[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 222 (Thursday, November 18, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63013-63014]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-30159]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers
Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental
Impact Report (EIS/R) and Feasibility Report for the Upper Penitencia
Creek, California, Flood Control Study
AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DoD.
ACTION: Notice of intent.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The San Francisco District, U.S. Army corps of Engineers,
together with its non-Federal sponsor, the Santa Clara Valley Water
district, is conducting a feasibility study for flood control along
Upper Penitencia Creek, Santa Clara County, California. Based on the
results of the reconnaissance study the Corps has determined there is a
Federal interest in two alternatives that would modify the floodplain,
construct a bypass culvert, and in the alternative, floodproof some
structures. These alternatives would provide net economic benefits
while minimizing environmental impacts. The Corps of Engineers is the
lead agency for this project under the National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA), and the Santa Clara Valley Water district (SCVWD) is the
lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The
EIS/R will enable the lead agencies to comply with the requirements of
NEPA and CEQA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Written comments and questions
regarding the scoping process or preparation of the EIS/R should be
directed to Mr. Bill DeJager at (415) 977-8670 or Mr. Gary Flickinger
at (415) 977-8548 at the U.S. Army Corps of
[[Page 63014]]
Engineers, San Francisco District, 333 Market Street, 7th Floor,
Planning Branch, San Francisco, CA 94105-2197.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
1. Authority
The feasibility study is being conducted under authority of the
Flood Control Act of 18 August 1941, which authorized a preliminary
examination and survey of the Coyote River (now Coyote Creek) and its
tributaries. A reconnaissance study of flood control alternatives along
Upper Penitencia Creek was completed in 1995. This study determined
there is a Federal interest in a flood control project in the study
area. A detailed (feasibility) study has subsequently been initiated
with the SCVWD to support further Federal participation in the project.
2. Alternatives
Three basic alternatives, each with three subalternatives, were
developed for the reconnaissance study. These alternatives included
various combinations of modified floodplains, bypass channels,
trapezoidal channels, and floodproofing. The feasibility study will
examine a range of alternative methods of flood control.
3. Comments and Scoping Meetings
The Corps of Engineers is requesting public input during the EIS/R
preparation for this project. All interested Federal, State, and local
agencies, Indian tribes, private organizations, and individuals are
invited to participate in the environmental scoping process established
by Federal regulations. A scoping meeting will be held on December 1,
1999, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at the Education Center Lounge, East
Side Union High School, 830 N. Capitol Ave., San Jose, California
95133. The purpose of the meeting is to determine the environmental
issues of concern to the public that should be addressed by the EIS/R.
A public comment period for the proposal will open on November 19,
1999, and will close on December 20, 1999. The public will have an
additional opportunity to comment on proposed alternatives after the
EIS/R is released to the public at a later date. This EIS scoping
meeting will also serve as a scoping meeting for the purposes of CEQA.
4. Issues to be Considered
The EIS/R will examine environmental issues of public concern
arising from the scoping process, and project impacts already known to
the Corps. These impacts will include, but are not limited to:
wildlife, fisheries, threatened and endangered species, vegetation,
water quality, recreation and park development, aesthetics,
transportation, cultural resources, public safety, and noise. The EIS/R
will disclose the project's compliance with all applicable statues,
rules, and regulations. Included will be coordination with the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) under the Fish and Wildlife
Coordination Act, coordination with the FWS and the National Marine
Fisheries Service under the Endangered Species Act, and coordination
with the State of California under the Federal Clean Water Act and
Clean Air Act.
Erik T. Blechinger,
Maj, En, Deputy Commander.
[FR Doc. 99-30159 Filed 11-17-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-19-M
