[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 132 (Tuesday, July 12, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-16732]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: July 12, 1994]


                                                   VOL. 59, NO. 132

                                             Tuesday, July 12, 1994

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Electrification Administration

 

Arizona Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.; Finding of No 
Significant Impact

AGENCY: Rural Electrification Administration, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Rural Electrification 
Administration (REA) has amended its finding of no significant impact 
(FONSI) dated February 3, 1993, with respect to the potential 
environmental impact resulting from a proposal by Arizona Electric 
Power Cooperative, Inc. (AEPCO), to construct and operate a new ash and 
scrubber waste disposal facility adjacent to its Apache Generating 
Station.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lawrence R. Wolfe, Chief, 
Environmental Compliance Branch, Electric Staff Division, room 1246, 
South Agriculture Building, Rural Electrification Administration, 
Washington, DC 20250, telephone (202) 720-1784.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Apache Generating Station is located 
approximately 11 miles southeast of the Town of Willcox in Cochise 
County, Arizona. The proposed project consists of constructing a 285-
acre disposal facility that will include two ash pond cells, an 
evaporation pond, and a scrubber sludge disposal pond. Due to site 
topography, the above ground height of the disposal facility's exterior 
dikes will range from 5 feet along the western border to 30 feet along 
the eastern border. The dike side slopes and pond bottoms will be lined 
with high density synthetic polyethylene flexible membrane liners. 
Above ground pipelines will be used to sluice the ash and scrubber 
wastes from the plant to the disposal facility. The facility is 
designed as a no discharge system.
    Alternatives considered to the proposed project included 
reconstruction of the existing ash and sludge ponds (no action), total 
conversion of the Station to burn natural gas, sale of the ash and 
scrubber sludge, dry disposal of ash and scrubber sludge, and 
construction of new disposal facilities at a different location. REA 
considered these alternatives and concluded in a FONSI published in the 
Federal Register on February 12, 1993 that constructing new ash and 
scrubber waste disposal facilities at the AEPCO's proposed site was the 
preferred alternative to ensure continued operation of the Apache 
Station's coal-fired units and compliance with recent aquifer 
protection legislation.
    Subsequent to REA's previous action, an earth fissure was 
identified within the boundaries of AEPCO's preferred site. This issue 
was considered significant enough for the Arizona Department of 
Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to require an onsite investigation. REA 
decided to reevaluate the proposed project based on the results of that 
investigation. The amended FONSI is based on a review of the following 
information: (1) Combustion Waste Disposal Facility Fissure 
Investigation; (2) Public Hearing Transcript on the draft Aquifer 
Protection Permit (APP); (3) Responsiveness Summary prepared by the 
ADEQ in response to public comments on the draft APP; (4) Final APP 
issued on April 22, 1994; and (5) other permits and approvals issued 
for the proposed facility and referenced in the FONSI. REA 
independently evaluated the above listed documents and other available 
information and believes that modified design and additional monitoring 
requirements included in the APP will ensure that future expansion or 
movement of the fissure and associated seepage from the ponds is 
detected. These measures should preclude the potential for adverse 
impacts to groundwater quality in the vicinity of the proposed 
facility.
    In accordance with REA Environmental Policies and Procedures for 
Electric and Telephone Borrowers, 7 CFR Part 1794, AEPCO published 
notices in the San Pedro Valley News Sun and the Willcox Range News on 
May 5 and 12, 1994. The notices announced REA's decision to reassess 
its FONSI determination of February 12, 1993, described the 
documentation upon which the reassessment would be based, and 
identified locations within Cochise County at which these materials 
could be reviewed. The comments received did not identify any issues or 
concerns relating to the project that: (1) had not been addressed by 
the appropriate regulatory authority; or (2) had not been previously 
brought to REA's attention.
    A copy of the amended finding of no significant impact is available 
for review at, or can be obtained from, REA at the address provided 
herein or from Mr. Mark W. Schwirtz, Arizona Electric Power 
Cooperative, Inc., 1000 South Highway 80, P.O. Box 670, Benson, Arizona 
85602, during normal business hours.

    Dated: July 1, 1994.
Adam M. Golodner,
Deputy Administrator, Program Operations.
[FR Doc. 94-16732 Filed 7-11-94; 8:45 am]
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