Army Corps Skips Big Eco-Report for Easier Shoreline Fix
Published Date: 3/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is stopping plans to write a big extra report for the San Clemente Shoreline Protection Project because the project got smaller and simpler than expected. This means fewer environmental impacts and less paperwork, speeding things up for the local community and government. Construction started in December 2023, and this change helps keep the project on track without extra delays or big new costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
NOI Withdrawn; SEIS Not Required
You should know the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers withdrew the July 2, 2024 notice to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement; that withdrawal is effective March 19, 2025. USACE will prepare a supplemental environmental assessment (SEA) instead because the project scope was reduced and USACE determined a SEIS is not likely to be required.
Long-Term Nourishment Plan Authorized
The project as authorized calls for an approximately 50-foot-wide beach nourishment along a 3,412-foot-long stretch of shoreline, with renourishment on average every 6 years over a 50-year period of federal participation (authorized by the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, section 7002). USACE will monitor the nourishment site and determine appropriate frequency and borrow quantity for future renourishments and will evaluate impacts of future placements following monitoring.
Construction Pause and Alternate Borrow Site
Construction of the project began in December 2023 but was temporarily paused after equipment damage and sediment compatibility issues at the Oceanside borrow area. In April 2024 the contractor placed 115,000 cubic yards of compatible sediment for initial construction, and the March 2024 SEA evaluated the Surfside-Sunset borrow area (a 106-acre site located 29 miles north) as an alternate borrow site.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-18317, Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The purpose of this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking is for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army ("the agencies") to supplement and seek additional comment on certain aspects of an earlier proposal, published on November 20, 2025, to revise the regulations defining the scope of waters federally covered under the Clean Water Act in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. As stated in the agencies' November 20, 2025 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the agencies intend for this rulemaking to provide greater regulatory certainty and increase Clean Water Act program predictability and consistency by clarifying the definition of "waters of the United States." After consideration of the public comments received on the NPRM, the agencies are issuing this notice to supplement the NPRM with additional regulatory options on certain aspects of the proposed rule.
2025-20402, Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The EPA and Army Corps are updating the rules that decide which waters are protected under the Clean Water Act, following a 2023 Supreme Court decision. This change helps everyone know exactly which waters are covered, making it easier to protect lakes, rivers, and wetlands while respecting state and tribal rights. People and businesses affected should share their thoughts by January 5, 2026, as this update could impact water projects and environmental protections.
2026-16359, Danger Zone: Pacific Ocean at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, Island of Oahu, Hawaii
The United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is amending its regulations for an existing danger zone at the U.S. Marine Corps Ulupau Crater Weapons Training Range in the vicinity of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. The Marine Corps requested a change to the current hours that weapons firing may be conducted. This amendment is necessary in order to ensure public safety.
2026-16357, Restricted Area: Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants to update the restricted area rules at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach in California. This change follows a big project that moved a public boating channel and added a new ammo pier, aiming to keep people safe and protect Navy operations. If you have thoughts, send your comments by September 10, 2026—no costs or fees involved!
2026-11786, Danger Zone; Waters of Carr Creek and Whitehall Bay in the Vicinity of the Naval Support Activity Annapolis
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is setting up three new danger zones in Carr Creek and Whitehall Bay near the Naval Support Activity Annapolis to keep everyone safe during Naval Academy firing range training. These zones will protect Sailors, Midshipmen, law enforcement, and boaters by restricting access when the range is active. The new rules kick in 30 days after being published, with no extra costs for the public.
2026-11283, Notice of Availability of the Record of Decision for the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Dakota Access Pipeline, Lake Oahe Crossing, North Dakota
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has officially decided to allow the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under Lake Oahe in North Dakota, but with extra safety rules. This affects local communities, the environment, and the pipeline company, ensuring the project moves forward carefully. The decision is now public, so everyone knows the plan and what comes next.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-04492, Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding public meetings April 9-15, 2025, in San Jose, CA, and online. These meetings affect fishermen, environmental groups, and coastal communities by discussing fishery rules, budgets, and habitat protection. You can join live, comment remotely, and stay updated on important fishery decisions that might impact fishing limits and local economies.
Next: 2025-04494, Conclusion of the Renewal of a Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreement With the Government of the Italian Republic
The U.S. Department of Defense is renewing its defense buying agreement with Italy, making it easier for both countries to work together on military equipment deals. This update keeps the same rules for fair and open competition, letting companies from both sides bid and get feedback. If you’re in the defense industry, you’ve got until April 18, 2025, to share your thoughts on how these deals have worked.