[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 175 (Monday, September 11, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Page 47157]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-22436]
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)
for the Lower Atchafalaya Basin Reevaluation Study, Louisiana
AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DoD.
ACTION: Notice of intent.
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SUMMARY: This study proposes to develop recommendable solutions for
flood control, navigation, and environmental problems in the
Atchafalaya Basin Floodway System and adjacent backwater areas.
Alternatives being considered consist of various structural and non-
structural measures, and will be compared to the no-action alternative.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Questions regarding the proposed study should
be addressed to Mr. Troy Constance, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
Planning Division (CELMN-PD-FB), P.O. Box 60267, New Orleans, Louisiana
70160-0267, telephone (504) 862-2742.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1. Authority. The Atchafalaya Basin project
was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1928 and subsequently
modified by the Acts of 1934, 1936, 1938, 1941, 1946, 1950, and 1954.
The United States Senate Report to the 1994 Energy and Water
Development Act (PL 103-126), dated 28 October 1993, directed the Corps
to use available funds to investigate conditions at Wax Lake Outlet,
Bayou Black, and other features and recommend any modifications
desirable for flood protection, navigation, and environmental
management.
2. Proposed Action. Under the proposed action, the existing project
will be investigated to identify possible improvements to the
navigation, flood control, environmental, and operation and maintenance
features of the Atchafalaya Basin Floodway System, Louisiana, project.
3. Alternatives. The alternatives being considered include
regulating water distribution in the lower floodway between the Lower
Atchafalaya River and the Wax Lake Outlet; construction of a barrier
around Morgan City, Louisiana, to prevent flooding from river
backflooding events, moving the navigation channel from the Lower
Atchafalaya River; and channel development in the upper backwater areas
to facilitate drainage from rainfall events.
4. Scoping Process. a. Public input for scoping will be achieved
through the distribution of a widely circulated Scoping Input Request
to all segments of the public having an interest in the study/project.
In addition, scoping meetings will be held in the vicinity of
Plaquemine, Morgan City, and New Iberia, Louisiana, to request
submission of views on alternatives, significant resources in the study
area, and any other study-related issue considered important. Comments
received as a result of this process will be compiled and analyzed, and
a Scoping Document summarizing the results will be made available to
all respondents.
b. A tentative list of significant resources to be evaluated in the
EIS includes: wetlands; navigation facilities; flood control
facilities; cultural resources; socio-economic resources; biological
resources, including endangered and threatened species; recreational
resources, and water quality.
c. The U.S. Department of the Interior will provide a Fish and
Wildlife Coordination Act Report. Coordination will be maintained with
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries
Service concerning endangered species. Coordination will be maintained
with the Natural Resources Conservation Service regarding prime and
unique farmlands. We will prepare a Section 404(b)(1) evaluation for
review by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other interested
parties. Coordination will be maintained with the Advisory Council on
Historic Preservation and the State Historic Preservation Officer. The
Louisiana Department of Natural Resources will be consulted regarding
consistency with the Coastal Zone Management Act. Application will be
made to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality for a Water
Quality Certificate.
d. A 45-day public review period will be allowed so that all
interested agencies, groups, and individuals will have the opportunity
to comment on the DEIS.
5. Availability. The DEIS is scheduled to be available to the
public during the fall of 1998.
Kenneth H. Clow,
Colonel, U.S. Army District Engineer.
[FR Doc. 95-22436 Filed 9-8-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-84-M
