81 FR 17450 - Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Houston Ship Channel 45-Foot Expansion Channel Improvement Project (HSC ECIP), Harris and Chambers Counties, Texas
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 60 (March 29, 2016)
Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 60 (March 29, 2016)
| Page Range | 17450-17451 | |
| FR Document | 2016-07061 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 60 (Tuesday, March 29, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 17450-17451] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-07061] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Houston Ship Channel 45-Foot Expansion Channel Improvement Project (HSC ECIP), Harris and Chambers Counties, Texas AGENCY: Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DoD. ACTION: Notice of intent. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) intends to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Houston Ship Channel 45- Foot Expansion Channel Improvement Project (HSC ECIP), Harris and Chambers Counties, Texas. This study will identify and evaluate a combination of modifications to the HSC to improve the efficiency and safety of the HSC system. A 905(b) report recommending a cost shared feasibility- level study was approved on September 22, 2015. DATES: See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for scoping meeting dates. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions concerning the draft EIS should be addressed to Ms. Tammy Gilmore, CEMVN-PDN-CEP, P.O. Box 60267, New Orleans, LA 70160-0267; telephone: (504) 862-1002; fax: (504) 862-1583; or by email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1. Authority. Public Law 91-611; Title II--Flood Control Act of 1970, Section 216 dated December 31, 1970. The study is being performed in response to the standing authority of Section 216 of the Flood Control Act of 1970, as amended. 2. Proposed Action. In general, the entire HSC will be evaluated for up to date current and projected vessel size and traffic. The study focus will include deepening and widening opportunities of the upper reach of the HSC referred to as Boggy Bayou to the Main Turning Basin; improvements to side channels, Bayport Ship Channel and Barbour's Cut Channel; and Galveston Bay Reach safety and efficiency enhancements. Details of the study include the following 5 separable elements: HSC--Boggy Bayou to I-610 Bridge: This analysis would evaluate deepening and widening the 8-mile portion of the HSC from Boggy Bayou to the Interstate 610 Bridge (mile 40 to mile 48) to a depth beyond the existing 40 feet (Boggy Bayou to Sims Bayou) and a width greater than the existing 300 feet (in 50-foot increments) and possibly improvements to turning basin and mooring areas. HSC--I-610 Bridge to Main Turning Basin: This analysis would evaluate the deepening and widening of the 4-mile portion of the HSC from the Interstate I-610 Bridge to the Main Turning Basin (mile 48 to mile 52) to a depth beyond the existing 36 feet (in 2-foot increments), a new turning basin near Brays Bayou, and revisit dimensions of existing turning basins and mooring areas. Bayport Ship Channel: The 4.1 mile long Bayport Ship Channel is currently authorized to a depth of 40 feet. The Port of Houston Authority (PHA) has the authority under 33 U.S.C. Section 408 to deepen the channel to 45 feet and widen the bay portions of the channel 100 feet and widen the constricted portion of the channel within the land cut 50 feet. This analysis would evaluate whether to include the PHA's channel deepening for Federal authorization. The analysis would also evaluate widening to a width greater than 350 feet (25-foot increments). Other opportunities in this area are to evaluate the need for open water turning basin, and adding jetty/structures for minimizing shoaling and flare improvements. Barbours Cut Channel: The 1.1 mile long Barbour's Cut Channel is currently authorized to a depth of 40 feet. The PHA has the authority, under 33 U.S.C. Section 408, to deepen the channel to 45 feet. This analysis would evaluate whether to include the PHA's channel deepening for Federal authorization. The analysis would also evaluate widening to a width greater than 300 feet (25-foot increments). Other opportunities in this area are to evaluate the need for open water turning basin and flare improvements. Bay-reach safety and efficiency enhancements: This analysis would evaluate whether to construct an anchorage basin in or near Galveston Bay, the need of selectively widening the existing 530 feet wide HSC to develop passing lanes or improved vessel meeting opportunities; evaluate improvements to channel turns and bends; and evaluate the depth of the existing barge lanes. 