U.S. Army Corps of Engineers seeks public comment on environmental document for the implementation of proposed improvements to the Baker Pumping Plant in Dallas, Texas

Published Jan. 20, 2012

FORT WORTH, Texas - The Fort Worth District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently accepting comments on an Environmental Assessment, a National Environmental Policy Act document, for the improvements to the proposed Baker Pumping Plant in the City of Dallas, Texas. The City of Dallas proposes to construct a new pump station at the Baker Pumping Plant, located adjacent to the east levee of the Dallas Floodway near the intersection of Sylvan Avenue and Irving Boulevard. The proposed pump station would consist of four 175,000-gallons-per-minute pumps and one 6,000-gpm low-flow pump. Discharge from the pumps would flow through four 84-inch diameter pipes to the existing six 10-foot-by-10-foot culverts under the levee and into the Trinity River.

Section 5141 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-114; 121 Stat.1041) provides authorization for improvements to interior drainage for the Dallas Floodway. The proposed improvements to the Baker Pumping Plant would be implemented in compliance with 33 USC § 408. Implementation of the Proposed Action would not result in significant impacts on the social, economic, or human and natural environment. No adverse impact on any species considered by the Endangered Species Act is expected. No significant transportation, noise, land use, environmental justice, or hazardous waste concerns were identified within the project area. The existing Old Baker Pump Station is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Consultation with the Texas State Historic Preservation Officer determined the proposed action would have no adverse affect the Old Baker Pump Station. Before starting construction, contractors would be required to have erosion control, traffic control, fugitive dust control, hazardous spill prevention, and contingency plans in place. Proposed construction measures and operation and maintenance features of the project would meet the criteria for a Nationwide Permit 13 - "Bank Stabilization."

Copies of the EA and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact are available for review at the project notices website http://www.swf.usace.army.mil/pubdata/notices/DallasFloodway/ and in the City of Dallas at the Dallas Public Library at 1515 Young Street and the Oak Lawn Branch Library at 4100 Cedar Springs Road. Written comments on the EA will be accepted through February 20, 2012 by sending them directly to Marcia R. Hackett, CESWF-PER-EE, P.O. Box 17300, Fort Worth, Texas, 76102-0300, or by e-mail at Marcia.R.Hackett@usace.army.mil. Copies of the documents may be requested in writing at the above address or by telephone at 817-886-1373.

-30-

About the Fort Worth District: The Fort Worth District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was established in 1950. The District is responsible for water resources development in two-thirds of Texas, and design and construction at military installations in Texas and parts of Louisiana and New Mexico. Visit the Fort Worth District Web site at: www.swf.usace.army.mil and SWF Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Worth-District-US-Army-Corps-of-Engineers/188083711219308


Contact
Clay Church
817-886-1314

Release no. 12-006