[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 110 (Monday, June 9, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Page 32924]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-13315]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army; Corps of Engineers


Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact 
Statement for BP Cherry Point Previously Authorized and Constructed 
Dock (North Wing), an Extension to the Existing BP Cherry Point Dock, 
in Strait of Georgia at Cherry Point, Near Ferndale, Whatcom County, WA

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

ACTION: Notice of Availability.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Seattle District has 
prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to examine the 
incremental environmental risk, principally from vessel traffic, 
related to operation of the previously authorized and constructed North 
Wing of the BP Cherry Point dock. Incremental environmental risk is 
defined in this EIS as the change in environmental risk between 
operating the BP Cherry Point dock at maximum capacity with a single 
berth (the South Wing) and operating the dock with two berths (the 
North Wing and South Wing) at projected future vessel traffic levels. 
The Proposed Action is continuing the existing operations at the BP 
Cherry Point Dock with two berths, one principally for import of crude 
oil and the other for distribution of refined petroleum products.
    The Corps has been directed by Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to 
complete an EIS on the impacts of the permitted dock.
    The Draft EIS was prepared in accordance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, the Corps' 
regulations for NEPA implementation (33 Code of Federal Regulations 
[CFR] parts 230 and 325, Appendices B and C). The Corps, Seattle 
District, Regulatory Branch is the federal lead agency and the U.S. 
Coast Guard, as a cooperating agency. Information contained in the EIS 
serves as the basis for a decision regarding evaluation process of the 
existing permit under Section 10 of Rivers and Harbors Act for the BP 
Cherry Point dock. It also provides information for U.S. Coast Guard, 
other Federal, state, and local agencies having jurisdictional 
responsibility for affected resources.

DATES: Written comments on the Draft EIS will be accepted on or after 
June 6, 2014 until August 6, 2014.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments regarding the Proposed Action and 
Draft EIS to Olivia H. Romano, Project Manager, U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers, Seattle Regulatory Branch, 4735 E. Marginal Way South, 
Seattle, Washington 98134; (206) 764-6960 or via email to 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mrs. Olivia Romano, Project Manager, 
(206) 764-6960 or via email to [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Oral and/or written comments may also be 
presented at the Public meetings for the Draft EIS will be held on:

1. Bellingham, WA. July 16, 2014 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with an open 
house from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Shuksan Middle School Gymnasium, 2717 
Alderwood Avenue, Bellingham, Washington 98225.
2. Seattle, WA. July 24, 2014 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with an open house 
from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Federal Center South, Galaxy Room, 4735 East 
Marginal Way South, Seattle, Washington 98134.

    The purpose of the Draft EIS is to provide decision-makers and the 
public with information pertaining to the incremental environmental 
risk related to operations of the dock, proposed action and 
alternatives, disclose environmental impacts from potential vessel 
traffic accidents and oil spills in Puget Sound region, and identify 
mitigation measures.

    Dated: May 22, 2014.
Bruce A. Estok,
Colonel, Corps of Engineers, District Engineer, Seattle District.
[FR Doc. 2014-13315 Filed 6-6-14; 8:45 a.m.]
BILLING CODE 3720-58-P