FINAL

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

BOWIE DAM AND LAKE PASCAGOULA RIVER BASIN MISSISSIPPI AND ALABAMA

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS WASHINGTON, D. C. 20314 August 1972 Howie Dam and Lake, Pascagoula River Basin, Mississippi and Alabama

( ) Drall (X) Pinal F.nvironmental Statement

Kespomtible OECieo: U. S. Army Engineer District, Mobile, Alabama

1. Name of Action: ( ) Administrative (X) Legislative

2. Description of Action: Submission to Congress for project authori'atic, of a multipurpose reservoir project on Bowie Creek in-Jefferson Davis, Covington and Lamar Counties, Mississippi. Th$ project wou.d be contracted for the purposes of flood control, water supply, general recreation and fish and wildlife enhancement.

3a. Environmental Impacts: Conversion of 5,500 acres of agricultural and forest lands to a lake environment; loss of free-flowing stream habitat; provide flood protection; provide dependable water supply and provide high quality recreation. Additional conversion of woodland to agricultural land may be induced by project implementation

b. Adverse Environmental Effects: Loss of 5,500 acres of agricultural and forest land and its associated wildlife habitat; loss of free-flowing stream fisheries and disruption of inhabitants.

4. Alternatives: Alternative sites and single purpose projects which are less efficacious or economically infeasible; and "no-development."

5. Comments Received;

Governor of Mississippi Director, Alabama State Development Office Secretary of the Interior Secretary of Agriculture Secretary of Transportation Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Regional Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency Director, Water Resources Council

6. Draft statement to CEQ 20 April 1972. Final statement to CEQ 2 0 SEP iq77 . ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

BOWIE DAM AND LAKE PASCAGOULA RIVER BASIN MISSISSIPPI AND ALABAMA

Table of Contents

1 Project Descriptio n ------...... i General ------— ------—— -----...... j B o w i e ------—------—...... 4 2 Environmental Setting Without the Project ------5 General ------5 Overall Basiu ------...... 5 Topography and Physiography ------g Geology and Soil —------*------...... 7 Stream Characteristics------7 Groundwater — ------—...... ____ g Water Quality —------9

Mineral R e s o u r c e ------i q

Flood Characteristics------i q Land U s e ------... n Forest Resources ------12 Recreational Resources ------13 Fish and Wildlife ...... 14 Human R e s o u r c e s ------— ------... 15 Bowie P r o j e c t ------17 3 The Environmental Impact of the Proposed Action ------21 4 Any Adverse Environmental Effects which Cannot be Avoided 31 5 Alternatives to the Proposed Actio n ------33

i Table of Contents (cont'd)

Para. Page No. No. 6 The Relationship Between Local Short-term Uses of Man's Environment and the Maintenance m d Enhancement of Long-term Productivity ------37 7 Any Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources Which Would Be Involved in the Proposed . A c t i o n ------38 8 Coordination with Others ------3S Public Participation ------39 Government Agencies ------40 Citizen Groups ------43

Summary of Comments on Preliminary Draft Statement -- 43 Summary of Comments on Draft Statement ------54

Appendix A - Review Comments on Preliminary Draft Statement

Appendix B - Review Comments on Draft Statement

ii • i

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

BOWIE DAM AND LAKE PASCAGOULA RIVER BASIN MISSISSIPPI AND ALABAMA

Project Description, a. General. The Pa3cagoula River Basin

was studied as part of the national comprehensive river basin planning

program. The basic objective of this program is to plan fcr the best

use, or combination of uses, of water and related land resources to meet

all foreseeable short- and long-term needs. A Basin Coordinating Commit­

tee was formed with representatives from Federal and non-Federal agencies

to conduct a study of the Pascagoula River Basin. The stucy was directed

towards developing an understanding of the existing and future needs of

the basin; providing a sound basis for, and recommendation of, an early-

action program of measures that should be undertaken withir the next 10

to 15 years; and establishing a frameworx for future planning. An ’

early-action structural program consisting of 11 multiple-purpose reser­

voirs, 17 upstream watershed projects, and stabilization oi critical

land areas throughout the basin was recommended by the committee.

The responsibility for implementation of recommended carly-action

program was divided between three agencies. Four of the reservoir proj­

ects were assigned to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for implementa­

tion and seven were assigned as State of Mississippi projects to be

implemented (with Federal aid) by the Pat Harrison Waterwa> District.

The United States Department of Agriculture was assigned the 17 upstream

watershed projects and stabilization of critical land areas.. It was

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further recommended by the Committee that the States adopt such legislation

as may be required and take appropriate action, utilizing Federal assistance

and programs, to permit implementation of various nonstructural measures

required to augment the structural improvements and to insure that the

desired effects of the structural measures would be obtained. The non­

structural measures include:

o Continuation and acceleration of current land manager 't and conservation programs.

o Implementation of management programs for controlling and regulating the economic use and development of flood plains and for reducing flood losses to existing developments in ereas where flood control is not economically feasible.

o Surveillance of water quality bv State and local agencies (both pre- and post-reservoir development) to assure safe and healthful utilization of water resources.

o Preservation of streams or stream teaches as free-flowing float-fishing streams..

o Protection of valuable estuarine habitat areas through pollution control and operation of reservoir projects to prevent adverse changes *n stream uischarge.

o Establishment of a refuge for the preservation and possible increase of a remnant flock of the Florida sandhill crane.

o Acquisition or lease of wildlife habitat areas for addition to the present basin wildlife management program.

o Preservation of areas of unique natural beauty and histori­ cal and scientific interest.

o Maintenance of open space, green space, and wild areas of rivers, lakes, beaches and related lend areas.

o Requirements for maximum practicable treatment of all wastes entering the basin's streams.

2 Pertinent data on th_ fout early-actlon projects assigned to the

Corps are presented in the following tabulation: >

Taylors- Karles- Item Bowie ville Mize ton

Drainage area, sq. mi. 293 422 150 583 Elevations, m.s.l.

Conservation (normal) pool 236.0 278.0 316.0 85.5 Flood control pool 253.2 301.3 329.0 101.5 Spillway crest 267.5 319.0 340.0 li4.0 Storage volumes, acre-feet

Sedimentation 5,600 9,100 3,030 16,700 Conservation 74,400 28,900 37,030 258,800 Flood control 134,600 193,000 71,030 323,300 Area, acres Conservation (normal) pool 5,500 3,500 3,630 15,900 Flood control storage pool 10,800 13,700 7,250 24,100 Spillway crest 19,000 26,500 11,300 32,700 Total land to be acquired 22,450 31,000 13,600 38,100 Fee (16,450) (20,200) (8,500) (32,500) Easements ( 6,000) (10,800) (5,100) ( 5,600)

A map of the basin indicating the proposed locations of these proposed projects is attached as Plate 1.

The results of subsequent studies, consideration of environmental factors and local opposition have all been influential in the decision to recommend only the Bowie Dam and Lake to Congress for authorization at this time and the U. S. Water Resources Council concurred with this de­

cision. The other three early-action projects, Taylorsville, Mize and

Harleston, will remain a part of the overall plan for water resources de­

velopment for the Pascagoula Basin, but additional justification would be

required before a recommendation for their implementation could be made.

3 An intensive water quality study is being planned which would be of suf­

ficient detail to allow development and implementation of a basinwide pollution abatement plan. This water quality management study is being conducted by the Pat Harrison Waterway District in cooperation with the

Environmental Protection Agency and is scheduled for completion by July 1,

1973. The findings of this study will determine whether or lot further consideration should be given to the Harleston project as a means for satisfying a portion of the water quality control needs in toe basin.

As stated above, only the Bowie Dam and Lake are recommended for

authorization at this time; therefore, the balance of this environmental

statement is directed to the Bowie project.

b. Bowie Dam and Lake. The Bowie damsite is located in the south­

western corner of Covington County at approximate mile 11 on Bowie Creek,

about 15 miles northwest of Hattiesburg. A map cf the lake is shown on

Plate 2.

The plan for the Bowie project includes an earth dam, a high-

level, fixed-crest emergency spillway, an intake structure, an outlet

conduit with stilling basin and an auxiliary high-level cutlet for main­

tenance of the existing downstream water quality. This project would

be constructed for the purposes of flood control, water supply and rec­

reation. Recreation includes general recreation and fish and wildlife

enhancement. The initial benefit-to-cost ratio fox this project is 1.8,

excluding economic redevelopment benefits. With economic: redevelopment

benefits included, the benefit-to-cost ratio increases to 2.1.

At full conservation pool, elevation 236.0 m.s.L., the lake

would extend about 7.5 miles upstream from the dam and would have a

4 maximum width of about 1.5 miles. At this elevation the lake would have

a surface area of 5,500 acres, a volume of 80,000 acre-feet, and a shore

line length of approximately 60 miles.

This project is being recommended to Congress for authorization.

2. Environmental Setting Without the Project.

a. General. The Bowie Dam and Lake project emanated from the com­

prehensive study of the Pascagoula River Basin and was recommended for

implementation to satisfy both basin-wide and local needs. As part of

an overall plan for the best use of water and related land resources of

the basin, the impact and effectiveness of the project must L,. considered

in conjunction with the needs and resources of the entire basin. Therefore

in developing the existing environmental setting, first a brief descrip­

tion of the entire Pascagoula Basin is presented, then a more detailed

description of the individual project rite follows in which deviations

from the basin-wide conditions are noted.

^ Basin. Most of the Pascagoula River Basin lies in

southeastern Mississippi. A small putt of the basin is in the south­ western corner of Alabama. The Pascagoula River system drains an area

of 9,700 square miles, of which the main headwater streams, the Leaf

and Chickasawhay Rivers, drain 3,580 and 2,970 square miles, respectively.

The Escatawpa River has a watershed area of approximately 1,060 square miles. The basin is bounded on the north and west by the Pearl River

Basin, on the east by the Mobile River Basin, and on the south by the

Mississippi Sound, an arm of the Gulf of Mexico. Ihere are numerous small

lakes within the basin but only a few of any significant size. The largest is the 3,600-acre Big Cteek Lake which is located on Big Creek in Alabama, a tributary of the Escatawpa River. This lake was constructed as a municipal and industrial water supply source for the City of Mobile and has approximately 59,500 acre-feet of storage. Bogue Homo Lake near Laurel, Mississippi, has a surface area of approximately 1,200 acres. The lake is under the management of the Mississippi Came and

Fish Commission. The Flint Creek Lake, constructed in 1966 by the Pat

Hatrison Waterway District in the southern portion of th ,asin near

Wiggins, Mississippi, has approximately 9,600 acre-feet of storage and a surface area of 600 acres. Okatibbee Lake, constructed in 1908 by the

Corps of Engineers about 7 miles northwest of Meridian, Mississippi, in the northernmost portion of the basin, impounds approximately 110,000 acre-feet of water and has a surface area of about 3,200 acres at normal summer pool. A 4,435-acre lake on Tallahala Creek near Laurel, Missis­ sippi, has been authorized for construction by the Congress.

(2) Topography and Physiography. The Pascagoula River Basin is roughly oval in shape with a maximum length of 164 miles and a maxi­ mum width of 84 miles. It lies entirely within the Cclf Coastal Plain physiographic province. This province is further divided into four physiographic regions as follows: North Central Hills, Jackson Prairie

Belt, Long Leaf Pine Hills, and Coastal Pine Meadows. Elevations in the basin range from sea level in the Coastal Pine Meadows region to about

700 feet above mean sea level in the North Central Hills region. Topog­ raphy is rugged in the northeast corner of,the basin, but gently rolling to flat in the remainder of the area.

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Approximately 67 percent of the Pascagoula River Basin

lies wit dn the Long Leaf Pine Hills region. This region slopes gently

from altitudes of 200 to 400 feet in the north to less than 100 feet

above sea level in the south. The surface of this area is gently railing,

with moderately rugged divides between the deep stream valleys. The

Leaf River and its tributaries, the lower portion of the Chickasawhay

River, Red and Black Creeks, and most of the Pascagoula and Escatawpa

Rivers are located in this region. The proposed project site is wi:hin

the Long Leaf Pine Hills region.

(3) Geology and Soil. Principal outcropping formations in .

the Long Leaf Pine Hills region include: Forest Hill Send, Red Bluff

Clay, Vicksburg Group, and Chickasawhay Limestone of Oligocene Age;

the Catahoula Sandstone, Hattiesburg Formation, and Pascagoula Forma­

tion of Miocene Age; and the Citronelle Formation of Pliestocene Age

ar.U Pliocene Age. The typical soils of the uplands in this region are

red and yellow sandy loams and the lowland soils are alluvial loams.

The Ruston fine sandy loam is the most common upland type, with alluvial

bottomland soils comprising a somewhat larger proportion of.the total

region.

(4) Stream Characteristics. The Pascagoula River is formed

by the confluence of the leaf and Chickasawhay Rivers near Merrill in

George County, Mississippi. It flows south 91 miles from this conflu­

ence to enter Mississippi Sound. About 37 mi1es above its mouth, the

river enters the lower coastal plain at this juncture and is generally

deep and sluggish. The Escatawpa '".ver enters the Pascagoula River

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about 6.8 miles above its mouth. Tidal effects during low water are

felt upstream from the mouth of the Pascagoula River for a distance of

42 miles. Other large tributaries to the Pascagoula River in addition

to the headwater streams and the Escatawpa River are Red and Black

Creeks, with a combined drainage area of 1,242 square miles. Red and

Black Creeks are two of the streams recommended by the Coordinating

Coocnittee to be designated as free-flowing float-fishing streams in the

early action plan for basin development.

The Leaf River rises a few miles south of the town of

Forest in Scott County and flows generally south for about 90 miles to

its confluence with Bowie River at Hattiesburg. It then flows south­

easterly about 70 miles to its mouth near Merrill where it joins the

Chickasawhay River to form the Pascagoula River. The channel, which

ranges in width from about ISO feet near Taylorsville in the upper reach

of the stream to about 500 feet at the mouth, has banks that vary from

20 to 30 feet above low water. The bankful capacity at the Hattiesburg

gage is about 25,000 c.f.s. The principal streams tributary to the

Leaf River are Bowie River and Oakohay, Tallahala, Bogue Homo, and

Thompson Creeks.

(5) Groundwater. The groundwater resources of the basin are

abundant. Development of these resources has been intensive only near

the cities of Hattiesburg, Laurel, Meridian and Pascagoula. In addi­

tion to providing water supply, this resource performs the vital

function of sustaining the base flows of streams in the basin.

8 Most of the municipal and industrial water needs in

the northern third of the basin are obtained from the aquifers in the

Claiborne Group. The Miocene aquifers provide the main source of

supply in the Southern portion, with the exception of the Jackson

County area, at the basin's southern extremity, which is supplied

primarily from Pliocene aquifers. Existing supplies are withdrawn

primarily from shallow depths and while these sources are adequate for

present needs any substantial increases would probably necessitate

deep wells.

An observation well in the aquifer furnishing munici­

pal and industrial water supplies for Hattiesburg has shown evidence

of a decline totaling 15 feet over a 25 year period. This decline

can be expected to continue and the rate of decline may increase as

the demand on this resource increases.

(6) Water Quality. Surface water in the Tascagocla River

Basin is generally of suitable chemical quali*-” for use in irrigation,

and for most industrial applications. Under natural conditions, surface

waters in the area above the z.ones of saltwater intrusion are low in

dissolved solids, and the chemical constituents remain fairly constant

at all rates of stream flow. Severe stream degradation has been ex­

hibited at four general locations: Tallahala Creek downstream■■ of

Laurel, Leaf River near Hattiesburg, Okatiobeo Creek below Meridian,

and the lower Escatawpa River. The discharge of inadequately treated

9 i domestic and industrial wastes is responsible for this degradation.

Low-flow releases from the Okatibbee pro ject have reduced the severir -, oi the problem belofc- Meridian. Water quality storage is included in the authorized Tallahala project which will improve the conditions downstream of Laurel. Low flow augmentation is not a substitute tor adequate waste treatment at the source, but increases the assimilative capacity of the stream where treatment by itself does not provide the desired improvement in stream water quality.

The groundwater is generally of good to excellent quality, however in some of the aquifers the concentrations of some

chemical constituents exceed that recommended in the U.S.P.H.S.

Drinking Water Standards. Generally the groundwater is soft and has a low to moderate dissolved solids content. Excessive iron presents

problems in some areas.

(7) Mineral Resources. Minerals found in the area include petroleum and gas reserves, salt deposits, sandstone and limestone deposits, bentonite, sand, gravel and clays. Recent explorations have revealed that large quantities of hydrogensulfide gas, a source of sulfur, may exist in the vicinity of Merrill, Mississippi.. The prin­ cipal mineral commodities produced in the basin are petroleum, natural gas, natural gas liquids, stone, clay, sand and gravel.

(8) Flood Characteristics. Flood-producing storms may occur in the basin at any season but are more prevalent in late winter and early spring when runoff conditions are more favorable. Storms at that

10 time are usually of the frontal-type which last from two to four days

and produce general flooding, often aggravated by favorable antecedent

conditions. Local flooding occurs in the summer due to storms of the

thunderstorm variety, with high intensities over small areas. However,

general floods in the summer and early fall often occur as a result of

severe hurricane-type storms. Under normal runoff conditions, an

intense and general rainfall of 5 to 6 inches over the basin will result

in widespread flooding while 3 to 4 inches are sufficient to produce

local flooding on most of the small tributaries.

Considerable property damage and business losses have re­

sulted from past floods. As an example, the February 1961 flood caused a flood loss of $2,450,000 in Hattiesburg. A flood of this magnitude can be expected to occur on an average frequency of about once every

35 years. The average annual flood damage for this city is estimated to be $475,800. Other locations within the hasin are also affected monetarily to a somewhat lesser degree. However, the anguish and suffer­ ing of those affected cannot be measured.

(9) Land Use. Approximately 40 percent of the land in the basin is classified as farm land. The total farm land can be further categor­ ized as cropland and pasture which represents 38 percent of the total; woodlands 59 percent; and the remainder in other farm usage such as roads and buildings. The 60 percent of the basin not classified as farmland includes forests (92 percent), urban (6 percent) with surface water and federal land, excluding National Forests, completing this break­ down. Existing water surface occupies six-tenths of one percent of the entire basin.

11 (10) Forest Resources. The area occupied by forest, includ­

ing farm woodlands, in the basin is greater than the combined acreage

devoted to all other land uses. In 19S9, the year from which data

were utilized for the comprehensive study, forest acreage accouited for

about 5 million acres out of a total of 6.3 million acres. Eighty-four

percent of this forest land, or about 4.2 million acres, is in private

ownership. Of this 4.2 million acres, 36 percent is farm forest and

64 percent is in other types of ownership. Longleaf-slash pine,

loblolly-shortleaf pine and oak-pine constitute the principal rarest

types covering about 76 percent cf the commercial forest land. The

basin's wood supply is derived from trees that are now standing on

commercial forest land. In 1956 trees on commercial forest land con­

tained 2.1 billion cubic feet of wood classified as forest growing stock

The total net volume of sawtimber on commercial forest lands was 7.4 ■

billion board feet, or about 58 percent of the growing stock. Some

slight shifts in the individual components of the forest resources may

have occurred since these data were taken, but these data are considered

to still be representative of these resources for the basin.

The U. S Forest Service manages two National Forests in

the Pascagoula Basin. The Bienville and OeSoto National Forests are

comprised of almost. 500,000 acres of publicly-owned forest land. Man­

agement for multiple use is practiced to promote use of all the various

resources of the forest which include outdoor recreation, range, timber, watershed, fish and wildlife.

12 Commercial forest interests are also incorporating the multiple use concept into the management of their extensive holdings.

State and Federal agencies have programs and provide services to forest

landowners to promote proper management of this resource.

(11) Recreational Resources. Within the Pascagoula River

Basin, the supply of outdoor recreation resources and facilities is far short of the existing demand for such facilities. There are approximately 588,000 acres of land under Federal administration in­ cluding two National Forests. The Natioi.al Forests contain 23 areas designated for recreation use. Theca areas comprise about 2,4^0 acres of land and 90 acres of water, of which a total of 164 acres of land are developed for present use. An additional 128 acres have been developed on other Federal lands. There are three State parks having a total area of about 2,150 acres and several small recreational areas.

