[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 92 (Friday, May 10, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 21446]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-11714]



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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) 
for a Proposed Storm Damage Reduction and Beach Erosion Control Project 
on Brigantine Island, Atlantic County, NJ

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

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The action being taken is an evaluation of the alternatives 
for storm damage reduction and the control of further erosion on 
Brigantine Island, New Jersey. The purpose of any consequent work would 
be to provide shore property protection and to stabilize the shoreline 
at the predetermined width.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Questions regarding the DEIS should be addressed to Ms. Beth Brandreth, 
(215) 656-6558, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CENAP-PL-E, Wanamaker 
Building, 100 Penn Square East, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-3390.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

1. Proposed Action

    a. The draft document evaluates a study area approximately 7 miles 
in length, extending from Brigantine Inlet to Absecon Inlet. The study 
area encompasses Brigantine Island, which contains the City of 
Brigantine and the North Brigantine State Nature Area. The beaches 
along this island have been subject to erosion by storms, tidal 
inundation, and wave action. One potential offshore sand borrow source, 
located in the vicinity of Brigantine Inlet, will be investigated in 
this study.
    b. The authorities for the proposed project are the resolutions 
adopted by the Committee on Public Works and Transportation of the U.S. 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Environmental and Public 
Works of the U.S. Senate in December 1987.

2. Alternatives

    In addition to the no action alternative, the alternatives 
considered for storm damage reduction and erosion control will fall 
into structural and non-structural categories. The structural measures 
to correct the beach erosion include bulkheads, seawalls, revetments, 
offshore breakwaters, groins, beach nourishment, perched beach, 
submerged reef with beachfill, and offshore submerged feeder berms. 
Non-structural measures include flood insurance, developmental 
regulations, and evacuation.

3. Scoping

    a. Numerous studies and reports addressing beach erosion along the 
New Jersey Coast were conducted by the Corps of Engineers. The most 
recent study for this area is a Reconnaissance Report: Brigantine Inlet 
to Great Egg Harbor Inlet Reconnaissance Study (February 1992), which 
identified a number of problem areas where erosion was negatively 
impacting the adjacent shorelines. This study identified Brigantine 
Island as one of the primary areas to be recommended for further study 
in the feasibility phase.
    b. The scoping process is on-going and has involved preliminary 
coordination with Federal, State, and local agencies. Participation of 
the general public and other interested parties and organizations will 
be invited by means of a public notice.
    c. The significant issues and concerns that have been identified 
include the impacts of the project on aquatic biota, water quality, 
intertidal habitat, shallow water habitat, and cultural resources.

4. Availability

    It is estimated that the DEIS will be made available to the public 
in October 1997.
Robert L. Callegari,
Chief, Planning Division.
[FR Doc. 96-11714 Filed 5-9-96; 8:45 am]
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