[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 11, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12946-12947]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 08-993]


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 Notices
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 48 / Tuesday, March 11, 2008 / 
Notices  

[[Page 12946]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Natural Resources Conservation Service


Pine Barren Creek Watershed, Escambia County, AL

AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture.

ACTION: Notice of a Finding of No Significant Impact.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Pine Barren Creek Watershed is a federally assisted action 
authorized for planning under Public Law 83-566, the Watershed 
Protection and Flood Prevention Act. An environmental assessment was 
undertaken in conjunction with the development of a watershed plan that 
outlines alternatives for flood reduction within the City of Atmore, 
Alabama.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shannon Weaver, Assistant State 
Conservationist for Natural Resources. (334) 887-4533 or e-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Supplemental Watershed Plan describes a 
plan for reduction of flooding at Atmore, Alabama. The plan will be 
implemented by providing financial and technical assistance through a 
local sponsor. The project measures described within the plan will 
reduce the potential for flooding within the watershed and will also 
reduce the potential risk to human health and safety. The Environmental 
Assessment indicates that this Federal action will not cause 
significant adverse local, regional, or national impacts on the 
environment.

    Dated: February 19, 2008.
Gary Kobylski,
State Conservationist.

Finding of No Significant Impact for Pine Barren Creek Watershed, 
Escambia County, Alabama, January 2008

Introduction

    The Pine Barren Creek Watershed is a federally assisted action 
authorized for planning under Public Law 83-566, the Watershed 
Protection and Flood Prevention Act. An environmental assessment was 
undertaken in conjunction with the development of the supplemental 
watershed plan. This assessment was conducted in consultation with 
local, State, and Federal agencies as well as with interested 
organizations and individuals. The Supplemental Watershed Plan and 
Environmental Assessment are available for public review at the 
following locations:

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural     Altmore Public Library, 700
 Resources Conservation Service, 175 Ag      E. Church Street, Atmore,
 Science Drive, Suite A, Brewton, Alabama.   Alabama
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural     City Hall, City of Atmore,
 Resources Conservation Service, 3381        201 East Louisville Ave.,
 Skyway Drive, Auburn, Alabama.              Atmore, Alabama.
Brewton Public Library, 206 West Jackson
 Street, Brewton, Alabama.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recommended Action

    The Supplemental Watershed Plan describes a plan for reduction of 
flooding in Atmore, Alabama. The plan will be implemented by providing 
financial and technical assistance through a local sponsor.
    The principal project measures are to:
    1. Deepen an existing channel located in the headwaters of Pine 
Barren Creek.
    2. Install a grade stabilization structure.
    3. Modify an existing weir structure.
    4. Install reinforced concrete pipe laterals within the residential 
area of Atmore.
Effects of Recommended Action
    The project measures will reduce the potential for flooding within 
the watershed and will also reduce the potential risk to human health 
and safety. The modified weir structure will be designed to release no 
more water than that which was released prior to project 
implementation. Thus, the creation of additional flow downstream during 
storm events will be avoided.
    Wildlife habitat will not be disturbed during installation of the 
structural work of this project. No wetlands, wildlife habitat, 
fisheries, prime farmland, or cultural resources will be destroyed or 
threatened by this project. The value of woodland habitat will not 
decline. Fishery habitats will also be maintained.
    No endangered or threatened plant or animal species will be 
adversely affected by the project.
    There are no wilderness areas in the watershed.
Alternatives
    Five alternative plans were considered in project planning. No 
significant adverse environmental impacts are anticipated from 
installation of the selected alternative. Also, the planned action is 
the most practical and cost effective means of reducing flooding in the 
watershed.
Consultation--Public Participation
    Flooding and water quality concerns in the Pine Barren Creek 
Watershed were expressed by local citizens, City of Atmore officials, 
Escambia County Soil and Water Conservation District, and other 
regional residents. NRCS personnel in partnership with the City of 
Atmore, explored alternatives to relieve flooding problems, while 
maintaining water quality in Pine Barren Creek. Two interagency 
meetings were held to gather input from local, state, and federal 
government agencies. In addition, two public meetings were held in 
Atmore to gather public input and concerns.
    At the initiation of the planning process, meetings were held 
between NRCS and the City of Atmore to discuss problem identification 
and PL-566 requirements. A public meeting was held in June 26, 2003 to 
scope the problems and concerns and to explain impacts of the PL-566 
programinitiatives relative to a watershed project and discuss possible 
solutions.
    In order to further publicize this planning effort, a public 
announcement

[[Page 12947]]

was made to State and Federal agencies by letter and to local 
landowners through local newspapers to announce the change in project 
purpose.
    Evaluations and alternative solutions were developed with the 
Sponsor and other officials. The Recommended Plan was agreed upon.
    Another public meeting was on May 31, 2007. The results of surveys, 
studies, field investigations and the Alternatives Plans were presented 
to the public. The Selected Plan was shared with those in attendance.
    Based on Field Inspections to determine the quality and quantity of 
resources that would be impacted by selected practices and to consider 
possible mitigation measures, it has been determined that an 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not needed for this project. 
Based on the type of practices and systems that are planned, 
installation on previously disturbed land, an Environmental Assessment 
(EA) was prepared.
    Upon review of the Pine Barren Creek Watershed Plan-EA, this 
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was prepared. These documents 
are being distributed to all concerned agencies, groups, and interested 
individuals. A Notice of Availability of the FONSI is being published 
in the Federal Register. Agency consolations and public participation 
to date has shown no conflicts with the implementation of the selected 
plan.
Conclusion
    The Environmental Assessment summarized above indicates that this 
Federal action will not cause significant adverse local, regional, or 
national impacts on the environment. Therefore, based on the above 
findings, I have determined that an environmental impact statement for 
the recommended Pine Barren Creek Supplemental Watershed Plan is not 
required.

    Dated: February 19, 2008.
Gary Kobylski,
State Conservationist.
[FR Doc. 08-993 Filed 3-10-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-M