Intent To Prepare a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Subsequent Environmental Impact Report for the Sacramento River Deep Water Ship Channel, CA, 33807-33808 [E8-13339]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 115 / Friday, June 13, 2008 / Notices Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (CZMA), as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq., and the Department of Commerce’s implementing regulations, 15 CFR part 930, subpart H. The appeal was taken from an objection by the Maryland Department of the Environment (State) to AES’s consistency certification for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission permits to construct and operate a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and associated 88-mile natural gas pipeline. The decision record for this appeal was closed on April 14, 2008. Notice of Dated: June 6, 2008. closure was published in the Federal Richard F. Kayser, Register. 73 FR 20,028 (April 14, 2008). Chief Scientist. Under the CZMA, a final decision on [FR Doc. E8–13355 Filed 6–12–08; 8:45 am] the appeal must be issued no later than BILLING CODE 3510–13–P 60 days after notice announcing closure of the decision record is published. 16 U.S.C. 1465(c)(1). This deadline, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE however, may be extended by publishing (within the 60-day period) a National Oceanic and Atmospheric subsequent notice explaining why a Administration decision cannot be issued within that time frame. 16 U.S.C. 1465(c)(1). In this Federal Consistency Appeal by AES event, a final decision must be issued no Sparrows Point LNG, LLC and Midlater than 15 days after the date of Atlantic Express, LLC From an Objection by the Maryland Department publication of the subsequent notice. 16 U.S.C. 1465(c)(2). of the Environment This announcement provides notice AGENCY: National Oceanic and that the deadline for issuing a decision Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), on the appeal has been extended 15 Department of Commerce (Commerce). days. The Secretary needs the additional ACTION: Notice of extension of time to time to complete a review of the record issue a decision. and reach a decision. A decision on AES’s administrative appeal will be SUMMARY: Notice is hereby provided that issued no later than June 30, 2008. the deadline for issuing a decision has Dated: June 9, 2008. been extended 15 days, in the federal Joel La Bissonniere, consistency appeal filed with the Assistant General Counsel for Ocean Services. Department of Commerce by AES Sparrows Point LNG, LLC and Mid(Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog No. 11.419 Coastal Zone Management Program Atlantic Express, LLC (collectively, Assistance.) AES). [FR Doc. E8–13300 Filed 6–12–08; 8:45 am] DATES: The new deadline for issuing a BILLING CODE 3510–08–P decision on AES’s federal consistency appeal is extended to June 30, 2008. ADDRESSES: Materials from the appeal DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE record are available at the Internet site https://www.ogc.doc.gov/czma.htm and Department of the Army; Corps of at the Office of the General Counsel for Engineers Ocean Services, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Intent To Prepare a Draft Supplemental Department of Commerce, 1305 EastEnvironmental Impact Statement/ West Highway, Silver Spring, MD Subsequent Environmental Impact 20910. Report for the Sacramento River Deep Water Ship Channel, CA FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Odin Smith, Attorney-Advisor, Office of AGENCY: Department of the Army, U.S. the Assistant General Counsel for Army Corps of Engineers, DoD. Legislation and Regulation, Department ACTION: Notice of Intent. of Commerce, via e-mail at osmith@doc.gov, or at (202) 482–4144. SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In August (NEPA) and the California 2007, AES filed a notice of appeal with Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, San pursuant to section 307(c)(3)(A) of the rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES must register by close of business Monday, June 16, 2008, in order to attend. Please submit your name, time of arrival, e-mail address and phone number to Tessa Beavers, Administrative Support Assistant, NIST/NVLAP, and she will provide you with instructions for admittance. NonU.S. citizens must also submit their country of citizenship, title, employer/ sponsor, and address. Ms. Beavers’ email address is tessa.beavers@nist.gov and her phone number is (301) 975– 4017. VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:18 Jun 12, 2008 Jkt 214001 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 33807 Francisco District, (Corps) in coordination with the Port of Sacramento is preparing a draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement /Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIS/SEIR) to evaluate the action of resuming construction of navigational improvements to the Sacramento River Deep Water Ship Channel (SRDWSC). The SRDWSC runs from the Contra Costa county line to the Port of Sacramento. Construction was initiated in 1989, but work was suspended in 1990 after deepening a portion of the channel to the authorized depth of 35 feet. The proposed action involves deepening the existing Federal navigation channel from 30 feet to 35 feet (mean lower low water) and widening portions of the channel to improve navigational efficiency for movement of goods and safety. The SRDWSC project was originally authorized by the River and Harbors Act of 1946 , Public Law 525, 79th Congress, 2nd Session, and reauthorized under Section 202(a) of the Water Resources and Development Act of 1986, Public Law 99–662, 100 Stat. 4092. This is a notice of intent to prepare an SEIS/SEIR, and to consider alternatives, evaluate potential impacts of the proposed action, and identify appropriate mitigation measures. DATES: A public meeting will be held in West Sacramento on Monday, June, 30, 2008 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The public comment period begins on June 16, 2008. Written comments must be received by July 22, 2008. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the West Sacramento City Hall, 1110 West Capitol Avenue, West Sacramento, CA 95691. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions and comments regarding the proposed action can be addressed to: Attn.: Bill Brostoff, ET–PA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco District, 1455 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103–1398; telephone (415) 503–6867; or SPNETPA@usace.army.mil. Written comments can also be faxed to (415) 503–6692 or sent electronically to SPNETPA@usace.army.mil. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1. Background. The SRDWSC is located in the Sacramento—San Joaquin Delta region of northern California. The 46.5-mile long ship channel lies within Contra Costa, Solano, Sacramento, and Yolo Counties and serves the marine terminal facilities at the Port of Sacramento. The SRDWSC joins the existing 35-foot deep channel at New York Slough, thereby affording the Port E:\FR\FM\13JNN1.SGM 13JNN1 rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES 33808 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 115 / Friday, June 13, 2008 / Notices of Sacramento access to San Francisco Bay Area harbors and the Pacific Ocean. This navigational improvement project was analyzed in the Feasibility Report and Final Environmental Impact Statement (1980), the General Design Memorandum and Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (1986), and Environmental Assessments (1988, 1991, 1992). Navigational improvements to the SRDWSC were authorized in the Supplemental Appropriations of 1985, Public Law 99–88. Construction to deepen the existing channel to 35 feet was initiated in 1989, but work was suspended in 1990 at the request of the Port of Sacramento. Two of six construction contracts, from River Mile 43 to 35 (approximately eight miles near the Port of Sacramento), have been completed. The Corps was directed to prepare a reevaluation report in a Conference Report, H. Rept. 105–749, 105th Congress, 2nd Sess., 1998, by the Committee of Conference that resolved differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill that became the Energy and Water Appropriations Act of 1999. 2. Proposed Action. The proposed project would complete the deepening and widening of the navigation channel to its authorized depth of 35 feet. Deepening of the existing ship channel is anticipated to allow for movement of cargo via larger deeper draft vessels. Widening portions of the channel would increase navigational safety by increasing maneuverability. 3. Project Alternatives. Alternatives that are anticipated to be evaluated in this SEIS/SEIR include, but are not limited to, the following: (A) No action alternative. (B) Increased use of lighter aboard ship (LASH); lighters (barges) would be used to transport cargo from ports in shallow water to larger ocean going vessels birthed in deeper water. (C) Increased use of intermodal transportation; cargo would be loaded at other terminal facilities and transported by truck or railroad, and (D) project depths shallower than 35 feet. 4. Environmental Considerations. The SEIS/SEIR will update the 1980 EIS and the 1986 SEIS and will evaluate changes to project conditions. The SEIS/SEIR will determine if there are significant new issues, information, or environmental concerns bearing on the proposed project and alternatives. The SEIS/SEIR being prepared will reexamine water and air quality issues, fish and wildlife impacts, and effects to endangered or threatened species; potential impacts from dredging and placement of dredged material at upland disposal sites; and the potential impact of deepening on salinity intrusion in the VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:18 Jun 12, 2008 Jkt 214001 Delta. Additionally, the economic benefits of the proposed project and alternatives will be examined. 5. Scoping Process. The Corps is seeking participation and input of all interested federal, state, and local agencies, Native American groups, and other concerned private organizations or individuals on the scope of the draft SEIS/SEIR through this public notice. The purpose of the public scoping meeting is to solicit comments regarding the potential impacts, environmental issues, and alternatives associated with the proposed action to be considered in the draft SEIS/SEIR. The meeting place, date and time will be advertised in advance in local newspapers, and meeting announcement letters will be sent to interested parties. The draft SEIS/SEIR will be available for public review and comment in May 2009. The final SEIS/SEIR will be available for review in October 2009. 6. Availability of SEIS/SEIR. The public will have an additional opportunity to comment on project alternatives once the draft SEIS/SEIR is released. The Corps will announce availability of the draft SEIS/SEIR in the Federal Register and other media, and will provide a 45-day public review period for the public, organizations, and agencies to review and comment on the SEIS/SEIR. All submitted comments will be addressed in the final SEIS/ SEIR. Craig W. Kiley, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, Commanding. [FR Doc. E8–13339 Filed 6–12–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3710–19–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army; Corps of Engineers Inland Waterways Users Board Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DoD. ACTION: Notice of open meeting. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In Accordance with 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–463), announcement is made of the forthcoming meeting. Name of Committee: Inland Waterways Users Board (Board). Date: July 31, 2008. Location: Marcus Whitman Hotel and Conference Center, Six West Rose Drive, Walla Walla, WA 99362, (509–525–2200 or 866–826–9422). Time: Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the meeting is scheduled to adjourn at 1 p.m. PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Agenda: The Board will hear briefings on the status of the funding for inland navigation projects and studies, an assessment of the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, and be provided updates of various inland waterways projects. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Mark R. Pointon, Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CECW–IP, 441 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20314–1000; Ph: 202–761–4258. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The meeting is open to the public. Any interested person may attend, appear before, or file statements with the committee at the time and in the manner permitted by the committee. Brenda S. Bowen, Army Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. E8–13337 Filed 6–12–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3710–92–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY [OE Docket No. EA–341] Application To Export Electric Energy; Photovoltaic Technologies, LLC Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, DOE. ACTION: Notice of Application. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Photovoltaic Technologies, LLC (Photovoltaic) has applied for authority to transmit electric energy from the United States to Mexico pursuant to section 202(e) of the Federal Power Act. DATES: Comments, protests, or requests to intervene must be submitted on or before July 14, 2008. ADDRESSES: Comments, protests, or requests to intervene should be addressed as follows: Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, Mail Code: OE–20, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585–0350 (FAX 202– 586–5860). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Russell (Program Office) 202–586– 9624 or Michael Skinker (Program Attorney) 202–586–2793. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Exports of electricity from the United States to a foreign country are regulated by the Department of Energy (DOE) pursuant to sections 301(b) and 402(f) of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7151(b), 7172(f)) and require authorization under section 202(e) of the FPA (16 U.S.C. 824a(e)). On June 9, 2008, DOE received an application from Photovoltaic for authority to transmit electric energy E:\FR\FM\13JNN1.SGM 13JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 115 (Friday, June 13, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33807-33808]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-13339]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army; Corps of Engineers


