[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 194 (Friday, October 7, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-24998]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: October 7, 1994]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Corps of Engineers
Notice of Intent To Prepare a Draft Supplement (DEIS) to the
Final Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Impact Statement
on the Central and Southern Florida Project, Environmental Restoration
of the Kissimmee River, Florida, Addressing the Kissimmee River
Headwaters Revitalization in Osceola County, FL
AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, DOD.
ACTION: Notice of intent.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: A study of the modification of the Kissimmee River Project
headquarters is authorized for the ecosystem restoration of the
Kissimmee River, Florida. The studied action is necessary to restore
historical flows to the Kissimmee River Lower Basin while optimizing
fish and wildlife habitat in the Upper Basin.
ADDRESSES: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, P.O.
Box 4970, Jacksonville, Florida 32232-0019.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
William Porter, (904) 232-2259.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The study, named the Headwaters
Revitalization Study, was addressed generally by an integrated
feasibility report and final Environmental Impact Statement filed with
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency January 17, 1992 (57 FR 2093).
The present study is to formulate a plan to optimize environmental
improvements to the Upper Kissimmee Basin while re-establishing
discharges to the Lower Basin that are necessary to restore the
ecological integrity of the Kissimmee River.
Increasing the levels of Lakes Kissimmee, Cypress and Hatchineah is
under study. A preliminary proposal is to increase the controlled upper
water level from 52.5 to 54.0 feet NGVD, with the lower level remaining
at 48.5 feet NGVD. Additionally, the scheduled would be zoned to
provide discharges based on season and water levels. The revised
schedule would seasonally reflood land between elevations 52.5 and 54.0
feet in the Upper Basin.
The revised schedule is expected to increase seasonal water storage
capacity by 100,000 acre-feet, according to studies by the SFWMD, and
to provide for greater, and more natural fluctuations of water levels
in the lakes. Additionally, the studied regulation schedule is expected
to provide capability to simulate the historic seasonal flow from Lake
Kissimmee to the Lower Basin. This capability is a prerequisite for
successful restoration of the Lower Basin ecosystem.
Alternative plans consist of ``no action,'' i.e., leaving the
existing Upper Basin works in place and operating with the present
schedules, and combinations of the following:
Different modifications of the Upper Chain of Lakes regulation
schedules, C-34, C-35, C-36, and C-37 enlargement, and
Acquistion of real estate interests to acquire rights to reflood
land below evaluation 54.0 feet.
The study will address the effects of higher water levels on
private property, agricultural and commercial interests, public works,
cultural resources including historical structures, recreation,
aesthetics, water quality, and fish and wildlife in the Upper Basin and
effects on the Kissimmee River Restoration Plan. Tributary lakes
Rosalie, Tiger and Jackson may be affected by the studied change, and
effects on these lakes will also be considered.
Scoping of this study was started with a letter dated July 16,
1992, to all known interested parties, based on responses to the
integrated feasibility report and final EIS cited above. The letter
described the studied action and reasonable alternatives conceived at
that time. The public and affected state and federal agencies will be
further involved in scoping through workshops to obtain information and
concerns from agencies and the public and to share planning concepts
and procedures. The workshops have not been scheduled, but will be
announced through mailings and public media notices. Additionally, a
series of public hearings will be scheduled after circulation of the
draft report and EIS and before completion of the final reports and
EIS.
The study is being conducted with the participation of the South
Florida Water Management District (local sponsor), and the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission,
Florida Department of Natural Resources, and Florida Department of
Environmental Regulation. The U.S. Department of Agricultural Soil
Conservation Service has met with planners and expressed concerns over
the potential seasonal loss of wetland pasturage and the effect on
water quality and fish and wildlife habitat. Further participation is
invited from federal, state and local agencies, affected Indian tribes,
and other private organizations and parties.
The Project Modification Report and DEIS are scheduled for
availability to the public in March 1995.
Kenneth L. Demon,
Army Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 94-24998 Filed 10-6-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-AJ-M
