[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 79 (Tuesday, April 26, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21401-21402]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-8283]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army; Corps of Engineers


Intent To Prepare a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact 
Statement for the Brevard County (Mid-Reach) Shore Protection Project 
Located in Brevard County, FL

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, Jacksonville District, 
intends to prepare a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement 
(DSEIS) for the Brevard County (Mid-Reach) Shore Protection Feasibility 
Study. The study will focus on 7.6 miles of developed shoreline, also 
referred to as the ``Mid-Reach'', from the south end of Patrick Air 
Force Base to just north of Indialantic. Ongoing erosion problems are 
endangering the shoreline infrastructure within the study area. In 
cooperation with Brevard County, the study will evaluate alternative 
solutions that will maximize shore protection while minimizing 
environmental impacts.

ADDRESSES: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Planning Division, 
Environmental Branch, P.O. Box 4970, Jacksonville, FL 32232-0019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Paul E. Stodola, by e-mail 
[email protected] or by telephone at (904) 232-3271.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: a. Proposed Action. The Brevard County, FL, 
(Mid-Reach) Shore Protection Feasibility Study was authorized by 
Section 418 of the Water Resources and Development act of 2000 (Pub. L. 
106-541). The entire 7.6-mile length of the Mid-Reach shoreline has 
been critically eroded with 62% of its oceanfront development 
anticipated to be lost to storm damage during the next 50 years. 
Placement of beach quality sand from various sources along the Mid-
Reach will be evaluated with the intent of providing the greatest 
opportunity of shoreline protection. Environmental considerations will 
be addressed in a DSEIS, which will supplement the

[[Page 21402]]

Environmental Impact Statement prepared for the Brevard County Shore 
Protection Project in 1996. Subsequently a final SEIS will be 
published.
    b. Alternatives. Specific proposed alternatives at this time 
include hydraulic beach fill along the entire length or portions of the 
Mid-Reach, truck-haul beach fill along the entire length or portions of 
the Mid-Reach, dune fill, and no-action.
    c. Scoping Process. the scoping process as outlined by the Council 
on Environmental Quality would be utilized to involve Federal, State, 
and local agencies, affected Indian tribes, and other interested 
persons and organizations. A scoping letter dated April 1, 2005, was 
sent to the appropriate parties 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 to be analyzed in the DSEIS would include 
effects on Federally listed threatened and endangered species, 
Essential Fish Habitat with particular concern for nearshore coquina 
reefs and worm rock. Other issues would be health and safety, water 
quality, aesthetics and recreation, fish and wildlife resources, 
cultural resources, socio-economic resources, and any issues identified 
through scoping and public involvement.
    The proposed action would be coordinated with the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) 
pursuant to Seciton 7 of the Endangered Species Act, with the NMFS 
concerning Essential Fish Habitat, and with the State Historic 
Preservation Officer.
    The proposed action would also involve evaluation for compliance 
with guidelines pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Clean Water Act; 
application (to the State of Florida) for Water Quality Certification 
pursuant to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act; certification of state 
lands, easements, and rights of way; and determination of Coastal Zone 
Management Act consistency.
    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Non-Federal sponsor, 
Brevard County, would provide extensive information and assistance on 
the resources to be impacted and alternatives.
    d. Scoping Meetings. Public scoping meetings would be held. Exact 
dates, times, and locations would be published in local papers.
    e. Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement Availability. 
The Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement would be 
available on or about April 2006.

    Dated: April 13, 2005.
Dennis W. Barnett,
Acting Chief, Planning Division.
[FR Doc. 05-8283 Filed 4-25-05; 8:45 am]
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