The State has developed about 408 acres for recreation and municipal­ ities contribute 54 acres, making ine total amount of Federal, State, and municipal land in the basin piesently developed for recreation use 754 acres. In 1963, the reported day visits to these areas totaled

813,000. Water-associated activities, excluding fish and wildlife activities, in most parts of the basin are limited due to the absence

of large freshwater surface areas. Even with the implementation of the

authorized Tallahala project, the demand will still exceed the supply.

The U S. Bureau of Outdoor Recreation estimates the demand for water-

dependent or water-enhanced recreation; ie., swimming, boating, camping

and picnicking, exceeds the supply in the Pascagoula Basin under present

13 conditions by about 11,553,000 activity occasions. This shortage is projected to reach almost 79 million activity occasions by 2020 if no development takes place to satisfy these demands.

(12) Fish and midlife. The fish and wildlife resources of the Pascagoula River Basin constitute a major recreational resource.

The, streams in the basin provide excellent opportunity for sport fish* ing and some of the best float and wade fishing streams in the State are found here. Eleven streams within the basin have been pr 'sed by the Mississippi Game and Fish Commission for preservation as free-

flowing fishing streams. Many reaches proposed for preservation traverse the Bienville and DeSoto National Forests.

Black and Peaver Dam Creeks, in the DeSoto National

Forest, have been partially developed by the U. S. Forest Service as

free-flowing fishing streams. Black Creek, an excellent woodland habi tat of the lower Leaf River, offers Scouts and othe*. groups an unusual opportunity to ?;tudy stream and forest-dwelling wildlife in addition

to providing primitive boating and camping experiences. This type of

fishing opportunity is much sought after by a segment of sport fisher­ men. Efforts are underway, under the Anadromous Fish Act, to establish

a striped bass fishery in the basin. Preliminary returns of tagged

fish indicate good growth. If successful, this species will provide

an excellent estuarine and stream fishery.

The present 52.669 acres of water surface in the basin

have an estimated annual sport fishing capacity of approximately 1,185,000

man-days, which fulfills 69 percent of the present demand. Present

14 capacity will fulfill only 47 percent of the demand expected in the year

2020.

The basin, with the exception of the lower coastal area,

presently supports good populations of forest game, and hunter opportun­

ty is probably higher than in any other basin in Mississippi. Large

timber company holdings, National Forest units, and State operated

wildlife management areas on public and private lands are available

for public hunting. Species taken include deer, turkey, quail, rabbit,

squirrel and other small fur bearers. The capacity of the basin for

hunting should exceed the demand through the year 2020, provided lands

are not restricted for such use.

In addition to fishing and hunting other nature related activities such as bird watching and studies of aquatic and terrestrial

species are practiced within the basin. These activities have a

special appeal to certain groups and individuals. .

Habitat is available within the basin for the Northern

Red Cockaded Woodpecker, Dendrccopos borealis borealis. Bachman's Warbler,

Vermivora bachmanii, and the Ame/ican Ivory-billed Woodpecker, f>mpephllis principalis principalis. Additionally the Southern Bald Eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus. and the American Peregrine Falcon, Falco geregrlnus anaturn are possible transient species within the upper Pasca­ goula basin. All these species are either rare or endangered.

The Pascagoula River Basin is a major migration route for warblers. During periods of adverse weather, many of these migrants stop for short periods in the lower Pascagoula area prior to continuing their

15 journey. Hany western species of birds stray into the basin during these

migration periods. The Swallowtail Kite, Elanoides forficatus forficatus.

whose range is chiefly river swamps of Florida, South Carolina, and

Louisiana, is known to be present.

The American Alligator, Alligator mississipiensis, an

endangered species, is known to occur in the lower reaches of the basin.

Also a remnant flock of the rare Florida sandhill crane exists in this

same area. The Yellow-blotched Sawback Turtle, Craptemys flavimaculata,

is unique to the Pascagoula Basin, and the Alabama Map Turtle, C.aptemys

pulchra. occurs here as well as in the adjoining Pearl Basin. There are

no other rare or endangered tpeciee known to occur within the basin.

(13) Hunan Resources. The total population of the Pasca­

goula River Basin was 538,300 in 1970, an Increase from 339,300 in 1930,

or about 59 percent. The urban population has shown a continuous growth

during the past forty years from 103,300 in 1930 to an estimated 305,300

in 1970, while the total rural population increased only slightly

during this period. Rural farm population decreased from 157,800 in

1930 to an estimated 38,500 in 1970. This reduction was offset by an

Increase in rural non-farm population of about 116,300 persons.

Although significant increases in per capita Income have

been realized in the past 30 years, the 1962 per capita income amounted

to $1,443 which is well below the National average. Total employment, has been Increasing within the basin and a shift from employment in agriculture, forestry and fisheries to manufacturing, commercial sales,

16 services and related activities has been evidenced in recent years. Fur­ ther economic development is needed in much of the Pascagoula Basin, particularly in some of the depressed rural areas.

b. Bowie Project. The damsite of this project is on Bowie Creek about 4 miles northeast of Sumrall, Mississippi, population about 800, and about 15 miles northwest of Hattiesburg. The lands which are desig­ nated for the project amount to 22,450 acres, of which about 10 percent

is cleared and 90 percent is wooded. As typical for this area, the bottomlands support growths of hardwoods while softwoods, mainly pines

are predominant in the higher elevations. The lake sfte is traversed

by several roads and bridges. About 6 miles of utility lines and 4.5

miles of privately-owned gas lines traverse the project area.

Woodland areas in the project area consist primarily of mixed

bottomland hardwoods with occasional spruce, loblolly and shortleaf

pine. Over forty woody plant species have been recorded from the Upper

Pascagoula Basin. The most common include: White Oak, Quercus alba;

Swamp Chestnut Oak, Quercus prinus; Hickory, Carya spp.; Southern Red Oak,

Quercus falcata; White Ash, Fraxinus americana; Sweetgum, Liquidamhar

straciflua; Blackgum, Nyssa sylvatica; Willow Oak, Quercus phellos;

Yellow Poplar, Liriodendron tulipifera; Red Maple, Acer rubrum; and

River Birch, Betula nigra.

As a general trend, for the past 30 years populations in rural

areas have been decreasing while urban areas have been increasing their

population. The counties and cities in the vicinity of the project have

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been experiencing this trend. Hattiesburg, the largest urban center

In the Immediate project vicinity, has undergone an increase in popula-

tlon from 29,474 to 38,277 in the past 20 years. Collins, 1970 popu­

lation 1,934, and Prentiss, 1970 population 1,789, are both located

vltnin about five miles of the proposed lake. Both of these towns have

experienced growth over the past ten years. Comparison of census data

for the rural counties in the vicinity of the project indicates the

emigration trend is stabilising or even slightly revei* «g; however,

some counties have continued to lose population. Fourteen counties in

Mississippi and an Indian Reservation,within a 50-mile commuting distance

of the proposed Bowie project, meet (as of February 1970) the criteria

for area redevelopment assistance specified in title IV, section 401(a)

of the Public Works and Economic Development Act (Public Law 89-136).

Walthall County qualified because of population loss, Wayne County

(Waynesboro area) qualified because of excessive unemployment, and the

counties of Covington, Lawrence, Jefferson Davis and Smith qualify be­

cause of low median family income. The counties of Stone, Pearl River,

Perry (Richtoa area), Jones (Laurel area), Marion (Columbia area), and

Lamar (Dumbarton area) qualify due to a sudden rise in unemployment.

Jasper County qualified because of excessive unemployment and loss of

population. Green County (Leakesville area) qualified due to unemploy­

ment and low family income. The Choctaw Reservation, in several nearby

counties, qualified by virtue of being an Xndiar Reservation and being

rec'"■eroded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

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Although there are no heavy concentrations of people at any

one location within the lake boundary, scattered individual homesites,

farms, churches and cemeteries are present.

The waters of Bowie Creek and Its tributaries have been

assigned a Fish and Wildlife usage classification. There are no con­

centrated sources of domestic or industrial waste' In the drainage area

of Bowie Creek above the proposed damsite. The water quality is excel­

lent and nutrient values are low. The waters are very soft and exhibit.

a low alkalinity. Bowie Creek can generally be classified as a small

stream with relatively steep mud banks and a swampy flood plain. How­

ever, Clear Run Creek, a small tributary which enters Bowie Creek about

4 miles upstream of the damsite, is more picturesque than most streams

of the area and is characterized by clear water riffles and pools. The

Bowie River, which is formed by the confluence of Bowie Creek and Oka-

torca Creek about 11 miles downstream of the damsite, supports productive

sand and gravel operations.

The estimated maximum and minimum flows for Bowie Creek at the

proposed damsite are 33,540 ana 80 c.f.s., respectively, and the average

annual flow is 414 c.f.s. At Hattiesburg, a 100-year flood would inun­

date the flood plains, which vary in width from 6,000 to 10,000 feet,

to depths up to 20 feet. The U S. Geological Survey inventory in 1 9 6 8

disclosed that a flood of this magnitude would affect 2,576 residences

housing 2,696 families. Floods of greater frequency would inundate

correspondingly less area but still cause significant damage. In terms

19 of voter surface elevation at Hattiesburg, the 25-year flood is 3 feet

lover than the 100-year flood, while the 10-year and 2-year floods are

4 feet and 10 feet lover, respectively, than the 100-year flood.

There are no known sites of historical or archeological sig­

nificance which would be affected by the project. Consultation with the

National Register of Historic Places and the State Liaison Officer have

not revealed any sites, but some undiscovered sites with archeological

significance are probably in the area. Cemeteries containing approxi­

mately 350 graves are located within the project area.

If the project is not implemented, the project area can be ex­

pected to remain in an economically depressed condition. The economic

level of the people would probably show some improvement, but it will be

very gradual. Conversion of hardwood bottomlands to other uses which produce more rapid economical gains can also be anticipated. The demand

for water-dependent and water-enhanced recreation.''! opportunities, which

is already significant, would continue to increase. The economic, public health, and safety factors associated with flood conditions would also become more critical with time. Agricultural lands in the flood plain, which would be protected by the project, would continue to be utilized at less than their full potential due to the threat of and damage caused by flooding. Under-utilization of this potentially productive land would cause greater demands to be made on other lands. Increased water supply demands would have to be met from other sources, probably ground­ water, which could limit development in the area.

20 3* The Environmental Impact of the Proposed Action. Development of this project would necessitate certain environmental alterations. The conversion of land to water surface is an obvious alteration. The total land which would be acquired for project implementation is 22,450 acres including 600 acres specifically for recreation purposes. This land is 90 percent forest land and the normal conservation pool would inundate

5,500 acres which is now predominantly bottomland hardwoods. Clearing would be accomplished within the lake proper and around the periphery to elevation 238 msl which is 2 feet above the normal conservation pool.

The total land to be cleared is 6,000 acres. The loss of bottomland hardwoods represents less than one percent of this resource basin-wide.

The Department of Agriculture has estimated that the overall reduction basin-wide of this resource in the next 50 years due to all causes, including this project, would approach 5 percent. This forest type occupies roughly 10 percent of the basin and provides 25 percent of hunting capacity of the basin. Associated with the commitment of forest­ ed land and their related ecological factors is a loss of wildlife habi­ tat, hunting opportunities, timber production and a reduction in the agricultural land base. The transfer of the lands from private ownership to the public domain also represents a loss of tax base to local govern­ ments .

The water surface area can increase from 5,500 acres at normal pool to 10,800 acres at full flood control pool. That portion of project land which is not permanently inundated or utilized for project struc­ tures and utilities would be available for lease to the appropriate State game and fish agency for management.

21 The stream fishery within the lake proper would no longer be avail­

able. The l). S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife estimates this

loss to consist of 8 miles of iuundated stream or about 66 acres of water surface. This loss, based on current usage patterns, is estimated

to be a maximum of 1,320 man-days per year. However, loss of stream

fishing capacity would be replaced with a lake fishery which would pro­

vide for about 110,000 man-days under maximum utilization. Controversy

exists over the relative merits of these two types of shing due to

personal preferences of the fisherman for one or the other. Therefore,

a comparison of the relative value of these two types of fishing is not

possible. Also suitable habitat for waterfowl would be created. The

capability of supporting 4,125 man-days of hunting annually would be

lost due to the forest lands being converted to a lake.

The open water provided by a lake offers recreational opportunities

not available in small streams. Such activities ac. water skiing, canoe­

ing, motor-boating and sail-boating can be pursued on the lake where

these are severely restricted if not completely excluded on the streams.

In addition to the many activities which can take plnce is the consider­

ation that many persons may be enjoying the various activities at the

same time without interfering with one another.

Access would be provided and recreational facilities would be devel

oped to promote the utilisation and enjoyment of the recreational re­

sources. Included in the facilities for general recreation and fish

and wildlife activities are 3 overlooks, 22 boat launching facilities,

picnic and camping areas, 10 swimming areas with bathhouses, 10 miles

22 of hiking trails and tailrace access areas. The annual project visita­

tion in pursuit of recreational activities is projected to be about

1,800,000 in 1980 and this would increase to 2,400,000 by the year 2020.

The possible loss of life through drowning or other accidents associated with recreational activities always accompanies this type development.

Use of designated swimming areas, surveillance and enforcement of safety regulations helps to minimize this threat.

The lake and its surrounding lands would assure a permanent open space and a green belt which is protected from exploitation. The green belt would be subjected to forest and game management to alia/ it to maintain its full potential.

The change from free-flowing streams to a lake environment would alter the aquatic flora and fauna of the streambeds and associated flood plains. The resultant ecosystem would be less diverse and there­ fore less stable. This results from elimination of lotic species and development of thermal stratification in the lake. Although this situ­ ation is less desirable, from.some standpoints, it has several advan­ tageous qualities including the ability to support a well rounded sport fishery. Also the lake wouid function as a sediment trap and reductions in bacterial levels would occur.' Storage for the accumulated sediment is included in the plan. The U. S. Department of Agriculture predicts that the sediment'yield, which Is estimated to be 112 acre-feet annually under present land use practices, will be reduced by about 45 percent due primarily to improved land.use practices. The absence of concen­ trated waste sources and the expected improvements in erosion control

23 wouJd alleviate any threat of accelerated eutrophication in the proposed

lake due to excessive organics or nutrients. In addition, the implemen­

tation of regulatory measures by appropriate state and local agencies

and governmental bodies to protect the recreational waters, including

“ waste management plan by state agencies ::jr the entire drainage area,

would insure that the lake would have a long and useful life. The lake

level would be held as constant as possible during fish spawning periods.

The Mississippi Air and Water Pollution Control Commission would be

requested to upgrade the water usage classifications of the recrea­

tional areas of the lake to Recreational Waters and the State of

Mirsissippi has provided assurance that the water quality would be

protected for all legitimate uses. Surveillance activities would be

conducted to monitor production of health vectors and nuisance aquatic

plants. If control measures prove necessary, the methods that would

afford maximum environmental protection would be selected.

The impact of the project on rare or endangered species would be

minimal. Both the Bald Eagle and the Perigine Falcon are transients

and do not occupy the project area for an extended period. Suitable

habitat is available both upstream and downstream of the project for

the Ivory-billed Woodpecker and Bachman's Warbler. The American Alli­

gator, Alligator misslssiplen8is, is not known specifically from the project area, but the Bowie project is located within its known distri­ bution. This species rapidly reestablishes Itself in areas from which it has been depleted when given reasonable protection. The project should have a favorable impact upon this species in the shallow backwater areas. 24 The storage provided by the project allows a redistribution of the flow pattern. Flood levels would be reduced alleviating property losses and threats to life. Reduced flood levels would Increase the usable ag­ ricultural land base in downstream areas and allow fuller utilization of its potential. Restrictions on development in some urban flood plain would also be alleviated.

The 100-year flood level at Hattiesburg would be reduced by about

3 feet which would make it roughly equivalent to the 25-year flood under existing conditions. The elevations reached by floods of greater fre­ quency would also be reduced. It is estimated that at the time of project implementation, projected annual flood damages of $748,400 in the Hattiesburg urban area, including Petal and Harvey, would be reduced by $419,000 or 57 percent on an average annual basis. In addition, rural damage, which includes loss of crops, pastures, woods range, roads, railroads and supporting agricultural facilities, would be reduced by

$251,000 on an average annual basis. This does not include any benefit which would be derived from fuller utilizatio. of the agricultural lands which would be practical with the threat of flooding alleviated. Not all

circumstances resulting from flooding are detrimental. Flood waters per­

form the vital function of supplying nutrients to bottomland hardwoods.

Since flooding is not eliminated, but only reduced by flood protection,

this requirement would still be satisfied in the prime bottomland areas.

Provisions are included in the plan to insure the maintenance of

flow during low flow periods; the release will equal or exceed the once

in 10-year, 7-day low flow at the proposed damsiti which is 91 c.f.s.

25 The existing Okatibbee project and the authorized Tallahala project to* gether will control about 3 percent of the Pascagoula Basin. The imple­ mentation of this project would result in an additional 3 percent of the basin being placed under control.

Due to several considerations) including the methods of operating these projects, natural yearly and seasonal variation in precipitation, the amount of the basin controlled and the location of these projects, no adverse effects on the Pascagoula River estuarine area are anticipated. e A certain amount of disruption to the lives and habits of persons residing and pursuing a livelihood in the project area will usually occur with this type water resource development. Approximately 50 families wculd have to relocate. Proper planning and utilization of established programs would lessen the severity of this disruption and permit re* placement of material losses which may be in kind or in some instances even improved where dwellings are concerned. Of course there is no way

to compensate a landowner for the sentimental value attached to property which often has been in the same family for several generations. A new

law, The Uniform Relocations Assistance and Real Property Act of 1970,

does however include provisions for providing compensation to displaced

landowners which were not allowed in the past. Primarily it helps insure

that the displacement does not create a financial burden on the displaced

and that they are provided with safe and sanitary dwellings. It also in*

eludes provisions to remunerate business or farm owners for loss of income.

Temporary increases in turbidity and siltation are generally asso*

elated with water resource development. Proper planning and construction

26 \

practices will minimize the adverse effects on the water quality and aquadc environment that might result. For the most part the aquatic community is adaptable to large variations in turbidity which occur naturally. The duration of turbid conditions probably has more effect than the amount of turbidity. Methods to reduce both duration and the magnitude of these increases woo'd be studied during advanced planning and implemented during construction.

The downstream channel and banks would-undergo a transition period until they became stabilized to the new flow characteristics. Careful implementation of operational measures would help minimize this problem.

Although attrition of bottomland hardwood resources can be expected to occur without the project, some acceleration It. the reduction of forest land, including hardwood bottomland, may be realized downstream of the project primarily due to encroachment upon the protected flood plains. It is estimated that 12,200 acres of woodland would be converted to agricultural uses within the first 10 years after construction of the project. There would be an opportunity for some shift to hardwoods adjacent to the lake shore in low areas where waterlogging may occur.

There is a possibility of uome aquifers in the groundwater system becoming locally water-logged as a result of the elevated water table

associated with the proposed lake. However, the overall effect of the

project would probably be beneficial to the groundwater resource. Ir»*

creased storage in the aquifers will result from raising the water.table. .

The quality of the surface water is similar to that of the groundwater

and should result in a high quality of blended water in the aquifers.

27 The Federal Hater Quality Administration in the comprehensive study

estimated that 24 mgd of the future freshwater needs of the Hattiesburg

area would be met from groundwater sources and that S3 mgd could be ob­

tained from the Leaf River without causing water quality problems. This

would leave a total estimated demand of approximately 152 mgd to be

developed from other sources. The proposed Bowie Reservoir could pro­

vide 108 mgd of this future demand and the remaining 44 mgd could be

obtained by impounding the runoff of Oakey Woods Creek or by developing the deeper groundwater aquifers. This surface water supply would help alleviate the demand on the groundwater resources which have been ex- hiblting a decline in some aquifers and would provide a safe and depend­ able w»ter supply thus preventing water shortages from precluding the growth and economic developsient of the area. The groundwater provides the valuable function of maintaining base flows during droughts, there­ fore protecting water quality, and its ability to perform this function would be enhanced by not overtaxing its capacity.

