[Federal Register: May 12, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 91)] [Notices] [Page 25480-25481] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr12my99-49] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of Navy Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for a Deep Draft Power Intensive (DDPI) Ship Berthing, Logistics, and Maintenance Pier at Naval Station, San Diego, California AGENCY: Department of Navy, DOD. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508), the Department of the Navy announces its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the effects of constructing and operating a Deep Draft Power Intensive (DDPI) ship berthing, logistics and maintenance pier at Naval Station (NAVSTA), San Diego, California. The proposed action is to demolish two existing piers, Piers 10 and 11, at Naval Station San Diego and construct and operate a replacement berthing, logistics and maintenance pier for DDPI ships. To accommodate the DDPI ships, construction would include dredging to 37 feet below Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) and removal of approximately 536,000 cubic yards of sediment (of which approximately 268,000 cubic yards is believed to be unsuitable for ocean disposal). The replacement pier would be approximately 120 feet wide and 1500 feet long with power intensive utilities (4000 amps or more). This pier would be similar to Pier 13, an existing pier constructed at Naval Station San Diego in 1989 to support DDPI ships. The purpose of the proposed action is to provide for berthing, logistics, maintenance, and utility requirements of DDPI ships moored at the San Diego Naval Complex. The need for the proposed action is to address the current shortfall in pier infrastructure/capacity for DDPI ships in the San Diego Naval Complex. The range of alternatives to be considered include: (1) The proposed action, demolition of Piers 10 and 11 at Naval Station San Diego and construction of a new DDPI pier with associated dredging; (2) demolition of Piers 11 and 12 at Naval Station San Diego and construction of a new DDPI pier with associated dredging; (3) demolition of Pier 14 at Naval Station San Diego and construction of a new DDPI pier with associated dredging; and, (4) construction of a new pier or utilization of other available piers with associated [[Page 25481]] dredging within the San Diego Naval Complex. The EIS will also consider the No-Action Alternative: no demolition, replacement or new pier construction to accommodate the DDPI ships. The EIS will evaluate the environmental effects associated with each of the alternatives. Various options for dredged sediment disposal will also be evaluated. Issues to be addressed in the EIS include, but are not limited to: water resources; biological resources; topography/ geology; air quality; health and safety; land use; noise; transportation (vessel and ground); aesthetics; cultural resources; utilities; socioeconomics; and environmental justice. Impacts analysis will include an evaluation of the direct, indirect, short-term, and cumulative impacts. No decision to implement any of the alternatives will be made until the NEPA process is complete. A public scoping meeting to receive oral and written comments from the public will be held on June 9, 1999 at the Holiday Inn, Terrace Ballroom, 700 National City Boulevard (at 8th Street), National City. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. A Spanish-language interpreter will be available at the meeting. A brief presentation describing the proposed action, alternatives and the NEPA process will precede the request for public comments. It is important that federal, state, and local agencies, as well as interested organizations and individuals, take this opportunity to identify environmental concerns they feel should be addressed during preparation of the EIS. Agencies and the public are invited and encouraged to provide written comments in addition to, or in lieu of, oral comments at the public meeting. To be most helpful, comments should clearly describe specific issues or topics that the commentator believes the EIS should address. ADDRESSES: Questions regarding the scoping process AND written comments may be sent to South Bay Area Focus Team, 2585 Callagan Highway, Bldg. 99, Naval Station, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92136-5198, postmarked no later than June 16, 1999. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Patrick McCay (Code 5SPR.PM), South Bay Area Focus Team, 2585 Callagan Highway, Bldg. 99, Naval Station, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92136-5198; telephone (619) 556-8706; fax (619) 556-8296; e-mail mccaypj@efdsw.navafac.navy.mil Saundra K. Melancon, Paralegal Specialist, Office of the Judge Advocate General, Alternate Federal Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. 99-12020 Filed 5-11-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3810-FF-P