[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 211 (Thursday, October 31, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66387-66388]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-27721]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers


Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for 
Evaluating the Placement of Dredged and Fill Material in the 
Jurisdictional Wetlands on the Protected Side of the West Bank 
Hurricane Protection Levee, Jefferson Parish, LA

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

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), New Orleans 
District, at the request of the Parish of Jefferson, State of 
Louisiana, is initiating this study under the authority of the Clean 
Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251, et seq., and the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq. In May 2000, the Parish of 
Jefferson, State of Louisiana, applied for a 404 Permit for the 
development of those areas deemed jurisdictional under the Clean Water 
Act which lie on the protected side of the West Bank Hurricane 
Protection Levee. The public notice was issued on June 19, 2001. The 
public comment period closed on or about July 29, 2001. As a result of 
the comments received and after consultation between the Corps and 
Jefferson Parish, it has been determined that an Environmental Impact 
Statement (EIS) ought to be prepared.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions concerning the EIS should be 
addressed to Mr. Michael Salyer at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, PM-RS, 
P.O. Box 60267, New Orleans, LA 70160-0267, phone (504) 862-2037, fax 
number (504) 862-2572 or by E-mail at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    1. Proposed Action. The proposed action would authorize the 
placement of dredged and fill material in the jurisdictional wetlands 
on the protected side of the West Bank Hurricane Protection Levee, in 
the area described in the Parish's 404 Permit Application as the 
Barataria Corridor. This would allow for the implementation of the 
Parish's Comprehensive Land Use Plan and reduce the need for individual 
404 permits to be submitted for every action but expedite the process 
by covering the entire Barataria Corridor with one permit action.
    2. Alternatives. The alternative presently being considered is the 
no action alternative, which would leave in place the current parcel-
by-parcel permitting activity.
    3. Scoping. Scoping is the process for determining the scope of 
alternatives and significant resources and issues to be addressed in 
the EIS. For this analysis, a letter will be sent to all parties 
believed to have an interest in the analysis, requesting their input on 
alternatives and issues to be evaluated. The letter will also notify 
interested parties of public scoping meetings that will be held in the 
local area. Notices will also be sent to local news media. All 
interested parties are invited to comment at this time, and anyone 
interested in this study should request to be included in the study 
mailing list.
    A public scoping meeting will be held in November of 2002. The 
meeting will be held in the vicinity of Marrero, LA. Additional 
meetings could be held, depending upon interest and if it is determined 
that further public coordination is warranted.
    4. Significant Resources. The tentative list of resources and 
issues to be evaluated in the EIS includes tidal wetlands (marshes and 
swamps), aquatic resources, commercial and recreational fisheries, 
wildlife resources, essential fish habitat, water quality, air quality, 
threatened and endangered species, recreation resources, and cultural 
resources. Socioeconomic items to be evaluated in the EIS include 
navigation, flood protection, business and industrial activity, 
employment, land use, property values, public/community facilities and 
services, tax revenues, population, community and regional growth, 
transportation, housing, community cohesion, and noise.
    5. Environmental Consultation and Review. The U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service (USFWS) will be assisting in the documentation of 
existing conditions and assessment of effects of project alternatives 
through Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act consultation procedures. 
Coordination will be accomplished with the USFWS and the National 
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) concerning threatened and endangered 
species and their critical habitat. The NMFS will be consulted on the 
effects of this proposed action on Essential Fish Habitat. The draft 
EIS (DEIS) or a notice of its availability will be distributed to all 
interested agencies, organizations, and individuals.
    6. Estimated Date of Availability. Funding levels will dictate the 
date when the DEIS is available. The earliest that the DEIS is expected 
to be available in the spring of 2004.


[[Page 66388]]


    Dated: October 15, 2002.
Peter J. Rowan,
Colonel, U.S. Army, District Engineer.
[FR Doc. 02-27721 Filed 10-30-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-84-P