EP 1165-2-502
30 Sep 99
instances, lead in the development of alternative restoration plans, and in other instances play only
a supporting role. The Corps can provide assistance in planning, project management, engineering,
construction, environmental science and analysis, and in economic analysis of plans generated by
others.
b. Growing financial pressures on Federal programs have increased the importance of the role
of partnerships and cooperative efforts. Cooperative partnerships provide a means to more
efficiently utilize limited dollars and resources among the participants. Major Subordinate
Commands (MSC) should encourage and develop partnerships with Federal, state, and tribal
agencies and non-government organizations in the accomplishment of restoration studies and
financing. Cooperative efforts could include, for example, information and data base sharing,
cooperative planning efforts, as well as collaboration in implementation, operation and
maintenance, and monitoring activities.
c. In the identification of ecosystem restoration opportunities, Corps field offices shall seek the
advice and cooperation of Federal, state, and tribal resource agencies, as well as input from
interested non-governmental environmental organizations. The assistance of these agencies and
other interests should be used in identifying the "boundaries" and parameters of the ecosystem, or
portions thereof; prioritizing ecosystem restoration should take into account national and regional
priorities; identifying the existing and without project future conditions of selected ecosystem(s),
or parts thereof; and in defining the restoration goals and objectives desired.
11. Water Quality. Water quality is an important component of ecosystem structure, and good
water quality is generally integral to healthy functioning ecosystems. An important Corps
contribution in rehabilitating ecosystems, where water characteristics are a critical structural
component of those ecosystems, may involve improvement of water quality characteristics using
engineering solutions. Corps restoration and protection projects may involve cost effective
solutions to improve aeration, temperature, turbidity, acidity, sedimentation and other water
quality parameters. Consideration should be given to whether the water quality improvements will
accomplish restoration of the system, because in many instances, other functional or structural
ecosystem components may require attention as well. The Corps will not propose, for Civil Works
implementation, any restoration projects or activities that would principally result in treating or
otherwise abating pollution problems caused by other parties where they have, or are likely to
have, a legal responsibility for remediation or other compliance responsibility. For ecosystem
restoration and protection opportunities which include water quality issues clearly defined in the
missions of other agencies (e.g., non-point source pollutant regulation or removal), it is
appropriate to utilize existing agreements or create new arrangements for collaborative use of
respective agency authorities and resources in order to implement a more complete and sustainable
approach to the restoration. There may also be instances in which it is appropriate for the Corps
to play a supporting role or provide assistance through reimbursable arrangements, rather than lead
the initiative.
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