Supplemental Notice of Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for a Permit Application for the Berths 136-147 Terminal Improvement Project, Also Known as the TraPac Container Terminal in the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA, 17456-17458 [E6-4904]

Download as PDF 17456 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 66 / Thursday, April 6, 2006 / Notices 132nd Council Meeting Agenda Thursday, April 20, 2006, 1 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time 1. Introductions 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Limits to Fishing in the NWHI 4. Public Hearing 5. Council Discussion and Action 6. Other Business Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before the Council for discussion, those issues may not be the subject of formal Council action during its 132nd meeting. Council action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this document and any issue arising after publication of this document that requires emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council’s intent to take final action to address the emergency. Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Kitty M. Simonds, (808) 522–8220 (voice) or (808) 522– 8226 (fax), at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: April 3, 2006. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6–4983 Filed 4–5–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary Defense Science Board Department of Defense. Notice of Advisory Committee Meetings. AGENCY: sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES ACTION: SUMMARY: The Defense Science Board 2006 Summer Study will meet in closed session on August 7–18, 2006; at the Beckman Center, Irvine, CA. At this meeting, the Defense Science Board will discuss interim findings and recommendations resulting from two ongoing Task Force activities: 21st Century Strategic Technology Vectors and Information Management for NetCentric Operations. The mission of the Defense Science Board is to advise the Secretary of Defense and the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:52 Apr 05, 2006 Jkt 208001 and Logistics on scientific and technical matters as they affect the perceived needs of the Department of Defense. At this meeting, the Board will develop recommendations regarding: the operational value enabled by networks and networking and their impact on innovations across the Enterprise; the underlying framework, architecture, processes and organizational structures that are in place or being pursued to deliver the power of information to the DoD enterprise as well as potential external partners; and the state of the art in knowledge utilization. The Board will also review and develop recommendations regarding: previous attempts by DoD to identify critical technologies in order to derive lessons that would help illuminate the current challenge; identify the National Security objectives for the 21st century and the operational missions that U.S. military will be called upon to support these objectives; identify new operational capabilities needed for the proposed missions; identify the critical science technology, and other related enablers of the desired capabilities; assess current S&T investment plans’ relevance to the needed operational capabilities and enablers and recommend needed changes to the plans; identify mechanisms to accelerate and assure the transition of technology into U.S. military capabilities; and review and recommend changes as needed, the current processes by which national security objectives and needed operational capabilities are used to develop and prioritize science, technology, and other related enablers, and how those enablers are then developed. In accordance with Section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Pub. L. No. 92–463, as amended (5 U.S.C. App. 2), it has been determined that this meeting concerns matters listed in 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(1) and that, accordingly, this meeting will be closed to the public. Ms. Debra Rose, Executive Officer, Defense Science Board, 3140 Defense Pentagon, Room 3C553, Washington, DC 20301– 3140, via e-mail at debra.rose@osd.mil, or via phone at (703) 571–0084. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dated: March 31, 2006. L.M. Bynum, OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. 