[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 76 (Friday, April 19, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19428-19429]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-9645]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army; Corps of Engineers


Availability of a Draft Evaluation Report and Draft Environmental 
Impact Statement, Tuttle Creek Dam Safety Assurance Program, Big Blue 
River, near the City of Manhattan, Riley and Pottawatomie Counties, KS

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

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the requirements of the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 
(USACE or Corps) Kansas City District, in cooperation with U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, has prepared a Draft Evaluation Report 
and Draft Environmental Impact Statement

[[Page 19429]]

(DEvR/DEIS). This study identifies deficiencies in the foundation of 
the existing dam that could lead to failure in the event of a major 
earthquake. In addition, minor deficiencies were identified in the 
existing tainter gate system and with the existing amount of freeboard 
that could adversely affect performance of the dam during a major flood 
event. Failure of the structure in the event of a major earthquake or 
flood would have significant adverse impacts on the human environment, 
including property damage and potential loss of human life. Considering 
these potential significant impacts on the human environment, and in 
accordance with the NEPA, the Corps initiated preparation of an 
Evaluation Report and Environmental Impact Statement (EvR/EIS). This 
DevR/DEIS presents a screening level analysis of several alternatives 
considered during scoping and a detailed analysis of four alternatives 
that would minimize the potential for loss of human life and property 
damage related to failure of the dam in the event of a major 
earthquake. These included: Restricted Lake Operation; Stabilize 
Foundation Soil with Drawdown; Stabilize Foundation Soil without 
Drawdown; and Enlarge Embankment. The DEIS identifies Stabilize 
Foundation Soil without Drawdown as the Corps' Preferred Alternative. 
In addition, the Corps considered the ``No Action'' Alternative. The 
Corps also identified potential measures to ensure satisfactory 
performance of the dam during a major flood. These measures include 
minor repair work on the existing tainter gate system and construction 
of a ``Jersey barrier'' wall across the top of the dam to increase 
freeboard and prevent wind and wave wash. The DEvR/EIS presents a 
detailed study of the environmental impacts of the five alternatives 
listed above, the minor measures needed to ensure satisfactory 
performance of the dam during a major flood, and an interim measure 
proposed to enhance public safety.

DATES: Submit comments by June 10, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments and suggestions concerning this 
proposal to William B. Empson, P.E., Project Manager, Tuttle Creek Dam 
Safety Assurance Program, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City 
District, Attn: Dam Safety and Support Section (EC-GD), 700 Federal 
Building, 601 E. 12th St., Kansas City, MO 64106 or via E-mail: 
[email protected] or the Tuttle Creek Dam Safety Assurance 
Program Web site: http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/tcdam. Requests to be 
placed on the mailing list should also be sent to this address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William B. Empson, P.E., Project 
Manager, Tuttle Creek Dam Safety Assurance Study, USACE, Kansas City 
District, at the above address, telephone (816) 983-3556 or via e-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed project must also address 
environmental impacts relative to the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, 
Endangered Species Act and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act 
(FWCA). In accordance with the NEPA, the DEvR/DEIS evaluates reasonable 
alternatives for the USACE's decision making process. As required by 
NEPA, the USACE also analyzes the ``no action'' alternative as a 
baseline for gauging potential impacts. As part of the public 
involvement process, notice is hereby given by the USACE-Kansas City 
District of a public meeting to be held at the Holiday Inn, 530 
Richards Drive, Manhattan, KS, beginning at 7 p.m. on May 2, 2002. The 
public meeting will allow participants the opportunity to comment on 
the DEvR/DEIS prepared for the Tuttle Creek Dam Safety Assurance Study. 
Written comments should be submitted to the address above. Copies of 
the document may also be obtained from the same address.
    Copies of the DEvR/DEIS are also available for inspection at the 
locations identified below:
    (1) Manhattan Public Library, 629 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS 66506.
    (2) Hale Library, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506.
    (3) Wamego Public Library, 408 Elm St., Wamego, KS66547.
    (4) Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Ave., 
Topeka, KS 66604.
    (5) Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont, Lawrence, KS 66044.
    (6) Kansas State Library, 300 SW 10th Ave./Room 343-N, Topeka, KS 
66612.
    (7) Marysville Public Library, 1009 Broadway, Marysville, KS 66508.
    (8)The Tuttle Creek Dam Safety Assurance Program website at http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/tcdam.
    (9) Rm. 747--Library, U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers, Kansas City 
District, 601 E. 12st St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
    (10) Corps Lake Project Offices in the study area including Tuttle 
Creek Lake Project Office, 5020 Tuttle Creek Blvd., Manhattan, KS 
66502.
    After the public comment period ends, USACE will consider all 
comments received, revise the DEvR/DEIS as appropriate, and issue a 
Final Evaluation Report and Final Environmental Impact Statement.

Luz D. Ortiz,
Army Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 02-9645 Filed 4-18-02; 8:45 am]
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