscellaneous materials such as dry-docks, and military equipment may be deployed upon availability. All materials will be consistent with materials listed in “Guidelines for Marine Artificial Reef Materials 2nd edition”, and the “National Artificial Reef Plan (as Amended): Guidelines for Siting, Construction, Development, and Assessment of Artificial Reefs”. 

Artificial reefs placed within the proposed reef complex would be constructed with a minimum of 500-feet between each reef. Buffers of approximately 500-feet would be maintained between the artificial reefs and any shipping channels, safety fairways and active or inactive pipelines.

Applicants or Respondents