[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 7 (Monday, January 12, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1834-1835]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-684]
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army
Intent to Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)
for Improving the Regulatory Process in Lee and Collier Counties in
Southwest Florida
AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense.
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 improving
the regulatory process in Lee and Collier Counties in Southwest
Florida. The study is a cooperative effort among the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers and other government entities being invited to participate.
The invited parties include the two counties and certain other
government agencies at the local, regional, state, and Federal level.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth Dugger, 904-232-1686,
Environmental Branch, Planning Division, P.O. Box 4970, Jacksonville,
Florida 32232-0019.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water
Act, the Corps of Engineers has regulatory authority to permit the
discharge of dredged or fill material into wetlands and other waters of
the United States. The guidelines pursuant to Section 404(b) of the act
require that impacts to the aquatic environment be avoided and
minimized to the extent practicable. Also, unavoidable impacts are to
be compensated (mitigated) to the extent practicable. In determining
whether to issue a permit, the Corps must also comply with other
requirements including, but not limited to, the Endangered Species Act,
the National Environmental Policy Act, the Coastal Zone Management Act,
Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, and other applicable Federal laws.
Modifying land for new uses also involves zoning, land use planning,
water management, and other regulatory/planning requirements at the
local, regional, state, and Federal level.
The purpose of this effort is to establish a better foundation of
information and knowledge of existing conditions and identification of
future alternatives for balancing the demands of growth and
conservation. The goal of this effort is a more effective, timely,
streamlined, cost-conscious, objective, productive, and predictable
environmental permitting process for projects within the study area.
The proposed action consists of one or more of several measures (see
Alternatives below). The purpose of these measures is to facilitate
efficient, timely, and appropriate planning and permitting while
affording an appropriate level of environmental protection and wise use
of natural resources.
Alternatives
In addition to ``no action'', alternative measures being considered
include the following: (1) Establishing overall conditions or concepts
for permit approval; (2) identification of critical concerns, important
natural resources, and sensitive ecological areas; (3) identifying an
opportunity for one or more regional permits for expedited permitting
of actions meeting established criteria; (4) establishing better
communication and coordination among the regulating and planning
agencies; and (5) other measures identified through scoping, public
involvement, and interagency coordination.
Issues
The EIS will consider impacts on protected species, health,
conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns,
wetlands (and other aquatic resources), historic properties, fish and
wildlife values, flood hazards, floodplain values, land use,
navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply
and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food and fiber
production, mineral needs, considerations of property ownership, and,
in general, the needs and welfare of the people, and other issues
identified through scoping, public involvement, and interagency
coordination. At the present time, our primary areas of environmental
concern are endangered species, wetland loss, mitigation, habitat
fragmentation, surface water management, and surface water quality.
Scoping
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the proposed cooperating
and participating agencies is being developed concerning the EIS. A
draft of this MOU was circulated for comment in July 1997. Comments on
the draft were shared by notice of August 25, 1997. We expect
additional public meetings will be held by the Corps and/or other
cooperating agencies prior to completion of the Draft EIS. If a formal
public scoping meeting is held by the Corps, it will be announced. In
addition, all parties are invited to participate in the scoping process
by identifying any additional concerns on issues, studies needed,
alternatives, procedures, and other matters related to the scoping
process.
Public Involvement
We invite the participation of affected Federal, state and local
agencies, affected Indian tribes, and other interested private
organizations and individuals.
Coordination
The proposed action is being coordinated with a number of Federal,
state, regional, and local agencies including but not limited to the
following: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries
Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Florida Department of
Environmental Protection, State Historic Preservation Officer, South
Florida Water Management District, Lee and Collier Counties, Florida
Department of Community Affairs, Florida Game and Freshwater Fish
Commission, Florida Department of Transportation, Estero Bay Agency for
Bay Management, Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council, Governor's
Commission for Sustainable South Florida (Southwest Florida Issues
Group), and other agencies as identified in scoping, public
involvement, and agency coordination.
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, and determination of
Coastal Zone Management Act consistency.
Agency Role
Cooperating agencies include the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other Federal, state,
and local agencies. The cooperating agencies will (1) help define and
develop alternatives, (2) participate in or sponsor public meetings,
and (3) provide technical assessment of impacts and benefits.
[[Page 1835]]
DEIS Preparation
We estimate that the DEIS will be available to the public on or
about October 1998.
John R. Hall,
Acting Chief, Planning Division.
[FR Doc. 98-684 Filed 1-9-98; 8:45 am]
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