[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 239 (Thursday, December 13, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70825-70826]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-24150]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army; Corps of Engineers


Intent to Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for 
Expansion of Lake Worth Inlet (Palm Beach Harbor), FL

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

COOPERATING AGENCY: Port of Palm Beach District, Riviera Beach, 
Florida.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The Jacksonville District, U.S. Army Corps (Corps) of 
Engineers intends to prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement 
(EIS) for expansion, including widening and deepening of existing 
channels and turning basins in Lake Worth Inlet (Palm Beach Harbor). 
The project is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers (lead Federal agency) and Port of Palm Beach District (non-
Federal sponsor and cooperating agency).

ADDRESSES: Ms. Catherine L. Brooks, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 
Jacksonville District, Planning Division, Environmental Section, P.O. 
Box 4970, Jacksonville, FL 32207.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine L. Brooks at (904) 232-2130.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority for the proposed study was 
received under the House Resolution of June 25, 1998. An expedited 
Reconnaissance Report completed in 2001 by the Corps, concluded based 
on preliminary findings, there was a federal interest in pursuing 
harbor improvements.
    Alternatives: The project's expansion alternatives include no 
action, creation of channel flares, wideners, deepening, turning basin, 
or a combination of the considered alternatives. Alternatives being 
considered for disposal of dredged material include Peanut Island (with 
possible off-load to another use or location), ocean disposal in the 
Palm Harbor Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site (which may require 
expansion or modification), beach placement (if there is sufficient 
beach compatible material), artificial reef (if there is sufficient 
suitable rock) and any other disposal or beneficial use options that 
may become available.
    Issues: The EIS will consider impacts on coral reefs and other 
hardbottom communities, sea grasses, protected species, shore impacts, 
health and safety, water quality, aesthetics and recreation, fish and 
wildlife resources, cultural resources, energy conservation, socio-
economic resources, navigation, and other impacts identified through 
scoping, public involvement and interagency coordination.
    Scoping: The scoping process will involve Federal, State, County 
and municipal agencies and other interested persons and organizations. 
A public and agency scoping meeting will be held on January 9, 2008, at 
3 p.m. at the Port of Palm Beach, One East 11\th\ Street, Riviera 
Beach, FL 33404.
    Public Involvement: We invite the participation of affected 
Federal, State and local agencies, affected Native-American Tribes, and 
other interested private organizations and individuals. In addition to 
the agency and public scoping meeting on January 9, 2008, and receipt 
of written comments at various stages of the Feasibility Study, there 
will be a public meeting on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement 
following its preparation. The date, time, and location will be 
announced.
    Coordination: The proposed action is being coordinated with the 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and NOAA-National Marine Fisheries 
Service (under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act) and the 
Wildlife Coordination Act (FWS only). The proposed action is also being 
coordinated with the Florida State

[[Page 70826]]

Historic Preservation Officer, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency.
    Other Environmental Review and Consultation: The proposed action 
would involve evaluation for compliance with guidelines pursuant to 
Section 404(b)(1) of the Clean Water Act, water quality certification 
(application to the State of Florida) pursuant to Section 401 of the 
Clean Water Act, certification of state lands, easements, and rights-
of-way, determination of Coastal Zone Management Act Consistency, and 
the use of the Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site for Palm Beach 
Harbor pursuant to the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act 
(Ocean Dumping Act).
    Agency Role: As the cooperating agency, non-Federal sponsor and 
leading local expert, the Port of Palm Beach will provide information 
and assistance on the resources to be impacted, mitigation measures and 
alternatives. Other agencies having either regulatory authority or 
special expertise may also be invited to become a cooperating agency in 
preparation of the EIS.
    Draft EIS Preparation: It is estimated that the Draft EIS will be 
available to the public by November 2008. As the study and EIS develop, 
additional information will be posted under Palm Beach County on the 
Jacksonville District's Environmental Documents web page at: http://planning.saj.usace.army.mil/envdocs/envdocsb.htm. The status of any 
Florida Department of Environmental Protection application submitted 
for permit of this action will be posted on the internet at: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/beaches/permitting/permits.htm.

    Dated: December 6, 2007.
Marie G. Burns,
Acting Chief, Planning Division.
 [FR Doc. E7-24150 Filed 12-12-07; 8:45 am]
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