The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducted a Chief of Engineer’s Environmental Advisory Board (EAB) public meeting in New York City September 21, 2018. The EAB was created as a means for the Chief of Engineers to gain outside, expert and independent advice on environmental issues facing the Corps of Engineers. The EAB is also used as a vehicle of communication to reach out and build partnerships, understandings and cooperation with the environmental community, and public at large. The EAB plays a key role in contributing to enhanced mutual understanding and confidence between the Corps and both the general public and the conservation community.
The federal advisory committee meeting was open to the public and held at the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, 1 Bowling Green, downtown Manhattan.
The EAB meets once or twice a year to advise the Chief of Engineers by providing independent advice and recommendations on matters relating to environmental issues facing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The agenda included how the host USACE district is ‘‘Living the Environmental Operating Principles’’ and discussions on ongoing EAB work efforts, such as regional strategic planning, sustainability training, inland regional sediment management, monitoring and adaptive management; and presentations and discussions about improving the environmental metrics used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
A 15-minute period near the end of the meeting was made available for verbal public comments. The public or interested organizations also submitted written comments and statements to the EAB about its mission and/or the topics addressed in the public meeting.