Department of Defense May 2, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Under the National Environmental Policy Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published a notice of availability on March 28, 2008 in the Federal Register (FR Doc. E8-6424, page 16672) for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) for Mayport Naval Station Project, Proposed Homeporting of Additional Surface Ships, Several Permits, Mayport (EIS No. 20080103). This notice announces the extension of the public comment period from May 12, 2008 to May 27, 2008.

The purpose of the study is to develop implementation plans to sustain federally-listed species within the Woolly Star Preserve Area, including the Slender-horned spineflower, San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat, and Santa Ana Woolly Star. As a requirement of the Biological Opinion (2002), for construction and operation of Seven Oaks Dam (SOD), the Corps prepared a Multi-Species Habitat Management Plan (MSHMP) to identify potential management measures and implementation strategies. Recommendations in the Draft MSHMP have been developed in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Game, and other stakeholders. The Draft MSHMP identifies non- structural and structural measures. Non-structural measures could include, but are not limited to, herbicide treatment for non-native invasive grass control and providing water to the mitigation area through pipelines or trucks to hydraulically spread sand for substrate enhancement. Structural measures could include, but not limited to, controlled releases from SOD and dikes (permanent and/or temporary) used to direct hydraulic spreading of sand for substrate enhancement. The SEIS/EIR will examine the details of the measures identified above and other feasible alternatives based on hydrological, geotechnical, environmental, and technical factors. Management activities would be conducted within the Woolly Star Preserve Area and other adjacent lands.