06–3300 Filed 4–5–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001–06–M PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army Supplemental Notice of Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for a Permit Application for the Berths 136–147 Terminal Improvement Project, Also Known as the TraPac Container Terminal in the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DOD. ACTION: Notice of Intent (NOI). SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Los Angeles District in conjunction with the Los Angeles Harbor Department (Port) is examining the feasibility of waterside, terminal and transportation improvements at Berths 136–147 in the Port of Los Angeles. The Corps is considering the Port’s application for a Department of the Army permit under Clean Water Act section 404 and River and Harbor Act section 10 to conduct dredge and fill activities and construct one new wharf approximately 705 feet and seismically upgrade two wharves approximately 3,022 feet in length associated with the proposed project. Major project elements to be covered in the Draft EIS/EIR include: wharf construction and landside improvements. The landside developments will include expansion, redevelopment and construction of marine terminal facilities, and transportation infrastructure improvements including construction of grade separations, and potential realignment of road and railways. The primary Federal involvement is the discharge of dredge and/or fill materials within waters of the United States, work (e.g. dredging) and structures in or affecting navigable waters of the United States, and potential impacts on the human environment from such activities. Therefore, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Corps is requiring the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) prior to rendering a final decision on the Port’s permit application. The Corps may ultimately make a determination to permit or deny the above project or permit or deny modified versions of the above project. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Port will serve as Lead Agency for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 06APN1 sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 66 / Thursday, April 6, 2006 / Notices Report (EIR). The Corps and the Port have agreed to jointly prepare a Draft EIS/EIR for the improvements at Berth 136–147 in order to optimize efficiency and avoid duplication. The Draft EIS/ EIR is intended to be sufficient in scope to address both the Federal and the state and local requirements and environmental issues concerning the proposed activities and permit approvals. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions about the proposed action and Draft EIS/EIR can be answered by Dr. Joshua Burnam, Corps Project Manager, at (213) 452–3294. Comments shall be addressed to: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Regulatory Branch. Attn: File Number 2003–0–1142–JLB, P.O. Box 532711, Los Angeles, CA 90053–2325, and Dr. Ralph Appy, Director of Environmental Management, Port of Los Angeles, 425 S. Palos Verdes St., San Pedro, CA 90731. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1. Project Site and Background Information. The proposed project is located in the northwestern portion of the Port of Los Angeles, adjacent to the San Pedro District of the City of Los Angeles, CA. The proposed project involves dredge and fill operations, new wharf construction, coupled with terminal expansion on adjacent areas of existing land, and improvement of transportation infrastructure at and adjacent to Berths 136–147. The project’s overall goals are to upgrade the container cargo handling efficiency at the Berths 136–147 Terminal, increase its cargo handling capacity, and to improve transportation infrastructure in order to accommodate forecasted and planned increases in the volume of containerized goods shipped through the Port. In order to meet these goals, the following objectives must be met: • Establish needed container facilities that would maximize the use of existing waterways and integrate into the Port’s overall utilization of available shoreline, while maintaining opportunities for the future integration with adjacent terminals; • Construct sufficient container berthing and infrastructure capacity to accommodate foreseeable increases in containerized cargo volumes entering the Port; • Create sufficient backland area for optimal container terminal operations including, storage, transport, and on/ offloading of container ships in a safe and efficient manner; • Provide access to rail and truck infrastructure locations in order to VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:52 Apr 05, 2006 Jkt 208001 minimize surface transportation congestion or delays and promote transport to both local and distant cargo destinations; and • Provide needed container terminal accessory buildings and structures to support containerized cargo handling requirements. 