[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 57 (Friday, March 22, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 11813]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-6925]



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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Corps of Engineers


Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) 
for a Proposed Storm Damage Reduction and Beach Erosion Control Project 
on Absecon Island, Atlantic County, New Jersey

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

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The action being taken is an evaluation of the alternatives 
for storm damage reduction and the control of further erosion on 
Absecon Island, New Jersey. The purpose of any consequent work would be 
to provide shore property protection and to stabilize the shoreline at 
the predetermined width.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Questions regarding the DEIS should be addressed to Ms. Beth Brandreth, 
(215) 656-6558, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CENAP-PL-E, Wanamaker 
Building, 100 Penn Square East, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-3390.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    1. Proposed Action: a. The draft document evaluates a study area 
approximately 8 miles in length, extending from Absecon Inlet to Great 
Egg Harbor Inlet. The study area encompasses Absecon Island, which 
contains the four communities of Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate, and 
Longport. The beaches in these communities have been subject to erosion 
by storms, tidal inundation, and wave action. Three potential offshore 
sand borrow sources will be investigated in this study.
    b. The authorities for the proposed project are the resolutions 
adopted by the Committee on Public Works and Transportation of the U.S. 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Environmental and Public 
Works of the U.S. Senate in December 1987.
    2. Alternatives: In addition to the no action alternative, the 
alternatives considered for storm damage reduction and erosion control 
will fall into structural and non-structural categories. The structural 
measures to correct the beach erosion include bulkheads, seawalls, 
revetments, offshore breakwaters, groins, beach nourishment, perched 
beach, submerged reef with beachfill, and offshore submerged feeder 
berms. Non-structural measures include flood insurance, developmental 
regulations, and evacuation.
    3. Scoping: a. Numerous studies and reports addressing beach 
erosion along the New Jersey Coast were conducted by the Corps of 
Engineers. The most recent study for this area is a Reconnaissance 
Report: Brigantine Inlet to Great Egg Harbor Inlet Reconnaissance Study 
(February 1992), which identified a number of problem areas where 
erosion was negatively impacting the adjacent shorelines. This study 
identified Absecon Island as one of the primary areas to be recommended 
for further study in the feasibility phase.
    b. The scoping process is on-going and has involved preliminary 
coordination with Federal, State, and local agencies. Participation of 
the general public and other interested parties and organizations will 
be invited by means of a public notice.
    c. The significant issues and concerns that have been identified 
include the impacts of the project on aquatic biota, water quality, 
intertidal habitat, shallow water habitat, and cultural resources.
    4. Availability: It is estimated that the DEIS will be made 
available to the public in April 1996.
Gregory D. Showalter,
Army Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 96-6925 Filed 3-21-96; 8:45 am]
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