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

Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.

 [Federal Register: May 30, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 104)]
[Notices]
[Page 34452-34453]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr30my00-37]

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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
972082946, Attention: Steven J. Stevens, phone: (503) 8084768.

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 countytimber 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's1950'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. 0013344 Filed 52600; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710ARU

 
 

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