2. Changes Since the October 19th, 2003 NOI/NOP. Since the NOI/NOP process was completed, there have been some project changes for the EIS/EIR. These changes are as follows: • The project was previously called Berths 136–147. It is now identified as Berths 136–149 (Figure 1). • The size of the Terminal would increase from 176 acres to 251 acres by the year 2030 (previously, it was to increase to 244 acres). With the additional 7 acres of terminal area, there would be some additional traffic and air quality impacts. • Projects associated with Phase I were previously to be completed by the year 2010 and Phase II by 2025. Now Phase I projects would be completed by 2015 and Phase II by 2030. • Harry Bridges Boulevard will only be moved 50 feet to the north instead of 580 feet to the north. Because of this change, there is no need to construct a noise buffer (berm) between Harry Bridges Boulevard and ‘‘C’’ Street residents. There would now be an approximately 25-acre landscaped area between Harry Bridges Boulevard and ‘‘C’’ Street residents between Figueroa Street and Lagoon Avenue. This new project component would reduce air quality, health risk, noise, and aesthetic impacts on the adjoining Wilmington residents. • There are presently 13 cranes along Berths 136–149. Some cranes will be replaced and there will be a net reduction of one crane (12 total) after the proposed projects are completed. This would reduce aesthetic impacts. • 10 acres of additional backland would be created for container terminal use by filling in the 10-acre Northwest Slip. This project would require 1,200,000 cubic yards (cy) of fill. A new 400-foot wharf (44,332 square feet) would be built at an adjoining new berth created by filling the Northwest Slip. The fill slope would be covered with 50,000 cy of rocky dike, 12,000 cy of fill would be placed behind the dike, and 397 concrete piles would be installed. Approximately 3,000 cy would be dredged as part of this project. This project component is part of the total 251-acre Terminal project that would be completed by the year 2030. This project component would have some water quality and marine biology impacts. PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 17457 • Instead of constructing two grade separations at Neptune Avenue and Avalon Boulevard as originally envisioned there would be two other transportation projects completed. A Fries Avenue Grade Separation (overpass over the rail tracks) would be built (not part of the TraPac Terminal project). Most of the TraPac cargo would be moved over this new grade separation. Also as part of the proposed project, the ‘‘C’’ Street/Figueroa Street interchange would be redesigned to include an elevated ramp from Harry Bridges Boulevard to the I–110 Freeway, over John S. Gibson Boulevard. An additional extension would connect from Figueroa Street to the new elevated ramp over Harry Bridges Boulevard. These transportation projects would reduce traffic and air quality impacts. Project changes are being analyzed through the Draft EIR/EIS process and no new potentially significant impacts not previously identified in the initial scoping notice are anticipated as a result of the changes. For example, changes include adding 7 acres of terminal area, which would result in some additional traffic and air quality impacts. However, air quality and traffic were identified as potentially significant impacts in the 2003 NOP/NOI. Therefore, air quality and traffic impacts are being analyzed as part of the Draft EIR/EIS. Some changes may also result in fewer impacts than anticipated as part of the 2003 NOP/ NOI. For example, eliminating the noise buffer between Harry Bridges Boulevard and ‘‘C’’ Street and building instead a 25-acre landscaped area is anticipated to result in fewer impacts than discussed in the NOP/NOI. All project changes will be discussed and analyzed in the EIR/EIS. 3. Issues. There are several potential environmental issues that will be addressed in the EIS/EIR. Additional issues may be identified during the scoping process. Issues initially identified as potentially significant include: (a) Geological issues, including dredging and stabilization of fill areas in an area of known seismic activity; (b) Impacts to hydrology; (c) Impacts to air quality; (d) Impacts to traffic, including marine navigation and ground transportation; (e) Potential for noise impacts; (f) Impacts to public utilities and services; (g) Potential impacts to aesthetic resources, including light and glare; (h) Potential impacts on public health and safety; (i) Cumulative impacts; and (j) Disposal of dredged materials. E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 06APN1 sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES 17458 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 66 / Thursday, April 6, 2006 / Notices 4. Alternatives. Alternatives initially being considered for the proposed improvement project include the following: (a) Alternate location(s) for the Terminal Improvements (within the State or within the Ports of Los Angeles/ Long Beach). (b) Development of new landfills for a container terminal. (c) Non-containerized use of terminal (i.e., lumber, autos). (d) Non-shipping use i.e., park, cruise terminal, commercial development, empty container storage, etc. (e) No Federal action (No wharf construction or dredging—construction of only backlands developments for Phases I and II) with and without Harry Bridges being relocated. (f) Larger facility (14-acre fill for more storage area). (g) Reduce Wharf (reduced fill— reduction in rip-rap, pilings, and dredging). (h) Proposed project without Harry Bridges Boulevard being relocated. (i) No Project (no physical changes). 