[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 122 (Tuesday, June 24, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Page 35671]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-14240]


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

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army; Corps of Engineers


Spring Bayou, Louisiana, Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study

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

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg District, in 
conjunction with the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury, the non-Federal 
sponsor, is undertaking studies to investigate the feasibility of 
restoring the Spring Bayou area ecosystem.

DATES: Initiate EIS, June 30, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Correspondence may be sent to Mr. Larry Marcy, U.S. Army 
Engineer District, Vicksburg, CEMVK-PP-PQ, 4155 Clay Street, Vicksburg, 
MS 39183-3435.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Larry Marcy at U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers, Vicksburg District, telephone (601) 631-5965, fax (601) 631-
5115, or e-mail at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Proposed Action. A feasibility level study will identify and 
evaluate alternatives to restore the Spring Bayou area ecosystem, 
Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana. The ecosystem is being degraded by water 
pollution, sedimentation, and growth of nuisance aquatic weeds. An 
opportunity exists to restore previously existing hydrology by 
diverting freshwater from the Red River into the Spring Bayou area to 
improve water quality, fishery production, and wetland habitat.
    Alternatives. Alternative locations for water diversion from the 
Red River will be identified and evaluated, as well as investigating 
alternatives to control sediment entering the Spring Bayou area from 
Chatlin Lake Canal. Combinations of alternatives involving water 
diversion, sediment control or removal, modification or replacement of 
existing water control structures, and nuisance aquatic weed control 
will be developed and evaluated in cooperation with state and Federal 
agencies, local government, Native American tribes, and the public.
    Scoping. Scoping is the process for determining the range of the 
alternatives and significant issues to be addressed in the 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). For this analysis, a letter will 
be sent to all parties believed to have an interest in the analysis, 
requesting their input on alternatives and issues to be evaluated. The 
letter will also notify interested parties of the public scoping 
meeting that will be held in the local area. A notice will be sent to 
the local news media. All interested parties are invited to comment at 
this time, and anyone interested in the study should request to be 
included on the mailing list.
    A public scoping meeting will be held July 29, 2008, beginning at 7 
p.m. at the Marksville Fire Department, 512 North Main Street, 
Marksville, Louisiana.
    Significant Issues. The tentative list of resources and issues to 
be evaluated in the EIS includes aquatic resources, recreational 
fisheries, wildlife resources, water quality, air quality, threatened 
or endangered species, recreation resources, and cultural resources. 
Tentative socioeconomic items to be evaluated in the EIS include 
business and industrial activity, tax revenues, community and regional 
growth, community cohesion, and navigation.
    Environmental Consultation and Review. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service (FWS) will be asked to assist in the documentation of existing 
conditions, impact analysis of alternatives, and overall study review 
through the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA) consultation 
procedures. The FWS would provide an FWCA report to be incorporated 
into the EIS. The draft EIS or a Notice of Availability will be 
distributed to all interested agencies, organizations, and individuals.
    Estimated Date of Availability. The earliest that the draft EIS is 
expected to be available is May 2010.

    Dated: June 10, 2008.
Douglas J. Kamien,
Chief, Planning, Programs, and Project Management Division.
 [FR Doc. E8-14240 Filed 6-23-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-PU-P