[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 141 (Wednesday, July 23, 1997)] [Notices] [Page 39504] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-19334] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army Corps of Engineers Intent to Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Dare County Beaches, Dare County, North Carolina AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DoD. ACTION: Notice of Intent. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Dare County beaches study area is located on the northern coast of North Carolina about 40 miles south of the North Carolina- Virginia state line. This area is at risk from hurricanes and winter storms which regularly damage or destroy structures near the shoreline. The proposed shoreline protection project involves the placement of berm and, where necessary, establishment of a dune line. Ongoing feasibility studies have identified potential project areas that cover a total shoreline distance of about 10 miles located north of Oregon Inlet. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions about the DEIS can be answered by: Mr. Charles Wilson, Environmental Resources Section, at the U.S. Army Engineer District, Wilmington, P.O. Box 1890, Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890; telephone: (910) 251-4746. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed hurricane and storm damage reduction project would consist of a berm or combination of berm and dune, to be constructed along various reaches of the oceanfront within the study area. The selection of final project features and reaches for inclusion in the recommended plan will be based on a maximization of net project benefits. The sand volume required for project construction is expected to range from about 2.5 to 10.5 million cubic yards. Depending on the dredge plant utilized and dredging windows, construction time is estimated to be about 2 years or less. Potential offshore sources of borrow material for the project have been identified. Maintenance of project reaches are expected to require periodic renourishment every 3 to 5 years; however, renourishment of portions of the project area could be required more frequently. The periodic renourishment volume is expected to be 1 to 4 million cubic years. Alternatives to be evaluated include variations of project dimensions/features and no action. Alternative methods of beach nourishment and dredging of offshore borrow areas will also be evaluated including the use of an ocean-certified hydraulic pipeline or hopper dredge. All private interests and Federal, State, and local agencies having an interest in the project are hereby notified and are invited to comment. A scoping letter requesting input to the study will be sent to all known interested parties concurrent with publication of this NOI. Comments received will be used to assist in identifying potential impacts to the quality of the environment and preparation of the DEIS. No formal scoping meetings are planned at this time, but based on the responses received, scoping meetings may be held with specific agencies or individuals as required. A significant issue to be addressed in the DEIS is a determination of the most appropriate time of year for dredging and beach nourishment. The DEIS is being prepared in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and will address the project's relationship to all applicable Federal and State laws and Executive Orders. The Draft EIS is currently scheduled for distribution to the public in August 1997. Gregory D. Showalter, Army Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. 97-19334 Filed 7-22-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3710-08-M