Notice of Public Scoping Meetings and Intent to Prepare a Programmatic
Environmental Impact Statement for a Proposed Introduction of the
Oyster Species, Crassostrea Ariakensis, Into the Tidal Waters of
Maryland and Virginia to Establish a Naturalized, Reproducing, and
Self-Sustaining Population of This Oyster Species.
The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is the lead Federal
agency. The Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) on behalf
of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Maryland Department of Natural
Resources (MDNR) on behalf of the State of Maryland are the lead state
agencies (States). The lead agencies, in cooperation with the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Oceanographic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (FWS), announce their intent to prepare a programmatic
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate alternative approaches
to increasing oyster populations into the tidal waters of Maryland and
Virginia (Chesapeake and coastal bays) to provide the following
benefits. The benefits of a rehabilitated oyster resource
include the potential for improved water quality, creation of aquatic
habitat, and the re-establishment of an economically viable oyster
industry preserving the region's culture associated with working
watermen.
The proposed action to be evaluated in the EIS will be a proposal by
the states to introduce the Asian oyster species, Crassostrea
ariakensis, propagated from existing 3rd or later generation of the
Oregon stock of this species, into the tidal waters of Maryland and
Virginia to increase oyster populations. The States and the Corps
will continue native oyster (C. virginica) restoration efforts
throughout the Chesapeake Bay.
MEETINGS: Public scoping meetings will be held January 26, 2004,
7 p.m. at MD DNR, Tawes Building, Annapolis, MD 21401 and January
28, 2004 at 6 p.m. at the Warwick High School, 51 Copeland Lane,
Newport News,
VA.
Written comments on the scope of the programmatic EIS or request
for information should be sent to Mr. Peter Kube at the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers, Regulatory Branch, 803 Front Street, Norfolk, VA
23510.
Questions about the proposed action and Draft EIS can be answered by
Mr. Peter Kube at the Corps, (757) 441-7504 or Mr. Jack Travelstead,
VMRC, (757) 247-2247.
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VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES; THEREFORE, IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS DUE TO A DISABILITY, PLEASE ADVISE DEBORAH CAWTHON (757) 247-2248 NO LESS THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING TIME AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS.