[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 132 (Monday, July 12, 1999)] [Notices] [Pages 37520-37521] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 99-17621] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army Corps of Engineers Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Wappapello Lake Operation and Maintenance, Wayne and Butler Counties, MO
Agency
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, DOD.
Action
Notice of intent.
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Summary
St. Louis District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is proposing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Continuing Operation and Maintenance of Wappapello Lake on the St. Francis River, Wayne and Butler counties, Missouri. Even though this project was completed before the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, it is the intent of the Corps to prepare an EIS on current operations, which have an impact on notable environmental resources.
Addresses
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, Planning, Programs, and Project Management Division, Environmental and Economic Analysis Branch, 1222 Spruce St., St. Louis MO 63103-2833.
For Further Information Contact
Mr. Lynn Neher, (314) 331-8880, Lynn.N.Neher@mvs02.usace.army.mil or Mr. Daniel Ragland, (314) 331- 8461, Daniel.V.Ragland @mvs02.usace.army.mil.
Supplementary Information
Wappapello Lake and Dam were part of the St. Francis Basin Project that was
authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1936 (Overton Act). Construction of the dam was completed in 1941 with an authorized purpose of flood control. Development and use of flood control reservoirs for recreational and related purposes were authorized by Section 4 of the Flood Control Act approved 22 December 1944, as amended by Section 209 of the Flood Control Act of 1954 approved 3 December 1954. A final EIS was completed for the entire St. Francis Basin Project in July 1973. Wappapello Lake and Dam were included in this EIS as part of the St. Francis Basin Project's purpose of flood control, but general O&M details for Wappapello Lake and Dam was not addressed. Wappapello Lake and Dam have a range of operational practices within the authorized purpose of the project. Since its inception, the development and management of Wappapello Lake and Dam have included flood control, recreational facility development and access, forestry, fish and wildlife management and protection of natural and cultural resources.
Alternatives
The Corps of Engineers will evaluate reasonable alternatives for the O&M of Wappapello Lake and Dam. The no action alternative will be to not change the current O&M practices. The action alternatives will address proposed changes to the current O&M practices concerning the management of the project's natural resources and recreational opportunities.
Scoping and Public Involvement
Public involvement will be sought during scoping and conduct of the study in accordance with NEPA procedures. A public scoping process will help to clarify issues of major concern, identify any information sources that might be available to analyze and evaluate impacts, and obtain public input on the range and acceptability of alternatives. The Notice of Intent formally commences the scoping process under NEPA. As part of the scoping process, all Federal, state and local agencies, Native American tribes, and other interested private organizations or individuals, including environmental groups, are invited to comment on the scope of the EIS. Comments are requested concerning project alternatives, probable significant environmental impacts and permits or other approvals that may be required. The following key areas have been identified to be analyzed in- depth in the draft EIS:
1. Geology and Engineering Design 2. Water Management 3. Water Quality 4. Fisheries 5. Wildlife 6. Wetlands 7. Forest Management 8. Cultural Resources 9. Socioeconomic Resources 10. Recreation 11. Hydroelectric 12. Utility right-of-ways
Other Environmental Review and Coordination Requirements
All review and coordination requirements will be fulfilled via this NEPA process. On-going operations of the lake and dam are continually coordinated with agencies and interested publics.
Scoping Meeting
A scoping meeting for this EIS will be held in conjunction with a public workshop that will be held in July or August 1999 for the Lake's Master Plan Update. The exact date has not been set and can be requested by calling the Lake's office at (573) 222-8562.
Availability of Draft EIS
The draft EIS is scheduled for release in the spring of 2000. Thomas J. Hodgini, COL, EN, Commanding. [FR Doc. 99-17621 Filed 7-9-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3710-55-M