The absence of mineral production in the project area does not pre­ elude the possibility that some minerals, particularly gas and oil, could exist in amounts that would make them economically recoverable.

Implementation of the project would restrict exploitation of the mineral resources and any extraction would have to be accomplished in a manner which would not interfere with project purposes and would ln- sure protection of the water quality.

Solid wastes, including that generated by construction and opera- tlonal activities, would be disposed of in accordance with a solid waste management plan to insure that these wastes would not cause envirc mental degradation. If any open burning is practiced it would be done in accordance with the provisions of the Mississippi Air and Water

Pollution Control Commission and monitored by the Mississippi Forestry

Commission. When conducted under favorable meteorological conditions in remote areas open burning can be accomplished with only a minimal and temporary adveise impact upon the air resource.

This early-action project is only a portion of the overall compre­ hensive plan for the Pascagoula River Bar it; and contributes to what is considered to be the optimum water resources utilization. In addition to structural measures, nonstructural measures are also a vital part of the plan. Land treatment, critical land area stabilization and flood plain management are important examples of such measures. Other measures are; designation of streams 01 reaches of streams as free-

flowing float-fishing streams, preservation of natural area3, ard acquisition or lease of areas of wi’dlife habitat for addition to the present basin wildlife management program. These measures would help

satisfy recreation, fish and wildlife and environmental quality needs

of the basin. «■

Stream preservation would require legislative action at the State

level. The Coordinating Committee recommended that certain streams

or stream segments be considered for preservation. The actual streams

and their designated reaches that are to be preserved will depend upon

the legislative action of the State.

29 Area redevelopment benefits would also be attributed to project

Implementation including wages and salaries to construction workers and operating personnel. Unemployment in the area would be reduced and the overall local economy would be bolstered. This would be of particular significance in improving the depressed conditions that

are evidenced by the counties in the project vicinity which qualify

for redevelopment assistance under existing Federal statut. .. The

stimulus of the project on the economy would also aid in retarding or

even reversing the emigration which has been occurring.

Intangible benefits; i.e., other than those assigned a monetary

value, would also accrue to the project. The possibility of loss of

life from floods would be lessened downstream of the project, par­

ticularly in the bridge crossing areas which are subject to inundation

and washout. The project would Improve sanitary conditions, which

sometimes became hazardous during prolonged periods of high water be­

cause of Infiltration of flood waters into wells and creation of

additional mosquito breeding grounds. The transportation systems

serving the area would be relieved of schedule interruptions, thereby

eliminating considerable inconvenience in addition to the monetary

losses. The potential for industrial expansion and a general economic

upswing would be increased by the provision of adequate water supply.

The scenic Improvement in the reservoir area and the availability

of freshwater recreational opportunities would enhance the lands

adjacent to and immediately downstream from the project, thereby

30 ^rT T

causing an increase in real estate values. The availability of

recreational resources to the general public would lessen demands

on private property owners to permit public utilization of their

lands thus protecting the agricultural land base.

Multiple-purpose reservoirs are capable of satisfying different

requirements at the same time, either by multiple-use of the same stor­

age or by inclusion of storage increments to serve additional purposes

Flexibility to meet future, or unexpected demands would be available

in the Bowie project and the joint use results in substantial monetary

savings as well as the opportunity to wisely manage the existing re­

sources. Because the project is sized to meet expected future demands,

for instance water supply, the storage would be available for other

uses, possibly downstream water quality enhancement, which would not

interfere with other expressed project purposes until the demand for

its specified use materialized. Project facilities to promote recrea­

tional opportunities would be developed incrementally as their need

dictates.

Although there are no known sites of historical or archaeolog­

ical significance which would be affected by the project, an intensive

survey would be rccomplished prior to inundation. This would permit

salvage end preservation activities to take place.

4. Any Adverse Environmental Effects which Cannot be Avoided. The

land which is either inundated or utilized for project structures

loses its value for wildlife habitat, timber production, human habi-

31 tation, and/or is removed from the agricultural land base. Also the

stream fishery would be lost. When compared with the agricultural

and forest resources of the Pascagoula Basin, the portion utilized

lor the project implementation is a minor amount. The hardwood

bottomland which would be lost represents less .:han one percent of

this resource baslnwlde. It is recognized that the summation of

many small increments cculd soon become a significant amount. Therefore

the reduction of these resources, however slight, cannot be completely

discounted. The impact of these factors were evaluated during the

comprehensive basin study and considering all aspects involved, bene­

fits derived outweighed detrimental effects.

Similar circumstances are involved in replacement of stream

fishery with lake fishery. Opportunities for man-days of fishing and

and other water enhanced recreational activities, such as boating,

would be greatly increased by sacrificing this stream fishery. To

insure that a stream fishery would always be present, recommendations

are incorporated in the comprehensive plan to provide for the preser­

vation of certain appropriate streams or stream reaches as free-flow­

ing float-fishing streams.

The adverse impact upon the people who must relocate cannot be

completely avoided. Although fitting financial remuneration will be

provided, complete satisfaction to persons involved is not always possible. Mitigation of the hardships Imposed on those having to re­

locate can be accomplished through use of the guidance and assistance

32 available from various social welfare programs. These programs can

aid those being relocated to become reestablished and return to a pro­ ductive life.

Temporary degradation of the stream due to increased turbidity

and sediments cannot be completely avoided. Also the detrimental

effects associated with thermal stratification of the lake are not

avoidable.

5* Alternatives to the Proposed Action. The water and related land

resource needs of the Pascagoula River Basin could be met by a variety of methods including single-purpose and multiple-purpose solutions.

The multi-agency basin-wide planning concept employed for the

Pascagoula River Easin helped to insure that all of the needs, both short- and long-term, were considered in developing the plan.

This type planning process involves intricate coordination and trade­ offs to reach an optimum plan for utilizing water and related land resources to satisfy existing and projected needs. Consideration of the various possible solutions provided an insight into resource cap­ ability and alternative measures, both structural and nonstructural.

The single-purpose solutions considered for the flood oroblem in the basin included channel improvements, levees, flood control reser­ voirs, upstream floodwater retarding structures, stream diversion, flood plain evacuation, and flood plain management. Either practicality

and/or lack of economic feasibility precluded these alternatives from

being selected as the best solution. Levees are only practical in

urban areas because of the vast commitment of bottomland hardwood

3 3 which would be required for rural protection, thus creatin’ a severe

Impact upon those resources. Benefit to cost ratios of lrzees for the urban areas which would be protected by the project ranged from 0.1 to

0.7 to 1 and offered no protection to rural areas. Large .scale chan­ nelization, even if feasible from an engineering standpoint, would be unsatisfactory on an environmental basis. Therefore, the economically feasible multipurpose reservoir was selected as the best solution to reduce flood damage. Flood insurance is available in 1 j Hattiesburg area, but this is not a solution to the flood problems although it does provide some relief to those affected in that urban area. How­ ever, the nonstructural measures would supplement any structural methods employed.

Solution of the water quality problems in the Leaf River at Hatties­ burg were not included as a project purpose because past studies indicated that secondary treatment would be adequate. However, the Pat Harrison

Waterway District study will update those past studies and nay dictate a different solution.

Storage of surface water in a multiple-purpose reservoir was determined to be the most economical means of meeting projected water supply demands even though abundant groundwater resources underlie most of the basin. The shallow groundwater resources in the Hattiesburg area have been developed intensively and are showing evidence of de­ clining. The groundwater resource would be utilized to meet the demands of relatively small local communities and individual home or farm supplies, while the larger demands for Hattiesburg would be largely satisfied from surface water, thus taking advantage of savings afforded by sharing costs between purposes of a multiple-purpose reservoir.

34 This solution would also protect the groundwater resource and facili­ tate its recovery where it is declining.

Studies revealed that 74,400 acre-feet of water supply storage i could be provided in the proposed multiple-purpose reservoir on Bowie

Creek. This storage would furnish 108 million gallons a day of tuc I projected surface water demand of 149 million gallons a day in the

Hattiesburg metropolitan area in 2020. The least cost alternative for this water supply was determined to be the storage for 108 million gal­ lons a day in a single-purpose reservoir or. Oakey Woods Creek, a tribu­ tary of the Leaf River. Consideration was also given to augmenting the flow in the Leaf River with groundwater and obtaining all the water supply from the river. Howe/er, this proved to be a more costly alter­ native. In addition, consideration was given to a 100 million gallon a day groundwater supply used concurrently with development of 55 mgd from the Leaf River. This also proved to be a more costly alternative.

A sirgle-purpose reservoir at the Bowie site, would cost about five times the assigned value of storage. However, the advantages of multiple purpose cost sharing would effect a reduction in cost and make it more economical to develop the water supply through the Bowie project.

All outdoor recreation is not primarily dependent on major water resource developments since parks, natural areas, land, streams, and shores provide much opportunity for general recreation and fishing and hunting. On the other hand, open water is necessary for some recrea­ tional activities and is an important focal point for other outdoor recreation and therefore is in great demand. For these reasons,

35 recreation and fish and wildlife enhancement were considered equal to

other purposes during formulation of the comprehensive plan for the

basin.

The development of hydroelectric power and the provision of navi­

gation were also considered but were not economically feasible at this

time.

The importance of multiple-purpose utilization of reservoir proj­

ects is exemplified in the process of selecting alternative methods of

meeting Identified water and related land resource needs. Storage

reservoirs used for flood control and water supply not only serve these

purposes but also create a recreational resource and permanent open

space by providing bodies of water and collar lands. These resources

would serve to satisfy some of the recreation demand. The addition of

recreation facilities and developed recreation areas around the lake

would meet an even greater portion of the recreation demand. The

joint use of the large scale facilities for flood control, water supply,

and outdoor recreation, including fishing and hunting, results in a

substantial reduction in the costs for each putpose when compared to

a single-purpose use of storage to provide identical amounts of goods

and services.

Many potential projects and site locations were investigated and

evaluated prior to selecting and siting this early-action project. Re­

evaluations subsequent to the Comprehensive Study have revealed that

implementation of three of the projects recommended as early-action projects in the Comprehensive Basin Flan should be deferred. These

36 projects, Taylorsville, Mize and Harleston, will remain in considera­ tion as part of the plan but will require further justification prior to their development. Other projects were.either discarded or held in abeyance to be considered for future development.

The only other alternative is a no-action or partial action alter­ native which would forego the monetary and intangible benefits that the project offers. This would mean that identified needs would either not be satisfied or would be satisfied by less efficacious means. Also this would deal a blow to the local people supporting the project and would have an impact upon the growth and economic development cf the area.

6 ' The Relationship Between Local Short-term Uses of Man's Environment- and the Maintenance and Enhancement of Long-term Productivity. The basic objective in the formulation of the comprehensive plan of develop­ ment for the water and related land resources of the Pascagoula Basin was to provide the best use, or combination of uses, of these resources to meet the foreseeable short- and long-term needs within the study area.

Plan formulation studies endeavored to consider fill water and related land problems and the inter-relation of project purposes and projects in order to fully develop the potentials of the basin, to foster econom­ ic development and to enhance the conditions of health and welfare of the people and the quality of their environment.

Income realized from agricultural activities in the project area would be lost as a short-term use and the removal of the land from the agricultural land base and the reduction in hardwood bottomland resources may be considered as long-term losses. Area redevelopment would provide

37 both short- and long-term benefit* and should produce income In excess of that lost due to project Implementation.

The comprehensive plan includes measures to satisfy immediate needs and plans for insuring long-term productivity. This early-action project

Is recoomended for the satisfaction of both short- and long-term require­ ments. Additional structural measures may be warranted to fulfill

future needs, but addltlonsl study will be required to select the optimum measures to accomplish this purpose.

Improved management of the lands, forest and water resources which would accompany the development of the project would increase and protect the long-term productivity of these resources.

7. Any Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources Wnlch

Would Be Involved in the Proposed Action. Commitment is required of

the 5,500 acres within the conservation pool and of the land necessary

for construction of project facilities. This land will no longer be available to be utilized for timber production, agriculture, human hab­

itation or wildlife habitat. Any mineral resources which might be con­

tained within the confines of the lake would be permanently con fitted

unless extraction could be accomplished without interference with expressed project purposes. The stream fishery within the newly created lake would also be forfeited.

Indirectly, the anticipated economic growth induced by implemen­ tation of this project may further commit other tesources which may now or ir. the future become irreversible and irretrievable. The labor

38 and materials required for the construction and operation of the pro­ ject would also be irretrievable.

8 . Coordination with Others.

a. Public Participation. Because this project is an integral element in the overall water resource development of the Pascagoula

River Basin, no separate public meetings were held on this individual project. However, four public meetings have been held on the compre­ hensive study and plan for the basin. The first was held on 8 May 1962 for the initiation of the study; the second on 13 April 1965 to present early findings and to assess the public's desires; the third on 28 Nov­ ember 1967 to present the early-action program developed by the coordi­ nating committee; and the fourth on 6 May 1971 to present the early- action projects assigned to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for im­ plementation. Although not held exclusively for the Bowie project, the fourth public meeting recognized the critical need for this project and the plan for this project as well as the other three early-action projects was presented. Under the comprehensive basin study concept, environmental issues were thoroughly discussed along with the other pertinent considerations at each of the meetings.

An assessment of the environmental implications involving the four early-action projects was presented at the fourth public meeting to stimulate public consideration of these factors and encourage their participation in the meeting. Although some rpposition was expressed against water resource development in general and opposition was ex-

39 pressed against the Taylorsville, Mize and llarleston projects individually,

no opposition to tlie Bowie project was expressed at the meeting. Concern

was expressed over the loss of land, timber and tax base in Smith County

(Taylorsville and Mize). The loss of land, hardwood timber, mineral re­

sources, free flowing stream and the belief that the principal benefits

of the project would accrue to downstream interest while all adverse

affects were in the immediate project area were all voiced in opposition

to the llarleston project. The hardships imposed by relocation of fami.lies

and loss of homesteads, which accompanies this type water resource devel­

opment, was also brought forth for consideration.

The public was advised of the availability of the draft environmental

statement through a press release and copies were furnished upon request.

With each copy furnished was an invitation to comment on the environmental

statement.

b. Government Agencies. A report entitled "Pascagoula River Compre­ hensive Basin Study", dated February 29, 1968, was prepared for the Coor­ dinating Committee by the Mobile District, Corps of Engineexs. This report which presents the results of the Comprehensive Basin Study, was prepared as a fully coordinated report with input provided by both Federal and State agencies. The agencies and their principal areas of input are as follows:

State Conservationist, USDA* -- Department Coordinator

Soil Conservation Service, USDA -- Basinwide land treatment and upstream watershed investigations

Forest Service, USDA -- Forest resources

Economic Research Service, USDA -- Agricultural economics

Region IV, USDHEW* -- Health aspects.

40 Southwest Region, USDI* — Department coordinator

Federal Water Quality Administration, USDI -- Water quality and water supply

Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, USDI -- Outdoor recreation aspects.

Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, USDI -- Fish and wildlife resources

national Park Service, USDI -- Historical and archeological inves­ tigation

Geological Survey, USDI -- Grcjtnd and surface water resources

Bureau of Mines, USDI -- Mineral resources

Southeastern Power Administration, USDI -- Hydroelectric power potentials

Federal Highway Administration, DOT* -- Transportation facilities

Environmental Science Services Administration, USDC — Hydrologic and climatic data

Bureau of the Census, USDC -- Statistical data

Federal Power Commission* -- Hydroelectric power potentials

Alabama Department of Conservation* -- Coordinated all State views

Pat Harrison Waterway District*, Mississippi — Coordinated all State views.

*One representative from each of these agencies plus the District Engineer, Mobile District, comprised the Basin Coordinating Committee.

In March of 1971, a Preliminary Draft Environmental Statement was furnished to Federal and State agencies for the purpose of obtaining their informal views on the environmental impact of this project. The comments and suggestions received were of significant value in the preparation of this environmental statement. The agencies contacted

41 and whether or not a response was received arc p*esented in the following tabulation:

Agency Comments Received

Federal:

Environmental Protection Agency Yes Department of the Interior bureau of Sport Fisheries & Wildlife Yes Bureau of Outdoor Recreation Yes Natiunal Park Service tio U. S. Geological Survey Yes Bureau of Mines No

Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Yes Federal Aviation Administration Yes Federal Railroad Administration Nc

Department of Commerce Advisor on Environmental Quality Yes

Department of Health, Education & Welfare Environmental Health Service Yes Food and Drug Administration - Shellfish No Sanitation Branch

Department of Agriculture State Conservationist, Mississippi Yes State Conservationist, Alabama Yes

Dept, of Housing and Urban Development No

State:

Mississippi Board of Water Commissioners (State Clearinghouse) Yes Air and Water Pollution Control ComnilbSion Yes Department of Archives and History Yes

42 I

Forestry Couonission Yes Game and Fish Commission Yes

Geological Survey Yes

State Board of Health Yes

State Highway Department Yes

Park System Yes

Pat Harrison Waterway District Yes

Alabama

Development Office (State Clearinghouse - Yes coordinated state views in one response)

In April 1972 the draft environmental statement was distributed to appropriate Federal and State agencies for review and comment. A summary of the comments received and responses to these comments are presented in paragraph 8.e.

c * Citizen Groups. There have been no expressions of concern

from private citizens or conservation groups regarding specific iden­

tifiable environmental impacts related to this project.

d* Summary of Comments on the Preliminary Draft Statement. Com­

ments received, which involve environmental considerations of the Bowie

Project, are summarized below together with a brief comment concerning

whether or not the comment was incorporated into this statement. If

incorporated, the modification to the statement is referenced and if not

Incorporated, a brief explanation of why not is provided. Other com­

ments, which concern only the other three projects (Mize, Taylorsville

or Harleston) or are considered to be either editorial i.n nature or

repetitive of other agency comments, are not summarized. All of the

letters submitting comments are attached.

43 Summary of Comments

(NOTE: All referenced page numbers refer to page numbers in the Preliminary Diaft Statement)

Disposition Agency Comments in Statement

Environmental Protection Agency

(a) The comments offered are based on the N/A Environmental Protection Agency responsibility to render technical assistance. If a formal EPA response is desired, your request should be directed to the Administrator in Washington

(b) The means by which water quality is to Not incorporated. Mul­ be maintained in reservoir releases should be tiple level outlets and mentioned. aeration ire two possibil­ ities, but the design has not reached the point where the method can be specified. (c) It should be pointed out that expected Not included. The devel­ lakeside development will bring about water opment of a waste management pollution problems which may Interfere with plan to insure protection the recreational purposes of the reservoir. of the water quality is dis­ cussed in the statement.p.24. (d) The statement should mention that con­ Not incorporated. The struction of the project, it approved, will be most recent and applicable carried out in compliance with the applicable environmental guidelines provision of "Water Quality Considerations would be utilized for con­ for Construction and Dredging Operations." struction. (e) Because the reservoirs proposed are of Not incorporated. Routing a relatively small size and shallow, the multi­ of hydrographs shows the ple use concept proposed in the statement will purposes can be met. be virtually impossible.

44 Disposition Agency Comments in Statement Environmental Protection Agency (Cont'd.)

(£) The shallow nature of the lake will be Not incorporated. Exper­ clearly influenced by silt loads and pesticides ience with projects of runoff, possibly to the point of Interfering similar size and locality with described uses. Considering the frequency indicates that this state* of storms in the area there seems to be a reason­ ment is not necessarily able question as to the quality of the water true. being acceptable for recreation during many times of the year.

(g) Although benefit-cost ratios are a Not incorporated. Benefit- quate, I have some reservations concerning to-cost ratios were developed their validity based oh obvious impairments according to established which will occur. procedures and guj.Jance from Office of Management and Budget. (h) The streams to be impounded are cur­ This is acknowledged rently classified fish and wildlife. Utili­ in the statement, p. 24. zation of the impoundments for the proposed purposes would require reclassification of the streams.

