[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 52 (Wednesday, March 18, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 13239]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-7045]


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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 Wolf River, Memphis, TN, Feasibility Study

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

ACTION: Notice of Intent.

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SUMMARY: The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of 
providing aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem restoration, wetlands 
protection, and increased recreational opportunities within the Wolf 
River Basin of west Tennessee and north Mississippi. A resolution by 
the Committee on Public Works and Transportation of the U.S. House of 
Representatives on 24 September 1992 provides study authorization.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Jim Bodron, telephone (901) 544-3639, CEMVM-DD-P, 167 North Main 
Street, B-202, Memphis, TN 38103-1894. Questions regarding the DEIS may 
be directed to Mr. Richard Hite, telephone (901) 544-0706, CEMVM-PD-R.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Proposed Action

    A Corps reconnaissance study, completed October 1995, revealed that 
channelization and realignment of the lower 22 miles of the river have 
significantly reduced seasonal flooding, eliminated large amounts of 
riparian forest and fisheries habitat, induced progressive channel bank 
and bed erosion, and initiated long-term drying of adjacent wetlands.
    Also, agricultural practices have contributed to sediment movement 
and deposition. Sediment deposition in tributary streams and wetlands 
has adversely impacted fish and wildlife habitat and killed valuable 
timber. The Wolf River study will attempt to identify an economically 
and environmentally feasible plan that would retard damage to and help 
restore components of this important ecosystem. The study area 
currently comprises the entire Wolf River Basin. The river is 86 miles 
in length; and the drainage basin includes portions of Shelby, Fayette, 
and Hardeman counties in west Tennessee and parts of Marshall, Benton, 
and Tippah counties in north Mississippi.

2. Alternatives

    Alternatives being considered include combinations of features such 
as main channel weirs to reduce erosion and provide fish habitat, 
reforestation, and wetland restoration. Alternative plans will be 
compared to the No Action alternative.

3. Scoping Process

    An intensive public involvement program will be initiated and 
maintained throughout this study to (1) solicit input from individuals 
and interested parties so that problems, needs, and opportunities 
within the project area can be properly identified and addressed and 
(2) provide status updates to concerned organizations and the general 
public. Scoping is a critical component of the overall public 
involvement program. The scoping process is designed to provide early 
detection of public concerns regarding needed studies, plan 
alternatives, procedures and other important study-related matters. 
Affected federal, state and local agencies; affected Indian tribes; and 
other interested private organizations and parties are invited to 
participate in the scoping process. This study will analyze project 
impacts (positive and negative) to significant area resources such as 
wildlife, fish, endangered species, wetlands, water quality and 
recreation.

4. Public Scoping Meeting

    A public scoping meeting will likely be held in Memphis, Tennessee, 
during the Spring of 1998.

5. Availability of DEIS

    It is anticipated that the DEIS will be available for public review 
during the Spring of 1999. A public meeting will be held during the 
review period to receive comments and address questions concerning the 
DEIS.
Mary V. Yonts,
Alternate Army Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 98-7045 Filed 3-17-98; 8:45 am]
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