[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 201 (Monday, October 19, 1998)] [Notices] [Pages 55849-55850] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-27930] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement/ Environmental Impact Report (DEIS/EIR) for the Upper Newport Bay Environmental Restoration Feasibility Study; City of Newport, Orange County, CA AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, DoD. ACTION: Notice of intent. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Newport Bay is located on the southern California coast approximately 40 miles south of Los Angeles and 75 miles north of San Diego. The Pacific Coast Highway divides the Bay into two distinct bodies of water referred to as the ``Upper'' and ``Lower'' sections. Excessive sedimentation in the 752-acre Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, and shoaling in navigation channels have resulted in habitat changes, disruption of boat traffic, and an overall decrease in water circulation in the Bay. Sediments and nutrients transported from the Newport Bay/San Diego Creek watershed to the bay will continue to degrade water quality and habitat quality within the bay. These conditions have caused a concern among local interest groups and resource agencies regarding the potential adverse impacts on the biota in the Bay ecosystem. The Corps is preparing a feasibility study to determine the Federal interest in restoring and enhancing the marine biological productivity of the Upper Bay and a long-term management plan to permit continued maintenance efforts in the Bay. The goal of the feasibility study is to preserve optimized structure, function, integrity and viability of the ecosystem. ADDRESSES: Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Environmental Planning Section, P.O. Box 532711, Los Angeles, CA 90053-2325. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Russell L. Kaiser, Environmental Manager, phone (213) 452-3846. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1. Authorization This study was authorized by Section 841 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99-662. 2. Background The Corps along with several other Federal, state and local agencies and interested parties representing different [[Page 55850]] environmental groups in the Orange County area have been meeting regularly over the last several years to discuss and develop a long term strategy for restoration, enhancement, conservation and preservation efforts for Newport Bay. This consortium of agencies and interested parties are formulating the preliminary concepts for restoration efforts. The Corps has held several public scoping meetings in association with this project. Discussion items have focused on the loss of native habitat and wildlife communities, the propagation of exotic vegetation and domestic predation, the loss of habitat supporting native sensitive species, the overall decrease in water quality, the increase in sediment build-up, the effects of development in the watershed and point/nonpoint discharges entering the bay. 3. Proposed Action Preparation of a DEIS/EIR. 4. Alternatives No-Action allows for continued sediment deposition in Upper and Lower Newport Bay, significantly reducing open-water areas, degrading existing marsh habitat, reducing tidal circulation, and shoaling navigation channels. A full array of alternatives will be developed to achieve both environmental restoration and sediment control. To refine alternatives and determine which are viable, project criteria will be developed to assess feasibility. A co-equal analysis will be conducted for the no action and each viable project alternative in the DEIS/EIR pursuant with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4321, as amended. Project area maps will be available upon request. 5. Scoping Process The Corps will evaluate potential impacts associated with the no- action and alternative plans. A public scoping meeting will be held to address baseline conditions, solicit public participation on significant environmental issues, and participation in the formulation of alternative measures. All interested parties and agencies are welcome to attend and encouraged to participate in the meeting. The Corps will briefly present the study to the public, review the environmental process and issues identified thus far, and outline the overall schedule for study completion, then request public input. Individuals and agencies may offer information or data relevant to the proposed study and/or request to be placed on the mailing list for future announcements. The DEIS/EIR is expected to be available for review and comment in July 1999. Several years ago, the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) prepared a draft Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve (UNBER) management plan. The CDFG is revising the draft plan and will solicit public input at this meeting. 6. Location and Time The public scoping meeting is scheduled for October 21, 1998 at 7:00 p.m., at the Newport Beach City Council Chambers, 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, California. Gregory D. Showalter, Army Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. 98-27930 Filed 10-16-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3710-KF-M