(i) The amount of land to be cleared should The land to be cleered be covered. Also the method of clearing is i discussed in the state­ important because the use of herbicides could ment. p. 21. have a detrimental effect on water quality.

(j) The storm runoff containing agricul­ The threat of eutrophi­ tural chemicals, including pesticides and cation is discussed, animal waste products from farm and pasture p. 23-24. Water quality is land may lower the water quality or lead to also discussed, p.19,23, premature eutrophication of the reservoir. 24. (k) The development of mineral and The effect of mineral petroleum resources within the basin may have production is discussed. considerable impact pn water quality in the p. 28. future.

45 Disposition Agency Comment's in Statement Environmental Protection Agency (Cont'd.)

(l) Initiation of large construction projects Not incorporated. This in the erea many times causes an immigration of is not considered to be a people which may overload existing or planned a significant factor for wastewater treatment facilities thereby caus­ construction of this project. ing water quality problems in the streams.

(m) The statement does not mention current A paragraph on solid solid waste disposal practices in the area wastes both during construc­ or proposed solid waste disposal practices fcr tion and project operation waste generated at recreational sites. has been added, p.28-29. (n) There may be a short-term adverse effect This has been added to on the ambient air quality if vegetation from the statement, p. 29. land clearing and other construction waste aie disposed of by open burning. If open burn­ ing is conducted it should be done in accord­ ance with State air pollution control regula­ tions.

(o) Plans for the project should include The development of a provision of adequate facilities for collec­ solid waste management plan tion, storage and disposal of solid waste fr-»m is discussed, p.28-29. proposed recreational areas. Plans should be developed in cooperation with local and State waste disposal authorities.

Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. USni

(a) Our review of the draft finds that it is N/A essentially in agreement with the contents of Appendix J, prepared by the Bureau for the Basin Comprehensive Study.

46 Disposition Agency Comments in Statement

Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, 1JSDI

(b) Change last sentence on page 8 to read: This change has been "Red and Black Creeks are two of the streams incorporated, p.8. recommended to be designated as free-flowing, float-fishing streams in the early action plan for basin development."

(c) Change last sentence on page 9 to read: This has been incor­ "Water quality storage is Included in the author­ porated. p.9. ized Tallahala project which will improve condi­ tions downstream from Laurel, provided adequate pollution abatement is accomplished along down­ stream reaches."

(d) Change last sentence, page 14, to read: This has been incor­ "The capacity of the basin for hunting should porated into the statement, exceed the demand through the year 2020, pro­ p. 15. vided lands are not restricted for such use."

(e) The third sentence of middle paragraph This sentence has been on page 20 should be changed to read as follows: revised, p. 31. "Flexibi: „•ty to meet future or unexpected de­ mands is also available in this type develop­ ment and the joint use results in substantial monetary savings as well as opportunity to manage wisely the existing resources."

Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. USDI (a) We have no comment at this time. N/A

Geological Survey. USDI

(a) The section on environmental setting This has been added, without the project should include a brief p. 8-9. description of the groundwater resource and use.

47 Disposition Agency Comments in Statement

Geological Survey, USDI (Cont'd) (b) The section on water quality should in­ This has been incor­ clude groundwater also. porated. p. 10. (c) The section on alternatives should con­ This is discussed, tain a reference to the present and potential p. 34-35. groundwater supplies. (d) The environmental impact of waterlogging This is discussed, of land that can occur adjacent to any lake p. 27. should be considered.

Department of Commerce (a) Discussion of factors used in the deriva­ Not incorporated. Al­ tion of benefit-cost ratio should be included. though ti ls information is of interest’, it does not directly affect the environ­ ment. (b) The measures to control production of Not incorporated. The vectors and aquatic plants should be more precise methods would be fully discussed as well as the magnitude of dependent upon the type prob­ the anticipated problem. lem and its magnitude. The threat of accelerated eutro­ phication is discussed in the statement, p.23-24. (c) In section 5, it would be valuable to Management by the Mis­ Include plans for establishing game fish sissippi Game and Fish populations in the new reservoirs. Commission is stated. p..21. Specific management plans have not been developed.

Federal Highway Administration, USDOT (a) We have no comments to offer at this N/A time. Disposition Agency Comments in Statement

Federal Aviation Administration, USDOT (a) Project will not have a significant effect N/A on air transportation, air navigation and access to airports in the area.

Soil Conservation Service, USDA (a) Multiple land ufee is also practiced by This has been included, many private owners. Mass recreational exper­ p. 15. iences are stressed, private ownerships may well be places for quality type recreational experiences in the future. (b) Other interests such as flora and iaun? This has been included, studies and bird watching should be included. p. 15. (c) Black and Beaver Dam Creeks are in The statement has been DeSoto National Forest, not the Bienville corrected, p.14. National Forest. (d) Detrimental environmental effects should Additional emphasis has be afforded equal consideration. These include been placed on the detri­ loss of natural stream, reduction of flooding mental impacts, p.21,22, will cause land use changes, disruption to 23,26,27,28. people displaced by the project and temporary increases ’n turbidity and siltation. (e) Opportunity for improving land manage­ This has been deleted ment should be more fully discussed. from the statement. (f) Possibility of loss of life by drown­ This has been added, ing should be mentioned. p. 23. (g) Under adverse effects, beneficial This section has been effects seem to be emphasized and adverse revised. The difference minimized. Also the replacement of stream ' in these type fisheries is fishery by lake fishery is not discussed as now discussed, p.22. to their relative quality.

49 Disposition Agency Comments in Statement

Soil Conservation Service (Coat’d)

(h) The impact on displaced persons should This has been incor­ be more fully discussed including compensation porated. p. 2b measures. (i) There would be definite environmental This paragraph has been advantages to no action. reworded, p.37. (j) SCS input should be changed to "Basin­ This has been incor­ wide land treatment aud upstream watershed porated. p.40. investigations."

Alabama Development Office. State of Alabama (a) Comments concerned Harleston project only. N/A

Board of Water Commissioners. State of Mississippi (a) Cover letter for comments of State agen- N/A cies - "We agree with most of the comments that are attached, and feel that the burden is on the State agencies concerned to work toward the preparation of a long-range State Water and Related Land Use Plan that will provide the necessary protection for the required amount of water and land resources to serve the future demands." (b) "We compliment the authors of the envir- N/A onmental statement for their manner of dealing with a very complex subject. We do not feel that further study should be allowed to cause delays to construction. If any additional studies r.re needed they can proceed during the pre-construction period."

50 Disposition Agency Comments in Statement

Air and Water Pollution Control Commission, State ot Mississippi,

(a) Upgrading of the Water use classifica­ Discussion of a waste tion to recreation would cause upgrading bf management plan in con­ treatment requirements and could prohibit junction with project im­ certain Industrial developments. plementation is included in I the statement, p. 24.

Department of Archives and History, State of Mississippi (a) There is a possibility of sites of The statement points historical or archaeological significance out that an intensive s.ur- i existing in the project area and surveys vey would be accomplished should be made prior to inundation. prior to inundation, p.31.

Forestry Commission. State of Mississippi (a) Environmental data are based on the Current environmental Pascagoula River Basin Study which is now data are utilized for the obsolete. The benefit-to-cost ratio should specific project area, p.17, be revised tj include environmental factors. 18,19,20. To the extent that quantification is possible, environmental factors are included in the B-C ratio.p.4. Game and Fish Commission, State of Mississippi (a) Loss of bottomland hardwoods has not Additional emphasis has been emphasized enough. been placed on this loss, p. 21,25,27,31. (b) Can reservoir fishing be swapped for The difference in these stream fishing? Waterfowl habitat increase type fisheries has been will not replace loss of other game habitat. discussed. Also quantitative information is provided con­ cerning hunting opportuni­ ties. p.22.

i 51 Disposition Agency Consnents in Statement

Mississippi Geological, Economic and Topographical Survey

(a) Bauxite should be deleted from the list This has been deleted. of minerals, there is not enough to mention.

(b) The statement regarding the large quanti­ This has been revised ties of sulphur should be revised. and clarified, n.10.

State Board of Health, State of Mississippi

(a) Major sources of pollution should be Pollution sources are located and the streams should be adequately discussed, p.19. sampled to ascertain the quality of the water is acceptable for its intended use.

(b) Field work should be conducted to Not incorporated. Pre­ document statements on nutrients. impoundment studies will be conducted to furnish more recent data.

Mississippi State Highway Department

(a) Existing highways which would be Roads in the project, affected were noted. area are discussed in the statement, p.17. (b) Highways have suffered considerably This is covered in the from flooding and the public has been in­ statement, p.30. convenienced. The project would help alle­ viate these occurrences.

Mississippi Park System

(a) We havr. no recommendations or comments N/A to offer at this time.

52 Disposition Agency Comments in Statement Pat Harrison Waterway District. State of Mississippi (a) We support the project and do not believe N/A that, once the projects are completed, the eco­ logical balance of the basin will be damaged. Flood control benefits will far outweigh Any local imbalances which may occur.

Board of Water Commissioners. State of Mississippi (Inter-office) (a) Stream preservation may affect future The responsibility of development in the basin. the State to designate what stream preservation measures would ^e imple­ mented and specific reaches to be preserved is discussed. p.29. (b) It should be mentioned in the state­ Maintenance of minimum ment that all provisions of the Water Rights flow is discussed in the Act of 1956 will be met in constructing the statement, p.25. The proj­ impoundment. ect would be fully coordi­ nated with the State agencies to insure compatibility wfth State guidelines. (c) Is there more recent per capita in­ This was the most recent come data than 1962? data available. (d) On what information is the information The section on archaeo­ on historical and archaeological sites based? logical and historical sites has been expanded to include sources of information. p . 20. (e) The importance of a graveslte is This has been revised. subject to debate. p. 20.

53 Di spos i t i on Agency Comments in Statement Board of Mater Commissioners, State of Mississippi (Inter-office) (Cont'd)

(f) The figures concerning forested areds These figures have been and cropland appear to be in error. corrected, p.21.

e. Summary of Comments on the Draft Statement. Comments received

on the draft environmental statement are summarized below in a comment

and response format. The project report and the draft environmental state­ ment were forwarded for review at the same time and therefore some comments apply to the report. Only the comments directly relating to the draft statement are covered below. All of the letters submitting comments are attached.

(1) United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Comment: Suggest that reference to waste management study be up­ dated to show that it is now in progress and include scheduled completion date.

Response: The statement has been modified as suggested.

Comment: Studies now underway may indicate that secondary treat­ ment of wastes in the vicinity of Hattiesburg will not solve the water quality problems in the Leaf River. Suggest this be clarified in the statement.

Response: This has been clarified in the statement.

Comment: The statement has given insufficient consideration to solid waste and its disposal. Land clearing waste and construction debris could cause short-term adverse environmental impacts unless disposed of in accordance with State solid waste management rules and regulations. 54 Response: Solid waste disposal is discussed in the statement on

pages 28 and 29. It is stated that disposal would be in accordance

with a waste management plan. Certainly the disposal plan would be

coordinated with the State and would conform to State rules and regula­

tions .

(2) United States Department of the Interior

Comment: On the cover sheet you may want to delete Alabama since

Bowie Dam and Lake is only in Mississippi.

Response: The two states are included because this project is

part of the Comprehensive Plan for the entire basin which includes por­

tions of both states.

Comment: The summary sheet should be revised to reflect the impact

of converting 12,200 acres of downstream bottomland habitat to agricultural

use.

Response: The summary sheet has been revised to include the impact

of project induced clearing. However, not all of the 12,200 acres of woodland discussed in the statement is bottomland hardwood forest.

Comment: The phrase on "petroleum and oil reserves" should be clarified.

Response: This has been clarified as suggested.

Comment: The Mississippi Game and Fish Commission has proposed portions of the Bowie River as a free flowing stream.

Response: The Mississippi State Legislature has not acted on the recommendations of the Mississippi Game and Fish Commission concerning the designation of free-flowing streams. The Mississippi Game and Fish

55 Comm I .salon offered no comments on the Preliminary Draft Statament con­

cerning tills matter. Therefore there does not appear to be a conflict.

I he loss of free-flowing stream Is recognized in the Stateme.it on p. 22,

23 and 32. A discussion of stream preservation is presented on p. 29.

Comment: The description of the human resources coulj be improved

by comparing the Basin to the State.

Response: A comparison is drawn between the Basin and the National

per capita income. Also a more detailed discussion is presented for the

counties directly affected. This is considered to be adequate treatment

of the human resources.

£omment: It is suggested that a 100-year flood would inundate the

flood plain to a depth of 12 feet - not 20 feet.

Response: The 12-foot depth suggested was probably obtained from

Appendix II, Chart No. 24, in the report. The 20-foot depth in the State­

ment represents a maximum depth of flooding and is correct. The 12-foot

depth is above damage stage.

Oonmjent: Statements regarding the value of land downjtream of the

project are misleading. These lands may have more value for uses such as

timber, recreation or wildlife than they would as agricultural land.

Response: The statements have been misconstrued. The value of the

land for agriculture or timber, recreation, wildlife, etc., is not the question. The fact is that landowners are converting forest land to agri­ cultural land to obtain more rapid economical gains. This may be false economy on the landowners' part, but it is occurring and the project would probably accelerate this activity due to the additional flood protection.

56 Comment: The first paragraph under Impacts should also discuss

the project induced loss of bottomland hardwoods.

Response: The induced loss of 12,200 acres of woodland, no'; neces­

sarily all bottomland hardwood, is discussed on p. 27. The losses discussed

in paragraph 1, p. 21, are impacts which cannot be avoided and therefore

are in a different category than predicted project induced losses.

Comment: Information on the recreational activities which can

be accomplished on open water and not on a small stream tends to bias

the presentation in favor of impoundments.

Response: The information in this paragraph is factual and not

intended to bias the presentation. The loss of the stream is noted in

the statement as an impact.

Comment: Where would bacterial levels be reduced?

Response: Reductions will take place in the lake. This also means

the stream below the dam will be improved because the release water will have a very low bacterial level.

Comment: The entire lake should be classified for recreation usage, not just the proposed recreation areas.

Response: It is anticipated that the entire lake would be classi­ fied for recreation, but this would be at the discretion of the Mississippi

Air and Water Pollution Control Board. It may be advantageous to classify some of the upper reaches for fish and wildlife usage to discourage inter­ ference between the fishermen and recreational boaters.

Comment: The draft statement indicates an intensive archeological survey would be accomplished prior to inundation. One cannct assess the impact of this project on history and archeology without the results of

57 the intensive study. Therefore, the completion of this stud/ appears to be of little value in meeting the requirements of the National Environ­ mental Policy Act (NEl’A) .

Response: The Preliminary Draft Statement was coordinated with the

State Clearinghouse. Comments were received from the Mississippi Depart­ ment of Archives and History. The recent Court Decision by Judge Keady on the Environmental Statement for the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway stated that complete archeological surveys are not required for the preparation of a statement. Use of available data and the recognition of a potential impact (p. 31 of this statement) is sufficient to alert the decision maker, therefore satisfying NEPA. The intensive survey would be accom­ plished by the National Park Service as required by the National Historic

Sites Act of 1935 and the Preservation of Historical and Archeological

Data Act of 1960; not in response to NEPA.

Comment: The loss of bottomland hardwoods downstream of the project should be included in the section on adverse impacts which cannot be avoided.

Response: Again this is a secondary loss and could be avoided if the State restricted the clearing to lands other than hardwcods. It does not appear that this should be discussed in this section of the Statement.

Comment: Flood plain management should be discussed under the alternatives section. Retention and management of bottomlard hardwood areas downstream of the project to restrict development should also be considered.

Response: Flood plain management is included as an *.lternative to flood control storage on p. 33. This is one of the nonstructural measures

58 alluded to on p. 34. This comment has merit and the State siould be in-

couraged to implement some of these type actions.

Comment; The statement does not discuss the impact of proposed

Department of Agriculture projects in upstream watersheds or stream

improvements which are proposed in the Comprehensive Plan.

Response: Coordination has been maintained with the Department

of Agriculture in relation to these projects. Collectively the SCS projects would affect about 46 percent of the drainage area above Bowie

Dam. They would not have any significant adverse effect on Bowie Lake but would provide some beneficial impacts such as reductions in sediment

load. If the channel improvements did materialize, this could be ac­ complished in a manner to prevent degradation of the lake.

(3) United States Department of Agriculture

Comment: No comments on the draft environmental statement.

(4) United States Department of Health, Education anc Welfare.

Comment: Project does not appear to represent a hazard to public health or safety, but recommend Public Health Service guidelines be em­ ployed during development of the project.

Response: These would be utilized for advanced planring.

(5) United States Department of Transportation

Comment: The final statement should recognize the er.dorsement of

this project by the Water Resources Council.

Response: This has been done.

(6) United States Water Resources Council

Comment: All comments pertain to the report only.

(7) State of Mississippi

Comment: State agency comments have been included in the statement.

59 (8) State of Alabama

Comment: The statement appears to be in order and no comments are offered.

60 PLATE NO. I NGI S R E E IN G EN P O S P R O C

ELEVATION M FEET ------RACPCT CURVES AREA-CAPACITY - ^ - ~ 4 4 " " " ' 3 1 I ' 2 2 1 A P P C U n i V -TTTTT . P U i P T Mf l l Mf T P i U P . -TTTTT V i n U C P P A 1 1 . . AKMV S. U. 9 APPENDIX A

REVIEW COMMENTS ON PRELIMINARY DRAFT STATEMENT REVIEW COMMENTS

Copies of the review Conner...* received on the "first" Preliminary

Draft Statement (PDS) concerning Bowie Project are enclosed. At the time

the "firstf'PDS was prepared, four projects (Bowie, Taylorsville, Mize and

Harlcston), recommended for early-action by the Coordinating Committee, were being considered for recommendation to Congress for authorization.

For this reason the comments ore applicable to all four projects and in certain instance; apply only to one of the other three projects and not to the Bowie project. Subsequent evaluations have indicated that only the Bowie project should be recommended at this *.lme and the time frame precluded preparation of a separate "first" PDS for the Bowie Project.

This "firsf'PDS was prepared and circulated for review prior to the issuance of EC 1165-2-98 dated 28 May 1971. Therefore a hews release was not issued. A news release was issued announcing the Public Meeting for the four projects. Included in the release was an Information Summary which contained a section on Environmental Impact. No comments have been received from the general public or any conservation groups concerning the environmental impact of this project. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Suite 300, 1421 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30309 May 12, 1971

Mr. J. J. Danaher Chief, Engineering Division Department of the Army Mobile District, Corps of Engineers P. 0. Box 2288 Mobile, Alabama 36601

Dear Mr. Danaher:

Attached are our comments concerning the Pascagoula River Basin, Mississippi and Alabama.

The comments offered your Agency in this letter are based on the Environmental Protection Agency's responsibility to render technical assistance. If you desire a formal EPA response on your oroposed action, it is suggested that a request be directed to the Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, 1626 K Street, NW, Washington, D. C. 20460.

If we can be of any additional assistance to your Agency, please' let us know.

’ incerely,

John R. Tiioman Interim Regional Coordinator

5 Enclosures Solid Waste comments Air Pollution Control comments 3 Water Quality comments ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

D*k: toy 1 1 , 1971 Rtpiyk Alt»*/.' Tony Da Silva

Subjtct: Water Quality Comments on Preliminary Draft of the "Environmental Statement for the Pascagoula River basin in Mississippi and Alabama" 7#: Frank M. Redmond

The impact statement should emphasize that Feraral Water Pollution Control Administration, now Environmental Protection Agency, recommended in its planning program that the prorcsed Harleston Reservoir provide flow augmentation at mile lL cn the Escatawpa River above Orange Grove to increase the minimum 7-day, 10-year flow at that point from 215 cfs to 805 cfs.

