[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 167 (Tuesday, August 28, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45291-45292]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-21699]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers


Intent To Prepare a Draft Supplement Environmental Impact 
Statement (SEIS) to the 1996 Final Environmental Impact Statement for 
Coast of Florida Erosion and Storm Effects Study, Region III, Palm 
Beach, Broward, and Dade County, FL, To Address an Application for a 
Department of the Army Permit to Nourish Phipps Beach in Palm Beach 
County, FL

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

ACTION:  Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 
of the Rivers and Harbors Act, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has 
regulatory authority to permit the discharge of dredge and fill 
material into waters of the United States. In compliance with its 
responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 
1969, the Jacksonville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers intends 
to prepare a SEIS as a result of the dredge and fill permit application 
for the Phipps Ocean Park Beach Restoration project located within the 
Town of Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brice McKoy, 561-683-0792, U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, Regulatory Division, South 
Permits Branch, 400 North Congress Avenue, Suite 130, West Palm Beach, 
Florida 33401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Town of Palm Beach, Florida is seeking a 
Department of Army permit to construct a 1.9-mile beach restoration 
project located in the Town of Palm Beach, Florida, between Florida 
Department of Environmental Protection reference monument R-116 and R-
126 in the vicinity of Phipps Ocean Park. Approximately 1.5 million 
cubic yards of sand would be dredged from two borrow areas located 
approximately 3,500 feet offshore and approximately 1.5 and 2.6 miles 
south of the fill area. The beach fill profile consists of a +9 ft. 
NGVD berm elevation with an average construction berm width varying 
from 190 to 455 ft, with a projected life of 8 years. The shoreline 
within the project area contains rock outcrops located at and below the 
mean low water line. This project is located within project segment 
``6'' in Palm Beach County and referred to as the ``South-end Palm 
Beach Island Segment'' in the Coast of Florida Erosion and Storm 
Effects Study, which was authorized on 16 July 1984, by Section 104 of 
the 1985 Appropriations Act (Public Law 98-360). The specific study 
area for this Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement is 
approximately 1.9 miles of beach, between Sloans Curve and the 
Ambassador South II Condominium including Phipps Ocean Park and the 
Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Club, located within the Town of Palm Beach, 
Florida, in Sections 11, 14, and 23, Township 44 South, Range 43 East.
    Alternatives: Alternatives are being considered in the study and 
will be addressed in the Draft SEIS. These alternatives include: no 
action alternatives, non-structural alternatives, revetment, beach fill 
with periodic nourishment, beach fill with periodic nourishment 
stabilized by an offshore breakwater or submerged artificial reef, 
beach nourishment with maintenance material from updrift inlet, beach 
fill and periodic nourishment stabilized by groins, seawalls, beach 
fill with periodic nourishment and hurricane surge protection sand 
dune, beach fill with periodic nourishment and hurricane surge 
protection--offshore breakwaters or submerged artificial reefs, 
nearshore berms, beach fill with nearshore berms, stabilization of 
beaches and dunes by vegetation, feeder beach: beach fill strategically 
located to nourish downdrift erosion problem areas, relocation of 
structures, flood proofing of structures, abandon or modify navigation 
projects, sand tightening of jetties, upgrading on construction of sand 
transfer plants for renourishment; dune restoration, PEP reef, and 
various combinations of the above.
    Issues: The Draft SEIS will consider impacts on protected species, 
health, conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental 
concerns, wetlands (and other aquatic resources), historic properties, 
fish and wildlife value, flood hazards, floodplain values, land use, 
navigation, 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.
    Scoping: The scoping process will involve Federal, State, county, 
municipal agencies, and other interested persons and organizations. A 
scoping letter will be sent to interested Federal, State, county and 
municipal agencies requesting their comments and concerns. Any persons 
and organizations wishing to participate in the scoping process should 
contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the above address. 
Significant issues that are anticipated include concern for nearshore 
and offshore hard bottom communities, fisheries, water quality, 
threatened and endangered species, and cultural resources.
    Public Involvement: We invite the participation of affected 
federal, state and local agencies, affected Indian tribes, and other 
private organizations and parties by submitting written comments to the 
information contact provided in this notice.
    Coordination: Coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
has been completed in compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered 
Species Act. Coordination with the National Marine Fisheries Service 
will be accomplished in compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered 
Species Act. Coordination

[[Page 45292]]

required by applicable Federal and State laws and policies will be 
conducted. Since the project will require the discharge of material 
into waters of the United States, the discharge will comply with the 
provisions of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act as amended and Section 
10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act.
    Other Environmental Review and Consultation: The State of Florida 
Department of Environmental Protection has released a notice of intent 
to issue, File Number 0165332-001-JC, or the proposed project pursuant 
to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.
    This proposed action may also require certification of State lands, 
easements, and rights of way.
    Draft SEIS Preparation: It is estimated that the Draft SEIS will be 
available to the public during October of 2001.

Luz D. Ortiz,
Army Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 01-21699 Filed 8-27-01; 8:45 am]
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