3. Public Involvement. Public involvement, an essential part of the NEPA process, is integral to assessing the environmental consequences of the proposed action and improving the quality of the environmental decision making. The public includes affected and interested Federal, state, and local agencies, Indian tribes, concerned citizens, stakeholders, and other interested parties. Public participation in the EIS process will be strongly encouraged, both formally and informally, to enhance the probability of a more technically accurate, economically feasible, and socially acceptable EIS. Public involvement will include, but is not limited to: Information dissemination; identification of problems, needs and opportunities; idea generation; public education; problem solving; providing feedback on proposals; evaluation of alternatives; conflict resolution; public and scoping notices and meetings; public, stakeholder and advisory groups consultation and meetings; and making the EIS and supporting information readily available in conveniently located places, such as libraries and on the world wide web. 4. Scoping. Scoping, an early and open process for identifying the scope of significant issues related to the proposed action to be addressed in the EIS, will be used to: (a) Identify the affected public and agency concerns; (b) facilitate an efficient EIS preparation process; (c) define the issues and alternatives that will be examined in detail in the EIS; and (d) save time in the overall process by helping to ensure [[Page 17451]] that the draft EIS adequately addresses relevant issues. A Scoping Meeting Notice announcing the locations, dates and times for scoping meetings is anticipated to be posted on the PHA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Web sites and published in the local newspaper in April 2016. 5. Coordination. The USACE and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have formally committed to work together to conserve, protect, and restore fish and wildlife resources while ensuring environmental sustainability of our Nation's water resources under the January 22, 2003, Partnership Agreement for Water Resources and Fish and Wildlife. The USFWS will provide a Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Report. Coordination will be maintained with the USFWS, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the Texas Park and Wildlife Department (TPWD) regarding threatened and endangered species under their respective jurisdictional responsibilities. Coordination will be maintained with the NMFS regarding essential fish habitat. Coordination will be maintained with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency concerning compliance with Executive Order 12898, ``Federal Action to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations.'' Coordination will be maintained with the Advisory Counsel on Historic Preservation and the State Historic Preservation Office. Coordination will be maintained with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to assure no interruption with navigation. Coordination will be maintained with the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) to assure limited interruption to highway traffic. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will be coordinated with to obtain Water Quality Certification. The Texas General Land Office (GLO) will be coordinated with on coastal management. 5. Availability of Draft EIS. The earliest that the draft EIS will be available for public review would be in 2017. The draft EIS or a notice of availability will be distributed to affected Federal, state, and local agencies, Indian tribes, and other interested parties. Dated: March 21, 2016. Richard P. Pannell, Colonel, U.S. Army, Commanding. [FR Doc. 2016-07061 Filed 3-28-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3720-58-P
![17450 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2016 / Notices
and Response Office Request for FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: structures for minimizing shoaling and
SAPRO’s Assistance’’ and DD Form Questions concerning the draft EIS flare improvements.
2985–1 ‘‘Military Feedback Form’’; should be addressed to Ms. Tammy Barbours Cut Channel: The 1.1 mile
OMB Control Number 0704–XXXX. Gilmore, CEMVN–PDN–CEP, P.O. Box long Barbour’s Cut Channel is currently
Needs and Uses: The information 60267, New Orleans, LA 70160–0267; authorized to a depth of 40 feet. The
collection requirement is necessary to telephone: (504) 862–1002; fax: (504) PHA has the authority, under 33 U.S.C.
facilitate a timely response and 862–1583; or by email: Section 408, to deepen the channel to 45
appropriate resolution to inquiries from tammy.h.gilmore@usace.army.mil. feet. This analysis would evaluate
DoD sexual assault victims/survivors, whether to include the PHA’s channel
support personnel and others. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: deepening for Federal authorization.
