[Federal Register: November 15, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 219)]
[Notices]               
[Page 61858-61859]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15no99-63]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers

 
Announcement of Public Hearing Date on a Draft Environmental 
Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (DEIS/EIR) for the San 
Timoteo Creek Flood Control Project, Reach 3B, in San Bernardino 
County, CA

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

ACTION: Notice (announcement of public hearing date).

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SUMMARY: The Draft EIS/EIR was released for public review on October 5, 
1999. The Environmental Protection Agency has published a Notice of 
Availability of the DEIS/EIR in the Federal Register on October 15, 
1999. The public review of the Draft EIS/EIR ends on November 29, 1999. 
The general study area for the San Timoteo Creek Reach 3B Project 
includes the area within the existing 100-year floodplain and stretches 
from its downstream (northwestern) limit of Barton Road, near the City 
of Loma Linda, through an unicorporated area of San Bernardino County, 
to its upstream (southeastern) limit of Alessandro Road, which lies in 
the City of Redlands. Reach 3B extends for a total length of 
approximately 3.9 miles.

ADDRESSES: Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles 
District, Environmental Design Section, P.O. Box 532711, Los Angeles, 
CA 90053-2325.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Joy Jaiswal, Technical Manager, 
phone (213) 452-3871.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Background

    The primary purpose of the Reach 3B project is to provide flood 
control and debris and sediment trapping within the study area and in 
the downstream areas. Because facilities within Reaches 1, 2, 3A, and 
3B were initially designed for flood control purposes, completion of 
flood control facilities along Reach 3B is needed to provide adequate 
flood protection of land and structures within the existing 100-year 
floodplain of the San Timoteo Creek study area. Construction of 3.1 
miles of San Timoteo Creek extending from the Santa Ana River to just 
upstream of Barton Road, designated as Reach 1,2 and 3A have been 
completed. Public raised concerns about aesthetics of the creek, 
wildlife movement, impacts to vegetation, recreational trail usage and 
groundwater recharge. Therefore, the San Bernardino County Board of 
Supervisors requested the USACOE study an alternative to the authorized 
project for Reach 3B (proposed construction) that would incorporate the 
public's concerns. The Corps redesigned the Authorized plan of Reach 3B 
to incorporate public concerns.

2. Proposed Action

    Construction of a flood control channel at San Timoteo Creek, Reach 
3B upstream of Barton Road.

3. Alternatives

    The DEIS/EIR evaluates the alternatives carried forward for 
detailed environmental analysis. In general, the major differences 
among Alternatives A, B, C, D, and the Authorized Plan involve the 
length of the transition channel, and the number and dimensions of 
sediment basins and drop structures. Alternative E also incorporates 
the use of sediment basins, but differs from the other alternatives 
because levees and a spillway would be required to contain and direct 
flows into the downstream structure near Barton Road. Description and 
impacts related to the future maintenance for the life of the project 
are included in the DEIS/EIR.

Alternative A

    <bullet> 17-in-channel sediment basins, drop structures.
    <bullet> Total length of sediment basins and transition is 
approximately 13,800 feet, extending 3,000 feet upstream of San Timoteo 
Canyon Road.
    <bullet> Sediment basins would be 8.5 feet below the existing 
channel invert.
    <bullet> Stabilization of banks with soil cement and concrete with 
2:1 slope.
    <bullet> Natural bottom channel.
    <bullet> Parapet walls.
    <bullet> Inlet structure.
    <bullet> Access/recreational trail.
    <bullet> Environmental corridor.
    <bullet> Limited fencing.
    <bullet> Replacement of Beaumont Avenue Bridge.
    <bullet> Recreational opportunities.

Alternative B--The Preferred Alternative

    <bullet> Recommended plan consists of 18 sediment basins and drop 
structures instead of 17 sediment basins. Other features are similar to 
Alternative A. Which includes concrete transitional channel, drop 
structure, stabilization of side slopes, inlet construction, 
maintenance access road/trail easement, access ramps, environmental 
corridor, fencing replacement of Beaumont Avenue Bridge, utility 
relocations, side drain connections, and recreational opportunities.

[[Page 61859]]

    <bullet> Entire length of project would be 14,300 feet, extending 
4,000 feet upstream of San Timoteo Canyon Road.
    <bullet> Construction of 18 Sediment basins.
    <bullet> Depth of sediment basins would range from 4.8 feet to 12 
feet below the channel invert.

Alternative C

    <bullet> Alternative C is similar to Alternatives A and B.
    <bullet> 22 sediment basins and drop structures.
    <bullet> Total length 16,700 feet, extending 6,500 feet upstream of 
San Timoteo Canyon Road.
    <bullet> Basin depths would be 8.0 feet.

Alternative D

    <bullet> 52 sediment basins and drop structures.
    <bullet> Sediment basin depth about 4.8 feet.
    <bullet> Total length--18,900 feet extending 11,000 feet upstream 
of San Timoteo Canyon Road.

Alternative E

    <bullet> Involves acquiring the land within the 100-year floodplain 
(within the study area) to allow San Timoto Creek to overflow onto its 
natural floodplain during storm events.
    <bullet> Acquiring the floodplain right-of-way for approximately 
four miles would require approximately 300 acres, including 
approximately 20 homes, a historic structure, and commercial uses.
    <bullet> Eight sediment basins with drop structures.
    <bullet> Total length of alternative--13,400 feet.
    <bullet> Levees would begin at San Timoteo Canyon Raod and 
gradually increase in height from 0-35 feet, ending at a spillway near 
California Street.

Authorize Plan

    <bullet> Maintenance access of road/trail easement; environmental 
corridor, Beaumont Avenue Bridge replacement, utility relocations, side 
drain connections of the sediment basins.
    <bullet> Eight sediment basin with drop structures.
    <bullet> Total length--19,100 feet.
    <bullet> Existing San Timoteo Canyon Road remain in place.
    <bullet> No replacement of Beaumont Avenue bridge.
    <bullet> Basins would be excavated 6 feet below the existing 
channel invert-total depth of 12 feet.

No Action

    No construction of existing channel along Reach 3B.
    4. The USACOE and San Bernardino County, the local sponsor, will 
consider public concerns on the Draft EIS/EIR. Summary of the Public 
Hearing and written comment letters and responses will be incorporated 
in the Final EIS/EIR as appropriate.

5. Time and Location

    The Public Hearing is scheduled for November 23, 1999, at 7:00 PM, 
San Bernardino County Museum, Fisk Room, 2024 Orange Tree Lane, 
Redlands, California, 92374.

    Dated: November 5, 1999.
Charles V. Landry,
Lieutenant Colonel, Corps of Engineers, Deputy District Engineer.
[FR Doc. 99-29732 Filed 11-12-99; 8:45 am]
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