The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Buffalo District has assessed the environmental impacts of the subject project in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and has determined a draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The attached draft Environmental Assessment (EA) dated April 2024, addresses the USACE repair of the Conneaut West Breakwater located at the City of Conneaut, Ashtabula County, Ohio on the southern shore of Lake Erie, about 70 miles northeast1 of Cleveland, Ohio. The Conneaut West Breakwater shelters Conneaut Harbor and its associated features from severe lake storms and waves. The breakwater provides necessary shelter from lake waves, allowing commercial vessels to navigate and serve industry at the harbor. In addition, the structure enables small vessels and recreational boats to navigate to and from marinas within the harbor project. The shoreline along Conneaut Harbor is also protected from erosion by the outer breakwater.
Recent inspections indicate the breakwater has deteriorated from wave action since the last repairs were made to the structure. Thus, the breakwater is at risk of no longer providing adequate protection to the interior of Conneaut Harbor from severe lake storms and waves. Repair of this structure is necessary to restore the breakwater to its nearly original condition so it can provide adequate protection to the Conneaut Harbor navigation channel and shoreline.