[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 144 (Thursday, July 26, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 39031]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-18590]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army; Corps of Engineers


Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on 
Drought Water Management Operations of the Central and Southern Florida 
(C&SF) Project During 2002

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

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: There is currently a severe water shortage and regional 
drought within the Central and Southern Florida (C&SF) Project area in 
south Florida that is forecast to extend into 2002. As a result of 
this, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), the local 
sponsor of the project, has requested that the Jacksonville District of 
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) authorize temporary deviation 
from the normal regulation schedules for the Water Conservation Areas 
(WCA's), set forth in the Water Control Plan for the 2001/2002 dry 
season to provide greater flexibility in balancing the environmental 
and water supply purposes of the project. The current water management 
operational plan for the C&SF Project includes drought contingency 
plans. The magnitude and severity of this water shortage and drought 
pose an unprecedented threat to drinking water supplies, economic and 
social resources and environmental resources, primarily due to the 
extremely low water levels in Lake Okeechobee, the normal backup water 
supply for the region. Based on current water levels and projections 
for continued low lake levels, the potential for saltwater intrusion 
into the Lower East Coast water supplies if backup water supplies are 
not available and the potential for environmental impacts in the 
regional system, require evaluation of the temporary deviation from the 
minimum floor elevations in the WCA's.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, P.O. Box 
4970, Jacksonville, Florida 32232; Attn: Ms. Barbara Cintron, 904/232-
1682.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    1. The action requested by the SFWMD consists of temporary 
deviations to the water regulation schedules for WCA 1 (ARM Loxahatchee 
National Wildlife Refuge), WCA 2A, and WCA 3A from November 1, 2001 
through October 31, 2002.
    2. Alternatives to be discussed involve sequencing the deviations 
for the several WCAs, and variations in the magnitude and timing of the 
deviations.
    3. A Scoping letter will be used to invite comments on alternatives 
and issues from Federal, State, and local agencies, affected Indian 
tribes, and other interested private organizations and individuals.
    4. The Draft EIS will analyze issues related to fire frequency, 
wading bird and snail kite nesting success, invasion of exotic 
vegetation, saltwater intrusion into municipal drinking water wells, 
the benefits of and need for municipal and industrial water-use 
restrictions, and economic and social impacts on agriculture and other 
water supply dependent business, including recreation, navigation, and 
tourism.
    5. The alternative plans will be reviewed under provisions of 
appropriate laws and regulations, including the Endangered Species Act, 
Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and Farmland Protection Policy Act.
    6. The Draft EIS is expected to be available for public review in 
the 3rd quarter CY 2001.

    Dated: July 19, 2001.
George M. Strain,
Acting Chief, Planning Division.
[FR Doc. 01-18590 Filed 7-25-01; 8:45 am]
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