81 FR 18601 - Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for The Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Feasibility Study
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 62 (March 31, 2016)
Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 62 (March 31, 2016)
| Page Range | 18601-18602 | |
| FR Document | 2016-07283 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 62 (Thursday, March 31, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 18601-18602] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-07283] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army; Corps of Engineers Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for The Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Feasibility Study AGENCY: Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DoD. ACTION: Notice of Intent. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 18602]] SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) intends to prepare a Draft Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Impact Statement (DIFR-EIS) for the Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Feasibility Study. This study will identify and evaluate the feasibility of developing a comprehensive plan for flood risk management, hurricane and storm risk management, and ecosystem restoration for the coastal areas of the State of Texas. The study will focus on providing for the protection, conservation, and restoration of wetlands, barrier islands, shorelines, and related lands and features that protect critical resources, habitat, and infrastructure from the impacts of coastal storms, hurricanes, erosion, and subsidence. This notice announces the USACE's intent to determine the scope of the issues to be addressed and for identifying the significant resources related to a proposed action. DATES: Comments on the scope of the DIFR-EIS will be accepted through May 9, 2016. ADDRESSES: Scoping comments may be sent by electronic mail to: [email protected]. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Galveston District Public Affairs Office at 409-766-3004 or [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1. Authority. The Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Feasibility Study is authorized under Section 4091, Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2007, Public Law 110-114, to develop a comprehensive plan to determine the feasibility of carrying out projects for flood risk management, hurricane and storm risk management, and ecosystem restoration in the coastal areas of the State of Texas. 2. Proposed Action. The study will identify critical data needs and recommend a comprehensive strategy for reducing coastal storm flood risk through structural and nonstructural measures that take advantage of natural features like barrier islands and storm surge storage in wetlands. Structural alternatives to be considered include improvements to existing systems (such as existing hurricane protection projects at Port Arthur, Texas City, Freeport, and Lynchburg, and seawalls at Galveston, Palacios, Corpus Christi, North and South Padre Island), and the creation of new structural plans for hurricane storm risk management. Ecosystem restoration alternatives to be considered include estuarine marsh restoration, beach and dune restoration, rookery island restoration, oyster reef restoration, and seagrass bed restoration. The study will evaluate potential benefits and impacts of the proposed action including direct, indirect and cumulative effects to the human, water and natural environments that balance the interests of flood risk management, hurricane and storm risk management, and ecosystem restoration purposes for Texas and the Nation. 3. Scoping. In August, 2014, early scoping meetings were held in League City, Palacios, Corpus Christi, and the City of South Padre Island, Texas. Comments were received for 30 days following the last scoping meeting. Additional input from Federal, state and local agencies, Indian tribes, and other interested private organizations and parties is being solicited with this notice. The USACE requests public scoping comments to: (a) Identify the affected public and agency concerns; (b) identify the scope of significant issues to be addressed in the DIFR-EIS; (c) identify the critical problems, needs, and significant resources that should be considered in the DIFR-EIS; and (d) identify reasonable measures and alternatives that should be considered in the DIFR-EIS. A Scoping Notice announcing the USACE's request for public scoping comments will be sent via electronic mail to affected and interested parties. Scoping comments are requested to be sent by May 9, 2016. 4. Coordination. Further coordination with environmental agencies will be conducted under the National Environmental Policy Act, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the National Historic and Preservation Act, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and the Coastal Zone Management Act under the Texas Coastal Management Program. 5. Availability of DIFR-EIS. The DIFR-EIS will be available for public review and comment in July 2018. Dated: March 23, 2016. Richard P. Pannell, Colonel, U.S. Army, Commanding. [FR Doc. 2016-07283 Filed 3-30-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3720-58-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 62 / Thursday, March 31, 2016 / Notices 18601
ACTION: Notice of Intent. California Environmental Quality Act. b. Potential impacts associated with
The Corps and City of Long Beach have the proposed project will be fully
SUMMARY: The Los Angeles District of agreed to jointly prepare an IFR evaluated during the feasibility study.