The statement should also mention that EPA emphasized that the adequate treatment of all wastes discharged into Escatawpa River is a prerequisite? to the calculated releases needed from the proposed Harleston Reservoir to maintain a dissolved oxygen 3evel above 1<.0 mg/1 in the downstream waters. In fact, EPA considers necessary that the States of Alabama and Mississippi assure the adequate treatment of ell municipal and industrial wastes before approval of construction of the four proposed dams— Taylorsville, Eowie, Mize, and Harleston. Meanwhile, it must be pointed out that surface and sub-surface monitoring is presently being conducted through a cooperative program of the Alabama Geological Survey and the Alabama Water Improvement Commission as a result of high' chlorides recorded by FWPCA in the Escatawpa River at the Alabama- Mississippi state-line. This is done to make sure thut "reinjection of the brine associated with oil production is practiced" as mentioned in page 19 of the impact statement.

Water releases from the four proposed dams as veil as releases from the already constructed Okatibee Reservoir must be of such a quality as to maintain or, if possible, improve the parameters specified in the Water Quality Standards. Means by which water quality is t.> be maintained in reservoir releases should be mentioned. The comments contained in paragraph 3, page 1, of Mr. Adams memo are appropriate and should be included.

This office is in full agreement with ycur following statement on page 25: "The scenic improvements in the reservoir area and the availability of freshwater recreational opportunities would enhance the lands adjacent to and immediately downstream from the projects, thereby causing an increase in real estate values•" However, it is pointed out that the expected lakeside development will bring about water pollution problems which may interfere with the recreational purposes of the reservoirs. Therefore, a statement that "a water qu .lity management plan for the

.? A * 2

reservoirs will be developed" should be included in the impact statement.

The word "organic" should be inserted after concentrated on line 2 of page 19, since there are also inorganic waste sources near Citronelle.

The impact statement should also mention that the projects, if approved, will be carried in compliance with the applicable provisions ox "Water, Quality .Considerations for Construction and Dredging Operations," flaWd'* ,°to prevent water quality problems associated with construction. ^Ei'os'ion from construction is to be particularly avoided.

Tony ^a Silva environmental p r o t e c t i o n a g e n c y WATER QUALITY OFFICE Region IV Dak: May 4, 1971 R ffy k Chief, Water Quality Standards Branch Ad* if: Regulatory Programs Office

Sakjtd: Draft environmental Inpact Statement for the Pascagoula River Basin Ta: Mr. Frank Redmond Special Assistant to the Regional Director

Attached .for your use are review and comments on the subject environmental impact statement prepared by Gerald T. Smith of this office. I generally concur in the comments Mr. Smith has submitted.

I would like to emphasize the following additional factors which should be evaluated for this project. First of all, because the reservoirs proposed are cf a relatively small size and shallow, the multiple use concept proposed in the impact statement will be virtually inpossible. One simply cannot provide the multiple benefits in water supply, flood control, recreation, and water quality control that has Seen proposed without seriously interfering with one of the described uses. Certainly if a small reservoir such as the Harleston project is intended to provide water quality maintenance during dry summer periods, this car. only be accomplished at the expense of recreational use and fish and wildlife enhancement. I expect the same principles would apply to other uses provided.

It should also be pointed out that the shallow nature of these in^oundoents will be clearly influenced by silt loads and pesticides runoff as Mr. Smith has indicated in his comients, pos«ibly to the point of interfering further with their described uses.

Although cost-benefit ratios proposed are adequate, I have some reservations concerning their validity based on obvious impairments which will occur. One use will certainly supersede other uses prescribed depending on its importance and value to the project at the expense of other multiple uses proposed in reservoirs as small as these.

Howard D. Zeller

cc: Mr. Gerald T. Smith Mr. Billy Adams

Enclosure OPTIONAL rOftM NOk fft # MAY I HI ttM TO l .OSAPpmh crn) toi-fuY t UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT’ Memorandum

: Chief, Water Quality Standards DATE! April 30, 1971 Branch

: Sanitary Engineer

r: Review and Comments - Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Pascagoula River Basin in Mississippi and Alabama,

Because these reservoirs will be moderately shallow and of relatively small size, the quality of the water in the reservoir v:ill be greatly influenced by silt laden runoff from the basin. Considering the frequency of storms in the area there seems to be a reasonable questions as to the quality of this water being acceptable for recreation during many times of the year.

Two of the proposed purposes, low flow augmentation ar.d recreation, of the !tarleston project may conflict in that utilization of the stored water for low flow augmentation may make the reservoir unsuitable for recreation. This unsuitability would be caused by widely fluctuating reservoir levels.

All of the streams that arc to be impounded are currently classified fish and wildlife. Utilization of these impoundments for the proposed purposes would require the reclassification of these streams.

The statement makes no mention ns to the quantities of land that will be cleared for inundation. The clearing ot all or the proposed reservoir land would affect interim valor quality in that a greater silt load would.bo placed on the streams. Additionally, vhc clearing of a small area around the intake structure would leave several thousands of acres of forest to be inundated end ’tie effect on water quality of such inundation in unknown. The method of clearing the land is also important bochuso l!,c use of herbi' ides could have a detrimental effect on water quality.

The land in the drainage basin devoted ;e farm and pasture land affords an opportunity for storm runoff to ca.vy agricultural chemicals, inc u i! 0 posticices, and animal waste products to the warn course. These substances may_ lower the water quality or lead to pi ■m.it ure eutrophication of the reservoir.

The development of mineral and petroleum resources with-'n the ba* in may. have considerable impact on water quality in '.he future.

The initiation of large construction projects in an area many tires causes an immigration of people Into the area, such an influx of people to this area may overload existing or planned public wastewater treatment facilities thus giving rise to the water quality problems

Buy U.S. JV/ivvqr B'.nuls Reryebrlj cn tie Voyrcll Stevlvii Tim f •

2

associated with the discharge of partially treated or untreated wastewater into a stream.

The statement does not mention the current solid waste disposal practices within tlie basin or the proposed solid waste disposal pracLic.es for refuse generated at tie recreational sites. PunHL from an (.pen dir..p or leachate Iron a sanitary landfill may be of such consistency to generally lower the quol^ty of the surface waters in the area.

The statement irntions the impact of e.-ch project on its particular area of infleer.ee but chore is the possibility that the tcv'al effect on water quality o) these four projects in c0:1 junction with other related projects may be adverse and this possibility reeds to be explored.

Gerald T. Smith ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Air Pollution Control Office Region IV, Room 404, 50-7th St.,NE Datt: April 20, 1971 Atlanta, Georgia 30323 tj to he/: APCO, Region IV

Environmental Statement - Peacesoul a River Bo#in - Ml*a. & Mebaaa To: Mr. Howard W. Chapnan

1. Reference is made to your memorandum requesting our comments on the above indicated project.

2. A review of the subject project indicates the following comments:

a. There will probably be no significant adverse effect on the long-range ambient aii quality.

b. There may be a short-term adverse effect on the ambient air quality if vegetation from land clearing and construction wa^te materials are disposed of by open burning. If these materials are disposed of by open burning it should be done in accordance with the applicable State air pollution control regulations.

Gene B. Welsh Regional Air Pollution Control Director, Region IV

Attachment

cc: Mr. Doyle J. Borchers ENVIRONMENTAL protection AGENCY - ,

Draft Envlrooacatal Impact Statement: Pascagoula River Baa la

Mr. Howard W. Chapora Sanitary Engineer Director

SJH tixL* V e°}cct ahould Include the provision of adequate p W l d * 8tcr*ce. collection and disposal of solidvaatea 5SLihU * 7 l0U* recrcatloaal arcas proposed. These plana ahould be deve^ped in cooperation with local and State solid waste disposal

H. DeVon Bogus United States Department o f the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE PCACHTRCC-SEVCNTM BUILDING ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30323

April 27, 1 9 7 1

District Engineer U.S. Army, Corps of Engineers P.O. Box 2288 Mobile, Alabama 366OI

Dear S\r:

P.eference is made to Mr. J. J. Danaher's letter of March 26, 1971, to Mr. Lorentzsor., transmitting n preliminary draft environmental statement for the Pascagoula Fiver Basin, Mississippi and Alabama, for review and comment.

Our review of the draft finds that it is essentially in agreement, with the contents of Appendix J, prepared by the Bureau for the Basin Comprehensive Study. We h a v ’ a few suggestions to clarify statements thro» ghout the draft as they relate to fish and v/ildlifc resources. These comments are set forth on the attache.': pages for your consider­ ation.

We appreciate the opportunity to comment 01. the prelim.nary draft.

Sincerely yours,

Ernest C. Martin Assistant Regional Director

Attachment

/oA Suggestions for Preliminary Draft Environmental Statement fo^ Pascagoula River Basin, Mississippi and Alabama

Pflgfi 6, last sentence should be changed to read: Red and Black Creeks are two c-f the streams recommended to be designated as free-flowing, flonv.-fishing streams in the early action plan for basin development.

Page 9 , last sentence should be changed to read: Water quality storage is included in the authorised Tallahaiu project which will improve conditions downstream from Li.urej provided adequate pollution abatement is accomplished aiotv downstream reaches.

Page lU, last sentence of fi rnt paragraph should be changed to rtas: The capacity of the Las in for hunting should exceed the demand through the year 2020 , provided lands ’re riot restricted for such use.

PngeJPO, last sentence of paragraph at top of page should be chan-red to read: ° Flexibility to meet future or unexpected demands is also available in this type development ana the joint use results in substantial monetary savings '.is well as opportunity to manage wisely the existing resources.

Page 20, third sentence of middle paragraph expanded into several sentences, as follows:

The forested land represents less than 0.2 percent of the total forested lands in the Pascagoula Basin, but is primarily bottom-land hardwoods. This forest type occupies roughly 10 percent of the basin and supplies nbouf 25 pcrcont~of the hunting capacity for the basin. Cleared land represents less than 2 percent of the cropland and pasture in the basin.

Page 22, last paragraph. The statement that low flow augmentation on EscuLawpa River would allow upgrading of water quality standards for fish air. wildlife should be checked, l.’e arc- not up-to-date on what has transpired in regar! to pollution abatement for the lower end of the stream. Without pollution abatement the stream would have little appeal in the lower reaches for sportsman use. 17

United States Department of the Interior BUREAU OF OUTDOOR RECREATIO N SOUT» EAST REGIONAL OFFICE 810 New Walton Building Atlanta, Georgia 30.103 IN H P LV M IC K TO:

D642 7 MAY 6 1971

Colcnel Harry A. Griffith District Engineer U.S. Army Engineer District, Mobile Post Office Box 2288 Mobile, Alabama 36601

Dear Colonel Griffith:

Thank you for the preliminary draft environmental statement of March 26, 1971, prepared for the Pascagoula River Basin, Mississippi and Alabama. .

We have reviewed the preliminary draft statement and have no comments to otfer at this time.

Sincerely yours,

Roy K. Wood Regional Director

Anting Forrest Y. Duran3

/ZA United States Department o f the Interior

g e o l o g i c a l s u r v e y Water Resources Division 430 Bounds Street Jackson, Mississippi 39206

April 9, 1971

Mr. J. J. Danaher, Chief, Engineering Division bile District, Corps of Engineers P. 0. Box 2 2 8 8 Habile, Alabama 36601

Dear Mr. Danaher:

We have given field reviev to the preliminary draft of the environmental statement for the Pascagoula River basin and have the following comments to offer. It is emphasized that these comments and suggestions do not constitute the official review by this agency.

The section "Environmental Setting Without the Project" should contain, probably after "Stream Characteristics," a brief description of the ground­ water resource and use. The section "Water Quality" should include ground water also. Ground water is definitely a significant part of the environ­ ment. The section "Alternatives to the Proposed Action" also should con­ tain a reference to the present and potential ground-water supplies.

An environmental impact that should be considered is the possible small- or large-scale water logging cf land that can occur adjacent to any lake created by the damming of streams.

Sincerely yours,

Lamar E. Carroon District Chief

RN/cj cc: C. S. Lorentzson, USDI, Atlanta, Ga.

/JA THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF COMMERCE Washington. D.C. 20230

Hay 25, 1971

Hr. J. J. Danaher Chief, Engineering Division Hobile District, Corps of Engineers Department of the Army P. 0. Box 2288 Hobile, Alabama 36601

Dear Mr. Danaher:

Belatedly, I wish to refer to your letter of March 26, which transmitted for review a preliminary draft environmental impact statement for the Pascagoula live: Basin, Mississippi and Alabama. .

Subject statement was circulated to the Environmental Work Group on which all major agencies of the Department of Commerce are represented.

You may find the follow ig brief comment received from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Economic Affairs helpful in developing your environmental statement in its final form:

If estimates of benefit-to-cot *: ratios are to be cited and taken seriously, then the eport should contain some discussior. of the factors that enter into the derivation of the ratios. We do not know, for example, if the ratios were derived on the basis of economic factors, en­ vironmental factors, both, or neither. We also do not know how the individual items were combined. We would expect that some indication of the elements that go into the benefit-cost ratios would be reflected in the discussion in the text' it is not."

For more detailed comments, the following observations by the National Marine Fisherie s Service are offered for your possible use.

r

/4A 2

"Section 3, Environmental Impact, p22 - In the last sentence of paragraph 1, the statement is made that "Measures would be taken to control production of vectors and aquatic plants". Long experience with growth of, and efforts to control, nuisance aquatic weeds in waterways and reservoirs has shown that this problem can reach very large proportions. Use of herbicides or disposal of plant matter removed by mechanical means can often have a significant impact on the environment. Therefore, this point should be amplified, somewhat, with further details on expected plant growth (based on reservoirs in similar areas) and the method of control that would be employed in the event of overly,heavy growth. ,

Pages 22-23 - From the discussion of redistribution of flow pattern on these pages, there will apparently be an actual increase in freshwater input to the estuary (due to low-flow augmentation) during the usual lew-flow period. The augmentation would be primarily for water quality improvement but would have a beneficial result in helping to stabilize freshwater input to the estuary. This section would benefit from a brief comparison on the present minimum flows (as given in project descriptions) with the flows expected to be maintained under the project conditions.

In Section 5 in the discussion of the loss of stream fishery, it would be valuable to include plans for establishing game fish populations in the new reser­ voirs. This should include species planned for intro duction agency supervising the establishment and responsibility for management of the impoundments."

Sincerely

/Sidney R. Galler Deputy Assistant Secretary for Environmental Affairs

1& U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADM NISTRATION BUREAU PUBLIC ROADS RESIGN THREE 301 Built1 ng, 301 North Lamar Street Jackson, Mississippi 39202

April 13, 1971

Mr. J. J. Danaher, Chief, Engineering Division Mobile District, Corps of Engineers Department of the Army Mobile, Alabama 36601

Dear Mr. Danaher:

The preliminary draft of the environmental statement for the

Pascagoula River Basin, Mississippi and Alabama, sent to thi office with your letter of 26 March 1971 has been reviewed, and we have no comments to offer at this time.

Sincerely yours

For: E. L. SHAW (Divi'-ion Engineer U.8 d e p a r tm e n t o f transportation FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

441 High Street Montgomery, Alabama 36104

March 31, 1971

Mr. J. J. Danaher Chief, Engineering Division Department of the Army Corps of Engineers P. 0. Box 2288 Mobile, Alabama 36601

Dear Mr. Daother:

Subject: Your File - SAMEN-EE

We received your letter dated March 26, 1971, and attached preliminary draft environmental statement for the Pascagoula River Basin, Mississippi and Alabama.

We have reviewed your environmental submission and have con­ sidered the proposed project in relation to responsibilities of this office in regard to the Federal-aid highway program in Alabama. We have no comments concerning the proposed project.

The above finding does not in any way commit our cooperating State agency, the Alabama Highway Depart:u^nt, who we assume you will also solicit comments from.

Sincerely yours, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

SOUTHERN REGION P.O. BOX 20636 ATLANTA. GEORGIA : . 320

1 * APR 19/;

Mr. J. J. Danaher Chief, Engineering Division Department of the Army Mobile, Alabama 366OI

Dear Mr. Danaher:

We have reviewed the preliminary draft environmental impact statement for the Pascagoula River Easin, Mississippi and Alabama project trans­ mitted by your 26 March 1971 letter.

Thie project will not have a significant effect on air transportation, air navigation and access to airports in the area.

WILLIAM A". MCGILL Regional Environmental Liaison Officer UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE P. 0. Box olO, Jackson, Mississippi 39205

May 3, 1971

Mr. E. A. Drago, Chief Environmental and Resources Branch U. S. Army, Corps of Engineers P. 0. Box 2288 Mobile, Alabama 366OI

Dear Mr. Drago:

We have reviewed the Preliminary Draft, Environmental ‘ Statement, Pascagoula Ri^er Bisi.n, Mississippi an! Alabama, dated March 26, 1971, as requested.

The statement is quite comprehensive and covers a Vioad range of environmental effects for implementing this important segment of the Pascagoula River Comprehensive Basin Study.

I am attaching the Department of Agriculture's comments on the Preliminary Draft for your consideration.

Cordially yours,

c . V- L. Heard, Chairman Ac'll,3 * USDA Field Advisory Committee

Attachment

cc: w/attachment David E. Larson, FS Dr. Neil Cook, ER5 Joseph W. Haas, SC3, WO J. W. Adair, SCS, F.’iWFU

M a s

USDA Comments on Preliminary Dr«-ft Environmental Statement dated March 26.. 1971 Pascagoula River Basin> Mississippi and Alabama Prepared by Corps of Engineers, Mobile District

1* The only mention of multiple land use seems to be ir, connection with National forests. Many private woodland owners permit use of their land and streams. Privately-owned lands nay well bo the places for quality rather thar. mass recreational experf. ence in the future. The environmental impact of the Corps' proposal stresses the mass experience. Another impact of the plan would be less pressure fur non-agricultural use of privately-owned land.

2. The fish and wildlife environmental setting emphasizes hur.tinm, fishing and endangered species. Other interests such as biri watching, flora and fauna studies of amphibians, fresh water shelifi..li or unique species appeal to special groups or individuals. Inclu^on of statements regarding the.-.e opportunities would provide a more complete statement of the environmental setting.

3* Page 13, second paragraph. Black and ,.1eav'r Dar. Creeks are in the DeSoto National Forest, not the Bienville National. Forest.

U. Page 19» item 3« Th-- Environmental Impact of the proposed fiction. This section seems to emphasize the nr-rteficial impacts an.l tr.inirnir.e the adverse impacts. They should be afforded equal consideration in the discussion. Some examples of this are as follows:

a. Seventy-six mile, of natural, streams, with a water surface of 350 acres, would be aestroyed by inundation above th0 dams.

b. Stream characteristics below the dams will be converted from free flowing to somewhat regulated flow.

c. Reduction of flooding on downst,cam lands will result in nore intensive use of these lands wiio possible a verse land use changes affecting forest, fish and wildlife resources.

d. Low flow augmentation on the Escatawpa River will alter the present flow pattern.

e. Disruption to the lives and habits of persons to be displaced by the projects. No monetary valve can be placed upon this effect.

f. Temporary increase in turbidity and siltation during and immediately after construction, until prop.er revegetation becomes effective.

5* Page 21 - The discussion relating to the lands to be acquired for the projeccs could be more specific as to the opportunity for improving treatment and management of the land as it changes from private to public ownership. - 2 -

6. t0 overali lccal economy, due to the projects after Installation, would seem to merit more discussion.

First full paragraph - The possibility of loss of life from drownincs TtzlFl?* HCCiden.‘f (boatlne- skiing, etc.) in the rescrJotosvould offset to some degree the possibility of loss of life from floods."

