[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 194 (Friday, October 7, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-24998]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: October 7, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Corps of Engineers

 

Notice of Intent To Prepare a Draft Supplement (DEIS) to the 
Final Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Impact Statement 
on the Central and Southern Florida Project, Environmental Restoration 
of the Kissimmee River, Florida, Addressing the Kissimmee River 
Headwaters Revitalization in Osceola County, FL

AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, DOD.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: A study of the modification of the Kissimmee River Project 
headquarters is authorized for the ecosystem restoration of the 
Kissimmee River, Florida. The studied action is necessary to restore 
historical flows to the Kissimmee River Lower Basin while optimizing 
fish and wildlife habitat in the Upper Basin.

ADDRESSES: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, P.O. 
Box 4970, Jacksonville, Florida 32232-0019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
William Porter, (904) 232-2259.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The study, named the Headwaters 
Revitalization Study, was addressed generally by an integrated 
feasibility report and final Environmental Impact Statement filed with 
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency January 17, 1992 (57 FR 2093). 
The present study is to formulate a plan to optimize environmental 
improvements to the Upper Kissimmee Basin while re-establishing 
discharges to the Lower Basin that are necessary to restore the 
ecological integrity of the Kissimmee River.
    Increasing the levels of Lakes Kissimmee, Cypress and Hatchineah is 
under study. A preliminary proposal is to increase the controlled upper 
water level from 52.5 to 54.0 feet NGVD, with the lower level remaining 
at 48.5 feet NGVD. Additionally, the scheduled would be zoned to 
provide discharges based on season and water levels. The revised 
schedule would seasonally reflood land between elevations 52.5 and 54.0 
feet in the Upper Basin.
    The revised schedule is expected to increase seasonal water storage 
capacity by 100,000 acre-feet, according to studies by the SFWMD, and 
to provide for greater, and more natural fluctuations of water levels 
in the lakes. Additionally, the studied regulation schedule is expected 
to provide capability to simulate the historic seasonal flow from Lake 
Kissimmee to the Lower Basin. This capability is a prerequisite for 
successful restoration of the Lower Basin ecosystem.
    Alternative plans consist of ``no action,'' i.e., leaving the 
existing Upper Basin works in place and operating with the present 
schedules, and combinations of the following:
    Different modifications of the Upper Chain of Lakes regulation 
schedules, C-34, C-35, C-36, and C-37 enlargement, and
    Acquistion of real estate interests to acquire rights to reflood 
land below evaluation 54.0 feet.
    The study will address the effects of higher water levels on 
private property, agricultural and commercial interests, public works, 
cultural resources including historical structures, recreation, 
aesthetics, water quality, and fish and wildlife in the Upper Basin and 
effects on the Kissimmee River Restoration Plan. Tributary lakes 
Rosalie, Tiger and Jackson may be affected by the studied change, and 
effects on these lakes will also be considered.
    Scoping of this study was started with a letter dated July 16, 
1992, to all known interested parties, based on responses to the 
integrated feasibility report and final EIS cited above. The letter 
described the studied action and reasonable alternatives conceived at 
that time. The public and affected state and federal agencies will be 
further involved in scoping through workshops to obtain information and 
concerns from agencies and the public and to share planning concepts 
and procedures. The workshops have not been scheduled, but will be 
announced through mailings and public media notices. Additionally, a 
series of public hearings will be scheduled after circulation of the 
draft report and EIS and before completion of the final reports and 
EIS.
    The study is being conducted with the participation of the South 
Florida Water Management District (local sponsor), and the U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service, the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, 
Florida Department of Natural Resources, and Florida Department of 
Environmental Regulation. The U.S. Department of Agricultural Soil 
Conservation Service has met with planners and expressed concerns over 
the potential seasonal loss of wetland pasturage and the effect on 
water quality and fish and wildlife habitat. Further participation is 
invited from federal, state and local agencies, affected Indian tribes, 
and other private organizations and parties.
    The Project Modification Report and DEIS are scheduled for 
availability to the public in March 1995.
Kenneth L. Demon,
Army Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 94-24998 Filed 10-6-94; 8:45 am]
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