DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
 
EARLY NOTICE AND PUBLIC REVIEW OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN A FLOODPLAIN
 
Pursuant to Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management, the United States Department of the Navy (Navy) gives notice that the Navy is conducting an evaluation of a proposed action which may involve construction in a floodplain to determine the potential effects that its activity in the floodplain would have on the human environment. The Navy will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and the potential impacts on the floodplain from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988.
 
The proposed action will include the placement of concrete rubble along Ocean Drive, adjacent to Corpus Christi Bay between Naval Air Station Corpus Christi (NASCC) North Gate and the Oso Bay Bridge. The concrete rubble will range in size between 3ft X 3ft X 18in and 5ft X 5ft X 18in. The concrete is sourced from the demolition of former building 1281, and will consist of sidewalks, curbing, and other flat work. The concrete rubble will be free of soil, exposed metal and re-bar, paint, and other contaminants. In total, approximately 35-50 tons of concrete will be placed within the project area. All concrete rubble will be placed above the mean high water (MHW) line to supplement the existing concrete rubble shoreline. Work in the floodplain (Figure 1) is necessary because the shoreline is susceptible to wave-related impacts during coastal flooding events. Placement of rubble in this location will supplement the existing concrete rubble shoreline for improved resilience to storm-related impacts and maintain this access route to NASCC. There are no other alternative locations for the project and not performing the project would jeopardize NASCC physical security and the Navy’s ability to complete its mission.
 
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplain and wetlands and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment will be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain and wetlands, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplain and wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplain or wetland area, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
 
Interested parties may submit written comments no later than 5:00 PM Central Time on January 4, 2025 by email to biji.a.pandisseril.civ@us.navy.mil or by mail postmarked no later than January 3, 2025 to:
 
NAS Corpus Christi
Biji Pandisseril,                                                                                                 Sean Dath
Installation Environmental Program Director                                                    Public Affairs Officer
8851 Ocean Drive, Bldg. 19                                                                              10651 E Street, H-100 5^th Deck
Corpus Christi, TX 78419                                                                                   Corpus Christi, TX 78419
361-961-5353                                                                                                  361-961-2674