Collection of this information promotes 1. Authority. Public Law 91–611; Title The analysis would also evaluate
victim recovery. II—Flood Control Act of 1970, Section widening to a width greater than 300
Affected Public: Individuals or 216 dated December 31, 1970. The study feet (25-foot increments). Other
Households. is being performed in response to the opportunities in this area are to evaluate
Annual Burden Hours: 15. standing authority of Section 216 of the the need for open water turning basin
Number of Respondents: 30. Flood Control Act of 1970, as amended. and flare improvements.
Responses per Respondent: 1. 2. Proposed Action. In general, the Bay-reach safety and efficiency
Annual Responses: 30. entire HSC will be evaluated for up to enhancements: This analysis would
Average Burden per Response: 30 evaluate whether to construct an
date current and projected vessel size
minutes. anchorage basin in or near Galveston
Frequency: On occasion. and traffic. The study focus will include
deepening and widening opportunities Bay, the need of selectively widening
This information collection is used to
of the upper reach of the HSC referred the existing 530 feet wide HSC to
support victims and survivors of sexual
to as Boggy Bayou to the Main Turning develop passing lanes or improved
assault in their recovery and to maintain
Basin; improvements to side channels, vessel meeting opportunities; evaluate
a database of inquiries that documents
Bayport Ship Channel and Barbour’s improvements to channel turns and
the nature and status of inquiries in
Cut Channel; and Galveston Bay Reach bends; and evaluate the depth of the
order to provide adequate follow-up
safety and efficiency enhancements. existing barge lanes.
services and inform sexual assault 3. Public Involvement. Public
prevention and response program and Details of the study include the
following 5 separable elements: involvement, an essential part of the
policy improvements. NEPA process, is integral to assessing
Dated: March 24, 2016.
HSC—Boggy Bayou to I–610 Bridge:
the environmental consequences of the
This analysis would evaluate deepening
Aaron Siegel, proposed action and improving the
and widening the 8-mile portion of the
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison quality of the environmental decision
HSC from Boggy Bayou to the Interstate
Officer, Department of Defense. making. The public includes affected
610 Bridge (mile 40 to mile 48) to a
[FR Doc. 2016–07029 Filed 3–28–16; 8:45 am] and interested Federal, state, and local
depth beyond the existing 40 feet (Boggy
BILLING CODE 5001–06–P agencies, Indian tribes, concerned
Bayou to Sims Bayou) and a width
citizens, stakeholders, and other
greater than the existing 300 feet (in 50-
interested parties. Public participation
foot increments) and possibly
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE in the EIS process will be strongly
improvements to turning basin and
encouraged, both formally and
Department of the Army, Corps of mooring areas. informally, to enhance the probability of
Engineers HSC—I–610 Bridge to Main Turning a more technically accurate,
Basin: This analysis would evaluate the economically feasible, and socially
Intent To Prepare a Draft deepening and widening of the 4-mile acceptable EIS. Public involvement will
Environmental Impact Statement for portion of the HSC from the Interstate I– include, but is not limited to:
the Houston Ship Channel 45-Foot 610 Bridge to the Main Turning Basin Information dissemination;
Expansion Channel Improvement (mile 48 to mile 52) to a depth beyond identification of problems, needs and
Project (HSC ECIP), Harris and the existing 36 feet (in 2-foot opportunities; idea generation; public
Chambers Counties, Texas increments), a new turning basin near education; problem solving; providing
AGENCY: Department of the Army, U.S. Brays Bayou, and revisit dimensions of feedback on proposals; evaluation of
Army Corps of Engineers, DoD. existing turning basins and mooring alternatives; conflict resolution; public
areas. and scoping notices and meetings;
ACTION: Notice of intent.
Bayport Ship Channel: The 4.1 mile public, stakeholder and advisory groups
SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of long Bayport Ship Channel is currently consultation and meetings; and making
Engineers (USACE) intends to prepare authorized to a depth of 40 feet. The the EIS and supporting information
an environmental impact statement Port of Houston Authority (PHA) has the readily available in conveniently
(EIS) for the Houston Ship Channel 45- authority under 33 U.S.C. Section 408 to located places, such as libraries and on
Foot Expansion Channel Improvement deepen the channel to 45 feet and widen the world wide web.