Intent To Prepare a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact 
Statement/Subsequent Environmental Impact Report for the Sacramento 
River Deep Water Ship Channel, CA

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

ACTION: Notice of Intent.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the U.S. 
Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco District, (Corps) in 
coordination with the Port of Sacramento is preparing a draft 
Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement /Subsequent Environmental 
Impact Report (SEIS/SEIR) to evaluate the action of resuming 
construction of navigational improvements to the Sacramento River Deep 
Water Ship Channel (SRDWSC). The SRDWSC runs from the Contra Costa 
county line to the Port of Sacramento. Construction was initiated in 
1989, but work was suspended in 1990 after deepening a portion of the 
channel to the authorized depth of 35 feet. The proposed action 
involves deepening the existing Federal navigation channel from 30 feet 
to 35 feet (mean lower low water) and widening portions of the channel 
to improve navigational efficiency for movement of goods and safety. 
The SRDWSC project was originally authorized by the River and Harbors 
Act of 1946 , Public Law 525, 79th Congress, 2nd Session, and 
reauthorized under Section 202(a) of the Water Resources and 
Development Act of 1986, Public Law 99-662, 100 Stat. 4092. This is a 
notice of intent to prepare an SEIS/SEIR, and to consider alternatives, 
evaluate potential impacts of the proposed action, and identify 
appropriate mitigation measures.