5. Comment Process. All comments received as part of the 2003 scoping period will remain part of the administrative record and be addressed in the Draft EIR/EIS. A new public scoping meeting will not be held. Written comments to the Corps and Port regarding the Project changes will be received until April 28, 2006. Written comments should be addressed to the address below: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Regulatory Branch and the Los Angeles Harbor Department, c/o Dr. Joshua Burnam and Dr. Ralph G. Appy, Attn: 2003–0–1142–JLB, P.O. Box 532711, Los Angeles, California 90053– 2325. Parties interested in being added to the Corps’ electronic mail notification list for the Port of Los Angeles can register at: https:// www.spl.usace.army.mil/regulatory/ register.html. This list will be used in the future to notify the public about scheduled hearings and availability of future public notices. 6. Availability of the Draft EIS/EIR. The joint lead agencies expect the Draft EIS/EIR to be made available to the public in Summer 2006. A public hearing will be held during the public comment period for the Draft EIS/EIR. Alex C. Dornstauder, Colonel, U.S. Army, District Engineer. [FR Doc. E6–4904 Filed 4–5–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3710–92–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:52 Apr 05, 2006 Jkt 208001 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Navy Notice of Availability of GovernmentOwned Inventions; Available for Licensing Department of the Navy, DoD. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The inventions listed below are assigned to the United States Government as represented by the Secretary of the Navy and are made available for licensing by the Department of the Navy. U.S. Patent Number 6,904,861, entitled ‘‘Boat Capture System’’, issue date June 14, 2005.//U.S. Patent Pending, entitled ‘‘Role Based Access Control’’, Navy Case Number 96217.//U.S. Patent Pending, entitled System of Access Control Based on Hierarchical Characteristics’’, Navy Case Number 97189.//U.S. Patent Pending, entitled ‘‘Software Architecture for Access Control Based Hierarchical Characteristics’’, Navy Case Number 97188. ADDRESSES: Requests for copies of patents cited should be directed to the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Office of Research and Technology Applications, Code 2112, 83570 Silvergate Ave., Room 2306, San Diego, CA 92152–5048. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Stephen H. Lieberman, Office of Research and Technology Applications, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Code 2112, 83570 Silvergate Ave., Room 2306, San Diego, CA 92152– 5048, telephone 619–553–2778, e-mail: stephen.lieberman@navy.mil. (Authority: 35 U.S.C. 207, 37 CFR part 404) Dated: March 28, 2006. Eric McDonald, Lieutenant Commander, Judge Advocate General’s Corps, U.S. Navy, Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. E6–4994 Filed 4–5–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3810–FF–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Navy Notice of Availability of GovernmentOwned Inventions; Available for Licensing Department of the Navy, DoD. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The inventions listed below are assigned to the United States Government as represented by the Secretary of the Navy and are made PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 available for licensing by the Department of the Navy. U.S. Patent Number 6,958,466, entitled ‘‘Method and System For Detecting Targets Known Up to a Simplex from Multi-Spectral and HyperSpectral Imagery Employing the Normal Compositional Model’’, issue date October 25, 2005.//U.S. Patent Number 6,948,388, entitled ‘‘Wireless Remote Sensor’’, issue date September 27, 2005.//U.S. Patent Number 6,947,504, entitled ‘‘Frequency Synchronizer’’, issue date September 20, 2005.//U.S. Patent Number 6,925,136, entitled ‘‘Simultaneous Frequency and Phase Synchronizer’’, issue date August 2, 2005.//U.S. Patent Number 6,943,358, entitled ‘‘Method for Developing a Calibration Algorithm for Quantifying the Hydrocarbon Content of Aqueous Media’’, issue date September 13, 2005.//U.S. Patent Number 6,842,013, entitled ‘‘Method for Making Transmission Measurements in a DualChambered Anechoic Chamber Using Spatial Averaging’’, issue date January 11, 2005.//U.S. Patent Number 6,822,522, entitled ‘‘Method and Apparatus for an Improved Nonlinear Oscillator’’, issue date November 23, 2004.//U.S. Patent Number 6,802,132, entitled ‘‘Electrolytic Tilt Sensor and Method for Manufacturing Same’’, issue date October 12, 2004.//U.S. Patent Number 6,784,670, entitled ‘‘Dual Chambered Anechoic Chamber’’, issue date August 31, 2004.//U.S. Patent Number 6,782,063, entitled ‘‘Automatic Gain Control’’, issue date August 24, 2004.