Report); (2) reconnaissance studies (Reconnaissance Report); and (3) feasibility studies (Detailed
Study Report).
(1) Initial Appraisal. Conducted at 100 percent Federal cost, the initial appraisal is a brief
analysis conducted in response to the receipt of a State request for investigation of a new aquatic
plant problem or additional problems not covered by previously approved control agreements.
The district identifies the type, location, magnitude and impact(s) of the aquatic plant problem and
documents the district determination of need for further study. If further study is justified, a
request for authorization and funding for a reconnaissance study is forwarded through division
and HQUSACE (CECW-ON) to the OASA(CW) in the Letter Report.
(2) Reconnaissance Studies. Conducted at 100 percent Federal cost and cost normally
restricted to no more than ,000, reconnaissance studies are limited to 12 months in duration,
with possible extension to 18 months under unusual circumstances. Studies are confined to
readily available information required to determine Federal interest and should include, but not be
limited to, the information described in Appendix V. These studies also determine the potential
for an environmentally and economically feasible management program, and identify a sponsor
willing to cost-share the feasibility studies. Where findings and conclusions of the reconnaissance
study are unfavorable to undertaking feasibility study, a brief follow-up to the Letter Report
summarizing the problem and findings will be submitted through division and HQUSACE
(CECW-ON) to the OASA(CW). If the findings indicate advancement to the feasibility study
phase, the report is submitted through division and HQUSACE (CECW-ON) to the OASA(CW)
for review and approval. Reconnaissance Reports will include an analysis of the cost of preparing
the Detailed Study Report (DSR), a negotiated Detailed Study Cost-Sharing Agreement
(DSCSA) wherein the sponsor agrees to contribute 50 percent of the study cost of the DSR, and
a letter from the local sponsor indicating willingness and intent to sign the agreement upon
approval. The model DSCSA is at Appendix W. If the model is utilized as a form contract, the
District Commander may execute it without additional HQUSACE clearance provided no
modifications, additions, or deletions are made to the form contract. If the conditions of the
agreement vary from the form contract, review and approval by HQUSACE and the OASA(CW)
must take place prior to execution by the District Commander. The DSCSA shall identify the
time necessary to complete the DSR.
(3) Feasibility Studies. When authorized by the OASA(CW), the district will conduct a
feasibility study addressing details of the aquatic plant problem and a proposed plan of action.
Conducted at 50 percent Federal/50 percent sponsor cost (at least half of which must be cash),
the study determines whether an APC program is justified; if so, plans of sufficient detail will be
developed to assure a comprehensive management program. Feasibility studies will consider
physical, mechanical, chemical, biological and integrated control technology. Priority will be
given to biological control where feasible. A negotiated Local Cooperative Agreement (LCA) for
Operations wherein the local sponsor agrees to contribute 50 percent of the cost of control
operations, and a letter from the sponsor indicating willingness and intent to sign the agreement
upon approval will accompany the findings in the Detailed Study Report (DSR). Upon
completion, the DSR will be reviewed by the division and then forwarded to HQUSACE
(CECW-ON) for review and approval.
(4) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Requirements. The feasibility study
phase includes preparation of an Environmental Assessment (EA) and, if needed, an
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). These studies are also cost-shared. The EA will
conclude with either a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or a recommendation for
preparation of an EIS. The EA or EIS may either be a self supporting document combined with
and bound within the feasibility report (Detailed Study Report) or integrated into the text of the
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