Engineers Corps June 29, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) intends to prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Currituck Sound Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study. The feasibility study is a cost-shared effort, being conducted in partnership with the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NCDWR), to recommend Federal actions for ecosystem restoration in Currituck Sound. The study is taking a watershed perspective to develop and evaluate alternatives to restore and enhance ecosystem resources in a holistic, collaborative manner, and to ensure full participation of all stakeholders. Significant environmental resources to be addressed during project studies and in the DEIS include, but are not limited to: (1) Endangered and threatened species; (2) Marine and estuarine resources; (3) Fish and wildlife and their habitats, including essential fish habitat; (4) Water quality; (5) Socioeconomic resources; and (6) Cultural resources. Efforts will be made to enhance resource conditions and minimize adverse impacts. The lead Federal agency for this study is the USACE, Wilmington District. As stated above, the NCDWR is the lead State agency and a full cost-sharing partner in the conduct of this study. The DEIS is being prepared in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, and will address the relationship of the proposed action to all other applicable Federal and State Laws and Executive Orders. The DEIS is currently scheduled for distribution to the public February 2012.