Itera h: Any Adverse Effects Which Cannot be Avoids . This section al *n ^ems to ^phasize beneficial effects and minimize advene ejects

tnetoe resources of the entirethf basin. the loSS Conversely, 15 a mlnOT the “"benefit* “ “ k corcparrf muirt to

M“ Ttoe0j„“i *'ne increased :a;“ efiss lishing „ % and ^ raightrecreation b: r eopportunities ex-Dressr»d in

rishine by lake flsh ing «»

7 • Page 26 it somewhatUv a ^ r teTret’v»irt1-1 Paraf aPh' toP of P*ge - This sentence is somewnat vague. If the environmental impacts and costs to societv were evaluated, it should be stated. society

Also, on page 26 reference i- made to adverse impacts of the projects on people vho must be relocated. In several places (pp. 16, 23 and 2U, _or example) mention is made of homesites within the proposed reservoirs. It that thS adverse imPact uP°n disadvantaged population would i L l l t ™ UT Pe°plS in higher eCon°"lic Circumstance?. S ^ e r s e ofPu ? L n GVene ^ ended to contribute to additional overcrowding of urban areas if financial remuneration is not adequate to ocrnit productive reestablishment in other rural are'-s. 8 fGCOnd Para6raph, second sentence - It would be helpful to and°whyZ ^ that*would need "treatment beyond secondary treatment"

5 5 * ? ' !e?°nd fvlJ.Para^ aPh - There would be definite environmental advantages to no-action. The land clearing would be eliminated, the construction damages to the land and stream environment would be eliminated, n o Z T ^ 1Sn1lngJ ° U^ n0t bG disruPted» landowners in the pool area would not be displaced, the timber and naval stores industries would not be disrupted. ’

10. Page 30 - The SCS input should le charged to "Basin-wide land treatment and upstream watershed investigations."

2! A UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE P. 0. Box 311, Auburn, Alabama 3SB30

April 20, 1971

Mr. J. J. Danaher, Chief Engineering Division Corps of Engineers P. 0. Box 2288 Mobile, Alabama 36601

Dear Mr, Danaher:

Re: SAMEW-EE

We appreciate receiving for review your preliminary draft environmental statement for the Pascagoula River Basin *'n Mississippi and Alabama,

Since most of the basin and the major development planned therein is in Mississippi, we feci it appropriate for the Soil Conservation Service in Mississippi to make comments concerning the environmental impact on the area. We have discussed the environmental statement with Soil Conservation Service personnel in Mississippi,

State Conservationist cc: K. E. Grant W. L. Heard J. W. Adair STATE OF ALABAMA

ALABAMA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE R. C. ••RED" BAMBERG, Director

May 2 7 , 1971 IGE C. WALLACE Governor

Mr. J . J . Danaher Chief Engineer Corps of Engineers Mobile, Alabama 36601

Dear Mr. Danaher:

This office and the Department of Health, the Department of Conservation and the Highway Department concur with the Environmental Impact Statement regarding the Pascagoula River Project, Mississippi and Alabama. This project will have only minimal adverse environmental effects which are insufficient to delay the project. Comments from the Archives and History Board and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology will be be sent directly from these departments.

The State of Alabama has two main concerns regarding this project. The Conservation Department suggests that the Corps secure land adjacent to the project to provide hunting grounds which will be lost. The Health Department and the Alabama Development Office are concerned about assurance that 50 to 100 million gallons of water per day can be available from the Harleston reservoir for anticipated water supply needs for the metropolitan Mobile area. Such an agreement was reached by representatives of Mississippi and Alabama while formulating the Escatawpa River Interstate Compact; but, this compact has not been officially approved by either state at this time.

Sincerely yours

Kenneth E. Johnson Environmental Advisor

28-8

STATE OFFICE BUILDING • MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 • (205) 269 7171 Z 3 A

T BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS 413 NORTH STATE STREET JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39201 3S4-7236 May 4, 1971

Colonel Harry A. Griffith, District Engineer U. S. Corps of Engineers P. 0. Box 2288 Mobile, Alabama 36601

Dear Colonel Griffith:

Copies of tne preliminary draft of the Environmental Statement, Pascagoula River Basin, Mississippi and Alabama were distributed to the concerned State agencies, as indicated on our attached letter dated April 2, 1971. The conference, held on April 22 resulted in a considerable amount of discussion that we feel was helpful to the agencies providing comments.

Comments were received from all of the listed agencies and are attached for your information. Some of the comments are directed toward the selection of specific words, and can be easily incorporated in the revised statement.

The feasibility of the four projects was previously determined, and we concur in those findings. The benefits were sufficient to justify the loss of some bottomland hardwoods and some stream fi hing.

We agree with most of the comments tnat are attached, and feel that the burden is on the State agencies concerned to work toward the preparation of a long-range State Water and Related Land Use Plan that will provide the necessary protection for the required amount of water and land resources to serve the future demands.

We compliment the authors of the environmental statement for their manner of dealing with a very complex subject. We do not feel that further study should be allowed to cause delays to construction. If any additional studies are needed they can proceed during the pre-construction period.

The statement by the Pat Harrison Waterway District is significant, because the district has demonstrated that it will exert efforts and expend funds to improve the environment associated with projects in its area. Colonel Harry A. Griffith May 4 1971 Page « 2

We concur, generally, in the draft statement, and feel that the con­ sideration of the attached comments and the incorporation of those dealing W1^ tifeCtS °" *** environment "ill make the statement acceptable to all the State agencies.

Yours very truly, 4

MISSISSIPPI BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS

Jack W. Pepper Water Engineer

JWP:ka Enclosures BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS 416 NORTH STATE STREET JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39201 3*4-7236

April 2, 1971

MississiDpi Air and Water Pollution Control Commission Department of Archives and History Mississippi Forestry Commission ^ ^ r e c e i v e * Mississippi Game and Fish Commission Mississippi Geological Survey ^ Mississippi State Board of Health Mississippi State Highway Department Mississippi Park System Pat Harrison Waterway District "" ject: Enviro;unental Statement, Pascagoula River Easin

Attached is a copy of the preliminary draft of the Environmental Statement proposed Corps of Engineer projects in the Pascagoula River Basin.

It has been suggested that the concerned State agencies have a short conference Jr to submission of comments. The main floor auditorium in the Woolfolk State Office ld’n9 has been reserved for 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, April 22, 1971 for this purpose.

Jack W. Pepper Water Engineer

:ka losures , A i r & Water Pollution Control Commissio

roMMiaaioNKRa S tate op M i s s is s ip p i eoMMiaaioMcta Jim gJJ. C unm r, Oiilrn an Cam* A ruh Comm'talon 8tat« Plant Beard Billy Joa Cross O. T. Gulcc, J r, Vlca Chairman Board of Water OU a Cas Board Commission t n J. P. Borlhwick Jack Pepper Board o f Haalth Joa D. Brown Charles W. Else Yaioo City Marina Conaarvallon Commission Glen Wood, Jr. State Park System W. J. Demaran EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Spencer E. Med tin W. E. Gupton POST OITICEBOX 827 TELEPHONE 3M-4Y83 A a I Board Jeckaon SIXTH FLOOR HODERT E. LEE BUILDING Paul Burt Hermit A. Jone* Canton JACKSON. MISSISSIPPI 383 03 Gsolocical Survey W. H. Moore

April 30, 1971

Mr. Jack W. Pepper, Water Engineer Mississippi Board of Water Commissioners 416 North State Street Jackson, Mississippi 39201

Dear Jack:

Re: .Preliminary Draft Environmental Statement Pascagoula River Basin

We have reviewed the referenced preliminary draft of the environmental statement, dated March 26, 1971, as prepared by the U.S. Army Engineer District, Mobile, Alabama, and offer the following comments from a water quality view­ point only.

We agree that the change from free-flowing streams to a lake environment will result in a less stable ecosystem. We do not fully agree with the statement on page 22, "The water usage classifications would be upgraded to Recreational Waters." While we agree that this upgrading will likely be desired, it must be realized that upgrading of water use classifications necessarily means upgrading of treatment requirements, with associated increases in costs of waste­ water treatment. This increased cost is a part of the cost of the entire project. Also, a recreational classifi­ cation would require that development in the watershed be limited to certain activities, with prohibition of certain industrial developments.

Similarly, on page 22, the lew flow augmentation provided by the Ilarleston Reservoir project would not necessarily allow an.upgrading of the water use classification from Mr. Jack W. Pepper April 30, 1971 Page 2

Agricultural and Industrial to Fish and Wildlife. According to Appendix G of the Pascagoula River Comprehensive Basir* Study, dated February, 1967, which was prepared by the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration as a contribution to the overall stiidy, a minimum flow cf 805 c.f.s. during summer months would be required to assure that dissolved oxygen concentrations do not fall below 4.0 mg/1, provided there is adequate treatment of present wastes. Appendix G further states that storage required for this purpose is 228,500 acre-feet per year, and additional low flow augmentation is not provided, with the result that future pollution..1 loads in excess of the present loads after adequate treatment will re quire disposal by means other than discharge into the Escatawpa Estuary.

Another significant point is the fact tnat the Environmental Protection Agency is now leaning toward a daily average of 5.0 mg/1 as a requin>ment for approval of our interstate water quality critei a for dissolved oxygen in Fish and Wildlife waters. Therefore, upgrading of the water use classification from Agricultural and Industrial to Fish and Wildlife is debatable at the present time and would require extensive study to determine the future waste disposal requirements to insure that a Fish and Wildlife classification can be maintained.

Please contact us if you have any questions or if we may be of additional assistance.

Yours very truly,

GW, Jr :JHS:hj 11

STATE O r MISSISSIPPI OCRARTMCNt OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY P. O. SOV ITl JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI SSSOS

April 6, 1971

Hr. Jack V. Pepper / Water Engineer Mississippi Board of Water Commissioners 416 Nosrth State Street Jackson, Mississippi

Dear Mr. Pepper:

T h i s will acknowledge receipt of your letter of April 2nd, along with the copy of the preliminary draft of the Environmental Statement for the proposed Corps of Engi­ neers projects in the Pascagoula River Basin. I am asking Mr. Elbert Hilliard, Director of our Division of Historic Sites and Archaeology, to attend the meeting which is schedul­ ed to be held on April 22nd to discuss this Environmental Statement.

We would like to again point out the position and responsibilities of the Department of Archives and History. I am enclosing a copy of the Antiquities Law of Mississippi which states that it is the public policy and in the public interest to preserve and protect archaeological anu historical sites in Lhe State. The Federal government, of course, has en­ acted similar legislation to protect sites that are located on Federal property. It is cur position, therefore, that archae­ ological and historical surveys should be conducted in the areas that will be effected by these projects, prior to the beginning of construction.

We have noted with interest the statement on page #15 that "there are no k .own sites of historical or archaeological significance which would be affected by any of the four early action projects." T h e s e projects are located in a section of the State that has never received any official archaeological investigation; therefore, we feel that such surveys would be a necessary prerequisite for these projects. We were delight­ ed to learn recently that the Tulsa, Oklahoma District of the Corps of Fngineers had employed an archaeologist to conduct work of this nature, and we would hope that the Mobile and Vicksbur,g Districts would see fit to do likewise. Mr. Jack W. Pepper April 6 , 1971 Page #2.

. . Thank you again for calling this matter to our attention. We shall look forward to working with you in t h l ?hat ?e possibly can to insure the protection of e total environment of the Pascagoula River Basin and other water areas in the State.

Sincerely yours,

''<77. v_4. f rc R. A. McLemore

RAMcL:mph

Enclosure OOVI.NO. CH.IO m .N

COM 4 i« ft lO N t M > C C N. C A V IN IIt M J C U »*A N * W . MCC<*•» U S •. r. kiuLi mi FO R ESTR Y COSVSfVaiSSION O. • PCTl*ft J O "08 WOOLFOLK BLOG. JACKSON. MISS 39201 334.7124 O .tO * iMlTH ITATI ro«C*TC* WKNDtll O I ACK April 28, 1 9 7 1

File: 1 1 1 . 5

BOARD OF UAT.TR C0I3HSSI0IERS fcl6 North State Street Jackson, Mississippi 3 9 2 0 1

Attention Mr. Janes Palner, Jr.

Gentlemen:

Ue submit the following comments on the Snviro:er.ental state­ ment on the Pascagoula River Basin for the ? o '.t reservoirs: Taylorsville, Ilia a, Bowie end Harloston Projects. The total proposed, acquisition area of 105,000 acres of Primarily bottom­ land hardwood timber 'mil, no doubt, alter the* environment.

The environmental data contained in the Statement of the Army Corps of engineers is based on the Pascagoula River Basin Study which is now obsolete (example; Timber Basova*ea da^a 1957). The Environmental Statement adequately covers the required l^oint: of the National Environmental Policy Act of 15J9, but no provis­ ions were made to provide for the additional cost that vould be needed to meet the standards set forth in th* Statement. The cost benefit rat^o ’.ri.ll, of necessity, need to be changed.

The land, area required. . for the two -projects - in Smith County- villwi] bring tthhe total public land to 29 percent of the land area in the County. T.iis ’.rill cause an ’undue hardship on the tax base in this County--ospeciaily, in the early stages of the projects. l.e will continue so voice our opposition to drainage programs that continue to erode the remainder of our bottomland hardwoods.

s sincerely,

m \ '..enucil D. Irek State Forester UDL/b

•SLiivisc jf/ss/NS/rn.A.vs sisci: nyr 3/A Game and Pish Commission STATE OF MISSISSIPPI **• O. BOX 491 • PHON- 354-7333 . JACKSON. MISSISSIPPI 30209

April 29, 19/1

Mr. Jack Pepper Water Engineer Board of Water Commissioners Jackson, Mississippi

Dear Jack:

. We have reviewed the draft copy of the statement dated March 26, 1971, on the four early action reservoirs of the Cor, of Engineers.

There are one or two comments we would like to make:

Pa£e 19. We have reservations about the low flow augmentation from Harleston being sufficient to bring the stream classification up to the Fish and Wildlife standards, but we support this objective.

Environmental Impac. *. We feel that not enough thought has been given to the impact on the losses of bottomland hardwoods and their associated values in the Harleston Project. There is already limited amounts of hunting in the coastal areas. On page 22 it states, "reduced floods will increase the agricultural land base" resulting in an even greater loss of hunting flfGdi

Pa&e 2!5. It states that intangible benefits would be the reduction in loss of life from floods. It is more likely that more lives will be lost as the result of accidental dreaming on the reservoirs than by floods.

There also seems to be some contradiction in the statement on Page 25 that industrial expansion and general economic upswing would result in adequate water supply and pollution abatement. With an increase in these two areas, pollution problems could be increased.

Pa^e 26. Man-days of fishing, etc., would be increased, but car. you swap reservoir fishing for stream fishing? Habitat for waterfowl may be Increased, but n n to the extent that other game would be lost.

3ZA Pot« *2 . Hr. Jack Pepper April 29, 1971 .

Ve appreciate the opportunity to comment on these projects, however, we wonder if it in proper to cowment on the environmental impact of parts of the project without consideration of the impact of the overall plan. Fragmentation of projects has been detrimental in the overall welfare of the Fish and Wildlife resources in the past.

Very^tJuly yours,—

Billy Joe Cross Executive/director BJC/ch

j j A IURVEV BOARD TE L. 384-61*® MISSISSIPPI GEOLOGICAL ECONOMIC TMtGREN. JR., BAV SRRINO* IMAIRMAS & TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY . ■DON W. OULMON, NATCHEt WILLIAM N. MOORE, DIRECTOR & STATE GEOLOGIST <»CC c h a ir m a n CSSS N. WEST STREC1 . CORTt*. JACK EON , R. O. BOX «BIS N K. ORCCMAM, GREENVILLE t J. LASWELL, STATE COLLEGE JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 3921©

April 29, 1971

M r. James I. Palmer, Jr. Resource Planning Engineer Board of Water Commissioners 416 North State Street Jackson, Mississippi 39201

Dear M r. Palmer:

Here are my comments on the Environmental Statement of the Pascagoula ?.iver Basin project. I am confining my comments on the sections on geology and soil, and mineral resources.

I would suggest a change ir. the section on Geology and So?! which would place the Citronelle formation in the Pliestocene and Pliocene age. I am certain that a great portion of the Mississippi Citronelle's definitely of Pleistocene age.

In the section on mineral resources I would delete the mention of bauxite in the list of minerals. There may be some kaolin in the upper reaches of the basin but I do not believe there is enough bauxite to mention.

I would suggest a restatement of the sentence which reads, "Recent ex­ plorations have revealed that large quantities of sulphur may exist in the vicinity of M e rrill." I believe this would lead people to ‘ Mnk that elemental sulphur is present on the surface at M errill. There are significant reserves of hydrogen sulfide gas from which sulphur may be extracted present over several counties in ‘he river basin b jr this gas is found at depths of approximately 20,000 feet.

I believe these changes would make a better presentation for these tw j sections of the statement.

Sincerely,

MISSISSIPPI G E O L O G IC A L SURVEY

Director and State Geologist MISSISSIPPI STATE BOARD OF HEALTH JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39105

HUGH ft COTTACLl. M O . M P H April 28, 1971 • t a t c h u l t h o r r i c c R

Hr. Jack V. Pepper, Water Engineer Bear'd of Water Commissioners A16 North State Street Jackson, Mississippi 39201

Dear Mr. Peppers Re: Pascagoula River Basin Environmental Stutement

w. 4-u it o® have rovlewed the Environmental Statement prepared fcy the U. S. Army Engineers and offer the following comments:

1. On Page 2 of the statement under the non-structural measures an item states that surveillance of water quality by state and local health agencies must be cone, before and after the reservoirs have been developed. Since at this time the State Board of Health does not have the manpower necessary to handle a water surveillance program of this magnitude, we feel that the word "health" should be left out of this item.

2. It is noted that several of the projects are planned for the purposes of water supply and recreation, along with the other intended purposes. We feel that major sources of pollution should be located and this pollution abated in order to insure a good., safe water. In conjunction with the problem of water quality, we feel that adequate sampling should be done on the existing streams in order to ascertain if the quality of tue water is acceptable for its intended uses.

3* It is noted on Page 22 cf the stutement that there are very few existing sources of organic pollution and nutrients in the drainage areas of the proposed impoundments. We feel that this statement should be well documented with supporting evidence as produced by adequate field work.

These comments reflect our major areas of interest in projects of this nature, and we appreciate the opportunity of reviewing and commenting on statements of this nature. If our further assistance is needed, please contact us at yo.ir convenience.

V e r y , truly yours ( J i r / 2 !>ohnie W. Berryhill, P. E Assistant Engineer

DWB/mb MISSISSIPPI STATE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

P 0 Sox 1850 Jackson. Mississippi 39205

R e p ly To April 20, 1971

Mr. Jack W. Pepper Water fligineer State of Mississippi Board of Water Commissioners 416 North State Street Jackson, Mississippi 39201

Re: Environmental Statement, Pascagoula River Basin; Four Early-Action Projects Assigned to the Corps-Taylorsville, Bowie, Mize and Harleston.

Dear Mr. Pepper:

A copy of the preliminary draft of the above referenced environmental statement has been received and reviewed, and the following are our comments :

Environmental Setting Wi I out the Project,

The proposed Jams aie listed below followed by a brief summary of the Highway Department's existing facilities immediately upstream from each of the four proposed dams.

Taylorsville Dam - S. R. 18 crosser Leaf River, Xchusa Creek and West Tallahala Creek in Smith County, ''he bridge across West Tallahala Creek and a relief bridge were constructed in 12/ . The Department has a contract under construction at present to build new bridges across Leaf River, Ichusa Creek and relief structures for each. These new structures and roadway approaches were designed to safely contain and pass the 50 year flood.

Bowie Dam - The Department's existing bridge across Bowie River at S. R. 589 was built in 1966 with a finish grade of 230.3 feet.

Mize Dam - S. R. 18 crosses Oakohay Creek approximately 11 miles above the proposed dam. There are four structure? under construction; one bridge across Oaxohay Creek, two relief structures, and one structure just west of Raleigh. These new structures were designed to safely contain and pass the 50 year flood.

2(c A MISSISSIPPI STATE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

p O n^n W )Q Jackson \hc.'.“zsippi 39205

R eply To

continuation: Mr. Jack W. Pepper April 20, 1971 Page 2

I&rleston Dam - U. S. 98 crosses the proposed reservoir pool.

there are several Highway Department facilities below the proposed reservoirs; S. R. 28 southwest of Taylorsville, U. S. 8A west of laurel, S. R. 588 west of Sllisville, S. R. 590 southwest of Eliisville, 1-59 west of Moselle, U. S. 11 parallels and crosses Leaf River at Hatties­ burg, S. R. 42 crosses Leaf River at Hattiesburg, U. S. 98 parallels Leaf River to '.Iclain and crosses cast of McLain, S. R. 29 and S. R. 15 cross Leaf Rivex at New Augusta and Beaumont respectively, U. S. 49 crosses Bowie River above Hattiesburg; all of which could possibly be affected by the proposed projects.