Project (HSC ECIP), Harris and the bay portions of the channel 100 feet 4. Scoping. Scoping, an early and
Chambers Counties, Texas. and widen the constricted portion of the open process for identifying the scope of
This study will identify and evaluate channel within the land cut 50 feet. significant issues related to the
a combination of modifications to the
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
This analysis would evaluate whether to proposed action to be addressed in the
HSC to improve the efficiency and include the PHA’s channel deepening EIS, will be used to: (a) Identify the
safety of the HSC system. A 905(b) for Federal authorization. The analysis affected public and agency concerns; (b)
report recommending a cost shared would also evaluate widening to a facilitate an efficient EIS preparation
feasibility-level study was approved on width greater than 350 feet (25-foot process; (c) define the issues and
September 22, 2015. increments). Other opportunities in this alternatives that will be examined in
DATES: See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION area are to evaluate the need for open detail in the EIS; and (d) save time in
section for scoping meeting dates. water turning basin, and adding jetty/ the overall process by helping to ensure
VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:43 Mar 28, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\29MRN1.SGM 29MRN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/81_FR_17510/page/1.svg)
![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2016 / Notices 17451
that the draft EIS adequately addresses DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Proposed Agenda: At this meeting the
relevant issues. A Scoping Meeting agenda will include discussions and
Notice announcing the locations, dates Department of the Army, Corps of presentations on ongoing work plan
and times for scoping meetings is Engineers efforts including: ecosystem restoration
anticipated to be posted on the PHA and project prioritization criteria, ecosystem
Meeting of the Chief of Engineers goods and services, and aging
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Web sites
Environmental Advisory Board infrastructure and aquatic ecosystem
and published in the local newspaper in
April 2016. AGENCY: Department of the Army, U.S. integrity. The EAB will also discuss
Army Corps of Engineers, DoD. modifications to their work plan. The
5. Coordination. The USACE and the EAB will also hear presentations from
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) ACTION: Notice of open Federal advisory
committee meeting. the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on its
have formally committed to work sustainability and resilience programs.
together to conserve, protect, and restore SUMMARY: The Department of the Army Availability of Materials for the
fish and wildlife resources while is publishing this notice to announce Meeting. A copy of the agenda or any
ensuring environmental sustainability of the following Federal advisory updates to the agenda for the April 27,
our Nation’s water resources under the committee meeting of the Chief of 2016 meeting will be available at the
January 22, 2003, Partnership Engineers, Environmental Advisory meeting. The final version will be
Agreement for Water Resources and Board (EAB). This meeting is open to provided at the meeting. All materials
Fish and Wildlife. The USFWS will the public. For additional information will be posted to the Web site after the
provide a Fish and Wildlife about the EAB, please visit the meeting.
Coordination Act Report. Coordination committee’s Web site at http://www. Public Accessibility to the Meeting:
will be maintained with the USFWS, the usace.army.mil/Missions/ Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended,
National Marine Fisheries Service Environmental/EnvironmentalAdvisory and 41 CFR 102–3.140 through 102–
(NMFS) and the Texas Park and Wildlife Board.aspx. 3.165, and subject to the availability of
space, this meeting is open to the
Department (TPWD) regarding DATES: The meeting will be held from 9
threatened and endangered species public. Registration of members of the
a.m. to 12 p.m. on April 27, 2016. Public
under their respective jurisdictional public who wish to attend the meeting
registration will begin at 8:30 a.m.