DATES: A public meeting will be held in West Sacramento on Monday, 
June, 30, 2008 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The public comment period begins 
on June 16, 2008. Written comments must be received by July 22, 2008.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the West Sacramento City Hall, 
1110 West Capitol Avenue, West Sacramento, CA 95691.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions and comments regarding the 
proposed action can be addressed to: Attn.: Bill Brostoff, ET-PA, U.S. 
Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco District, 1455 Market Street, 
San Francisco, CA 94103-1398; telephone (415) 503-6867; or 
SPNETPA@usace.army.mil. Written comments can also be faxed to (415) 
503-6692 or sent electronically to SPNETPA@usace.army.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    1. Background. The SRDWSC is located in the Sacramento--San Joaquin 
Delta region of northern California. The 46.5-mile long ship channel 
lies within Contra Costa, Solano, Sacramento, and Yolo Counties and 
serves the marine terminal facilities at the Port of Sacramento. The 
SRDWSC joins the existing 35-foot deep channel at New York Slough, 
thereby affording the Port

[[Page 33808]]

of Sacramento access to San Francisco Bay Area harbors and the Pacific 
Ocean. This navigational improvement project was analyzed in the 
Feasibility Report and Final Environmental Impact Statement (1980), the 
General Design Memorandum and Final Supplemental Environmental Impact 
Statement (1986), and Environmental Assessments (1988, 1991, 1992). 
Navigational improvements to the SRDWSC were authorized in the 
Supplemental Appropriations of 1985, Public Law 99-88. Construction to 
deepen the existing channel to 35 feet was initiated in 1989, but work 
was suspended in 1990 at the request of the Port of Sacramento. Two of 
six construction contracts, from River Mile 43 to 35 (approximately 
eight miles near the Port of Sacramento), have been completed. The 
Corps was directed to prepare a reevaluation report in a Conference 
Report, H. Rept. 105-749, 105th Congress, 2nd Sess., 1998, by the 
Committee of Conference that resolved differences between the House and 
Senate versions of the bill that became the Energy and Water 
Appropriations Act of 1999.
    2. Proposed Action. The proposed project would complete the 
deepening and widening of the navigation channel to its authorized 
depth of 35 feet. Deepening of the existing ship channel is anticipated 
to allow for movement of cargo via larger deeper draft vessels. 
Widening portions of the channel would increase navigational safety by 
increasing maneuverability.
    3. Project Alternatives. Alternatives that are anticipated to be 
evaluated in this SEIS/SEIR include, but are not limited to, the 
following: (A) No action alternative. (B) Increased use of lighter 
aboard ship (LASH); lighters (barges) would be used to transport cargo 
from ports in shallow water to larger ocean going vessels birthed in 
deeper water. (C) Increased use of intermodal transportation; cargo 
would be loaded at other terminal facilities and transported by truck 
or railroad, and (D) project depths shallower than 35 feet.
    4. Environmental Considerations. The SEIS/SEIR will update the 1980 
EIS and the 1986 SEIS and will evaluate changes to project conditions. 
The SEIS/SEIR will determine if there are significant new issues, 
information, or environmental concerns bearing on the proposed project 
and alternatives. The SEIS/SEIR being prepared will reexamine water and 
air quality issues, fish and wildlife impacts, and effects to 
endangered or threatened species; potential impacts from dredging and 
placement of dredged material at upland disposal sites; and the 
potential impact of deepening on salinity intrusion in the Delta. 
Additionally, the economic benefits of the proposed project and 
alternatives will be examined.
    5. Scoping Process. The Corps is seeking participation and input of 
all interested federal, state, and local agencies, Native American 
groups, and other concerned private organizations or individuals on the 
scope of the draft SEIS/SEIR through this public notice. The purpose of 
the public scoping meeting is to solicit comments regarding the 
potential impacts, environmental issues, and alternatives associated 
with the proposed action to be considered in the draft SEIS/SEIR. The 
meeting place, date and time will be advertised in advance in local 
newspapers, and meeting announcement letters will be sent to interested 
parties. The draft SEIS/SEIR will be available for public review and 
comment in May 2009. The final SEIS/SEIR will be available for review 
in October 2009.
    6. Availability of SEIS/SEIR. The public will have an additional 
opportunity to comment on project alternatives once the draft SEIS/SEIR 
is released. The Corps will announce availability of the draft SEIS/
SEIR in the Federal Register and other media, and will provide a 45-day 
public review period for the public, organizations, and agencies to 
review and comment on the SEIS/SEIR. All submitted comments will be 
addressed in the final SEIS/SEIR.

Craig W. Kiley,
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, Commanding.
[FR Doc. E8-13339 Filed 6-12-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-19-P
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