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In addition, the Corps determination to prepare an 

 environmental impact statement (EIS) in conjunction with a permit 

 application carries with it requirements to provide for public 

 comment at various stages of the National Environmental Policy 

 Act process that are separate and distinct from the 

 aforementioned public comment opportunities. The public may 

 provide comments on draft and final EIS, as well as oral and/or 

 written comments in conjunction with public hearings held in 

 conjunction with the EIS preparation process. 



There are situations where the degree of public interest is 

 so great that we simply do not have the logistical capability to 

 deal with or respond to each person or comment individually. In 

 those cases, we provide generic responses and make the analysis 

 and decision documents available to anyone who asks for them. We 

 approach Corps dredging projects in the same open manner as we do 

 the regulatory program. 



Do you feel that there are ways that the process could be 

 improved in this regard? 



ANSWER Mr. Rees: Honestly no. We believe the Corps project and 



regulatory permit processes provide extensive opportunity for the 



public to comment on permit applications or proposed project 

 activities. 



