[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 86 (Monday, May 5, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24437-24438]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-11565]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers


Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) 
for the Jacksonville Harbor Navigation Channel Improvements Project, 
Duval County, Florida

AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense.


[[Page 24438]]


ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The Jacksonville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 
intends to prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the 
Jacksonville Harbor Navigation Channel Improvements Project. This 
action is a cooperative effort between the Jacksonville District, U.S. 
Army Corps of Engineers and the Jacksonville Port Authority.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kenneth Dugger, 904-232-1686, Environmental Branch, Planning Division, 
P.O. Box 4970, Jacksonville, Florida 32232-0019.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Jacksonville Port Authority has 
requested that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study the feasibility 
of deepening the Port of Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida. The 
purpose of the proposed action is to provide increased safety, 
efficiency and lower costs for navigation interests, while protecting 
the environment. Existing port facilities are not easily accessible to 
some larger ships because of depth limitations in some parts of the 
channel, and other large ships that can only use the channel if they 
are ``light-loaded'', also because of depth limitations. Local 
interests have requested that the harbor channels be deepened to 
provide for projected movement of general cargo at greater drafts, 
thereby reducing transportation costs. In addition, local interests and 
harbor pilots have requested channel wideners at key locations where 
turning and/or passing is required to improve vessel handling and 
maneuvering and to ensure safety of navigation while using the harbor. 
The Jacksonville Harbor Deepening Study was authorized by a resolution 
from the Committee on Public Works and Transportation, U.S. House of 
Representatives, dated February 5, 1992, which states: ``Resolved by 
the Committee on Public Works and Transportation of the United States 
House of Representatives, that the Board of Engineers for Rivers and 
Harbors, is requested to review the report of the Chief of Engineers on 
Jacksonville Harbor, Florida, published as House Document 214, Eighty-
ninth Congress, First Session, and other pertinent reports, to 
determine whether modifications of the recommendations contained 
therein are advisable at the present time, in the interest of 
navigation or other purposes.''
    Alternatives: To decide what alternatives would be considered for 
navigation improvements, terminals within the port area were located 
and identified according to type of activity. Based on these 
determinations, an array of alternatives, including varying depths and 
widths, methods of excavation and disposal alternatives we evaluated. 
Depths of 40 to 45 feet plus 2 feet allowable overdepth were evaluated, 
as were channel widths up to at least 575 feet. Construction methods 
evaluated include the use of hopper and/or cutterhead dredges. A 
circulation improvement channel 6 feet deep and 80 feet wide is also 
proposed to improve flows through Mill Cove. A number of disposal 
alternatives have been evaluated. In addition to placement of beach 
quality material on the beach south of the mouth of the river, and 
possible use of the Jacksonville Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site 
(ODMDS), about 75 upland sites throughout the Jacksonville Harbor area 
were initially considered. This number was reduced to about 25 sites 
and subsequently to 11 sites.
    Issues: The EIS will consider impacts on the river channel, upland 
disposal areas, areas of cultural or historic significance, water 
quality, protected species, fish and wildlife resources, shore 
protection, navigational safety, energy conservation, socio-economic 
resources, possible effects of blasting, and any other possible issues 
identified through scoping, public involvement and interagency 
coordination.
    Scoping: A scoping letter was sent to all known interested parties 
on August 24, 1993. All parties were invited to participate in the 
scoping process by identifying additional concerns or problems, studies 
needed, additional alternatives, and other matters related to the 
proposed action. A public meeting is also planned.
    Coordination: The proposed action was coordinated with the U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) under the Fish and Wildlife 
Coordination Act on October 19, 1993, for the Reconnaissance Phase of 
the study and again beginning on April 15, 1996, for the Feasibility 
Phase of the study. The proposed action was also coordinated with the 
FWS and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the Endangered 
Species Act on August 24, 1993, and April 23, 1996, respectively. The 
proposed action is being coordinated with the State Historic 
Preservation Officer (SHPO) and the Advisory Council on Historic 
Preservation.
    Other Environmental Review and Consultation: The proposed action 
would involve evaluation for compliance with guidelines pursuant to 
Section 404(b) of the Clean Water Act; application to the State of 
Florida for Water Quality Certification pursuant to Section 401 of the 
Clean Water Act; certification of state lands, easements and rights-of-
way; and determination of Coastal Zone Management Act consistency.
    Agency Role: As the local sponsor and leading local expert, the 
Jacksonville Port Authority will provide extensive information and 
assistance on resources to be impacted, mitigation measures and 
alternatives.
    DEIS Preparation: It is estimated that the DEIS will be available 
to the public on or about August 29, 1997.

    Dated: April 14, 1997.
Hanley K. Smith,
Acting Chief, Planning Division.
[FR Doc. 97-11565 Filed 5-2-97; 8:45 am]
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