[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 42 (Friday, March 2, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 13056]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-5118]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers


Notice of Intent and Notice of Preparation for an Environmental 
Impact Statement and Environmental Impact Report for a Proposed Flood 
Damage Reduction Investigation in Stanislaus County, California

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

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The objectives of this project are to identify a flood 
reduction plan that will yield a sound project, both functionally and 
economically, to reduce flood damages to the populated towns of Newman 
and Patterson, California, and the surrounding agricultural land. The 
intent of this project is to improve the hydraulic conveyance of the 
Orestimba, Salado, and Del Puerto Creeks. Environmental restoration may 
be a component of the plan if a sponsor can be identified.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions about the proposed action 
and EIS/EIR can be directed to Josh Garcia at (916) 557-6778 or sent to 
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Planning Division, ATTN: CESPK-PD-R, 1325 
J Street, Sacramento, California 95814-2922.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Proposed Action

    The Corps, in cooperation with the local sponsor (Stanislaus 
County), is conducting a feasibility investigation on the alternative 
flood damage reduction measures identified during the expedited 
reconnaissance phase and described in the Project Study Plan dated 
September 1998. This flood control investigation proposes to reduce the 
flood hazards currently associated with floodflows along Oristemba, 
Salado, and Del Puerto Creeks.

2. Alternatives

    The feasibility report will address an array of alternatives. 
Alternatives analyzed during the feasibility investigation will be a 
combination of one or more flood reduction measures identified during 
the reconnaissance phase; additional measures may be considered. These 
alternative measures include detention basins, hydraulic system 
modifications, creek widening, structural modifications, and snag 
clearing.
    a. No Action. there will be no flood control projects implemented 
for west Stanislaus County.
    b. Detention basin and hydraulic system modifications are proposed 
for Salado Creek. This alternative focuses on safely conveying 
floodflows from the Salado creek foothills to the San Joaquin River.
    c. Detention basin, creek widening, and structural modifications 
are proposed for Oristemba Creek. This alternative focuses on conveying 
floodflaws from the Oristemba Creek foothills to the San Joaquin River.
    d. Multipurpose detention basin and hydraulic system modifications 
are proposed for Del Puerto Creek. This alternative focuses on safely 
conveying floodflows from the Del Puerto Creek foothills to the San 
Joaquin River. Additionally, this alternative will provide water 
supply, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation for the region.

3. Scoping Process

    a. The project plan provides for public scoping and comment. The 
Corps has initiated a process of involving concerned individuals, 
local, state, and Federal agencies.
    b. Significant issues to be analyzed in depth in the EIS/EIR 
include appropriate levels of the flood damage reduction, adverse 
affects on vegetation and wildlife resources, special-status species, 
esthetics, cultural resources, recreation, and cumulative effects of 
related projects in the study area.
    c. The Corps will consult with the State Historic Preservation 
Officer, National Marine Fisheries Service, and the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service to provide a Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Report 
as an appendix to the EIS/EIR.
    d. A 45-day public review period will be provided for individuals 
and agencies to review and comment on the draft EIS/EIR. All interested 
parties responding to this notice and providing a current address will 
be notified of the draft EIS/EIR circulation.

4. Public Meeting

    A public scoping meeting was held on March 3, 1999, in Newman, 
California. Public support for these proposed projects was strong.

5. Availability

    The draft EIS/EIR is scheduled to be available for public review 
and comment early in calendar year 2002.

Gregory D. Showalter,
Army Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 01-5118 Filed 3-1-01; 8:45 am]
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