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers including EIS/EIR to optimize efficiency Identified planning constraints and
(Corps) and the City of Long Beach and avoid duplication. considerations such as navigational
intend to prepare a draft Environmental 1. Description. The study will operations, existing major utilities and
Impact Statement/Environmental evaluate opportunities to restore aquatic infrastructure, minimizing flood risks
Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for the East San habitat such as kelp, rocky reef, coastal will be considered. Resource categories
Pedro Bay Ecosystem Restoration wetlands and other types of sufficient that will be analyzed include: Physical
Feasibility Study, Los Angeles County, quality and quantity to support diverse environment, geology, biological
California. The components of the EIS/ resident and migratory species, and to resources, navigation/land use, air
EIR will be contained in an Integrated improve water circulation sufficient to quality, water quality, recreational
Feasibility Report (IFR) that also support and sustain aquatic habitat, usage, aesthetics, cultural resources,
includes a Feasibility Report. within East San Pedro Bay, California. transportation, noise, hazardous waste,
DATES: Two public scoping meetings Recreational opportunities will also be socioeconomics and safety.
will be held on April 7, 2016, at 2:00 explored, although the primary c. Throughout the feasibility study,
p.m. and at 6:00 p.m. Submit written objective will be ecosystem restoration. the Corps and the City of Long Beach
comments concerning this notice no The Corps completed a will coordinate and, or consult with
later than May 7, 2016. Reconnaissance Report in August 2010 other State and Federal regulatory and
ADDRESSES: The location for the scoping which identified a federal interest in permitting agencies to ensure
meetings is: Bixby Park Community addressing issues such as loss of historic compliance with environmental laws
Center, 130 Cherry Avenue, Long Beach, coastal wetlands, lack of rocky reef/hard and regulations including but not
CA 90802. bottom habitat, loss of kelp habitat, poor limited to the Coastal Zone Management
Mail written comments, suggestions, water circulation and tidal action, and Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered
and/or request to be placed on the other degraded ecosystem conditions. Species Act, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
mailing list for announcements to: The study is now entering the feasibility Coordination Act, Magnuson-Stevens
Naeem A. Siddiqui, U.S. Army Corps of phase in which alternatives will be Fishery Management and Conservation
Engineers, Los Angeles District, CESPL– developed, a tentatively selected plan Act, as amended, National Historic
PDR–N, 915 Wilshire Blvd., Los and ultimately a proposed project will Preservation Act, and the Clean Air Act.
Angeles, CA 90017–3401 or by email to: be identified, and environmental 4. Public Scoping Meetings: The
Naeem.A.Siddiqui@usace.army.mil. documentation will be completed. Corps and City of Long Beach will
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
2. Alternatives. Potential measures jointly conduct two public scoping
Naeem A. Siddiqui, Project that would meet the objectives of the
meetings at the date and address
study are currently being developed and
Environmental Coordinator, 213–452– indicated above. The purpose of the
may include the addition of rocks out
3852, Naeem.A.Siddiqui@ scoping meeting is to gather information
side of navigational channels to create
usace.army.mil. from the general public or interested
underwater rocky reef and form a base
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The organizations about issues and concerns
for kelp beds; creation of sandy islands
Feasibility Study is being conducted as that they would like to see addressed in
to provide suitable habitat for eelgrass;
a partial response to Senate Resolution, the Draft IFR. Comments may be
and various modifications to the Long
dated June 25, 1969, reading in part: delivered in writing or verbally at the
Beach Breakwater such as removal and/
meeting. All comments will be entered
Resolved by the Committee on Public or notching to improve water
circulation. Measures will be grouped into the public record.
Works of the United States Senate, that the
Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors, 5. Availability of the Draft IFR: The
into discrete alternatives and analyzed
created under Section 3 of the River and Draft IFR including Draft EIS/EIR is
in the IFR. In addition, the study will
Harbor Act, approved June 13, 1902, be, and also evaluate the No Action alternative anticipated to be available for public
is hereby requested to review the report of the pursuant to NEPA. review and comment in the spring or
Chief of Engineers on the Los Angeles and
3. Scoping and Analysis. a. The Corps summer of 2017.
San Gabriel Rivers and Ballona Creek,
California, published as House Document intends to hold a public scoping Dated: March 23, 2016.
