EP 1165-2-502
30 Sep 99
d. It may not always be appropriate to pursue every restoration opportunity at existing
projects as part of major rehabilitation. Environmental restoration needs and opportunities that are
independent of rehabilitation efforts can be pursued either under Section 1135 of WRDA 86, as
amended, or Section 216 of the River and Harbors and Flood Control Act of 1970. The authority
used will depend upon the nature of the problem or opportunity, costs of potential restoration
measures, and impacts on existing authorized project purposes.
e. There may be instances where concurrent construction of a rehabilitation measure and an
independent restoration measure may provide economic efficiencies. It may be a challenge to
coordinate decision documents and pertinent contracts, but such efforts are encouraged, where
possible, in order to realize these efficiencies.
f. In the examination of restoration needs and opportunities, priority should be given to
problems with longstanding recognition. Examination of other restoration opportunities that are
not yet fully developed should not delay impending rehabilitation. Such restoration opportunities
can be examined, and if found significant and justified, may be pursued under the authorities noted
in subparagraph 13.d above.
14. Remediation and Ecosystem Restoration. Remediation typically differs from ecosystem
restoration in terms of goals and decision frameworks. Remediation, or site cleanup of hazardous,
toxic and radioactive waste (HTRW), is typically for the purpose of meeting some target criteria
for contaminants or regulatory condition related to human health and safety, rather than for
ecosystem quality. Once this condition is reached, the site may be used for a variety of purposes
depending on the goals of the land owner. In many instances these goals are related to site
redevelopment in order to produce regional or local economic benefits. There may be instances
where either site assessment and clean up are integral to an ecosystem restoration project, or
where the objective of the site remediation is to achieve benefits in the nature of restored
ecological resources. Where the principal restoration objective is to restore ecological benefits,
and future site plans are consistent with maintaining these benefits, it may be appropriate to apply
Civil Works ecosystem restoration authorities. When other remediation authorities are used for
site clean up, but the ultimate benefits related to management of the site are ecological, the
ecosystem philosophy outlined in this pamphlet will apply. Guidance on HTRW associated with
Civil Works projects and facilities is provided in ER 1165-2-132.
a. Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Plan (FUSRAP). The FUSRAP program was
created to address radioactive contamination in excess of guidelines at a number of sites
throughout the United States. This program was transferred to the Corps Civil Works Program in
the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1998. Many of the sites in
the program were used for processing and storing uranium and thorium ores during the early
period of the Nation's nuclear program. These sites were decontaminated and released for use
under regulations in effect at the time. Since then, more stringent standards have been developed
and additional cleanup efforts are being performed to bring these sites into compliance with
today's more stringent standards. Activities under the FUSRAP program include assessment of
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