Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a Proposed Special Area Management Plan for the Otay River Watershed, San Diego County, CA, 21323-21325 [E8-8523]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 77 / Monday, April 21, 2008 / Notices rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (5 U.S.C. App 2, Section 1), the Sunshine in the Government Act of 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b), and 41 CFR 102–3.150, the Department of Defense announces the following closed meeting notice pertaining to the U.S. Strategic Command Strategic Advisory Group. DATES: May 14, 2008 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and May 15, 2008 (8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.). ADDRESSES: Dougherty Conference Center, Building 432, 906 SAC Boulevard, Offutt AFB, Nebraska 68113. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Constance Druskis, Designated Federal Officer, (402) 294–4102, 901 SAC Blvd, Suite 1F7, Offutt AFB, NE 68113–6030. For supplementary information contact: Mr. Floyd March, Joint Staff, (703) 697– 0610. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose of the Meeting: The purpose of the meeting is to provide advice on scientific, technical, intelligence, and policy-related issues to the Commander, U.S. Strategic Command, during the development of the Nation’s strategic war plans. Agenda: Topics include: Policy Issues, Space Operations, Nuclear Weapons Stockpile Assessment, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Intelligence Operations, Cyber Operations, Global Strike, Command and Control, Science and Technology, Missile Defense. Meeting Accessibility: Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b, and 41 CFR 102–3.155, the Department of Defense has determined that the meeting shall be closed to the public. Per delegated authority by the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Kevin P. Chilton, Commander, U.S. Strategic Command, in consultation with his legal advisor, has determined in writing that the public interest requires that all sessions of this meeting be closed to the public because they will be concerned with matters listed in Section 552b(c)(1) of Title 5, U.S.C. Written Statements: Pursuant to 41 CFR 102–3.105(j) and 102–3.140, the public of interested organizations may submit written statements to the membership of the Strategic Advisory Group at any time or in response to the stated agenda of a planned meeting. Written statements should be submitted to the Strategic Advisory Group’s Designated Federal Officer; the Designated Federal Officer’s contact information can be obtained from the GSA’s FACA Database—https:// www.fido.gov/facadatabase/public.asp. Written statements that do not pertain to VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:59 Apr 18, 2008 Jkt 214001 a scheduled meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group may be submitted at any time. However, if individual comments pertain to a specific topic being discussed at a planned meeting, then these statements must be submitted no later than five business days prior to the meeting in question. The Designated Federal Officer will review all submitted written statements and provide copies to all the committee members. Dated: April 11, 2008. Patricia L. Toppings, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. E8–8378 Filed 4–17–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001–06–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a Proposed Special Area Management Plan for the Otay River Watershed, San Diego County, CA AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, (DoD). ACTION: Notice of intent. SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps of Engineers) is announcing its intent to prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a Special Area Management Plan (SAMP). The SAMP is being developed to address potential effects of anticipated development, infrastructure, and maintenance projects on aquatic resources in the Otay River Watershed (SAMP study area). The DEIS will assess the impacts of various land development and aquatic resource protection alternatives as set forth below and further identified during the preparation of the SAMP. It is anticipated that the DEIS will be utilized by the local agencies in lieu of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The SAMP will provide a comprehensive plan for protecting and enhancing aquatic resources while providing for the permitting of reasonable economic development and public infrastructure, consistent with the goals and objectives of local land use plans and with the regional Multiple Species Conservation Plan (MSCP) for southwestern San Diego County developed by local governments in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 21323 Department of Fish and Game. The SAMP will provide a framework for a long-term program-level permitting process for projects in the watershed subject to the Corps of Engineers’ permit authority under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Section 404 of the CWA regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands. The SAMP may also be utilized by other agencies in the administration of their regulatory programs, including the California Department of Fish and Game (i.e., Section 1600 et seq. of the Fish and Game Code) and the Regional Water Quality Control Board (i.e., Section 401 of the CWA). In addition, the SAMP will include a comprehensive program involving conservation, restoration, and management of aquatic resources within the study area. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions about the proposed action and DEIS can be answered by: Ms. Laurie Monarres, Otay River SAMP Project Manager, (858) 674–5384, laurie.a.monarres@usace.army.mil, Regulatory Division (CESPL-RG), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, San Diego Field Office, 16885 West Bernardo Drive, Suite 300A. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1. Proposed Action: The Corps of Engineers utilizes Special Area Management Plans to assist in long-term planning for regulatory actions under Section 404 of the CWA that involve large areas, complex projects, and sensitive aquatic resources. The subject SAMP study area consists of the Otay River Watershed in southwestern San Diego County. The SAMP will describe an approach and a set of actions to preserve, enhance, and restore aquatic resources, while allowing reasonable economic development and construction and maintenance of public infrastructure facilities within the study area. Key objectives of the SAMP for the Otay River Watershed are to: (1) Evaluate the extent and condition of existing aquatic resources; (2) develop a comprehensive reserve program for the protection, enhancement, restoration and management of aquatic resources; and (3) identify and evaluate alternative land development scenarios in the context of the aquatic resource reserve program. Based on the SAMP, the Corps of Engineers will identify potential areas and/or activities suitable for authorization using abbreviated, program-level permitting procedures under Section 404 of the CWA. Activities that may be authorized using E:\FR\FM\21APN1.SGM 21APN1 rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES 21324 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 77 / Monday, April 21, 2008 / Notices such program-level permitting procedures include, but are not limited to, the construction of public and private infrastructure, such as roads, flood control projects and utilities; operation and maintenance of public and private facilities; residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational development; and restoration, enhancement, and creation of aquatic resources. The Corps of Engineers will jointly develop the SAMP with other public agencies, including the County of San Diego and the Cities of Chula Vista, and Imperial Beach. In addition, the Corps of Engineers and County of San Diego will coordinate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the California Department of Fish and Game, and the California Regional Water Quality Control Boards as appropriate. The Corps of Engineers encourages active participation by affected interests, including landowners and the general public. The County of San Diego and the cities of Chula Vista, and Imperial Beach will seek a Master Streambed Alteration Agreement (MSAA) under section 1600 et seq. of the California Fish and Game Code for activities in the SAMP study area that affect lakes, rivers, streams, and associated riparian habitats subject to the Department’s jurisdiction. The documentation necessary to support a MSAA will be developed in close coordination with the California Department of Fish and Game. The environmental review of the SAMP/MSAA will be conducted through an EIS. The County of San Diego will serve as the lead agency for the purpose of environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the actions described in the SAMP/ MSAA. The Corps of Engineers and the County of San Diego will work cooperatively to prepare the EIS document, and to coordinate the public notice and hearing processes under federal and state law. 2. Alternatives: Alternatives that may be considered include the following two categories: I. No-SAMP alternatives (also called No-Action alternatives): (a) No Action (No SAMP). This alternative contemplates that no SAMP would be developed and that permitting under Section 404 of the CWA would proceed on a project-by-project basis. Under the alternative, each individual project would be required to obtain, as needed, permits from the Army Corps of Engineers. VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:59 Apr 18, 2008 Jkt 214001 (b) No Federal Action/No Impacts to Waters of the U.S. (Full Realization of General Plans). This alternative would require avoidance of impacts to waters of the United States, eliminating the need for the issuance of Corps permits. To support the level of development contemplated by local general plans, this alternative could involve changes to existing specific plans and other land use documents to accommodate higher density development and new infrastructure. (c) No Federal Action/No Impacts to Waters of the U.S. (Partial Realization of General Plans). This alternative would require avoidance of impacts to waters of the United States and eliminate the need for the issuance of Corps permits. Under this alternative, build-out of the elements of local government general plans affecting the Otay River Watershed would be reduced by a level commensurate with the avoidance of areas containing jurisdictional resources. II. SAMP alternatives: (a) Existing General Plans/MSCP. This alternative reflects land uses designated in current general plans and other adopted plans. Land uses would proceed as currently anticipated in the participating local governments’ existing land use plans and would require permits under Section 404 in some cases. Conserved aquatic resources would be limited to preserve areas identified by the MSCP. (b) Updated General Plans/MSCP. Under this alternative, the likely changes in land use type and location that would occur under the revised General Plans for the City and County of San Diego would be analyzed. Conserved aquatic resources would be limited to preserve areas identified by the MSCP. (c) Maximum Open Space/Minimal Development. One or more alternatives would analyze land use scenarios that would result in greater set asides of open space and lower levels of development than currently anticipated for the watershed. The alternative(s) may, for instance, consider the elimination of certain specific plans and other high-density development projects to reduce the impacts of development and gain additional open space in the watershed. (d) Maximum Development/Minimal Open Space. One or more alternatives would analyze land use scenarios that would result in higher levels of development and lower levels of open space. The alternative(s) may consider high intensity development in areas otherwise zoned for open space, PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 agriculture, or low density development. (e) Subbasin Development/Open Space Scenarios. One or more alternatives would analyze land use scenarios on a subbasin-by-subbasin basis with the goal of protecting subbasin and watershed riparian ecosystem integrity in terms of hydrology, water quality, and habitat. Land uses currently anticipated in each subbasin may be modified or relocated to determine the environmental impact of different land use configurations. The alternatives would reflect land use scenarios that would likely have differing effects on the riparian ecosystem integrity of the watershed. (f) Protection of High Integrity Areas (Function-Based Approach). One or more alternatives would focus on maximizing the protection/preservation of areas with high functional integrity with respect to aquatic resource hydrology, water quality, and habitat. The alternative(s) would eliminate certain land uses based on their effects on high integrity resources. (g) Avoidance of Jurisdictional Wetlands. Under this alternative, impacts to wetlands under the jurisdiction of the Corps would be avoided. However, the alternative would contemplate some level of impact to non-wetland jurisdictional waters, such as ephemeral and intermittent streams. (h) Updated General Plans/MSCP/ Subbasin Functional Assessment Criteria. This alternative contemplates that land uses would proceed consistent with general plan updates as likely to be adopted by the applicable jurisdiction. Under this alternative, the likely changes in land use type and location that would occur under the revised General Plans for the City and County of San Diego would be analyzed. In addition, the alternative would recognize the preserve system designated under the MSCP; however, additional areas could be set aside for the protection, enhancement, and restoration of aquatic resources. These additional areas would be identified based on the goal of achieving certain ecological integrity targets and other physical and biological considerations. 