will begin at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the
responsibilities. Coordination will be ADDRESSES: The EAB meeting will be
meeting. Seating is limited and is on a
maintained with the NMFS regarding conducted at The Residence Inn first-to-arrive basis. Attendees will be
essential fish habitat. Coordination will Washington, DC Downtown, located at asked to provide their name, title,
be maintained with the U.S. 1199 Vermont Avenue NW., affiliation, and contact information to
Environmental Protection Agency Washington, DC 20005, (202) 898–1100. include email address and daytime
concerning compliance with Executive FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. telephone number at registration. Any
Order 12898, ‘‘Federal Action to Mindy M. Simmons, the Designated interested person may attend the
Address Environmental Justice in Federal Officer (DFO) for the committee, meeting, file written comments or
Minority Populations and Low-Income in writing at U.S. Army Corps of statements with the committee, or make
Populations.’’ Coordination will be Engineers, ATTN: CECW–P, 441 G St. verbal comments from the floor during
maintained with the Advisory Counsel NW.; Washington, DC 20314; by the public meeting, at the times, and in
on Historic Preservation and the State telephone at 202–761–4127; and by the manner, permitted by the
Historic Preservation Office. email at Mindy.M.Simmons@ committee, as set forth below.
Coordination will be maintained with usace.army.mil. Alternatively, contact Special Accommodations: The
the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to assure Ms. Anne Cann, the Alternate meeting venue is fully handicap
no interruption with navigation. Designated Federal Officer (ADFO), in accessible, with wheelchair access.
Coordination will be maintained with writing at the Institute for Water Individuals requiring special
the Texas Department of Transportation Resources, U.S. Army Corps of accommodations to access the public
(TXDOT) to assure limited interruption Engineers, ATTN: CEIWR–GW, 7701 meeting or seeking additional
to highway traffic. The Texas Telegraph Road, Casey Building, information about public access
Commission on Environmental Quality Alexandria, VA 22315–3868; by procedures, should contact Ms.
telephone at 703–428–7166; and by Simmons, the committee DFO, or Ms.
(TCEQ) will be coordinated with to
email at Anne.R.Cann@usace.army.mil. Cann, the ADFO, at the email addresses
obtain Water Quality Certification. The
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The or telephone numbers listed in the FOR
Texas General Land Office (GLO) will be
committee meeting is being held under FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section,
coordinated with on coastal
management. the provisions of the Federal Advisory at least five (5) business days prior to
Committee Act of 1972 (5 U.S.C., the meeting so that appropriate
5. Availability of Draft EIS. The Appendix, as amended), the arrangements can be made.
earliest that the draft EIS will be Government in the Sunshine Act of Written Comments or Statements:
available for public review would be in 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended), and Pursuant to 41 CFR 102–3.105(j) and
2017. The draft EIS or a notice of 41 CFR 102–3.150. 102–3.140 and section 10(a)(3) of the
availability will be distributed to Purpose of the Meeting: The EAB will Federal Advisory Committee Act, the
affected Federal, state, and local advise the Chief of Engineers on public or interested organizations may
agencies, Indian tribes, and other
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
environmental policy, identification and submit written comments or statements
interested parties. resolution of environmental issues and to the EAB about its mission and/or the
Dated: March 21, 2016. missions, and addressing challenges, topics to be addressed in this public
problems, and opportunities in an meeting. Written comments or
Richard P. Pannell,
environmentally responsible manner. statements should be submitted to Ms.
Colonel, U.S. Army, Commanding. The EAB is interested in written and Simmons, the committee DFO, or Ms.
[FR Doc. 2016–07061 Filed 3–28–16; 8:45 am] verbal comments from the public Cann, the committee ADFO, via
BILLING CODE 3720–58–P relevant to these purposes. electronic mail, the preferred mode of
VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:43 Mar 28, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\29MRN1.SGM 29MRN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/81_FR_17510/page/2.svg)
Document Created: 2016-03-30 08:28:55
Document Modified: 2016-03-30 08:28:55
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of intent. | |
| Dates | See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for scoping meeting dates. | |
| Contact | Questions concerning the draft EIS | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 17450 |
2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR