[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 104 (Tuesday, May 30, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34452-34453]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-13344]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers


Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for 
Tillamook Bay and Estuary Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem 
Restoration, Tillamook County, Oregon

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

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The purpose of this action is to determine the feasibility of 
implementing flood control measures and ecosystem restoration actions 
within the Tillamook Bay watershed. A reconnaissance study for the 
Tillamook Bay & Estuary watershed was initiated in March 1998 to 
determine if there was a Federal interest in conducting a detailed 
feasibility study for flood damage reduction, ecosystem restoration and 
other related purposes. The reconnaissance report, approved by Corps of 
Engineers headquarters on 21 December 1998, found that various measures 
could be implemented to benefit the environment. These include 
improving habitat for coastal coho salmon, a species listed as 
threatened under the Endangered Species Act. These measures could also 
improve water quality and reduce sedimentation entering the bay. In 
addition, flood damage reduction would most likely be provided by these 
and other measures. An extensive analysis of the estuary and watershed 
was conducted under the Tillamook Bay National Estuary Project that 
resulted in identification of four primary goals that are consistent 
with the Corps' study authority. These goals include restoration of 
critical habitat for salmon species, reduction of sedimentation of 
spawning and rearing habitat, reduction of bacterial contamination of 
shellfish, and reduction of magnitude, frequency and impact of flood 
events.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions about the DEIS can be 
directed to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, 
Environmental Resources Branch, P.O. Box 2946, Portland, Oregon 97208-
2946, Attention: Steven J. Stevens, phone: (503) 808-4768.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Tillamook Bay is an 8,400 acre estuary which 
is formed by the convergence of five rivers flowing from the crest of 
the Coast Range. The bay averages only 6.6 feet in depth and is the 
terminus of a 570 square mile watershed.
    The natural resources of the watershed, which initially attracted 
Euro-American settlers in the mid-1800's, continue to serve as the 
basis for the primary industries in the county--timber harvest, 
fishing, and dairy production.
    Although the economy depends on the prime conditions for 
development and use of natural resources, the natural systems have been 
significantly impacted by human activities and events including four 
large forest fires in the 1930's-1950's, timber harvest, agriculture 
and urban development. These events and activities have led to 
increased erosion and sedimentation rates and landslide potential in 
the forest slopes as well as reduced wetland and riparian habitat. All 
five rivers entering Tillamook Bay exceed temperature and/or bacteria 
standards established by Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

[[Page 34453]]

    The lower Tillamook watershed is accustomed to frequent flood 
events that typically interrupt street traffic, farm operations and 
cause minor damage to homes, businesses and farms. The flood of 1996, 
however caused extensive damage throughout the watershed which 
precipitated a number of emergency actions as well as local requests 
for further study of the flood problems.
    The fishing industry that once thrived in the Tillamook area is now 
in jeopardy. The watershed has historically supported large populations 
of anadromous fish species including coho, chum and chinook salmon, 
steelhead and cutthroat trout. During the past several decades, the 
number of returning adults have declined. Among the list of reasons 
attributed to the decline is the loss or reduction of habitat.
    The objective of the feasibility study is to analyze flood damage 
reduction and ecosystem restoration problems and opportunities and 
identify actions that would address them from the Federal and non-
Federal perspective. A full range of alternatives will be identified 
and evaluated with the anticipation that several alternatives can 
achieve both planning objectives.
    EIS Scoping will be an integral part of the process of identifying 
alternatives and issues relevant to the planning study. Scoping will 
formally commence with a scoping letter expected to be issued early 
this summer. Federal, state and local agencies, Indian tribes, and 
interested organizations and individuals will be asked to comment on 
the scope of issues, alternatives and their potential impacts. Public 
meetings will be held in conjunction with each critical stage of the 
planning process, including opportunity to comment on the scope of the 
EIS. Further opportunity for public comment will occur during Draft and 
Final EIS review.

Gregory D. Showalter,
Army Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 00-13344 Filed 5-26-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-AR-U