Save the C&O Canal from intrusive development!
DEFENDERS OF POTOMAC RIVER PARKLAND
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Process
Development of an Environmental Impact Statement on the Georgetown University boathouse is on hold; however, the process may be reopened in the future, and the information below remains relevant to the NPS feasibility study on a non-motorized boathouse zone in Georgetown.Before embarking on the EIS process, the National Park Service addressed the boathouse issue through the less comprehensive Environmental Assessment (EA) process. In April 2006, NPS published a draft EA that listed as the "Preferred Alternative" a very large GU boathouse on a wooded site within the C&O Canal National Historical Park, upriver from the Washington Canoe Club. The draft EA was met by strong objections from those concerned with preserving the scenic and historic values of the C&O Canal NHP. (See EA Page.)
On December 3, 2007, NPS published a notice of intent to prepare an EIS on a proposal to build a GU boathouse on land within the C&O Canal National Historical Park, and on a related land exchange. A public comment period on the scope of the EIS closed on January 18, 2008. During the spring and summer of 2008, NPS held a series of public focus meetings on the EIS scope. There has been no public involvement in the EIS process since that time.
The public submitted numerous scoping comments to Kevin Brandt, the Superintendent of C&O Canal National Historical Park. The next step would normally be for NPS to publish a draft EIS on its Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) web page, and to invite public comment on that document..
Other material related to the EIS process:
Fact Sheet, August 2010
Sample Letter (pdf)
Sample Letter (doc)
Scoping Points
Article in the Northwest Current, Dec. 5, 2007:
"Agency Orders Study on GU Boathouse"
NPS Notice of Intent, Dec. 3, 2007
NPS Notices of EIS Meetings, Dec. 2007 - July 2008
NPS web site, "Director's Orders and Related Documents"
NPS DO-12 Handbook, "Handbook for Environmental Impact Analysis"