[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 67 (Friday, April 5, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 15253]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-8483]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[ER-FRL-5415-1]
Bayou Lafourche Sipho Fresh Water Diversion Restoration Project,
Louisiana
AGENCY: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Notice of Intent to conduct public scoping meetings associated with
the planning and evaluation of the Bayou Lafourche Siphon Fresh Water
Diversion Restoration Project in Louisiana. The Bayou Lafourche Siphon
Project is authorized under the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection
and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) PL 101 (646).
PURPOSE: To meet the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and
CWPPRA requirements for consideration of environmental impacts,
benefits and costs associated with diversion of freshwater and
sediments from the Mississippi River to the Bayou Lafourche at
Donaldsonville, Louisiana, and into coastal wetland areas.
SUMMARY: The CWPPRA requires selection of projects on an annual basis
for implementation to benefit, protect and restore coastal wetlands. On
February 28, 1996, the CWPPRA Task Force administering the
responsibilities of CWPPRA, designated the Bayou Lafourche Siphon
Project to the fifth priority project list submitted to Congress, with
the added requirement to conduct engineering, design and evaluation as
a first phase. The project is estimated to significantly benefit
wetlands by providing freshwater, sediments and nutrients to degraded
areas. This project is to be implemented as a partnership between the
EPA, the State of Louisiana, Department of Natural Resources and the
Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District.
ALTERNATIVES: EPA may upon completion of the first phase proceed with
implementation of the second and third phases for construction and
monitoring or may determine not to proceed with the project.
SCOPING MEETINGS: EPA will hold a series of public meetings to receive
input from the public on environmental, socio-economic, and engineering
issues and concerns. EPA is seeking information and identification of
impacts both adverse and beneficial on the project. The meetings will
be held on the following days and locations:
Tuesday, April 30, 1996, Larose-Cut Off Junior High School Auditorium,
13356 West Main Street, Larose, LA 70373.
Wednesday, May 1, 1996, Assumption High School Auditorium, 4880 Highway
308, Napoleonville, LA 70390.
Thursday, May 2, 1996, City Hall, 609 Railroad Avenue, Donaldsonville,
LA 70346.
Thursday, May 9, 1996, Thibodaux High School Auditorium, 1355 Tiger
Drive, Thibodaux, LA 70301.
All meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. on the night designated.
Additional information on the project and schedule will be provided at
the meetings. For scoping comments or additional information contact:
Mr. Norm Thomas, Technical Committee CWPPRA, EPA Water Quality Field
Office, Suite 173, 777 Florida St., Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70801,
Telephone: (504) 389-0736, FAX: (504) 389-0704. For planning purposes
and defining the scope of the project and evaluation, please provide
your comments by May 31, 1996.
Dated: April 2, 1996.
Richard E. Sanderson,
Director, Office of Federal Activities.
[FR Doc. 96-8483 Filed 4-4-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
