The Army Corps of Engineers’ Disinformation Campaign
After proposing an irresponsible and unprecedented Regional General permit for southern Mississippi, which would allow vastly increased wetland destruction, here is what the Corps has to say for itself in a recent press release issued by the Mobile District Office….
"Based on the comments we have received, there appears to be a misunderstanding of what is being proposed,” said E. Patrick Robbins, Public Affairs Officer. “The proposal, and at this time that is all it is, only streamlines what is normally required to get a permit. It does not change any of the requirements.”
Later in the press release:
“What [national and regional general permits] do provide for is an analysis which says IF, and note that’s a capital IF, the applicant has met all the requirements and it has been validated that they have, the 30 day public notice and individual Environmental Assessment won’t be required.”
Using the Corps’ own language, lets look at how these two statements contradict one another:
First they say, “It does not change any of the requirements.”
Then they say, “the 30 day public notice and individual Environmental Assessment won’t be required.”
After the important lessons we learned last year about the role wetlands play in flood protection, I have a hard time understanding why the Corps would want to “streamline” wetland destruction.
It’s time for communities to stand up and say no new wetland destruction! If you haven’t already, urge the Mobile District to abandon its flawed Regional General Permit.
Click here to send a letter to the Corps.
Also, check out the latest edition of Wave Maker’s News, the entire issue is dedicated to wetlands and wetland protection!
Stephanie Powell is GRN’s Outreach Associate, working to protect healthy waters and wetlands.
After proposing an irresponsible and unprecedented Regional General permit for southern Mississippi, which would allow vastly increased wetland destruction, here is what the Corps has to say for itself in a recent press release issued by the Mobile District Office….
"Based on the comments we have received, there appears to be a misunderstanding of what is being proposed,” said E. Patrick Robbins, Public Affairs Officer. “The proposal, and at this time that is all it is, only streamlines what is normally required to get a permit. It does not change any of the requirements.”
Later in the press release:
“What [national and regional general permits] do provide for is an analysis which says IF, and note that’s a capital IF, the applicant has met all the requirements and it has been validated that they have, the 30 day public notice and individual Environmental Assessment won’t be required.”
Using the Corps’ own language, lets look at how these two statements contradict one another:
First they say, “It does not change any of the requirements.”
Then they say, “the 30 day public notice and individual Environmental Assessment won’t be required.”
After the important lessons we learned last year about the role wetlands play in flood protection, I have a hard time understanding why the Corps would want to “streamline” wetland destruction.
It’s time for communities to stand up and say no new wetland destruction! If you haven’t already, urge the Mobile District to abandon its flawed Regional General Permit.
Click here to send a letter to the Corps.
Also, check out the latest edition of Wave Maker’s News, the entire issue is dedicated to wetlands and wetland protection!
Stephanie Powell is GRN’s Outreach Associate, working to protect healthy waters and wetlands.
Labels: Army Corps Reform, Natural Storm Defenses, Wetlands
posted by Stephanie at 12:20 PM
1 Comments:
You tell 'em honey!
Post a Comment
<< Home