Flood-producing storms have occured in the Leaf River Basin in the past, causing widespread flooding. The highway facilities serving the area have been affected, and considerable property damage and inconvenience to the public has resulted.

the Environmental Impact of the Proposed Action.

Taylorsville Dam - This proposed dam is located approximately 9 1/2 miles downstream, and in.the Department's opinion will not alleviate flood­ ing at our S. R. 18 crossings. It may however, in ccnjunction with the other dams, reduce flooding downstream.

Bowie Dam - Hie proposed conservation pool elevation is approximately 5.7 feet above the finish grade of the Department's bridge on S. R. 589, and the 100 year pool elevation is approximately 15.8 feet above the bridge grade. This facility will definitely have to be replaced, and recon­ struction will incunveni*r.ce the public and temporarily increase turbidity and siltation.

Mice Darn - Since this proposed dam is approximately 11 miles below the Department's S. R. 18 crossings, It appears, from information available, the the dam will not have any effect on the Department's upstream facilities. This proposed dam, however, could possibly reduce flooding downstream. MISSISSIPPI STATE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

P 0 Be* *850 j.i- itson V,sj‘$:, nr> .19205

R eply Tc

continuation: Hr. Jack W. Pepper April 20, 1971 Ifege 3

Harleston Darn - U. S. 98 will definitely be affected by this dam and reservoir since this highway facility crosses the proposed reservoir pool. Although the existing bridge is in Alabama, the Mississippi High­ way Department will probably have to reconstruct a portion of the roadway. Since U. S. 98 is heavily traveled, the public will be greatly incon- • venienced during reconstruction. Also, temporary increases in turbidity and siltation will be a direct result of this project.

Since these four sarX-action projects represent approximately 15 percent of the Pascagoula River Basin, it is conceivable that the Taylorsville, Mize and Bowie projects, all within the Leaf River Basin, would have a cumulative effect in reducing flood damage at the high damage center of Hattiesburg south to McLain. It is agreeable that intangible benefits, other than those assigned a monetary value, would also accrue to the pro­ jects. If flooding is reduced, the pos.tbility of loss of life from floods in the bridge Classing areas which arc subject to Inundation and washout, would be lessened. The highway facilities serving the area would possibly be relieved of interruptions, thereby reducing considerable in­ convenience in addition to the monetary losses.

Thank you for this opportunity to comment on the environmental statement.

Yours very truly,

A — - - j E. L. BOTEIER, JR. DIRECTOR

RLL'vg c c : Central File Bridge File •

SSA COMPTROLLER

S. C (Buddy) M«d(m

BOARD Oc DIRECTORS J. P. Mills, CRpirmsn Mississippi Park System Corinth Jsm«s E. Ms(t«. Vies Chiirmsn Tylsrtown 71? I0 8 H T L ItC HOC. • JACKSON. MISS. 37101 Will A. Hn.liman. Sscrstary 0«ford jeflAi*Rouiul Vacation Lord fo% FaWy Fun L C. Duk« Sardit Houstor C. Collott B ilo ii Bi'ly Citbs Fort »t Tad Borodottk * April 8, 1971 Rulovllld

Mr. Jack W. Pepper Board of Water Commissioners 416 N. State Street Jackson, Mississippi

Dear Mr. Pepper:

After reviev of the preliminary draft cf the Environmental Statement for proposed Corps *of Engineer projects in the Pascagoula River Basin, we have no recommendations or other comments to offer at this time.

Sincerely, ,

Rae Sanders BOR Coordinator

RS/dl

S '? A 67

Pa t H a r r is o n Wa t e r w a y D i s t r i c t P. O. DRAWEE ISO* HATTIESBURG. MISSISSIPPI 39401 DIRECTORS TELEPHONE SB2-4S63 DIRECTORS SWEP T . DAVIS — EXECUTIVE D i RECTOR-SECRET a RY A. CONCftLY J. W. MCARTHUR JRCL — AT LAtOt HATTtSSSLIRO — AT LARGE OPFICERS *RY CftUMFTON CLYOC M. POWELL UieH'IM ITH CO. MOUNT OLIV < — COVINGTON ROBERT M. MePARLANO. PaeeioenT WILLIAM A. PRATHER W. nAUOHOOILt •AT f PAINES — JASPER CO. %f _ «MCitK CO. WATNEEGORO — WAT HE CO. iTON EUBANKS WARD M. KURT. VtCEpAESiOENT O. L. B IM t. TREASURER p a t w . s e l l e r s LUNtERTON — LAMAR CO. MATTlEEBJRE — FORREST CO. CIOUt-OCOROI CO. MATTIEEGURG — AT LARGE U.Y C. HARRIS D. W. SKELTON .ITMAN — ClAftftC CO. L A U R E L — JO N S S C O . W HICKMAN H. C. MIKE WATKINS SCINE-STONE CO. MERIDIAN — LAUOCROALC A. WILSON. JR. a PH K. HOLLISTER. JR. April 28. 1971 ‘•C.GOWLA — JACREON CO. RICMTON — PEART CO. IRL L. LAIRD 1ION — NEWTON CO.

Board of Water Commissioners 416 North State Street Jackson. Mississippi 39201 Gentlemen:

We have your letter of April 2, 1971 which forwarded che Environmental Statement, Pascagoula River Basin, which had been prepared by the Mobile District, Corps of Engineers concerning four prospective major reservoirs in the Basin. The Pat Harrison Waterway District supports the construction of the four dams wh :h are included in the early action program as indicated in the Pascagoula River Comprehensive Basin Study. We do not believe that, once the projects are completed, that th«i ecological balance of the basin will be damaged. On the contrary, we have every reason to envision that the flood control provided by the reservoirs will far outweigh any local imbalances which may occur. With best personal regards, I am

Very truly yours,

JA A T tO a Davis, P.E. H" Executive Director-Secretary PAT HARRISON WATERWAY DISTRICT STD/bpi

.1 BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS 416 NORTH STATE STREET JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39201 354—7236 May 3, 1971

INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM

TO: Jack W. Pepper

RE: Environmental Impact Statement: Pascagoula River Basin, Mississippi and Alabama

I have reviewed the preliminary draft of the above captioned Statement, and my specific comments are attached hereto in enumerative form.

Overall, the Corps has prepared a statement of adequate scope and detail, and my criticisms are not intended tc be antagonistic in any way.

As with previous statements, some remarks are on the "borderline" insofar as pure objectivity is concerned, and therefore subject, tu debate. The choice of particular words and phrases is critical in preparing materia.1, subject to public review, and I have pointed out several passages that should be rewritten or eliminated. This may be construed as "nitpicking", but it may assuade those who would attack such material in a public hearing.

These are my personal impressions of the Statement as a whole, and should not be presented in any form as the "official" view of the State of Mississippi.

Respectfully submitted

James I. Palmer, Jr. Resource Planning Engineer

JIP, Jr.:ji 1. P. 2

Section 5956-01, Mississippi Code of 1942, recompiled, requires that the waters of the state be put to the most, "beneficial use" available. If, after thorough study, it is determined to the satisfaction of all state agencies concerned that "preservation" is the most beneficial purpose for which a stream can be used, then the watercourse should be "preserved" in its existing state through time.

"Preservation" is usually interpreted as "freezing" or permanently maintaining a watercourse in such a way as to completely preclude any future development. Such interpretation removes -from future generations the option of developing a watercourse if "beneficial uses" of4 a higher order than "preservation" become necessary.

However, others interpret "preservation" as implying "reservation" in a natural state with the option of development in the future if conditions warrant. No study has been conducted to determine if watercourses in Mississippi, all tilings being taken into consideration, should or should not be permanently "preserved". Such a statewide study is included in present planning efforts.

Stream preservation is a recommended uonstructuraJ measure on P. 2 of the Statement, and this may affect "future development", as mentioned on P. 28 in the case of reservoir sitas "held in obeyance".

2

It-should be mentioned in the statement, that ail provisions of the Water Rights Act of 1956 will be met in construet.ing the proposed impound­ ments, which, by virtue of their volumes, are subject to regulation.

3. P. 11

The data for Forest Resources is old and its validity questionable (2956 and 1959). Is this the most recent information available, consider­ ing the expanding timber operations in the basin?

4. P. 14

Is the per capita income figure for 1962 the most recent data available? If not, why was the year 1962 used for comparison purposes?

5. P. 15

On what information is the statement, about archaeological end historical sites based? Has a study been conducted in the basin in thin regard, cr in this conjecture?

6. P. 15 .

Whether or not a gravesite is "major", "minor", or "of local import", is a debatable point, and a matter of personal cp>"ic-n. Such a statement, though seemingly elementary, could be a point of. controversy. Az A

■s 7. P. 20

As regards forested areas and cropland, how were the 0.2% and 2% figures determined?

18% (clear); (.18) (105,000) = 10,900 acres 82% (forested); (.82i (105,000) = 86,100 acres

From P. 11 (1959)

Forested; 5,000,000 acres

86,100 = .0172 = 1.72% 5,000,000

Should this be 2% rather than 0.2%, or were other finures used?

8. P. 21

Conversion of free-flowing streams to la’ies could have effects on the reoxygenation capability of the watercourse:;, and this may or may not produce noticeable consequences.

9. F. 22

The ».lan to use low flow augmentation in Harleston reservoir will hopefully improve the condition of the lower Cscatawpa river, and this capability should be provided for future use in the other projects.

10. P. 23

The face that no action" would prohibit any proposed alteration of the basin would be considered a very "significant" environmental advantage by some, so the statement should possibly be ..odified to insure agc.inst further controversy.

-2 - 402 Brookside Drive Auburn> Alabama 36830 May 20, 1971

Col. Harry A.Griffith District Engineer U. S. Corps of Engineers P. 0. Box 2288 Mobile, Alabama 366dl

Dear Col. Griffith:

On May 12, I learned that you had held a hearing six days earlier at Hattiesburg, Mississippi to allow interested persons to express their views on four proposed impoundments in the. Pascagoula River basin. It is my understanding that the Escatawpa River is proposed for iwpound- ment and that between 10,000 and 15,CO acres of forestland in Alabama would be flooded. On behalf of 7,000 Alabctnians represented by The Alabama Conservancy, 1 wish to comment on the latter and request that, if possible, this letter be included in the offi.ial record of the hearing.

The Alabama portion of the Escatawpa watershed lies in one of the least densely populated areas in the Mid-Gulf Coastal Plain region. Nearly all of it is forested. Those who visit the stream are deeply impressed by its clean water and the glistening white sand bars that lie along its banks. The cypress tre*s that grow along the edges of the river an! occasionally in the st v.am bed itself enhance the aesthetic appeal, as do the grotesquely shapeo pieces of driftwood that abound there. At intervals along the watercourse are oxbows and sloughs that fill during high-water and provide ideal habitat for wood ducks, alligators, frogs, and many kinds of fish. Tne Escatawpa is a perfect example of an un­ spoiled Lower Coastal Plain stream and is the most strikingly beautiful of its kind that 1 have seen.

The fauna of the Escatawpa is still poorly known. A graduate student at the University of Alabama, under the direction of Dr. Herb Boschung, is currently undertaking a survey of the fishes. There has been virtually no work done on the invertebrates.

Because of its many outstanding qualities, the Escatawpa, along with ten other Alabama streams, was recommended by the Office of the Governor in 1968 for possible inclusion in a system of state scenic rivers. The details for developing this system, including necessary legislation, are being prepared by Dr. Homer Blackstone, Department of Agricultural Economics, Auburn University. Dr. Blackstone is charged with developing a statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan; he has worked closely with state and federal agencies and had notified the Corps of Engineers that the Escatawpa had been proposed for scenic river status. Dr. Blackstone informs me that he has not been provided with any details of the Corps' plan for damming the Escatawpa, nor was he notified that Col* Harry A. Griffith May 20, *971 tags too a publ ic hearing was to be held*

There is little legitimate justification for damming the Escatawpa. Flood damage along the stream is minimal. From the standpoint of recreation, clean, free-flowing streams are becoming a scarce commodity, whereas im­ poundments are now readily available to nearly everyone. The project would inundate up to. 10,C0C acres of forest land, most of which is cur­ rently in pine. Our state's pine forests are necessary to supply our ex­ panding forest products industry, especially paper mills. Our hardwood forests are rapidly being converted to pine, at the expense of aesthetic and wildlife values, and projects such as the one under consideration can only increase the pressures to accellerate the rate of conversion.

1 deduce that the chief objective in creating a reservoir on the Escatawpa is to provide water to flush pollution out of Robertson Lake during periods of dry weather. Would it not be more sensible and less expensive to stop the pollution at its source? The estuarine waters along the Gulf arc badly enough polluted already.

In my opinion there is little to gain and a great deal to lose by damming the Escatawpa. 1 urge you to seek abandonment of this project. When there are so many ways that yorr talented organization could w o r k to improve the welfare of all of the citizens of our region, it is amazing that it con­ tinues to dam, channelize, and otherwise destroy our few remaining small, free-flowing streams for the benefit of a relatively few.

Sincerely.

Robert H. Mount Senior Vice President The Alabama Conservancy

RHM/js Copy tot Mr* Clauds Kelley Mr* William Baxley Chief Engineer U. S. Corps of Engineers P. 0. Box 2288 Mobile, Alabama 36601

Dear General Rollens:

We regret that, due to illness, a local representative from the Audubon Society was not able to attend the recent hearing on the Pascagoula River Basin Study in person. We would, in any case, like the following comments to be entered in the- record:

1. We art relieved that at least the early-action plan does not involve a navigation channel in the Pascagoula and its tributaries, a project which would have been unquestionably harmful to the unusually rich eco-syslenn of this beautiful river. We should like, however, to take this opportunity to express our unqualified disapproval of such a project in the long-range plans and we regret that the Corps, in spite of its own afparent i eservetLons, has yielded to local special interest pressures to the t> tent of inducing this project as being eventually feasible.

2. We are also glad to notice chat cognizance has been taken or recreational, wildlife, ana scenic river concepts in the plan, at least to some, extent.

2. However, we are extremely dubious of how some of your objective* c;'n be "maintenance of open space, green space, and wild areas of rivers, lak-s, beaches," etc., and "preservation of n-roams or stream reaches as free-flowing float fishing streams" when the fr:*e flowing ..streams and wild areas are already there, and the effect of your overall plan is •■o reduce them greatly in number and quality, despite doubtful and tentative "mlLigation" measures. We feel that this type of rhetoric is somewhat misleading.

4. Specifically, we object to the following:

A. Reservoirs The number of reservoirs propostd in the ear .rotion plan is excessive. We are stunned to learn that at least -even of the » levcn reservoirs in the early action plan will have recreation mu Pish and wildlife values as their only real excuse for existing, yet, a-, is per recr !y obvious, it will be precisely those values that are greatly J«ur<-;ed .u. free f lowing streams

44 A knd valuable bottomlands are permanently flooded. Furthermore, the true value of these lands Is not adequately figured into the rost of these reservoirs; the renewable timber resource is not computed during the life time of the project, uor the actual real-estate value during the same period, nor the ecological, wildlife, and scenic aspects which cannot easily be assigned a price in money. On the other hand, the recreational man-hour use figures seem grossly inflated.

In particular, the group of four reservoirs that will inundate a very laxg* percentage of the northern part of De Soto National Forest— Kitral 1 Creek, Wes? Tiger, Whetstone, and Thompson Creek-are extremely objectionable., The last ol these may conceivably be justifiable as a multi purpose reservoir, but the idea of locating three others in the same locality, simply because this land happens to be public and won't inconvenience local landowners, seems quite frankly, a case of simple boon-doggling. Ihey would net be needed, In che event that the Thompson Creek reservoir was built, and they wovln lestroy existing recresLionaJ values in the National Forest. There is also the oovious fact that many ci the recreational activities such as picnicing, swimming, etc., that are figured as reservoir benefits could also be applied to existing streams. Wt are astonished that the Forest Service, at least, did not strongly oppose these projects.

B. Upstream Watersheds; It is not possible to evaluate each of thc- multitude of small projects on individual streams. But it is clear that the growing concern on the part of the general, public to -/hat is happening to tree flowing streams is not getting through to the agencies concerned. The fact that two or three streams in the watershed affected by the eariy action plans have been singled out to b? preserved would s;em to indicate that the others are scheduled for some type of "improvement," We wish, in particular, to express our opposition *.o the insidious practice of stream channelization which has already literally ruined hundreds, if not thousands, of sourthern streams in whole or part, and which seems scheduled to get to most of the rest In time. This practice not only destroys streams from an ecological standpoint, but also actually accelerates the flow of water out of an area, thereby compounding the potential for flood damage downstream-- or else necessitates inumerable "control structures" in the area which often would not need to be built if channelization did not occur.

Furthermore, it has been repeatedly demonstrated chat these so-called flood control measures are actually draining more land which will then be used for intensive agriculture— and which will then be subject to flooding, necessitating further projects.

Ve realize that this type of objection is not likely to fall on sympathetic ears In the agencies that will gain most from project construction. But we do hope that environmental impact statements will be made available, according to new regulations, on each of these projects before they are begun.

Ve hesitate to single out a particular stream in this plan lest it seem that we are accepting the inevitability of other projects. Nevertheless, the project for Oakohay Creek seems particularly objectionable since it runs through public lands.

One ether point that we would like to raise is the fact that your search for alternative solutions seemed to be based solely on financial considerations, and not on long range consequences to the Basin's environmental well being. For

4 1 & example, well over a third of the flood damage occurs in urban areas. This is the one single most valid claim for projects in the Basin (though it is frustrating that the general public must pay because local officials refuse to 2one intelligently, as your own report implies). Yet the possibility of local levees in urban areas is not considered "feasible." Perhaps it would be if plans for most of these recreational reservoirs were eliminated altogether, and the water supply, flood control reservoirs were reduced in size, proportionate to the additional protection of local levees. We are not engineers, of course, but we believe that any agency which claims that those recreational reservoirs are (a) needed, and (b) economically feasible, ought to take another look around.

In summary, we urge that (1) all reservoirs recommended to be built for recreation only, be cancelled. Other reservoirs will serve the lake recreation needs of the area satisfactorily. (2) The size of water-supply and flood control reservoirs, notably the four large reservoirs to be buiit by the Corps, be reduced in size to meet realistic needs in the immediate future. (3) Channel "improvement" in upstream watersheds should be stopped, particularly when this means dredging and channelization. This is an ecologically ruinous procedure, comparable in streams to strip mining in mountains-- and with less to justify it.

We would appreciate a copy of the environmental statanent on these projects when it is completed. Thank you for entering this letter in the record of the hearing.

Sincerely yours,

CA. Jn, Dr. C. Morillo President, Orleans Audubon Society

CM: mg APPENDIX B

REVIEW COMMENTS ON DRAFT STATEMENT SNVSBCNAUitfAl 7207EC7IQISS AGcHCY REGION IV 1421 Peachtr« S:.. N.E.. Atlanta, Gear^ie 303C3

May 25, 1972

Major General A. P. Rollins, Jr. Acting Chief of Engireers Deparlment of the Army Office of the Chief of Engineers Washington, D. C. 20314

Dear General Rollins:

The Environmental Protection Agency's Region IV has reviewed the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on Bowie Dam and Lake, Mississippi and Alabama, and presents the following comments:

No indastrics located in the proposed project area have sub­ mitted discharge permit applications. Nevertheless, there are six industries in the Hattiesburg area, most of which discharge into the Leaf River, and the Pascagoula River Comprehensive Basin Study, Appendix G has identified the Leaf River below Hattiesburg as having degraded water quality. Although the low flow augmentation of the Bowie Project would help relieve this situation, no benefit was claimed for water quality control to arrive at a favorable benefit-cost ratio.

