[Federal Register: August 28, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 166)]
[Notices]
[Page 50901]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28au06-28]
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army
Intent to Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the
Proposed Port of Vancouver Columbia Gateway Project in the State of
Washington
AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DOD.
ACTION: Notice of intent.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is initiating the
preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement under the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The EIS is for a Department of the
Army permit issued under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section
10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act to install the infrastructure
necessary to support an approximately 500-acre development of water
dependent and industrial facilities at the Port of Vancouver.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Janice Stuart, Project Manager,
Portland District, Corps of Engineers, CENWP-OD-G, 333 SW. First
Avenue, P.O. Box 2946, Portland, Oregon 97208-2946, phone: (503) 808-
4393.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Port of Vancouver has submitted an
application to the Corps for a Department of the Army permit to develop
a multi-faceted port facility that would create economic development
opportunities for water dependent and industrial facilities at the Port
of Vancouver. These facilities are necessary to generate increased
employment opportunities for Vancouver area residents and enhance the
import and export opportunities within the Lower Columbia River region.
The proposed action would require the discharge of dredged or fill
material into waters of the United States, including wetlands, under
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and affect navigable waters of the
United States under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. Before
making permitting decisions, the Corps is required to evaluate
potential effects on the human environment under the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
The Corps will also need to demonstrate compliance with Endangered
Species Act and the National Historic Preservation Act before a permit
can be issued. The proposed action must also be reviewed by the City of
Vancouver for Compliance with the Washington State Growth Management
Act, Shoreline Management Act, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)
and City of Vancouver Development Code. This EIS is intended to meet
the requirements for SEPA compliance. Alternatives to be evaluated in
the EIS include No Action and development of approximately 500 acres of
Port-owned property adjacent to the Columbia River. Significant issues
to be analyzed in the EIS include effects the proposed action may have
on wetlands, endangered species, air quality, water quality and
quantity, noise, transportation, and public facilities.
The railroad improvements to serve the existing facilities at the
Port of Vancouver and the NW 26th Avenue extension will be analyzed
under separate NEPA processes. Both projects are independent of the
development of Columbia Gateway.
The Corps will conduct a public scoping meeting for this EIS on
September 12, 2006, 4 to 7 p.m. at the Port of Vancouver, 3103 NE.
Lower River Road, Vancouver, Washington. Affected Federal, state, and
local agencies; Indian tribes; and other interested organizations and
individuals are asked to provide input to the Corps on the scope of
this EIS. To ensure consideration, input on the scope should be
provided to the Corps by September 25, 2006. The Corps will provide
notice to the public of additional opportunities for public input on
the EIS during review periods for the draft and final EIS. The draft
EIS is currently scheduled to be available for public review Summer
2007.
Dated: August 17, 2006.
Lawrence C. Evans,
Chief, Regulatory Branch, Portland District.
[FR Doc. E6-14216 Filed 8-25-06; 8:45 am]
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