[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 217 (Tuesday, November 10, 1998)] [Notices] [Pages 63034-63035] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-30085] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Lee County Beach Erosion Control Project, Gasparilla and Estero Islands, Lee County, Florida AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense. ACTION: Notice of intent. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Jacksonville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers intends to prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Lee County Beach Erosion Control Project, Gasparilla and Estero Islands, Lee County, Florida. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth Dugger, 904-232-1686, Environmental Branch, Planning Division, P.O. Box 4970, Jacksonville, Florida 32232-0019. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Beach Erosion Control Project for Lee County, Florida, was authorized in accordance with recommendations of the Chief of Engineers in House Document number 91-393, under the provisions of Section 201 of the Flood Control Act of 1965 enacted by House Resolution dated December 15, 1970, and Senate Resolution dated December 17, 1970. The authorization provides for Federal participation in beach restoration and periodic nourishment along portions of the Gulf shore of Lee County. Captiva Island was included in this authorization and has been constructed. The proposed action consists of a protective beach, estimated berm width of up to 120 feet, along 2.7 miles of shore on Gasparilla Island, and 4.6 miles on Estero Island. The borrow site for Estero Island has an area of 1.59 square miles, and is located in the Gulf approximately 1.5 miles southwest of Sanibel Island. The borrow site for Gasparilla Island has an area of 2.8 square miles, and is located in the Gulf just north of Boca Grande Pass. Alternatives: Alternatives considered include no action, non- structural measures, the construction of revetments, perched beaches, breakwaters, beach fills of varying widths, construction of submerged near-shore berms, beach fill transitions, and a beach fill/groin combination. Alternative sand sources in addition to the use of the proposed borrow area for nourishment, include the use of other local offshore sand sources, the use of other sand sources such as upland sources, Bahamian sand, other foreign sands, or other distant sources. Issues: The EIS will consider impacts on hardbottom communities, protected species, shore protection, health and safety, water quality, aesthetics and recreation, fish and wildlife resources, cultural resources, energy conservation, socio-economic resources, and other impacts identified through scoping, public involvement, and interagency coordination. Scoping: A scoping letter was sent to interested parties on August 12, 1996. In addition, all parties are invited to participate in the scoping process by identifying any additional concerns on issues, studies needed, alternatives, procedures, and other matters related to the scoping process. At this time, there are no plans for a public scoping meeting. Public Involvement: We invite the participation of affected Federal, state and local agencies, affected Indian tribes, and other interested private organizations and parties. Coordination: The proposed action is being coordinated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, with the State Historic Preservation Officer, and with the FWS under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act. A request and scope of work for a Fish and [[Page 63035]] Wildlife Coordination Act Report was forwarded to FWS on October 20, 1998. Other Environmental Review And Consultation: The proposed action would involve evaluation for compliance with guidelines pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Clean Water Act; application (to the State of Florida) for Water Quality Certification pursuant to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act; certification of state lands, easements, and rights of way; and determination of Coastal Zone Management Act consistency. DEIS Preparation: It is estimated that the DEIS will be available to the public on or about January 13, 1999. Dated: October 28, 1998. Michael A. Moore, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Acting Chief, Planning Division. [FR Doc. 98-30085 Filed 11-9-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3710-AJ-M