[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 67 (Thursday, April 8, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17148-17149]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-8765]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army Corps of Engineers


Intent to Prepare an Integrated Feasibility Report/Environmental 
Impact Statement for Environmental Restoration and Flood Control in the 
Sand Creek Watershed near Wahoo, Nebraska

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

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: Congress authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) to 
conduct a reconnaissance study along the Lower Platte River and 
Tributaries, Nebraska in the interest of flood control, environmental 
restoration, and other purposes. The COE has conducted a reconnaissance 
study pursuant to this authority, and has determined that further study 
in the Sand Creek Watershed in the nature of a Feasibility-Phase Study 
is required to fulfill the intent of the study authority and to assess 
the extent of the Federal interest.
    The goal of the integrated Feasibility Study/EIS will be to 
determine the alternative that provides a desired combination of 
environmental restoration, reduction of sedimentation and water quality 
improvement, while also providing flood damage reduction and recreation 
benefits.
    Alternatives proposed for consideration are (1) a 637-surface acre 
multipurpose impoundment one mile north of Wahoo, Nebraska on Sand 
Creek locally known as the Lake Wanahoo proposal, (2) seven smaller 
impoundments upstream from the Lake Wanahoo site proposed by the 
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in 1998, (3) two smaller 
impoundments upstream that were proposed by the COE back in 1960, (4) a 
combination of Lake Wanahoo and one of the old COE damsites, (5) a 
combination of Lake Wanahoo and the seven smaller upstream 
impoundments, and (6) one or more stream channel grade control 
structures starting at the Lake Wanahoo location and sized to provide 
wetlands without creating a structure needing a dam classification. The 
no COE action alternative will also be considered.

[[Page 17149]]

    A single scoping meeting will be held in Wahoo, Nebraska in the 
Lower Platte North Natural Resources District (NRD) conference room 
from 7:00-9:00 pm on May 4, 1999. Scoping comments will be accepted by 
phone or mail at any time during the preparation of the Draft 
Feasibility Report/Draft EIS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions about the proposed action 
and Draft EIS should be directed to Candace M. Thomas, Chief, 
Environmental and Economics Section, Water Resources Branch, U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers, 215 North 17th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102-4978, 
phone (402) 221-4575, email: Candice.M.T[email protected]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Lower Platte North NRD is a cost-sharing 
sponsor in the preparation of the feasibility study/EIS, and would also 
be required to cost-share on any project that results from the study. 
The feasibility report and EIS will be integrated to reduce paperwork 
and redundancy, and to consolidate planning documentation into one 
consistent report.
    A watershed planning approach has been taken in the Sand Creek 
watershed. A 1998 watershed plan prepared by the Lower Platte North NRD 
and the NRCS consists of 7 dams that will reduce rural and urban flood 
damages, reduce sedimentation and scour, enhance fish and wildlife 
habitat, enhance water quality, improve economic conditions, and 
provide recreational opportunities. That planning process was extended 
nearly three years for additional studies and consultation with the 
USFWS on the timing and flows of the Platte River and potential impacts 
on the endangered pallid sturgeon.
    During the delay period, the Lower Platte North NRD also began 
pursuing a Lake Wanahoo project that would address some of the same 
flooding problems. The opportunity for building Lake Wanahoo stems from 
the redesign of U.S. Highway 77 from a two-lane highway to a four-lane 
expressway. This construction is scheduled to begin in 2002. The Lake 
Wanahoo dam embankment could also serve as the expressway crossing of 
Sand Creek.
Gregory D. Showalter,
Army Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 99-8765 Filed 4-7-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-62-M