Numbered 838, Seventy-sixth Congress, and meeting for the Draft IFR to aid in the Kirk E. Gibbs,
other pertinent reports, with a view to determination of significant Colonel, U.S. Army, Commander and District
determining whether any modifications environmental issues associated with Engineer.
contained herein are advisable at the present the proposed project, and to assist with [FR Doc. 2016–07284 Filed 3–30–16; 8:45 am]
time, in the resources in the Los Angeles alternative development. Affected BILLING CODE 3720–58–P
County Drainage Area. . . . federal, state and local resource
The study area is located offshore of agencies, Native American groups and
the City of Long Beach, California, in concerned interest groups/individuals DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
the easternmost part of San Pedro Bay. are invited to participate in the scoping
It includes the area between the Long process. Public participation is critical Department of the Army; Corps of
Beach shoreline, the Long Beach in defining the scope of analysis in the Engineers
Breakwater and the Los Angeles River Draft IFR, identifying significant
Intent To Prepare a Draft
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
estuary. environmental issues in the Draft IFR,
The Corps is the lead agency in providing useful information such as Environmental Impact Statement for
preparing the EIS in accordance with published and unpublished data, The Coastal Texas Protection and
the National Environmental Policy Act sharing knowledge about relevant Restoration Feasibility Study
(NEPA). The City of Long Beach is the issues, and recommending potential AGENCY: Department of the Army, U.S.
non-Federal sponsor of the Feasibility measures or alternatives that may be Army Corps of Engineers, DoD.
Study and the lead agency in preparing considered for the purpose of meeting
ACTION: Notice of Intent.
the EIR in accordance with the study objectives.
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![18602 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 62 / Thursday, March 31, 2016 / Notices
SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of seagrass bed restoration. The study will design, develop, construct, operate,
Engineers (USACE) intends to prepare a evaluate potential benefits and impacts maintain, or own, or participate with
Draft Integrated Feasibility Report and of the proposed action including direct, other entities in designing, developing,
Environmental Impact Statement (DIFR– indirect and cumulative effects to the constructing, operating, maintaining,
EIS) for the Coastal Texas Protection human, water and natural environments and owning new electric power
and Restoration Feasibility Study. This that balance the interests of flood risk transmission facilities and related
study will identify and evaluate the management, hurricane and storm risk facilities located within any state in
feasibility of developing a management, and ecosystem restoration which the Southwestern Power
comprehensive plan for flood risk purposes for Texas and the Nation. Administration (Southwestern)
management, hurricane and storm risk 3. Scoping. In August, 2014, early operates. In response to an application
management, and ecosystem restoration scoping meetings were held in League submitted by Clean Line Energy
for the coastal areas of the State of City, Palacios, Corpus Christi, and the Partners LLC on behalf of itself and
Texas. The study will focus on City of South Padre Island, Texas. several corporate affiliates (collectively,
providing for the protection, Comments were received for 30 days Clean Line or the Applicant) the
conservation, and restoration of following the last scoping meeting. Department of Energy (DOE or the
wetlands, barrier islands, shorelines, Additional input from Federal, state and Department) announces its decision to
and related lands and features that local agencies, Indian tribes, and other participate in the development of
protect critical resources, habitat, and interested private organizations and approximately 705 miles of ±600
infrastructure from the impacts of parties is being solicited with this kilovolt (kV) overhead, high-voltage
coastal storms, hurricanes, erosion, and notice. The USACE requests public direct current (HVDC) electric
subsidence. This notice announces the scoping comments to: (a) Identify the transmission facilities and related
USACE’s intent to determine the scope affected public and agency concerns; (b) facilities from western Oklahoma to the
of the issues to be addressed and for identify the scope of significant issues eastern state-line of Arkansas near the
identifying the significant resources to be addressed in the DIFR–EIS; (c) Mississippi River (the Project). This
related to a proposed action. identify the critical problems, needs, decision implements DOE’s preferred
DATES: Comments on the scope of the and significant resources that should be alternative in Oklahoma and Arkansas
DIFR–EIS will be accepted through May considered in the DIFR–EIS; and (d) as described in the Final Environmental
9, 2016. identify reasonable measures and Impact Statement for the Plains &
ADDRESSES: Scoping comments may be alternatives that should be considered Eastern Clean Line Transmission Line
sent by electronic mail to: in the DIFR–EIS. A Scoping Notice Project (Final EIS) (DOE/EIS–0486).