3. Scoping Process: The Corps’ scoping process for the DEIS will involve soliciting written comments and a public meeting. Potentially significant issues to be analyzed in the DEIS include aquatic resources, surface water quality, threatened and endangered species, cultural resources, cumulative, and growth inducing impacts. 4. In order for the EIS to be utilized by the state and local agencies to satisfy E:\FR\FM\21APN1.SGM 21APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 77 / Monday, April 21, 2008 / Notices the requirements of CEQA, the EIS will include a separate discussion of feasible mitigation measures for each significant impact. 5. Other environmental review, consultation requirements, or considerations include compliance with section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. Public Scoping A public scoping meeting to receive input on the scope of the DEIS will be conducted on April 29, 2008 from 7 p.m.–9 p.m. at the City of Chula Vista Department of Public Works Building located at 1800 Maxwell Road, Chula Vista, CA 91911. This meeting will address both the SAMP and the MSAA. The public scoping will be conducted in an open-house format. Comments on the scope of the DEIS will be accepted from the public until June 18, 2008. Schedule The estimated date the DEIS will be made available to the public is December 2009. Dated: April 14, 2008. Mark Durham, Chief, South Coast Branch, Regulatory Division. [FR Doc. E8–8523 Filed 4–18–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3710–KF–P Dated: April 15, 2008. Angela C. Arrington, IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request Office of Vocational and Adult Education rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES AGENCY: Department of Education. SUMMARY: The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management invites comments on the submission for OMB review as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before May 21, 2008. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: Education Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street, NW., Room 10222, Washington, DC 20503. Commenters are encouraged to submit responses electronically by e-mail to oira_submission@omb.eop.gov or via fax to (202) 395–6974. Commenters should include the following subject line in their response ‘‘Comment: [insert OMB number], [insert abbreviated collection name, e.g., ‘‘Upward Bound VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:59 Apr 18, 2008 Jkt 214001 Evaluation’’]. Persons submitting comments electronically should not submit paper copies. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) provide interested Federal agencies and the public an early opportunity to comment on information collection requests. OMB may amend or waive the requirement for public consultation to the extent that public participation in the approval process would defeat the purpose of the information collection, violate State or Federal law, or substantially interfere with any agency’s ability to perform its statutory obligations. The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management, publishes that notice containing proposed information collection requests prior to submission of these requests to OMB. Each proposed information collection, grouped by office, contains the following: (1) Type of review requested, e.g. new, revision, extension, existing or reinstatement; (2) Title; (3) Summary of the collection; (4) Description of the need for, and proposed use of, the information; (5) Respondents and frequency of collection; and (6) Reporting and/or Recordkeeping burden. OMB invites public comment. Type of Review: Extension. Title: Guide for the Development of a State Plan under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (Title II of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998). Frequency: Annually. Affected Public: State, Local, or Tribal Gov’t, SEAs or LEAs. Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden: Responses: 59. Burden Hours:2,655. Abstract: The Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA), Title II of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA), Public Law 105–220 provides formula funding to States to support adult education instruction at the State level. Section 224 of PL 105–220 required States submit to the Department their plan for how they address the requirements of the Act, including agreeing upon levels of performance identified in section 212. Congress did not enact new legislation PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 21325 prior to the expiration of the law in 2003; however, they continue to extend program appropriations for each additional year in annual appropriation laws, respectively. While it is unlikely that Congress will reauthorize the expired Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) this year, appropriations for FY 2008 were signed into law by the President on December 27, 2007. This Guide will continue to, as it has since the expiration of WIA, advise States on how to continue their Adult Education programs. Requests for copies of the information collection submission for OMB review may be accessed from https:// edicsweb.ed.gov, by selecting the ‘‘Browse Pending Collections’’ link and by clicking on link number 3591. When you access the information collection, click on ‘‘Download Attachments’’ to view. Written requests for information should be addressed to U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., LBJ, Washington, DC 20202–4537. Requests may also be electronically mailed to ICDocketMgr@ed.gov or faxed to 202–401–0920. Please specify the complete title of the information collection when making your request. Comments regarding burden and/or the collection activity requirements should be electronically mailed to ICDocketMgr@ed.gov. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1– 800–877–8339. [FR Doc. E8–8557 Filed 4–18–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Elementary and Secondary Education; Overview Information; Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program; Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.206A.) DATES: Applications Available: April 21, 2008. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 5, 2008. Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 4, 2008. Full Text of Announcement I. Funding Opportunity Description Purpose of Program: The purpose of the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program is to carry out a coordinated program of scientifically based research, E:\FR\FM\21APN1.SGM 21APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 77 (Monday, April 21, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21323-21325]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-8523]


