[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 178 (Thursday, September 14, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54264-54265]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-15249]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Natural Resources Conservation Service


Dunloup Creek Watershed, Fayette and Raleigh Counties, WV

AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Guidelines (40 
CFR part 1500); and the Natural Resources Conservation Service 
Guidelines (7 CFR part 650); the Natural Resources Conservation Service 
(NRCS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, is giving notice that an 
environmental impact statement (EIS) will be prepared for the Dunloup 
Creek Watershed of the New River Watershed, Fayette and Raleigh 
Counties, West Virginia. The EIS will evaluate potential impacts to the 
natural, physical and human environment as a result of the flood damage 
reduction measures proposed for the 100-year floodplain in the Dunloup 
Creek Watershed, Fayette and Raleigh Counties, West Virginia.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ronald L. Hilliard, State 
Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 75 High 
Street, Room 301, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, telephone (304) 284-
7545.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Floodwater damage and critical area erosion 
in the Dunloup Creek watershed were the initial impetus for a study in 
1965 when local sponsors applied for Federal assistance under Public 
Law 566--The Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. Several 
years of study resulted in the preparation of a Watershed Plan--EIS in 
1976. Further project activities were terminated in 1984 by mutual 
agreement between the former Soil Conservation Service (now NRCS) and 
the local project sponsors due to utility and land-rights issues.
    In 1996, due to recurring flooding in the watershed, a new 
application was submitted by the local sponsors and NRCS re-initiated 
planning assistance. The planning effort resulted in the preparation of 
a Local Implementation Plan in December 1998. The Plan provided 
alternatives for local implementation without PL-566 cost-sharing and 
without full analysis of the hydraulic, environmental, economic and 
cultural concerns associated with alternatives. No further action was 
taken by the local sponsors with regard to implementing the 1998 Plan.
    In August 2001, following flood events of July 2001, local sponsors 
requested additional planning assistance for the Dunloup Creek 
watershed under PL-566. The current work will document alternatives 
evaluated to reduce flooding and related damages in the Dunloup Creek 
watershed, including: Upstream floodwater retarding impoundments, 
channel modifications, diking, land

[[Page 54265]]

treatment measures, flood proofing and a voluntary buyout program. The 
``no project'' alternative was also considered.
    The environmental assessment of this federally-assisted action 
suggests the estimated costs of the various alternatives will exceed $5 
million. As a result, Ronald L. Hilliard, State Conservationist, has 
determined that the preparation and review of a draft EIS is needed for 
this project.
    A draft EIS will be prepared and circulated for review by agencies 
and the public. The Natural Resources Conservation Service invites 
participation and consultation of agencies and individuals that have 
special expertise, legal jurisdiction, or interest in the preparation 
of the draft EIS. A scoping meeting (workshop) will be held on 
Wednesday September 20, 2006, at the National Guard Armory in Glen 
Jean, WV. The workshop will be held from 4 p.m. through 7 p.m. Those 
attending will have the opportunity to inquire about the project and to 
provide input to determine the scope of the evaluation of the proposed 
action. Further information on the proposed action may be obtained from 
Ronald L. Hilliard, State Conservationist, at the above address or 
telephone (304) 284-7545.

     August 30, 2006.
Ronald L. Hilliard,
State Conservationist.
 [FR Doc. E6-15249 Filed 9-13-06; 8:45 am]
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