[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 166 (Monday, August 28, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 50901]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-14216]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army


Intent to Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the 
Proposed Port of Vancouver Columbia Gateway Project in the State of 
Washington

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

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is initiating the 
preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement under the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The EIS is for a Department of the 
Army permit issued under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 
10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act to install the infrastructure 
necessary to support an approximately 500-acre development of water 
dependent and industrial facilities at the Port of Vancouver.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Janice Stuart, Project Manager, 
Portland District, Corps of Engineers, CENWP-OD-G, 333 SW. First 
Avenue, P.O. Box 2946, Portland, Oregon 97208-2946, phone: (503) 808-
4393.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Port of Vancouver has submitted an 
application to the Corps for a Department of the Army permit to develop 
a multi-faceted port facility that would create economic development 
opportunities for water dependent and industrial facilities at the Port 
of Vancouver. These facilities are necessary to generate increased 
employment opportunities for Vancouver area residents and enhance the 
import and export opportunities within the Lower Columbia River region.
    The proposed action would require the discharge of dredged or fill 
material into waters of the United States, including wetlands, under 
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and affect navigable waters of the 
United States under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. Before 
making permitting decisions, the Corps is required to evaluate 
potential effects on the human environment under the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
    The Corps will also need to demonstrate compliance with Endangered 
Species Act and the National Historic Preservation Act before a permit 
can be issued. The proposed action must also be reviewed by the City of 
Vancouver for Compliance with the Washington State Growth Management 
Act, Shoreline Management Act, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) 
and City of Vancouver Development Code. This EIS is intended to meet 
the requirements for SEPA compliance. Alternatives to be evaluated in 
the EIS include No Action and development of approximately 500 acres of 
Port-owned property adjacent to the Columbia River. Significant issues 
to be analyzed in the EIS include effects the proposed action may have 
on wetlands, endangered species, air quality, water quality and 
quantity, noise, transportation, and public facilities.
    The railroad improvements to serve the existing facilities at the 
Port of Vancouver and the NW 26th Avenue extension will be analyzed 
under separate NEPA processes. Both projects are independent of the 
development of Columbia Gateway.
    The Corps will conduct a public scoping meeting for this EIS on 
September 12, 2006, 4 to 7 p.m. at the Port of Vancouver, 3103 NE. 
Lower River Road, Vancouver, Washington. Affected Federal, state, and 
local agencies; Indian tribes; and other interested organizations and 
individuals are asked to provide input to the Corps on the scope of 
this EIS. To ensure consideration, input on the scope should be 
provided to the Corps by September 25, 2006. The Corps will provide 
notice to the public of additional opportunities for public input on 
the EIS during review periods for the draft and final EIS. The draft 
EIS is currently scheduled to be available for public review Summer 
2007.

    Dated: August 17, 2006.
Lawrence C. Evans,
Chief, Regulatory Branch, Portland District.
[FR Doc. E6-14216 Filed 8-25-06; 8:45 am]
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