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

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army


Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) 
for a Proposed Special Area Management Plan for the Otay River 
Watershed, San Diego County, CA

AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, (DoD).

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps of Engineers) is 
announcing its intent to prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement 
(DEIS) for a Special Area Management Plan (SAMP). The SAMP is being 
developed to address potential effects of anticipated development, 
infrastructure, and maintenance projects on aquatic resources in the 
Otay River Watershed (SAMP study area). The DEIS will assess the 
impacts of various land development and aquatic resource protection 
alternatives as set forth below and further identified during the 
preparation of the SAMP. It is anticipated that the DEIS will be 
utilized by the local agencies in lieu of an Environmental Impact 
Report (EIR) pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act 
(CEQA).
    The SAMP will provide a comprehensive plan for protecting and 
enhancing aquatic resources while providing for the permitting of 
reasonable economic development and public infrastructure, consistent 
with the goals and objectives of local land use plans and with the 
regional Multiple Species Conservation Plan (MSCP) for southwestern San 
Diego County developed by local governments in collaboration with the 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and 
Game. The SAMP will provide a framework for a long-term program-level 
permitting process for projects in the watershed subject to the Corps 
of Engineers' permit authority under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act 
(CWA). Section 404 of the CWA regulates the discharge of dredged or 
fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands. The 
SAMP may also be utilized by other agencies in the administration of 
their regulatory programs, including the California Department of Fish 
and Game (i.e., Section 1600 et seq. of the Fish and Game Code) and the 
Regional Water Quality Control Board (i.e., Section 401 of the CWA).
    In addition, the SAMP will include a comprehensive program 
involving conservation, restoration, and management of aquatic 
resources within the study area.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions about the proposed action 
and DEIS can be answered by: Ms. Laurie Monarres, Otay River SAMP 
Project Manager, (858) 674-5384, laurie.a.monarres@usace.army.mil, 
Regulatory Division (CESPL-RG), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los 
Angeles District, San Diego Field Office, 16885 West Bernardo Drive, 
Suite 300A.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1. Proposed Action: The Corps of Engineers 
utilizes Special Area Management Plans to assist in long-term planning 
for regulatory actions under Section 404 of the CWA that involve large 
areas, complex projects, and sensitive aquatic resources. The subject 
SAMP study area consists of the Otay River Watershed in southwestern 
San Diego County.
    The SAMP will describe an approach and a set of actions to 
preserve, enhance, and restore aquatic resources, while allowing 
reasonable economic development and construction and maintenance of 
public infrastructure facilities within the study area. Key objectives 
of the SAMP for the Otay River Watershed are to: (1) Evaluate the 
extent and condition of existing aquatic resources; (2) develop a 
comprehensive reserve program for the protection, enhancement, 
restoration and management of aquatic resources; and (3) identify and 
evaluate alternative land development scenarios in the context of the 
aquatic resource reserve program. Based on the SAMP, the Corps of 
Engineers will identify potential areas and/or activities suitable for 
authorization using abbreviated, program-level permitting procedures 
under Section 404 of the CWA. Activities that may be authorized using

