97-19334. Intent to Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Dare County Beaches, Dare County, North Carolina

[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 141 (Wednesday, July 23, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 39504]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-19334]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army
Corps of Engineers


Intent to Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) 
for Dare County Beaches, Dare County, North Carolina

AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DoD.

ACTION: Notice of Intent.

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SUMMARY: The Dare County beaches study area is located on the northern 
coast of North Carolina about 40 miles south of the North Carolina-
Virginia state line. This area is at risk from hurricanes and winter 
storms which regularly damage or destroy structures near the shoreline. 
The proposed shoreline protection project involves the placement of 
berm and, where necessary, establishment of a dune line. Ongoing 
feasibility studies have identified potential project areas that cover 
a total shoreline distance of about 10 miles located north of Oregon 
Inlet.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions about the DEIS can be 
answered by: Mr. Charles Wilson, Environmental Resources Section, at 
the U.S. Army Engineer District, Wilmington, P.O. Box 1890, Wilmington, 
North Carolina 28402-1890; telephone: [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed hurricane and storm damage 
reduction project would consist of a berm or combination of berm and 
dune, to be constructed along various reaches of the oceanfront within 
the study area. The selection of final project features and reaches for 
inclusion in the recommended plan will be based on a maximization of 
net project benefits. The sand volume required for project construction 
is expected to range from about 2.5 to 10.5 million cubic yards. 
Depending on the dredge plant utilized and dredging windows, 
construction time is estimated to be about 2 years or less. Potential 
offshore sources of borrow material for the project have been 
identified. Maintenance of project reaches are expected to require 
periodic renourishment every 3 to 5 years; however, renourishment of 
portions of the project area could be required more frequently. The 
periodic renourishment volume is expected to be 1 to 4 million cubic 
years.
    Alternatives to be evaluated include variations of project 
dimensions/features and no action. Alternative methods of beach 
nourishment and dredging of offshore borrow areas will also be 
evaluated including the use of an ocean-certified hydraulic pipeline or 
hopper dredge.
    All private interests and Federal, State, and local agencies having 
an interest in the project are hereby notified and are invited to 
comment. A scoping letter requesting input to the study will be sent to 
all known interested parties concurrent with publication of this NOI. 
Comments received will be used to assist in identifying potential 
impacts to the quality of the environment and preparation of the DEIS. 
No formal scoping meetings are planned at this time, but based on the 
responses received, scoping meetings may be held with specific agencies 
or individuals as required.
    A significant issue to be addressed in the DEIS is a determination 
of the most appropriate time of year for dredging and beach 
nourishment. The DEIS is being prepared in accordance with the 
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as 
amended, and will address the project's relationship to all applicable 
Federal and State laws and Executive Orders.
    The Draft EIS is currently scheduled for distribution to the public 
in August 1997.
Gregory D. Showalter,
Army Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 97-19334 Filed 7-22-97; 8:45 am]
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