The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District (District) announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment/FONSI for the Green River Lock and Dam #4 Demolition Project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District (USACE) has conducted an Environmental Assessment (EA) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), and Engineering Regulation (ER) 200-2-2, Policy and Procedures for Implementing the NEPA. The Draft EA dated 5 May 2025 evaluated alternatives and environmental impacts associated with the proposed demolition project. The removal of the remnants of Green River Lock and Dam #4 (GRLD4) addresses the ongoing degradation of the facility, threat to the public, and cost of ownership associated with the maintaining the structure. The EA evaluated alternatives which included the leaving the remaining GRLD4 structure (No Action Alternative) and its removal and also considered potential impacts to natural, cultural, and socioeconomic resources.
Under the No Action Alternative, the GRLD4 structure would be left in place as is, with USACE maintaining responsibility for the structure and real estate. In addition to a No Action Alternative, a single action alternative (the Recommended Plan) was evaluated. The Recommended Plan involves a joint venture conducted by USACE and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service involving the removal of GRLD4 located in the Green River at River Mile 149.1. The remaining elements of the structure include the lock chamber, miter gates, guard wall, and the right bank abutment. The Recommended Plan includes:
•Planning, demolition, and removal of the lock, dam, and associated structures.
•Conveyance of the GRLD4 property from USACE to Butler County.
The District has determined that implementing the Recommended Plan would not constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment within the meaning of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement is not required. The draft 2025 EA and Finding of No Significant Impact document is available for viewing at the following link:
https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll7/id/27817
To submit comments related to the EA document or the Action, please contact: LRL-Public-Comments@usace.army.mil
Comments regarding the draft EA received by 5 June 2025 will assist in the agency’s evaluation of the project and will be reflected in the project record.