[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 201 (Monday, October 19, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55849-55850]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-27930]
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers
Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement/
Environmental Impact Report (DEIS/EIR) for the Upper Newport Bay
Environmental Restoration Feasibility Study; City of Newport, Orange
County, CA
AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, DoD.
ACTION: Notice of intent.
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SUMMARY: Newport Bay is located on the southern California coast
approximately 40 miles south of Los Angeles and 75 miles north of San
Diego. The Pacific Coast Highway divides the Bay into two distinct
bodies of water referred to as the ``Upper'' and ``Lower'' sections.
Excessive sedimentation in the 752-acre Upper Newport Bay Ecological
Reserve, and shoaling in navigation channels have resulted in habitat
changes, disruption of boat traffic, and an overall decrease in water
circulation in the Bay. Sediments and nutrients transported from the
Newport Bay/San Diego Creek watershed to the bay will continue to
degrade water quality and habitat quality within the bay. These
conditions have caused a concern among local interest groups and
resource agencies regarding the potential adverse impacts on the biota
in the Bay ecosystem. The Corps is preparing a feasibility study to
determine the Federal interest in restoring and enhancing the marine
biological productivity of the Upper Bay and a long-term management
plan to permit continued maintenance efforts in the Bay. The goal of
the feasibility study is to preserve optimized structure, function,
integrity and viability of the ecosystem.
ADDRESSES: Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles
District, Environmental Planning Section, P.O. Box 532711, Los Angeles,
CA 90053-2325.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Russell L. Kaiser, Environmental Manager, phone (213) 452-3846.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
1. Authorization
This study was authorized by Section 841 of the Water Resources
Development Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99-662.
2. Background
The Corps along with several other Federal, state and local
agencies and interested parties representing different
[[Page 55850]]
environmental groups in the Orange County area have been meeting
regularly over the last several years to discuss and develop a long
term strategy for restoration, enhancement, conservation and
preservation efforts for Newport Bay. This consortium of agencies and
interested parties are formulating the preliminary concepts for
restoration efforts. The Corps has held several public scoping meetings
in association with this project. Discussion items have focused on the
loss of native habitat and wildlife communities, the propagation of
exotic vegetation and domestic predation, the loss of habitat
supporting native sensitive species, the overall decrease in water
quality, the increase in sediment build-up, the effects of development
in the watershed and point/nonpoint discharges entering the bay.
3. Proposed Action
Preparation of a DEIS/EIR.
4. Alternatives
No-Action allows for continued sediment deposition in Upper and
Lower Newport Bay, significantly reducing open-water areas, degrading
existing marsh habitat, reducing tidal circulation, and shoaling
navigation channels. A full array of alternatives will be developed to
achieve both environmental restoration and sediment control. To refine
alternatives and determine which are viable, project criteria will be
developed to assess feasibility. A co-equal analysis will be conducted
for the no action and each viable project alternative in the DEIS/EIR
pursuant with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C.
4321, as amended. Project area maps will be available upon request.
5. Scoping Process
The Corps will evaluate potential impacts associated with the no-
action and alternative plans. A public scoping meeting will be held to
address baseline conditions, solicit public participation on
significant environmental issues, and participation in the formulation
of alternative measures. All interested parties and agencies are
welcome to attend and encouraged to participate in the meeting. The
Corps will briefly present the study to the public, review the
environmental process and issues identified thus far, and outline the
overall schedule for study completion, then request public input.
Individuals and agencies may offer information or data relevant to the
proposed study and/or request to be placed on the mailing list for
future announcements. The DEIS/EIR is expected to be available for
review and comment in July 1999.
Several years ago, the California Department of Fish and Game
(CDFG) prepared a draft Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve (UNBER)
management plan. The CDFG is revising the draft plan and will solicit
public input at this meeting.
6. Location and Time
The public scoping meeting is scheduled for October 21, 1998 at
7:00 p.m., at the Newport Beach City Council Chambers, 3300 Newport
Blvd., Newport Beach, California.
Gregory D. Showalter,
Army Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 98-27930 Filed 10-16-98; 8:45 am]
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