[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