//U.S. Patent Number 6,753,994, entitled ‘‘Spatially Conformable Tunable Filter’’, issue date June 22, 2004.//U.S. Patent Number 6,727,941, entitled ‘‘Universal Digital Camera Controller with Automatic Iris Tuning’’, issue date April 27, 2004.//U.S. Patent Number 6,710,737, entitled ‘‘Calibrator for Radar Target Simulator’’, issue date March 23, 2004.//U.S. Patent Number 6,671,304, entitled ‘‘AmplitudeModulated Laser for High-Bandwidth Communications Systems’’, issue date December 30, 2003.//U.S. Patent Number 6,661,566, entitled ‘‘Method and Optical Switch for Altering an Electromagnetic Energy Wave in Response to Acceleration Forces’’, issue date December 9, 2003.//U.S. Patent Number 6,631,156, entitled ‘‘Digital Data Communications System’’, issue date October 7, 2003.//U.S. Patent Number 6,625,896, entitled ‘‘Electrolytic Tilt Sensor and Method for Manufacturing Same’’, issue date September 30, 2003.//U.S. Patent Number 6,622,092, entitled ‘‘Predictor for Optimal Broadband Impedance E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 06APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 66 (Thursday, April 6, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17456-17458]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-4904]


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

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army


Supplemental Notice of Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental 
Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for a Permit 
Application for the Berths 136-147 Terminal Improvement Project, Also 
Known as the TraPac Container Terminal in the Port of Los Angeles, Los 
Angeles County, CA

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

ACTION: Notice of Intent (NOI).

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Los Angeles District 
in conjunction with the Los Angeles Harbor Department (Port) is 
examining the feasibility of waterside, terminal and transportation 
improvements at Berths 136-147 in the Port of Los Angeles. The Corps is 
considering the Port's application for a Department of the Army permit 
under Clean Water Act section 404 and River and Harbor Act section 10 
to conduct dredge and fill activities and construct one new wharf 
approximately 705 feet and seismically upgrade two wharves 
approximately 3,022 feet in length associated with the proposed 
project.
    Major project elements to be covered in the Draft EIS/EIR include: 
wharf construction and landside improvements. The landside developments 
will include expansion, redevelopment and construction of marine 
terminal facilities, and transportation infrastructure improvements 
including construction of grade separations, and potential realignment 
of road and railways.
    The primary Federal involvement is the discharge of dredge and/or 
fill materials within waters of the United States, work (e.g. dredging) 
and structures in or affecting navigable waters of the United States, 
and potential impacts on the human environment from such activities. 
Therefore, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA), the Corps is requiring the preparation of an Environmental 
Impact Statement (EIS) prior to rendering a final decision on the 
Port's permit application. The Corps may ultimately make a 
determination to permit or deny the above project or permit or deny 
modified versions of the above project.
    Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the 
Port will serve as Lead Agency for the Preparation of an Environmental 
Impact

[[Page 17457]]

Report (EIR). The Corps and the Port have agreed to jointly prepare a 
Draft EIS/EIR for the improvements at Berth 136-147 in order to 
optimize efficiency and avoid duplication. The Draft EIS/EIR is 
intended to be sufficient in scope to address both the Federal and the 
state and local requirements and environmental issues concerning the 
proposed activities and permit approvals.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions about the proposed action 
and Draft EIS/EIR can be answered by Dr. Joshua Burnam, Corps Project 
Manager, at (213) 452-3294. Comments shall be addressed to: U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Regulatory Branch. Attn: File 
Number 2003-0-1142-JLB, P.O. Box 532711, Los Angeles, CA 90053-2325, 
and Dr. Ralph Appy, Director of Environmental Management, Port of Los 
Angeles, 425 S. Palos Verdes St., San Pedro, CA 90731.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    1. Project Site and Background Information. The proposed project is 
located in the northwestern portion of the Port of Los Angeles, 
adjacent to the San Pedro District of the City of Los Angeles, CA. The 
proposed project involves dredge and fill operations, new wharf 
construction, coupled with terminal expansion on adjacent areas of 
existing land, and improvement of transportation infrastructure at and 
adjacent to Berths 136-147.
    The project's overall goals are to upgrade the container cargo 
handling efficiency at the Berths 136-147 Terminal, increase its cargo 
handling capacity, and to improve transportation infrastructure in 
order to accommodate forecasted and planned increases in the volume of 
containerized goods shipped through the Port. In order to meet these 
goals, the following objectives must be met:
     Establish needed container facilities that would maximize 
the use of existing waterways and integrate into the Port's overall 
utilization of available shoreline, while maintaining opportunities for 
the future integration with adjacent terminals;
     Construct sufficient container berthing and infrastructure 
capacity to accommodate foreseeable increases in containerized cargo 
volumes entering the Port;
     Create sufficient backland area for optimal container 
terminal operations including, storage, transport, and on/offloading of 
container ships in a safe and efficient manner;
     Provide access to rail and truck infrastructure locations 
in order to minimize surface transportation congestion or delays and 
promote transport to both local and distant cargo destinations; and
     Provide needed container terminal accessory buildings and 
structures to support containerized cargo handling requirements.
    2. Changes Since the October 19th, 2003 NOI/NOP. Since the NOI/NOP 
process was completed, there have been some project changes for the 
EIS/EIR. These changes are as follows:
     The project was previously called Berths 136-147. It is 
now identified as Berths 136-149 (Figure 1).
     The size of the Terminal would increase from 176 acres to 
251 acres by the year 2030 (previously, it was to increase to 244 
acres). With the additional 7 acres of terminal area, there would be 
some additional traffic and air quality impacts.
     Projects associated with Phase I were previously to be 
completed by the year 2010 and Phase II by 2025. Now Phase I projects 
would be completed by 2015 and Phase II by 2030.
     Harry Bridges Boulevard will only be moved 50 feet to the 
north instead of 580 feet to the north. Because of this change, there 
is no need to construct a noise buffer (berm) between Harry Bridges 
Boulevard and ``C'' Street residents. There would now be an 
approximately 25-acre landscaped area between Harry Bridges Boulevard 
and ``C'' Street residents between Figueroa Street and Lagoon Avenue. 
This new project component would reduce air quality, health risk, 
noise, and aesthetic impacts on the adjoining Wilmington residents.
     There are presently 13 cranes along Berths 136-149. Some 
cranes will be replaced and there will be a net reduction of one crane 
(12 total) after the proposed projects are completed. This would reduce 
aesthetic impacts.
     10 acres of additional backland would be created for 
container terminal use by filling in the 10-acre Northwest Slip. This 
project would require 1,200,000 cubic yards (cy) of fill. A new 400-
foot wharf (44,332 square feet) would be built at an adjoining new 
berth created by filling the Northwest Slip. The fill slope would be 
covered with 50,000 cy of rocky dike, 12,000 cy of fill would be placed 
behind the dike, and 397 concrete piles would be installed. 
Approximately 3,000 cy would be dredged as part of this project. This 
project component is part of the total 251-acre Terminal project that 
would be completed by the year 2030. This project component would have 
some water quality and marine biology impacts.
     Instead of constructing two grade separations at Neptune 
Avenue and Avalon Boulevard as originally envisioned there would be two 
other transportation projects completed. A Fries Avenue Grade 
Separation (overpass over the rail tracks) would be built (not part of 
the TraPac Terminal project). Most of the TraPac cargo would be moved 
over this new grade separation. Also as part of the proposed project, 
the ``C'' Street/Figueroa Street interchange would be redesigned to 
include an elevated ramp from Harry Bridges Boulevard to the I-110 
Freeway, over John S. Gibson Boulevard. An additional extension would 
connect from Figueroa Street to the new elevated ramp over Harry 
Bridges Boulevard. These transportation projects would reduce traffic 
and air quality impacts.
