[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 93 (Monday, May 15, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28018-28019]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-4512]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army; Corps of Engineers


Intent to Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the 
Neuse River Basin Feasibility Study, NC

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

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The Neuse River Basin is the third largest basin in North 
Carolina, encompassing a total area of about 6,235 square miles. The 
Neuse River originates in north central North Carolina and flows 
southeasterly until it reaches tidal waters of Pamlico Sound. Water 
quality in the Neuse River Basin has become degraded from multiple 
causes, including: Rapidly expanding urban growth with increasingly 
rapid runoff from storm events; deforestation; expanding high-density 
livestock operations; and aging wastewater infrastructure. Fish and 
wildlife populations have suffered declines in diversity and vigor; and 
waterborne fish diseases have now become apparent, especially 
Pfiesteria. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District, in 
cooperation with the State of North Carolina Division of Water 
Resources has initiated the Neuse River Basin Feasibility Study in 
North Carolina. The purpose of the feasibility study is to develop and 
evaluate basin wide alternatives to improve water quality, restore 
anadromous fish passage, wetlands, stream, riparian buffer, and oyster 
habitat. We will also investigate flood damage reduction. The focus of 
this study is to identify resource problems, needs, and opportunities 
and develop solutions. The feasibility study is being carried out under 
the Corps of Engineers General Investigation Program and is being 
conducted in response to a congressional resolution adopted July 23, 
1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions about the proposed action 
and DEIS can be answered by: Mr. Hugh Heine; Environmental Resources 
Section; U.S. Army Engineer District, Wilmington; P.O. Box 1890; 
Wilmington, NC 28402-1890; telephone: (910) 251-4070.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This study will investigate the following 
alternatives: No action alternative, restoration of wetland and stream 
habitats as well as riparian buffers which serve as natural filtering 
systems, oyster habitat restoration, removal or modification of low 
head dams and culverts to restore anadromous fish

[[Page 28019]]

passages, and flood reduction. The final outcome of the study would be 
a feasibility report and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which 
would recommend projects for construction authorization. All private 
parties and Federal, State, and local agencies having an interest in 
the study are hereby notified of the intent to prepare a DEIS and are 
invited to comment at this time. An initial scoping letter dated March 
31, 1999 was circulated during the early planning phase of the study. 
Another scoping letter dated April 26, 2006 was sent out to continue 
the coordination process and solicit any additional comments on this 
study. All comments received as a result of this notice of intent and 
the above mentioned scoping letters will be considered in the 
preparation of the DEIS.
    The lead agency for this project is the U.S. Army Engineer 
District, Wilmington. Cooperating agency status has not been assigned 
to, nor requested by, any other agency.
    The DEIS is being prepared in accordance with the requirements of 
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and will 
address the relationship of the proposed action to all other applicable 
Federal and State Laws and Executive Orders.
    The DEIS is currently scheduled to be available spring 2008.

    Dated: May 1, 2006.
John E. Pulliam, Jr.
Colonel, U.S. Army, District Commander.
[FR Doc. 06-4512 Filed 5-12-06; 8:45 am]
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