[[Page 21324]]

such program-level permitting procedures include, but are not limited 
to, the construction of public and private infrastructure, such as 
roads, flood control projects and utilities; operation and maintenance 
of public and private facilities; residential, commercial, industrial, 
and recreational development; and restoration, enhancement, and 
creation of aquatic resources. The Corps of Engineers will jointly 
develop the SAMP with other public agencies, including the County of 
San Diego and the Cities of Chula Vista, and Imperial Beach. In 
addition, the Corps of Engineers and County of San Diego will 
coordinate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, the California Department of Fish and 
Game, and the California Regional Water Quality Control Boards as 
appropriate. The Corps of Engineers encourages active participation by 
affected interests, including landowners and the general public.
    The County of San Diego and the cities of Chula Vista, and Imperial 
Beach will seek a Master Streambed Alteration Agreement (MSAA) under 
section 1600 et seq. of the California Fish and Game Code for 
activities in the SAMP study area that affect lakes, rivers, streams, 
and associated riparian habitats subject to the Department's 
jurisdiction. The documentation necessary to support a MSAA will be 
developed in close coordination with the California Department of Fish 
and Game.
    The environmental review of the SAMP/MSAA will be conducted through 
an EIS. The County of San Diego will serve as the lead agency for the 
purpose of environmental review pursuant to the California 
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the actions described in the SAMP/
MSAA. The Corps of Engineers and the County of San Diego will work 
cooperatively to prepare the EIS document, and to coordinate the public 
notice and hearing processes under federal and state law.
    2. Alternatives: Alternatives that may be considered include the 
following two categories:
    I. No-SAMP alternatives (also called No-Action alternatives):
    (a) No Action (No SAMP). This alternative contemplates that no SAMP 
would be developed and that permitting under Section 404 of the CWA 
would proceed on a project-by-project basis. Under the alternative, 
each individual project would be required to obtain, as needed, permits 
from the Army Corps of Engineers.
    (b) No Federal Action/No Impacts to Waters of the U.S. (Full 
Realization of General Plans). This alternative would require avoidance 
of impacts to waters of the United States, eliminating the need for the 
issuance of Corps permits. To support the level of development 
contemplated by local general plans, this alternative could involve 
changes to existing specific plans and other land use documents to 
accommodate higher density development and new infrastructure.
    (c) No Federal Action/No Impacts to Waters of the U.S. (Partial 
Realization of General Plans). This alternative would require avoidance 
of impacts to waters of the United States and eliminate the need for 
the issuance of Corps permits. Under this alternative, build-out of the 
elements of local government general plans affecting the Otay River 
Watershed would be reduced by a level commensurate with the avoidance 
of areas containing jurisdictional resources.
    II. SAMP alternatives:
    (a) Existing General Plans/MSCP. This alternative reflects land 
uses designated in current general plans and other adopted plans. Land 
uses would proceed as currently anticipated in the participating local 
governments' existing land use plans and would require permits under 
Section 404 in some cases. Conserved aquatic resources would be limited 
to preserve areas identified by the MSCP.
    (b) Updated General Plans/MSCP. Under this alternative, the likely 
changes in land use type and location that would occur under the 
revised General Plans for the City and County of San Diego would be 
analyzed. Conserved aquatic resources would be limited to preserve 
areas identified by the MSCP.
    (c) Maximum Open Space/Minimal Development. One or more 
alternatives would analyze land use scenarios that would result in 
greater set asides of open space and lower levels of development than 