    Project changes are being analyzed through the Draft EIR/EIS 
process and no new potentially significant impacts not previously 
identified in the initial scoping notice are anticipated as a result of 
the changes. For example, changes include adding 7 acres of terminal 
area, which would result in some additional traffic and air quality 
impacts. However, air quality and traffic were identified as 
potentially significant impacts in the 2003 NOP/NOI. Therefore, air 
quality and traffic impacts are being analyzed as part of the Draft 
EIR/EIS. Some changes may also result in fewer impacts than anticipated 
as part of the 2003 NOP/NOI. For example, eliminating the noise buffer 
between Harry Bridges Boulevard and ``C'' Street and building instead a 
25-acre landscaped area is anticipated to result in fewer impacts than 
discussed in the NOP/NOI. All project changes will be discussed and 
analyzed in the EIR/EIS.
    3. Issues. There are several potential environmental issues that 
will be addressed in the EIS/EIR. Additional issues may be identified 
during the scoping process. Issues initially identified as potentially 
significant include:
    (a) Geological issues, including dredging and stabilization of fill 
areas in an area of known seismic activity;
    (b) Impacts to hydrology;
    (c) Impacts to air quality;
    (d) Impacts to traffic, including marine navigation and ground 
transportation;
    (e) Potential for noise impacts;
    (f) Impacts to public utilities and services;
    (g) Potential impacts to aesthetic resources, including light and 
glare;
    (h) Potential impacts on public health and safety;
    (i) Cumulative impacts; and
    (j) Disposal of dredged materials.

[[Page 17458]]

    4. Alternatives. Alternatives initially being considered for the 
proposed improvement project include the following:
    (a) Alternate location(s) for the Terminal Improvements (within the 
State or within the Ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach).
    (b) Development of new landfills for a container terminal.
    (c) Non-containerized use of terminal (i.e., lumber, autos).
    (d) Non-shipping use i.e., park, cruise terminal, commercial 
development, empty container storage, etc.
    (e) No Federal action (No wharf construction or dredging--
construction of only backlands developments for Phases I and II) with 
and without Harry Bridges being relocated.
    (f) Larger facility (14-acre fill for more storage area).
    (g) Reduce Wharf (reduced fill--reduction in rip-rap, pilings, and 
dredging).
    (h) Proposed project without Harry Bridges Boulevard being 
relocated.
    (i) No Project (no physical changes).
    5. Comment Process. All comments received as part of the 2003 
scoping period will remain part of the administrative record and be 
addressed in the Draft EIR/EIS. A new public scoping meeting will not 
be held. Written comments to the Corps and Port regarding the Project 
changes will be received until April 28, 2006. Written comments should 
be addressed to the address below:
    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Regulatory 
Branch and the Los Angeles Harbor Department, c/o Dr. Joshua Burnam and 
Dr. Ralph G. Appy, Attn: 2003-0-1142-JLB, P.O. Box 532711, Los Angeles, 
California 90053-2325.
    Parties interested in being added to the Corps' electronic mail 
notification list for the Port of Los Angeles can register at: https://
www.spl.usace.army.mil/regulatory/register.html. This list will be used 
in the future to notify the public about scheduled hearings and 
availability of future public notices.
    6. Availability of the Draft EIS/EIR. The joint lead agencies 
expect the Draft EIS/EIR to be made available to the public in Summer 
2006. A public hearing will be held during the public comment period 
for the Draft EIS/EIR.

Alex C. Dornstauder,
Colonel, U.S. Army, District Engineer.
 [FR Doc. E6-4904 Filed 4-5-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-92-P
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