Corps of Engineers revises call for Long Beach dredging permits

Corps of Engineers revises call for Long Beach dredging permits    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has issued a revised notice of intent saying that the Corps is considering an application for permits to conduct 'dredge and fill' operations in the Middle Harbor District of the Port of Long Beach, Calif.
   The dredging and filling is necessary for the redevelopment and consolidation of two existing container terminals in the context of a 342-acre marine terminal. The construction for the marine terminal involves redevelopment of 294 acres of existing land, and the placement of dredged material in open water to create 48 acres of new land.
   'The primary reason for the revised notice of intent is because the proposed terminal expansion project has been modified to utilize additional existing land to reduce the amount of fill in open water by approximately 20 acres,' the Corps said in a statement.
   The Corps is requiring the preparation of an environmental impact statement prior to consideration of any permit action.
   The Port of Long Beach is serving as the lead agency for preparing a second environmental impact report required under California law.
   After considering both reports, the Corps of Engineers 'may ultimately determine to permit or deny the [revised] project, or any modified versions of it,' the Corps explained.
   For more information, call Aaron P. Allen, (805) 585-2148. Comments and questions about the scope of the draft environmental reports may be addressed to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Branch, Los Angeles District, File No. 2004-01053-AOA, P.O. Box 532711, Los Angeles, Calif., 90053-2325.