Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is issuing this notice to advise the public that a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) has been completed and is available for review and comment.

The Corps of Engineers is extending the comment period for the Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Skagit River General Investigation Study (previously advertised as the Skagit River Flood Damage Reduction Study), Skagit County, Washington. This extension will provide interested persons with additional time to prepare comments on the NOI.

The action being taken is the preparation of a joint supplemental environmental impact statement/environmental impact report (EIS/EIR) for the Folsom Dam Modification, Approach Channel Project. The EIS/EIR will be prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will serve as lead agency for compliance with NEPA, and the State of California Central Valley Flood Protection Board (CVFPB) will serve as lead agency for compliance with CEQA. The Folsom Dam Modification Project, Approach Channel will evaluate alternatives, including a locally preferred plan, for providing dam safety and flood damage reduction at Folsom Dam located downstream from the confluence of the North and South Forks of the American River near the city of Folsom, California.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) intends to prepare a supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) for the Larose to Golden Meadow Hurricane Protection Project, Post-Authorization Change (PAC) Study. This project was originally authorized in 1965. Construction began in 1972 and is still underway. The PAC Study was initiated to identify and evaluate modifications needed to ensure that completion of project features, designed and constructed before development of the post-Katrina Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS) Design Guidelines, are in compliance with these new guidelines. The subject SEIS will supplement the original environmental impact statement (EIS) prepared for the project as authorized in 1965. The Statement of Findings for the original EIS was signed on April 4, 1975. An SEIS was subsequently prepared to address proposed modifications to the authorized plan. The Record of Decision for this first SEIS was signed on May 20, 1985.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District (Regulatory Division), in coordination with the California Natural Resources Agency, has completed a Draft Environmental Impact Statement/ Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for the Salton Sea Species Conservation Habitat (SCH) Project. The Natural Resources Agency is requesting a permit from the Corps of Engineers to discharge dredged or fill material into the Salton Sea, a water of the United States subject to the Corps jurisdiction under section 404 of the Clean Water Act, including permanent impacts up to 24 acres and temporary impacts up to 1,760 acres for the construction of up to 3,770 acres of shallow ponds and associated infrastructure at the southern end of the Salton Sea in Imperial County, California. Compared to existing conditions, the SCH Project would result in a net increase in the extent of jurisdictional aquatic resources by up to 1,986 acres because the ponds would restore such resources located between elevation -228 feet and -231 feet previously lost by the receding Sea. Draft EIS/EIR Comment Process. In an effort to follow sustainable business practices, the Draft EIS/EIR can be downloaded in electronic format from the Natural Resources AgencyDepartment of Water Resources' Web site: https://www.water.ca.gov/ saltonsea/. A hardcopy of the Draft EIS/EIR and documents referenced in the Draft EIS/EIR can be viewed at the following location: California Department of Fish and Game, 78078 Country Club Drive, Suite 109, Bermuda Dunes, CA 92203. In addition, the hardcopy Draft EIS/EIR can be viewed at the following public locations: Brawley Public Library, 400 Main Street, Brawley, CA 92227; Calipatria Public Library, 225 West Main Street, Calipatria, CA 92233; Imperial Public Library, 200 West 9th Street, Imperial, CA 92251; El Centro Public Library, 375 South 1st Street, El Centro, CA 92243; Imperial County Free Library, 2098 Frontage Road, Salton City, CA 92275; Mecca-North Shore Public Library, 91-260 Avenue 66, Mecca, CA 92254; and Coachella Branch Library, 1538 7th Street, Coachella, CA 92236. The Corps and the Natural Resources Agency invites interested parties to attend one of the jointly held public hearings to provide the agencies with their views and comments on the Draft EIS/EIR. Comments on the content of the Draft EIS/EIR by Federal, State, and local agencies, affected Indian tribes, and other interested organizations and persons are encouraged and will be considered by the Corps and the Natural Resources Agency and become part of the administrative record for the Corps' decision. The public hearings will be held at: 1. CalipatriaSeptember 14, 2011 at 1 P.M. at the Calipatria Inn and Suites, 700 North Sorenson Avenue, Calipatria, CA 92233. 2. BrawleySeptember 14, 2011 at 6 P.M. at Elks Lodge 1420, 161 South Plaza, Brawley, CA 92227. 3. Palm Desert September 15, 2011 at 1 P.M. at the University of California, 75-080 Frank Sinatra Drive, Room B200, Palm Desert, CA 92211. In order for the Corps and the Natural Resources Agency to more accurately process and respond to comments, an online e-form is provided on the Natural Resources AgencyDepartment of Water Resources' Web site https://www.water.ca.gov/saltonsea/ and is the preferred method of receiving comments from interested parties. Alternatively, written comment letters can be provided directly to Ms. Lanika Cervantes or Mr. David Elms at the addresses listed below.

The Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) pursuant to Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, for a proposed flood-risk management project in the Skagit River Basin from Ross Dam to the river mouth at Skagit Bay. This study was requested by Skagit County, Washington, because of the potential for significant flooding on the Skagit River. A DEIS is being prepared because of the potential for impacts on environmental resources, particularly salmonid habitat, and the intense public interest already demonstrated in addressing the flooding problems of the Skagit River. The Skagit River General Investigation (GI) DEIS for the Skagit River Basin is being conducted under the authority of Section 209 of the Flood Control Act of 1962, Public Law 87-874. That section authorized a comprehensive study of Puget Sound, Washington, and adjacent waters including tributaries, in the interest of flood control, navigation, and other water uses and related land resources. This notice of intent (NOI) was originally published in the Federal Register on November 20, 1997 for the Skagit River Flood Damage Reduction Study (62 FR 62019). A public meeting was held and comments were solicited from the public. Due to the amount of time that has lapsed since the issuance of the original NOI, USACE is reissuing the NOI.

On May 2, 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) announced availability of draft guidance (76 FR 24479) that describes how the agencies will identify waters protected by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (Clean Water Act or CWA or Act) and implement the Supreme Court's decisions on this topic (i.e., Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (SWANCC) (531 U.S. 159 (2001)) and Rapanos v. United States (547 U.S. 715 (2006)) (Rapanos)). The comment period was originally set to expire on July 1, 2011, and the agencies are extending the public comment period by 30 days.

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.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is proposing to amend its regulations for two existing danger zones that are located adjacent to the rifle range and pistol range at the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in Beaufort County, South Carolina. These danger zones were established in the 1960s. The proposed amendments include reformatting the existing regulations for clarity, modifying the boundaries of the danger zones, and modifying the hours of range operations from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. These amendments will enhance the ability of the U.S. Marine Corps to provide for the safe operation of the existing rifle and pistol ranges.

In September 2009, the Los Angeles District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the Los Angeles Harbor Department published a joint final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR), including the Corps' draft general conformity determination (Section 3.2 and Appendix D.7), for the Federal action associated with the San Pedro Waterfront Project (Project) in the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California. Comments were received on the final EIS/EIR and included draft general conformity determination until October 29, 2009. A general conformity determination was necessary because Project construction would require Federal action (i.e., issuance of a Corps permit for work and structures in and over navigable waters, discharges of fill into waters of the U.S., and transport and disposal of dredged material in ocean waters) and not all the Federal action's direct and indirect emissions would be below specified de minimis thresholds (40 CFR 93.153(b)). On May 9, 2011 and May 11, 2011, the Corps made a final general conformity determination and completed its environmental review and executed the Record of Decision (ROD), respectively, for the Federal action associated with the Project. The Corps considered and responded to all comments received in making the final general conformity determination and executing the ROD. The public can request copies of the final general conformity determination document or the ROD from the Corps at the address listed below, or can view or download the final general conformity determination document from the Corps' Web site (https:// www.spl.usace.army.mil/regulatory/POLA.htm, scroll down to the link under San Pedro Waterfront [formerly Bridge to Breakwater]) or the Port of Los Angeles' Web site (https://www.portoflosangeles.org/environment/ public_notices.asp, scroll down to link under San Pedro Waterfront Project). In addition, copies of the final general conformity document are available for review during the next 30 days at the following libraries: L.A. Public Library, Central Branch, 630 West 5th Street, Los Angeles California; L.A. Public Library, San Pedro Branch, 931 South Gaffey Street, San Pedro, California; and L.A. Public Library, Wilmington Branch, 1300 North Avalon, Wilmington, California.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is issuing this notice to advise the public that a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) has been completed and is available for review and comment.

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Sacramento District has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Folsom South of U.S. Highway 50 Specific Plan Project, a proposed master-planned, mixed use development within southeastern Sacramento County. On July 2, 2010, USACE published a notice in the Federal Register (75 FR 38500), informing the public of the availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) that analyzes the potential effects of implementing each of six (6) on-site land-use and eleven (11) off-site water supply alternative scenarios for a mixed-use development in the approximately 3,502-acre Folsom South of U.S. Highway 50 Specific Plan Project Area. The FEIS has been prepared to respond to comments received from agencies, organizations, and members of the public on the 2010 DEIS, and to present corrections, revisions, and other clarifications and amplifications of the 2010 DEIS, including minor project modifications made in response to these comments and as a result of the applicants' ongoing planning efforts. The FEIS has been prepared as joint documents with the City of Folsom (City). The City is the local agency responsible for preparing an Environmental Impact Report in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The USACE is the lead Federal agency responsible for the FEIS and information contained in the DEIS and FEIS serves as the basis for a decision regarding issuance of an individual permit under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. It also provides information for Federal, state and local agencies having jurisdictional responsibility for affected resources. All incoming comments on the FEIS will be considered by USACE and responses will be provided for substantive issues raised which have not been addressed in the DEIS or FEIS.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, has received a permit application for a Department of the Army Permit pursuant to Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (33 U.S.C. 403) and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344) from the Coastal Water Authority (SWG-2009-00188) for the proposed Coastal Water Authority's Luce Bayou Interbasin Transfer Project located in eastern Liberty County with the 26.5-mile corridor extending southwestward from the Trinity River to a discharge point near the confluence of Luce Bayou with Lake Houston. The primary Federal involvement associated with the proposed action is the discharge or dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including jurisdictional wetlands, and the construction of structures that may affect navigable waters. Federal authorizations for the proposed project would constitute a ``major federal action.'' Based on the potential impacts, both individually and cumulatively, the Corps intends to prepare an Environmental Statement (EIS) in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act to render a final decision on the permit applications. The Corps' decision will be to either issue, issue with modification or deny Department of the Army permits for the proposed action. The EIS will assess the potential social, economic and environmental impacts of the construction and operation of the interbasin conveyance, associated facilities, and appurtenances and is intended to be sufficient in scope to address Federal, State and local requirements, environmental issues concerning the proposed action, and permit reviews.

In accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Fort Worth District has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). This FEIS evaluates project alternatives and potential impacts to the natural, physical and human environment as a result of the Sabine Mining Company's proposal to construct, operate and reclaim the Rusk Permit Area. The USACE regulates this proposed project pursuant to Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The proposed activity would involve the discharge of dredged and fill material into waters of the United States associated with the proposed construction, operation and reclamation of the Rusk Permit Area.

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) intends to prepare a separate Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for each of the following related flood risk management study efforts in north-central California: a Feasibility Study of flood risk management and related water resources problems in the Sutter Basin conducted by USACE under the authority of the Flood Control Act of 1962 (Pub. L. 87-874); and under Section 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (as amended) (33 U.S.C. 408), and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344), the proposed Feather River West Levee Project (FRWLP), sponsored by the Sutter Butte Flood Control Agency (SBFCA) as a locally driven flood management improvement project. The two projects are being studied in close coordination because they partially overlap in their study areas, purpose, potential improvements, potential effects, and involved parties. Therefore, a joint scoping process is being conducted for the two projects to explain the relationship between the two efforts and obtain public input in a manner that is convenient, efficient, and integrated. Figures of the two project areas can be viewed at the SBFCA Web site at: https://www.sutterbutteflood.org/index.php/noticesdocuments. Sutter Basin Feasibility Study. On March 20, 2000, the State of California entered into a feasibility cost-sharing agreement (FCSA) with USACE to initiate a feasibility study. An amendment to the FCSA was signed in 2010, which included SBFCA as a non-Federal sponsor. The purpose of the study is to address flood risk, ecosystem restoration and recreation-related issues in the study area. If a Federal interest is determined, the study would result in a decision document, a General Investigation Feasibility Study report and EIS/EIR, which would be the basis for a recommendation to Congress for authorization. The Central Valley Flood Protection Board (CVFPB) and SBFCA are coordinating with USACE on the feasibility study. USACE, as the Federal lead agency under NEPA, and SBFCA, as the state lead agency under CEQA in coordination with CVFPB, have determined that an EIS/EIR will be prepared to describe alternatives, potential environmental effects, and mitigation measures. FRWLP. SBFCA is planning the FRWLP to construct improvements to the west levee of the Feather River from Thermalito Afterbay to the Sutter Bypass confluence to meet Federal, state, and local flood protection criteria and goals. In 2010, an assessment district was enacted to provide local funding toward flood management improvements. These funds may be matched with those from the Early Implementation Program (funded through previous state bonds) administered by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). In order to implement the project, the sponsor must acquire permission from USACE to alter the Federal project under Section 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (as amended) (33 U.S.C. 408 or, Section 408). USACE also has authority under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344) over activities involving the discharge of dredged or fill material to waters of the United States, which are known to be in the project area. The purpose of the FRWLP would be to construct improvements as quickly as possible in advance of and compatible with the Sutter Basin Project. USACE, acting as the Federal lead agency under NEPA, and SBFCA, acting as the state lead agency under the CEQA in coordination with CVFPB, have determined that an EIS/EIR will be prepared to describe alternatives, potential environmental effects, and mitigation measures.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is proposing to authorize Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) approved categorical exclusions for recurring conservation, restoration, and survey related activities under Nationwide Permit 23 (NWP 23). The Corps is requesting comment on the appropriateness of including these NRCS categorical exclusions under nationwide permit authorization and any conditions or restrictions that should be added so that those categorically excluded activities can be verified by NWP 23 to permit discharges of dredged or fill material and/or structures or work in waters of the United States. These NRCS categorically excluded activities have been approved by Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and have been finalized by the NRCS.

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), Louisville District will prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) to disclose potential impacts to the natural, physical, and human environment resulting from implementation of alternatives formulated to address reliability risks associated with Indianapolis, White River (North), IN, Flood Damage Reduction Project. The currently authorized and partially completed project does not meet current performance standards nor does it provide the level of protection for which the project was authorized. A full array of alternatives will be formulated to meet the purpose and need of this study. After full consideration of all alternatives, the best plan will be selected to achieve acceptable risk levels.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) are publishing for public comment proposed guidance that describes how the agencies will identify waters protected by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (Clean Water Act or CWA or Act) and implement the Supreme Court's decisions on this topic (i.e., Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (SWANCC) (531 U.S. 159 (2001)) and Rapanos v. United States (547 U.S. 715 (2006)) (Rapanos)). The agencies believe that under this proposed guidance the number of waters identified as protected by the Clean Water Act will increase compared to current practice and this improvement will aid in protecting the Nation's public health and aquatic resources. The proposed guidance is consistent with the principles established by the Supreme Court cases and is supported by the agencies' scientific understanding of how waterbodies and watersheds function. In addition, the agencies believe that when the revised guidance is finalized and goes into effect, it will improve CWA program predictability and clarity regarding the scope of ``waters of the United States'' protected under the Act and that this improvement will have benefits for both the government and regulated parties. When finalized, this guidance would supersede previously issued guidance on this matter. This guidance will apply to all CWA programs, including section 303 water quality standards, section 311 oil spill prevention and response, section 401 water quality certification, section 402 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits, and section 404 permits for discharges of dredged or fill material. The agencies seek public comment on all aspects of the proposed guidance, including interpretations and scientific underpinnings. In addition to this guidance, the agencies expect to propose revisions of existing regulations to further clarify which waters are subject to CWA jurisdiction, consistent with the Supreme Court's decisions. Public comment on any such revisions will be requested at the time they are proposed.

The Louisville District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) today withdraws its Notice of Intent (74 FR 48236, September 22, 2009) to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for a proposed 278 megawatt circulating fluidized bed electric generating unit by East Kentucky Power Cooperative, Inc. (EKPC), in Clark County, Kentucky. EKPC withdrew its application for a Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act permit to construct the facility permit on December 3, 2010.

Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), the New England District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) to evaluate a proposed establishment of public transportation service between Boston and the Cities of New Bedford and Fall River, MA. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT; formerly the Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works or EOT) has submitted an application for a Department of the Army permit to discharge fill material into waters of the United States (U.S.), ranging in area from approximately 10.3 to approximately 21.5 acres (depending on the alternative selected), including wetlands, incidental to the establishment of transportation infrastructure. The Notice of Intent for preparation of the DEIS was published in the Federal Register (73 FR 64927, October 31, 2008).

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District (USACE) announces its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to assess the potential environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of a project proposed by the Mississippi State Port Authority (MSPA). As part of the NEPA process, the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) will be a cooperating agency in the preparation of the EIS. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has expressed interest in acting as a cooperating agency in the preparation of the EIS. The proposed project as described in the application filed on March 17, 2010, proposed filling approximately 700 acres of open-water benthic habitat. Since submittal of the application, the proposed project footprint has been modified by the MSPA to reduce the overall potential fill required for implementation and to not include any impacts to the Gulfport Harbor Federal Navigation Channel or Turning Basin. The currently proposed project involves filling of up to 400 acres of open-water bottom in the Mississippi Sound, the construction of wharfs, bulkheads, terminal facilities, container storage areas, intermodal container transfer facilities, dredging and dredged material disposal and infrastructure, and construction of a breakwater of approximately 4,000 linear feet. The proposed expanded port facility will be elevated 25 feet above sea level to provide protection against future tropical storm surge events. The EIS will evaluate the potential impacts of the proposed project, connected actions, and alternatives. The EIS will also assist the USACE in deciding whether to issue a Department of the Army permit. The purpose of this Notice of Intent (NOI) is to inform and educate the public of the proposed project; invite public participation in the EIS process; announce the plans for a public scoping meeting; solicit public comments for consideration in establishing the scope and content of the EIS; and provide notice of potential impacts to open-water benthic habitats.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is amending its regulations for the existing danger zone in the vicinity of Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren, in King George County, Virginia. The amendment changes the description of the hazardous operations in the area, the hours of operation, and expands the boundaries of a portion of the danger zone. The amendment is necessary to protect the public from potentially hazardous conditions which may exist as a result of use of the areas by the United States Navy.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Port of West Sacramento (Port) propose to reinitiate the previously authorized deepening from -30 feet mean lower low water (MLLW) to -35 feet MLLW and selective widening of the Sacramento River Deep Water Ship Channel (SRDWSC). This project was partially completed in 1990, but was suspended due to lack of funding. The USACE is the lead agency for this project under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The Port is the lead agency for this project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is soliciting comments for the reissuance of the existing nationwide permits (NWPs), general conditions, and definitions, with some modifications. The Corps is also proposing to issue two new NWPs and two new general conditions. The Corps is requesting comment on all aspects of these proposed nationwide permits. More specifically, the Corps is requesting comments on options for NWP 21, which authorizes discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States associated with surface coal mining activities, such as reissuing NWP 21 with modifications or not reissuing NWP 21. The Corps is also seeking comments on whether to reissue NWP 48 with modifications to authorize new commercial shellfish aquaculture activities or to issue a separate NWP to authorize only new commercial shellfish aquaculture activities. The reissuance process starts with today's publication of the proposed NWPs in the Federal Register for a 60-day comment period. The purpose of this Federal Register notice is to solicit comments on the proposed new and modified NWPs, as well as the NWP general conditions and definitions. Shortly after the publication of this Federal Register notice, each Corps district will publish a public notice to solicit comments on their proposed regional conditions for the new and modified NWPs. The comment period for these district public notices will be 45 days.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is amending its regulations to establish a restricted area in the waters of the Potomac River extending offshore from the Marine Corps Air Facility (MCAF) at Marine Corps Base Quantico (MCB Quantico), located in Quantico, Virginia. The restricted area will address current security needs at MCB Quantico, including the protection of military assets at MCAF which includes the Presidential Helicopter Squadron (HMX-1). The restricted area will also protect public health by preventing vessels from disturbing a planned environmental remediation area that is located to the northeast of MCAF.