[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 182 (Tuesday, September 19, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56592-56593]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-23728]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


San Dieguito Lagoon Restoration Plan Final Environmental Impact 
Statement/Report

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability of final environmental impact statement/
report for the San Dieguito Lagoon Restoration Plan, San Diego County, 
California.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the 
Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announces the availability of a final 
environmental impact statement/report (FEIS/R) for the San Dieguito 
Lagoon Restoration Plan, San Diego County, California.

DATES: A 30-day review period will follow the Environmental Protection 
Agency's notice of availability of the FEIS/R on September 15, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Public reading copies of the FEIS/R will be available for 
review at:

Fish and Wildlife Service, 2730 Loker Ave. West, Carlsbad, California 
92008
San Dieguito River Park, 18372 Sycamore Creek Rd., Escondido, 
California 92025
Del Mar Library, 1309 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, California
Carmel Valley Library, 3919 Townsgate Drive, San Diego, California
Solana Beach Branch Library, 981 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Suite F, Solana 
Beach, California

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jack Fancher, Coastal Program 
Coordinator, Fish and Wildlife Service, 2730 Loker Ave. West, Carlsbad, 
California 92008; phone (760) 431-9440

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This 
FEIS/R has been prepared and is being circulated in accordance with the

[[Page 56593]]

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This project involves the 
proposal to implement a comprehensive habitat restoration plan with a 
public access component for an approximately 400-acre area known as the 
San Dieguito Lagoon. The project site is in the western San Dieguito 
River Valley under the influence of the Pacific Ocean, within the 
northwestern-most portions of the City of San Diego and the City of Del 
Mar in San Diego County, CA.
    A major component of this planning effort is a tidal restoration 
proposal to: (1) Restore the aquatic functions of the lagoon through 
permanent inlet maintenance and expansion of the lagoon's tidal prism; 
and (2) create subtidal and intertidal habitats on both the east and 
west sides of Interstate 5, which bisects the project site. It is 
anticipated that tidal restoration would be accomplished primarily by 
Southern California Edison and partners (SCE), provided the restoration 
satisfies the conditions of the California Coastal Commission (CCC) 
permit for the construction and operation of the San Onofre Nuclear 
Generating Station (SONGS) Units 2 and 3. Upland habitat restoration, 
non-tidal wetland restoration, endangered species habitat improvements, 
and public trails and interpretive facilities would be provided by the 
San Dieguito River Park in cooperation with other agencies and 
organizations including the Fish and Wildlife Service, Coastal 
Conservancy, Cities of Del Mar and San Diego, and others.
    The Final EIS/R analyzes six project alternatives including the 
Mixed Habitat, Maximum Tidal Basin, Maximum Intertidal, Hybrid, Reduced 
Berm, and No Action Alternatives. The lead agencies indicate a 
preference for the Mixed Habitat alternative. The project includes 
measures to mitigate some potential impacts, while other mitigation 
will be made conditions of subsequent permits.

    Dated: September 8, 2000.
Elizabeth A. Stevens,
Acting Manager, California-Nevada Office, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 00-23728 Filed 9-18-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P