CoastalTexas@usace.army.mil. announcing the USACE’s request for Clean Line, acting on its own and
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: public scoping comments will be sent without the Department’s participation,
Galveston District Public Affairs Office via electronic mail to affected and would build additional facilities that
at 409–766–3004 or swgpao@ interested parties. Scoping comments would connect to the Project in Texas
usace.army.mil. are requested to be sent by May 9, 2016. and Tennessee.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
4. Coordination. Further coordination Collectively, the facilities built by
1. Authority. The Coastal Texas with environmental agencies will be Clean Line would have the capacity to
Protection and Restoration Feasibility conducted under the National deliver approximately 4,000 megawatts
Study is authorized under Section 4091, Environmental Policy Act, the Fish and (MW) from renewable energy generation
Water Resources Development Act Wildlife Coordination Act, the Clean facilities, located in the Oklahoma
(WRDA) of 2007, Public Law 110–114, Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Panhandle and potentially Texas
to develop a comprehensive plan to National Historic and Preservation Act, Panhandle regions, to the electrical grid
determine the feasibility of carrying out the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery in Arkansas and Tennessee. The
projects for flood risk management, Conservation and Management Act, and potential environmental impacts
hurricane and storm risk management, the Coastal Zone Management Act associated with the Project, plus the
and ecosystem restoration in the coastal under the Texas Coastal Management additional facilities in Texas and
areas of the State of Texas. Program. Tennessee, are analyzed in the Final
2. Proposed Action. The study will 5. Availability of DIFR–EIS. The EIS. DOE’s review included
identify critical data needs and DIFR–EIS will be available for public consultations in accordance with
recommend a comprehensive strategy review and comment in July 2018. Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act
for reducing coastal storm flood risk Dated: March 23, 2016. (ESA) and Section 106 of the National
through structural and nonstructural Richard P. Pannell,
Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
measures that take advantage of natural DOE’s decision requires the
Colonel, U.S. Army, Commanding.
features like barrier islands and storm implementation of mitigation measures,
[FR Doc. 2016–07283 Filed 3–30–16; 8:45 am]
surge storage in wetlands. Structural and a complete list of these measures
BILLING CODE 3720–58–P can be found in the Mitigation Action
alternatives to be considered include
improvements to existing systems (such Plan (MAP).
as existing hurricane protection projects ADDRESSES: Information regarding
at Port Arthur, Texas City, Freeport, and DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Section 1222 of EPAct 2005 can be
Lynchburg, and seawalls at Galveston, found on the DOE Web site at http://
Record of Decision in re Application of
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Palacios, Corpus Christi, North and energy.gov/oe/services/electricity-
Clean Line Energy Partners LLC
South Padre Island), and the creation of policy-coordination-and-
new structural plans for hurricane storm AGENCY: Department of Energy. implementation/transmission-planning/
risk management. Ecosystem restoration ACTION: Record of decision. section-1222. The determination by the
alternatives to be considered include Secretary of Energy, Summary of
estuarine marsh restoration, beach and SUMMARY: Section 1222 of the Energy Findings, and Participation Agreement
dune restoration, rookery island Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005) grants are available on the DOE Web site at
restoration, oyster reef restoration, and the Secretary of Energy the authority to http://energy.gov/oe/services/electricity-
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Document Created: 2016-03-31 00:55:44
Document Modified: 2016-03-31 00:55:44
| 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 | Comments on the scope of the DIFR-EIS will be accepted through May 9, 2016. | |
| Contact | Galveston District Public Affairs Office at 409-766-3004 or [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 18601 |
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