Geeeeeeez,

In order to be compliant with ESA, the Corps has established "work windows" such that any in-water work on watersheds where Puget Sound chinook are present (or any other listed species) can only occur during periods when fish are not present in large numbers. For most streams in Pierce County, the work window is July 15 to August 31 to avoid spawning periods and juvenile rearing and outmigration periods. This supposedly is the only time you can do in-water work below the ordinary high water mark.

I imagine they obtained a waiver of some type, perhaps an emergency action, but what would be the rush concerning general maintenance work? NMFS should drop on somebody here. Seems like a clear violation of the ESA take rules.