PORT ANGELES — The National Park Service has submitted an 800-page permit application as part of the Elwha River dams project — the biggest dam removal in history which is expected to begin in about three years.
Clallam County also has concluded that the project’s federal environmental impact statement released in January 2005 is sufficient to meet State Environmental Policy Act requirements.
Clallam County Planning Manager Steve Gray said the “joint aquatic resource permit application” will allow the county to move forward on permitting the massive project just west of Port Angeles.
The application also will ensure the Bureau of Reclamation and National Park Service get all the permits they need, Gray said.
But the county hasn’t processed any permits for the dams removal project yet, he said.
The application consolidates and standardizes water-related permits required for large projects.
It can be used to apply for hydraulic project approvals, shoreline management permits, water quality certifications, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permits and U.S. Coast Guard permits.
Gray said the application includes the two water treatment plants being built for the city of Port Angeles plus levies being built to protect areas after the dams are removed.