As further comment concerning the effect of this project on water quality we suggest that the second sentence on Page 4 be revised to read as follows: "This water quality management study is being conducted by the Pat Harrison Waterway District in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency, and is scheduled for completion by July 1, 1973".

Furthermore, it is suggested that the second paragraph on Page 34 be revised to read as follows: "Solution of the water quality problems in the Leaf River at Hattiesburg were not included as a project purpose because past studies indicated that secondary treatment would be adequate. However, the Pat Harrison Waterway Dist-ict study will update those o;.st studies. and rs*av dictate a different solution". In the Area ol solid wa^te, the Statement has risen insufficient consideration to its disposal. Land clearing waste and construction debris could cause short-term adverse environmental impacts unless disposed of m accordance with State solid e/aste management* rules and rcgulat ;v:is. Plans of disposal procedures should be submitted to the State solid waste management program (Solid Waste Planning Program, Division of Sanitary Engineering, Mississippi State Board of Health, P. O. Box 1700, Jackson, Mississippi 3U201 i. and approval should be obtained tefore work ■on the project is started.

Influx of population and tourism and increased commercial- industrial activities associated with the project will definitely multiply and thus enlarge the load on existing solid waste collection and disposal facilities. These additions should be discussed with appropriate State and local authorities so they may be incorporated into solid waste management planning.

In audition, roadside storage receptacles should be provided for automotive-generated waste. These containers should be scheduled for waste collection, monitored, and relocated, if nec essary, to offer proper enticement for their optimal utilization.

We would appreciate a copy of the Final Environmentc.l Impact Statement when it is available. If we can be of further help to you, please let us know.

Sincerely,

^Jack E. Ravan Regional Administrator United States Department of the Interior OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240

JUL 3 1 1972 •

Dear General Clarke:

This is in reply to your letter of April 20, 1972, requesting our views and comments on a proposed report and-draft environmental statement for the Pascagcula River Basin, Mississippi and Alabama. We have completed our review and submit the following comments for your consideration and use.

The proposed development does not impact qn any existing or proposed units of our National Park System. The project does not impact on any sites eligible for registration as National, natural or environmental education sites in the National Landmark Program.

The report does provide a brief discussion of the mineral resources both from a basinwide sense and as related to Bowie Ddm.. Petroleum, natural gas, sulfur, salt, clay, sand and gravel are among the minerals located in the basin but no mineral production is taking place in the reservoir area. However, exploration and development of minerals could be permitted in the reservoir area but production would have to be accomplished in a manner that would not diminish water quality or interfere with project operations.

While our Bureau.of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife has provided you with a fish and wildlife report for the Comprehensive Basin Study for the Pascagoula Basin, they have not, as yet, completed their report on the 3owie project. However, we are making a maximum effort to complete this report and furnish it to you with the absolute minimum of delay.

We have noted that the construction of Bowie Dam and Lake will result in the direct loss of wildlife habitat on over'10,000 acres of land within the flood control storage pool. Further, it is expected that about 12,00G acres of prime bottom-land hardwood habitat of high^v^lue to wildlife will be converted to agricultural use once flooc protection is provided. To adequately mitigate this lops cf wildlife * habitat it is recommended that all project lands (22,H50 acres) not needed for primary project purposes be made available FOr wildlife management. These lands should be turned over to the Mississippi Game and Fish Commission under terms of a general plan as provided for by Section 3 of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act.

We also note that your plan provides for acquiring flowage easements on 6,000 acres of land. Effective management for wildlife would not be possible on lands with only a flowage easement estate. Therefore, to assure that these lands become a functional part of the management area, we recommend that your report be modified to allow fee acquisition cf these 6,000 acres now scheduled for easement.

Other details concerning project construction and operation need to be resolved to assure protection of the fish and wildlife. The Fish and Wildlife Service report will deal with these matters, which include such items as reservoir clearing, public access, and provisions for downstream flows. Those items can, however, ba handled during the detailed design studies for the project.

We have reviewed the draft environmental statement for this project and submit the following comments for your consideration and use.

Cover Sheet

The Bowie Dam and Lake,project is located in Mississippi and you may wish to revise this page. % Summary Sheet

The appropriate sections of this summary should be revised to reflect the impact of converting 12,200 acres of down­ stream bottom-land habitat to agricultural use.

The following comments relate to the scope and content of the draft statement.

Environmental Setting - Page 10, Mineral R^sourcas

.jin the interest of clarity we suggest that the phrase on 'line 16, "petroleum and oil reserves"should be "petroleum and gas reserves" or "petroleum reserves",depending upon •the' meaning of the preparer. One of the ^L1 streams proposed as a frop flowing Otr«nm by the Mississippi Game and Fish Commission ~s the BoWie River from U.S. Highway 84, Covington County, to Interstate 59. This section should indicate whether the proposed impoundment is compatible with the Commission's proposal for the Bowie River. All impacts on this proposal can be stated in the appropriate sections of the-statement. % Page 16, Human Resources

This section would be improved if the data yrould draw a * comparison between the Pascagoula Basin-and?'She remainder of the State of Mississippi.

Page 19, Bowie Project

The last paragraph on this page suggests that' a 100-year flood would Inundate the flood plain to a deptfr of 20 feet. We suggest that a 12 foot depth might b£ a more reasonable value.

Page 20

Several of the statements on this page appear to be isleading in that they conclude the flood plain below Bowie Dam would be potentially more valuable as agricul­ tural land than for other uses should the project be • built. We believe this assumption needs further support hich'demonstrates that the cost of clearing, drainage plus the expected returns from timber, recreation, wildlife* and other uses over an extended period of tine were less than the returns from agriculture over the same time frame.

Environmental Impacts - Page 21

The first paragraph should also discuss the project induced loss of 12,000 acres of bottom-land hardwoods that .occurs from higher levels of flood protection. Page 22 In the second paragraph, the opening sentence that "open water provided by the lake offers recreational oppor­ tunities not available in small streams" tends to bias the presentation in favor of impoundments. One might also say the converse is true for small streams provide recreation opportunities not available in large lakes., A more neutral discussion of this issue is warranted.

Page 23

With respect to the fifth sentence in the last paragraph, would bacterial level reductions take place in the reser­ voir or downstream?

Page 2U

We are pleased to note that the Mississippi Air and Water Commission would be requested to upgrade the water usage classification to recreational waters at the proposed recreation areas. We believe this upgrading should be extended, if possible, to cover the entire reservoir. If circumstances prevent the attainment of this higher classification, improved water quality should be a stated objective of the Commission.

Page 31

The draft statement indicates that an intensive arche­ ological survey would be accomplished prior to inundation. The completion of this survey appears to be o:r little value in meeting the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 unless the final statement is to be ' prepared after completion of the survey. If the final statement is prepared prior to knowing the results of this survey, one cannot assess'the impact of this project on the archeological or historical resources in the study area. We suggest that you consult with the State Arche­ ologist on this matter. He is Mr. Richard A. Marshall, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Mississippi State University, State College, Mississippi 39262.

Adverse Environmental Effects

The discussion on the loss of bottom-land hardwood habitat appears to be identified with the reservoir .area. While -the amount of this resource base lost through inundation may be small, the induced change in land use in the flood plain below the project (12,200 acres) can anc. often is the area where the resource base is most dramatically ' reduced. Due to the rapid depletion of this base, the remaining hardwood areas are becoming increasingly valuable as genetic repositories, in addition to their' values for recreation, fish and wildlife, and natural floodways. A full discussion of this impact both at site and downstream is needed.

Alternatives

We suggest that this section provide a discussion on flood plain management and discuss the environmental gains and losses .associated with this solution. We would also suggest that this solution be given consideration as en adjunct to the proposed project as unrestricted development can also bring about induced environmental damage over and above what is now contemplated by the proposed action. One management objective might be to select and retain given stands of bottom-land hardwood in the protected reaches ^elow the project in view of their many beneficial uses.

In conclusion, we note that the draft statement fails to discuss the environmental relationships of three PL 566 watershed projects in the upper headwaters of Bowie Creek. These have been identified as Nos. 23A, Upper Bowie River: 23B, Dry Creek; and 23C, West Bowie River. Table 25 on page 96 of the Summary Report, Volume I of the Comprehensive Basin Study, indicates that up to 65 miles of channel improvements are included in the early action program. • Such work will surely have some environmental effects on the downstream reservoir, Bowie Dam, and these effects should be discussed in the statement.

We wish to thank you for the opportunity to review this report and environmental statement for the Pascagoula Basin.

Sincerottv/wours/

■ - i Secretary of th* Interior Lt. General F. J. Clarke Chief of Engineers Attn: DAEN-CWP-D Department of the Army Washington, D. C. . 20314 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICWUtUft'E OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY WASHINGTON. D. C. 20^50

Honorable Robert F. Froehlke 26 July 1972 Secretary of the Army

Dear Mr. Secretary:

This is in reply to the Chief of Engineers' letter of April 20, 1972, ' transmitting for our review and comment his proposed report and perti­ nent papers, including the environmental statement, on the Pascagoula River Basin, Mississippi and Alabama.

The proposed report provides for the authorization of a multiple-purpose reservoir project on Bowie Creek in Jefferson Davis, Covington, and Lamar Counties, Mississippi, for the purposes of flood control, water supply, general recreation, and fish and wildlife enhancement.

The discussion of flood control benefits would be strengthened by accounting for the potential bank erosion effects downstream, especially regarding the loss of productive land due to bank caving, and the im­ plications of increased sediment loads.

The report contains limited information about the present condition or future production values of bottomland hardwoods that would be lost as a result of the project. We suggest that proposals for the conversions of such land to other uses include a careful analysis of forest resource values based on improved management and protection. Cnee such analysis is made, the adverse and beneficial effects of the preposed project on EvidentreSOUrCe values and UsdA cooperative forestry programs will becahe

We have no comments on the draft environmental statement.

Other than the previously stated concerns, the proposed project will have no adverse effects on projects or programs of the Department of Agriculture.

Thank you;for the opportunity to review this material.

Sincerely,

T. K. Cowden Assistant Secretary DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. EDUCATlbN. AND WELFARE OFFICE OK THE SECRETARY

WASHINGTON, D C. 20201

June 8, 1972

A. P. Rollins, Jr. Major General, USA Acting Chief of Engineers Department o f the Army Washington, D. C. 20314

Dear Major General R ollins:

Secretary Richardson has asked me to respond to your letter of April 20, 1972, wherein you requested comments on the proposed report and draft environmental impact statement on the Pascagoula River -Basin, M ississippi and Alabamc.

This Department has reviewed the health aspects of the above project as presented in the documents submitted. Although this project does not appear to represent a hazard to public health and safety, we recommend that guidelines outlined in the following publications be employed during the development of the project:

1. APHA-PHS Recommended Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Ordinance (PHS Publication No. 1935)

2. Prevention and Control o f Vector Problems Assoc:.ated With Water Resources (PHS Monograph, January 19(>5).

The Qpportunity to review the proposed report and draft environmental impact statement is appreciated.

Sincerely yours,

Merlin K. DuVal, M.D. Assistant Secretary for Health apd Scientific Affairs DEPARTMENT OF TRAid 3 ? CRTAT!CH M A i'J N S A 3 0 T £ £ % . U“1!TED STATES COAST GUARD u.s co\'i~ c'; - ~ 1 WS ) 4 0 *? S s , \ - I N T U' i ■* i Z T S »V w, a * hi:;-' - :• :f X0C30 p h c n e - 20 2- 42 6- 22 6 2

Ci JUIi 1372

Lt. General F. -J. Clarke Chief of engineers Department of the Army Washington., D. C. 20314

Dear General Clarke:

This is ir response to Major General Rollins’ letter of 20 April 1972 addressed to Secretary Volpe concerning the draft envirorrental impact statement:, Pascagoula River Basin Survey Report and other pertinent papers on your proposed Bowie Dam and Lake Project on Bovie Creek, Covington County, Mississippi. The proposed project is designed to provide for flood control, recreational boating, general recreation, fish and vildlife enhancement and storage for municipal and industrial water supply.

The concerned operating administrations and staffs of the Department of Transportation have reviewed the draft statement and other materials submitted. Noted in the review by the Federal Highway Administration is the following:

”We note that the proposed project will require the replacement of a bridge on State Route 589 (FAS 204), and the relocation of several county roads and t?:at the cost of this work has been made a project cost.

”We also note that the proposed work is being coordinated with the Mississippi State Highway Department and local interests."

Although the draft statement indicates that the Bowie Project is one of the early action programs recommended by the Comprehensive Plan for the Basin, no reference is made to the fact that the Water Resources Council, in its report to the President and the Congress (Comprehensive Study, Pascagoula River, Mississippi and Alabama of April 1970). also recom­ mended this early action project. It is felt that the draft statement would have been considerably strengthened had reference to this recom­ mendation been made. Hopefully, the final statement will indicate this endorsement.

The Department of Transportation concurs with your proposal and recom­ mends the project. Mater,R€Sourtt»-er of W p o r u . t i « , is a nember of the ater Resource^ Council. In reviewing the Bowie proposal, we necessarilv reviewed the survey report iu light »f the views, findings and « c o ^ mentations contained in the Council's report of April 10/0. It appears a n V f t t d * * th° s“™ * « P « t 13 ».t responsiv. to the^iews n"d,.!i^“ gs of the K'«er Resources Council especiallv waere it p ! r t a 1 S :h, n r analysis, environmental v a l u e ’s a ,J chan»inf Steria hhile this Department concurs with your proposal, and we have no“ pe“ f“ if to °tr%> *«• «*. « . ^ «/£££ p « f o r “ «>* ^ =tatemen?

The opportunity for the Department of Transportation to -eview and ’ on l‘!cTdfa lt statement and survey report for the proposed Bowie Dam and Lake is appreciated.

Sincerely,

V/ **> rt''vrr>7 * *• «• l*.) i I Rosr Admiral, U. 3. Coast Guard Chief, Office of Marine Environment and Systems UNITED STATES WATER RESOURCES COUXCSL SUITE 800 • 2120 L STREET,. N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20037 July 28, 1972

Lieutenant General Frederick J. Clarke, USA Chief of Engineers Department of the Army Washington, D.C. 20314

Dear General Clarke:

This is in response to General Ro’ .in's letter of April 20, 1972, requesting comments on the relationship of your proposed report on the Pascapnula River Basin, Mississippi and Alabama, to the completed comproli'-'inlve basin plan of the Water Resources Council.

The proposed report of the Corps of Engineers is of survey or project feasibility scope and recommends Bowie Dam and Lake: on Bowie Creek near Hattiesburg, Mississippi, be authorized for construction as one element in the use and preservation of the water and related land resources in the Pascagoula Basin. The project would provide fer flood control, water supply, recreation, and fish and wildlife at estimated Federal first cost of about $32, 500,000 for construction. The economic evaluation, using a 5-3/8 percent discount rate, shows the benefit-cost ratio to be 2. 1 to 1, which would not substantially change using the current rate of 5-1/2 percent.

As you know, the Council's completed comprehensive basin plan for the. ’■ Pascagoula River Basin was transmitted to the Congress by Chairman Hickel's letter of April 15, 1970. Incorporated in the plan were specific views, findings and recommendations regarding subsequent implementation of elements of the plan, and these serve as the basis for the following* comments:

1. Only the Bowie Dam and Lake project; essentially tne same component as contained in the comprehensive plan for a thijee-dam system of Bowie, Taylorville and Mize Reservoirs, is recommended at this time.

MEMBERS: SECRETARIES OF INTERIOR; AGRICULTURE; ARMY; HEALTH. EDUCATION AND WELFARE; TRANSPORTATION; CHAIRMAN. FEDERAL POWER COMMISSION - ASSOCIATE MEMBERS; SECRETARIES OF COMMERCE; HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; ADMINISTRATOR. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY - OBSERVERS: DIRECTOR. OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT ANO BUDGET; ATTORNEY GENERAL; CHAIRMEN - COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY. RIVER BASIN COMMISSIONS Zm The proposed report has included to the extent practicable the Council's findings on (a) recreational planning, (b) water quality management and (c) changing criteria and other factors.

3. Environmental values are identified and discussed both in the proposed report and in the draft environmental statement. The potential loss of several thousand acres of bottomland liardwoods and related wetland areas is of environmental significaice.

4. The Council agrees with the conclusion that a dam and reservoir controlling only three percent of the drainage area, and located approximately 178 miles above the mouth of the Pascagoula River, would have a minimal effect on the estuary and coastal zone. How* ever» it should be noted that when Bowie Dam and Lake is combined with existing and authorized projects, approximately ten percent of the basin's drainage area will be regulated and the potential exists for additional regulation. The cumulative effects of such projects on wetlands, bottomland hardwoods and the concomitant ecosystem should be examined in a periodic updating of thi omprehenslve plan. This need is emphasized since an environmental statement was not required for the Council's comprehensive basin plan.

5. (a) Flood plain management programs, while not detailed in the completed comprehensive plan, were recognized as an important ele­ ment in the overall development of the Pascagoula Bas_n. The Coun­ cil's plan states: "Authorizing documents will report on the. progress in adopting flood plain management measures and how “hese may complement proposed protection measures or serve as alternatives. " The Council also recommended that interrelated elements of the plan be undertaken in a timely fashion. The proposed Bowia Dam and Lake project appears to offer an excellent opportunity for thj utilization of flood plain management techniques since the project cannot provide complete flood protection. The Hattiesburg area has obtained pro­ visional flood insurance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Local agencies should be encouraged to develop and enforce a general plan that would meet flood insurance regulations. ./^e proposed report also requires local interests to prevent encroachment of downstream channels that would adversely affect project operation and1 to publicize flood plain information in the areaiconcerr.ed and provide this information to zoning and other regulatory agencies for their use. (b) Based upon the foregoing, the Council recommends that non- . Federal entities should be required to provide satisfactory as.ur.nfi*.. that they will develop, adopt end enforce regulation, and flood plain management programs in order to minimize future flood damages.

Since the report of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, required by the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1958, is not yet ayailablte, the Council has not had the benefit of the views and findings of this report. r Pending any further consideration deemed necessary after review of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife report,' by incorporating the above recommendation regarding flood plain management, the proposed report will be consonant with the Council's comprehensive plan for the Pascagoula River Basin.

Sincerely yours.

W. Don Maugha!o/ Director STATE o r MISSISSIF’PI EuCCUTI.C CHAMflKT! JACK?ON wiluam '.owe wAu.cn August 3, 1972 3 G vEUNOl

Lieutenant General Frederick J. Clarke Chief of Engineers Department of the Army Washington, D. C. 20314 In re: Bowie Dam and Lake, Pascagoula River Basin, Mississippi and Alabama Dear General Clarke:

The environmental statement and report on the above-captioned project were reviewed by our concernec State agencies and their pertinent comments have been incorporated into your proposed report. I endorse the construction of the Bowie Dam and Lake, and urge that our various State agencies be provided an opportunity to cooperate in the future phc.ses of development of the project.

Yours very truly,

BILL WALLER GOVERNOR STATE OF ALABAMA

A'.AS-Vi A C EYE LOAlE'.'T OFFICE R. C. " R jJ" Bamberg June 27, 1972 Director

W. M. "Bill" Rusbto’i Assistant Director

TO: M a j o r General A. P. Rollins, Jr. Acting Chief of Engineers Office of the Chief of Engineers Department of the Army Washington, D. C. 20314

FROM: Jimmy C. Lunsford State Clearinghouse Office of State Planning

SUBJECT: DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Applicant: Corps of Engineers

Project: Bowie Dam and Lake: Survey Report on Pascagoula River Basin

State Clearinghouse Control Number: ADO-26-72

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the above project hes been reviewed by the appropriate State agencies in accordance with Office of Management and Budget Circular A-95, Revised.

The Environmental Impact Statement on this project appears to be in order. No comments are offered.

Please contact us if we may be of further assistance. Correspondence regarding this proposal should refer to the assigned Clearinghouse Number. cc: Mr. Reynolds W. Thrasher, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Mr. Arthur N. Beck, Bureau of Environmental Health Mr. Richard D. Pruitt, South Alabama Regional Planning Commission