ST. LOUIS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, on behalf of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released the draft Environmental Assessment for the Little Grassy Lake Dam Safety Modification Study for a 30-day public review and comment period starting July 28.
The draft Environmental Assessment evaluates alternatives to reduce dam safety risks at Little Grassy Lake Dam while considering potential effects on the environment, cultural resources, recreation and the surrounding community. The study will help identify a Risk Management Plan that effectively reduces unacceptable dam safety risks while balancing environmental and public interests.
Little Grassy Lake Dam, located within Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in Williamson County, Ill., is an earthen embankment dam completed in 1942 and originally designed by the Soil Conservation Service. The dam is classified as a high-hazard structure, and recent engineering evaluations identified dam safety concerns that could increase the risk of failure if left unaddressed.
Public input has played an important role throughout the study. During a public scoping meeting held in June 2025, USACE and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service presented the proposed Little Grassy Lake drawdown, study timeline and the future of the fishery. Participants shared comments on potential effects to recreation, campgrounds, property values and the long-term health and restoration of the aquatic ecosystem. Those comments helped inform development of the draft Environmental Assessment.
The EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, Department of the Interior NEPA regulations (43 CFR 46; 516 DM 8), USFWS policies (550 FW 3), and other relevant federal regulations.
Public Meeting
USACE and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will host a public meeting to present the study, discuss the environmental effects of the alternatives, explain the tentatively selected plan and answer questions.
When: Tuesday, August 18
Where: Marion Cultural and Civic Center, 800 Tower Square Plaza, Marion, Ill. 62959
Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
The public, interested organizations and stakeholders are encouraged to attend the meeting, review the draft Environmental Assessment and submit comments. All comments received during the public review period will be considered before the document is finalized.
Review the draft Environmental Assessment
The draft Environmental Assessment is available for review from July 28 through Aug. 27.
In Person:
Where: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge’s Visitor Center
Address: 6987 Headquarters Road, Marion, Ill. 62959
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Online:
Crab Orchard Refuge Website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/crab-orchard
USACE Website: https://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Portals/54/docs/pm/Reports/EA/Little grassy lake dsms draft ea.pdf
Submit Comments
To be considered prior to a final decision, comments must be received by close of business on August 27, 2026.
Comments may be submitted using one of the following methods:
Online Form: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/kkhPD7nE9J?origin=lprLink
Email: Send to CEMVS_Planning@usace.army.mil with the subject line Little Grassy Lake Draft EA Comment.
Mail: Send physical letters to the following address:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - St. Louis District
Environmental Compliance Section (PD-C, Ramirez)
1222 Spruce Street
St. Louis, MO 63103-2833