[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 52 (Wednesday, March 18, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 13239]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-7045]
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Army
Corps of Engineers
Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)
for the Wolf River, Memphis, TN, Feasibility Study
AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DoD.
ACTION: Notice of Intent.
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SUMMARY: The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of
providing aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem restoration, wetlands
protection, and increased recreational opportunities within the Wolf
River Basin of west Tennessee and north Mississippi. A resolution by
the Committee on Public Works and Transportation of the U.S. House of
Representatives on 24 September 1992 provides study authorization.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Jim Bodron, telephone (901) 544-3639, CEMVM-DD-P, 167 North Main
Street, B-202, Memphis, TN 38103-1894. Questions regarding the DEIS may
be directed to Mr. Richard Hite, telephone (901) 544-0706, CEMVM-PD-R.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
1. Proposed Action
A Corps reconnaissance study, completed October 1995, revealed that
channelization and realignment of the lower 22 miles of the river have
significantly reduced seasonal flooding, eliminated large amounts of
riparian forest and fisheries habitat, induced progressive channel bank
and bed erosion, and initiated long-term drying of adjacent wetlands.
Also, agricultural practices have contributed to sediment movement
and deposition. Sediment deposition in tributary streams and wetlands
has adversely impacted fish and wildlife habitat and killed valuable
timber. The Wolf River study will attempt to identify an economically
and environmentally feasible plan that would retard damage to and help
restore components of this important ecosystem. The study area
currently comprises the entire Wolf River Basin. The river is 86 miles
in length; and the drainage basin includes portions of Shelby, Fayette,
and Hardeman counties in west Tennessee and parts of Marshall, Benton,
and Tippah counties in north Mississippi.
2. Alternatives
Alternatives being considered include combinations of features such
as main channel weirs to reduce erosion and provide fish habitat,
reforestation, and wetland restoration. Alternative plans will be
compared to the No Action alternative.
3. Scoping Process
An intensive public involvement program will be initiated and
maintained throughout this study to (1) solicit input from individuals
and interested parties so that problems, needs, and opportunities
within the project area can be properly identified and addressed and
(2) provide status updates to concerned organizations and the general
public. Scoping is a critical component of the overall public
involvement program. The scoping process is designed to provide early
detection of public concerns regarding needed studies, plan
alternatives, procedures and other important study-related matters.
Affected federal, state and local agencies; affected Indian tribes; and
other interested private organizations and parties are invited to
participate in the scoping process. This study will analyze project
impacts (positive and negative) to significant area resources such as
wildlife, fish, endangered species, wetlands, water quality and
recreation.
4. Public Scoping Meeting
A public scoping meeting will likely be held in Memphis, Tennessee,
during the Spring of 1998.
5. Availability of DEIS
It is anticipated that the DEIS will be available for public review
during the Spring of 1999. A public meeting will be held during the
review period to receive comments and address questions concerning the
DEIS.
Mary V. Yonts,
Alternate Army Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 98-7045 Filed 3-17-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-KS-M