currently anticipated for the watershed. The alternative(s) may, for 
instance, consider the elimination of certain specific plans and other 
high-density development projects to reduce the impacts of development 
and gain additional open space in the watershed.
    (d) Maximum Development/Minimal Open Space. One or more 
alternatives would analyze land use scenarios that would result in 
higher levels of development and lower levels of open space. The 
alternative(s) may consider high intensity development in areas 
otherwise zoned for open space, agriculture, or low density 
development.
    (e) Subbasin Development/Open Space Scenarios. One or more 
alternatives would analyze land use scenarios on a subbasin-by-subbasin 
basis with the goal of protecting subbasin and watershed riparian 
ecosystem integrity in terms of hydrology, water quality, and habitat. 
Land uses currently anticipated in each subbasin may be modified or 
relocated to determine the environmental impact of different land use 
configurations. The alternatives would reflect land use scenarios that 
would likely have differing effects on the riparian ecosystem integrity 
of the watershed.
    (f) Protection of High Integrity Areas (Function-Based Approach). 
One or more alternatives would focus on maximizing the protection/
preservation of areas with high functional integrity with respect to 
aquatic resource hydrology, water quality, and habitat. The 
alternative(s) would eliminate certain land uses based on their effects 
on high integrity resources.
    (g) Avoidance of Jurisdictional Wetlands. Under this alternative, 
impacts to wetlands under the jurisdiction of the Corps would be 
avoided. However, the alternative would contemplate some level of 
impact to non-wetland jurisdictional waters, such as ephemeral and 
intermittent streams.
    (h) Updated General Plans/MSCP/Subbasin Functional Assessment 
Criteria. This alternative contemplates that land uses would proceed 
consistent with general plan updates as likely to be adopted by the 
applicable jurisdiction. Under this alternative, the likely changes in 
land use type and location that would occur under the revised General 
Plans for the City and County of San Diego would be analyzed. In 
addition, the alternative would recognize the preserve system 
designated under the MSCP; however, additional areas could be set aside 
for the protection, enhancement, and restoration of aquatic resources. 
These additional areas would be identified based on the goal of 
achieving certain ecological integrity targets and other physical and 
biological considerations.
    3. Scoping Process: The Corps' scoping process for the DEIS will 
involve soliciting written comments and a public meeting. Potentially 
significant issues to be analyzed in the DEIS include aquatic 
resources, surface water quality, threatened and endangered species, 
cultural resources, cumulative, and growth inducing impacts.
    4. In order for the EIS to be utilized by the state and local 
agencies to satisfy

[[Page 21325]]

the requirements of CEQA, the EIS will include a separate discussion of 
feasible mitigation measures for each significant impact.
    5. Other environmental review, consultation requirements, or 
considerations include compliance with section 106 of the National 
Historic Preservation Act and section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.

Public Scoping

    A public scoping meeting to receive input on the scope of the DEIS 
will be conducted on April 29, 2008 from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at the City of 
Chula Vista Department of Public Works Building located at 1800 Maxwell 
Road, Chula Vista, CA 91911. This meeting will address both the SAMP 
and the MSAA. The public scoping will be conducted in an open-house 
format.
    Comments on the scope of the DEIS will be accepted from the public 
until June 18, 2008.

Schedule

    The estimated date the DEIS will be made available to the public is 
December 2009.

    Dated: April 14, 2008.
Mark Durham,
Chief, South Coast Branch, Regulatory Division.
 [FR Doc. E8-8523 Filed 4-18-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-KF-P
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