[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 134 (Thursday, July 14, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-17137]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: July 14, 1994]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

 

Notice of Floodplain/Wetland Involvement for the Replacement of 
Four Bridges on the Savannah River Site

AGENCY: Department of Energy (DOE).

ACTION: Notice of floodplain and wetland involvement.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: DOE proposes to replace four bridges on the Savannah River 
Site (SRS) near Aiken, South Carolina. The proposed action would 
involve construction activity to replace bridges in the floodplain and 
wetlands of Upper Three Runs Creek and Tinker Creek. The scope of this 
project is intended to immediately replace three of these bridges 
because of deteriorated, decayed, or rotten timber piles. A fourth 
bridge would be scheduled for a later replacement. These impacted areas 
would include:
     Replacement of Bridge 603-13G at the intersection of Upper 
Three Runs Creek and SRS Road 8-1.
     Replacement of Bridge 603-14G at the intersection of 
Tinker Creek and SRS Road 8-1.
     Replacement of Bridge 603-15G at the intersection of Upper 
Three Runs Creek and SRS Road 2-1.
     Replacement of Bridge 603-39G at the intersection of 
Tinker Creek and SRS Road 2-1.
    These activities would necessitate temporary access for purposes of 
construction, as well as disruptions caused by driving new pilings in 
areas considered floodplains and wetlands of the SRS. In accordance 
with Title 10, CFR, Part 1022, DOE will prepare a floodplain/wetland 
assessment and will perform this proposed action in a manner so as to 
avoid or minimize potential harm to or within the affected floodplains 
and wetlands.

DATES: Comments on the proposed actions are due on or before July 29, 
1994.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to Floodplain/Wetlands 
Comments, Stephen R. Wright, Director, Environmental and Laboratory 
Programs Division, U.S. Department of Energy, Savannah River Operations 
Office, P.O. Box A, Aiken, South Carolina 29802. The phone number is 
(803) 725-3957. Fax comments to: (803) 725-7688.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON GENERAL FLOODPLAIN/WETLANDS ENVIRONMENTAL 
REVIEW REQUIREMENTS, PLEASE CONTACT: Ms. Carol M. Borgstrom, Director, 
Office of NEPA Oversight (EH-25), U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585, Telephone (202) 586-
4600 or (800) 472-2756.
    A location map showing the project sites and further information 
can be obtained from the Savannah River Operations Office (see 
ADDRESSES above).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The bridges on SRS Road 8-1 (603-13G and 
603-14G) which cross Upper Three Runs Creek and Tinker Creek will be 
replaced with minimal short-term impact and no long-term impact to 
wetlands or floodplains. This is because sufficient shoulder exists to 
allow abutment build-up without soil moving into the wetlands. A storm 
water and sediment control plan will be required prior to bridge 
replacements in order to minimize sediments eroding into the adjacent 
wetlands and floodplain. The wetlands and floodplains along Bridge 603-
13G & Road 8-1 is located within an area set aside for research. 
However, there is sufficient shoulder on each side of the stream to 
allow the replacement work to occur without impacts to the set aside 
area.
    The bridge (603-15G) that spans Upper Three Runs Creek on SRS Road 
2-1 will be replaced with minimal short-term impact and no long-term 
impact to wetlands or floodplains. The bridge (603-39G) that spans 
Tinker Creek on SRS Road 2-1 would be scheduled for replacement in the 
future as funding becomes available.
    The work required to replace these bridges would be accomplished 
from the existing roadbeds using a crane for pile driving, erection, 
and demolition. The only disturbance to the stream is anticipated to 
result from the installation of two piles to support the center span of 
the bridges. Prestressed, precast concrete beams will be used to 
construct longer spans in order to minimize pile installation in the 
stream. A small amount of sediment would be expected to go into the 
stream where the work is in the channel and temporarily increase the 
stream's sediment load level. These increased sediment loads would be 
less than that encountered after a heavy rainstorm. The old bridge 
supports would be cut off at the stream bed which may affect the flow 
of the stream. The bridges would be replaced at their present 
locations; there should be no loss or long-term impact to SRS 
floodplains or wetlands.
    DOE intends to investigate alternatives to placing pilings in 
stream channels and mitigation measures to minimize potential impacts 
to the floodplain and wetlands. There would be no operation of 
construction equipment or storage of equipment or materials in wetland 
areas. The existing unpaved roadways would be used for operation of 
construction equipment and as a material laydown area. There would be 
no excavation or deposition of fill material in wetlands. The only 
impact to wetlands would be from the installation of the pilings in 
stream channels and pilings cut off at stream beds. It is expected that 
no hazardous wastes or materials would be released in accomplishing the 
proposed action. Other erosion control measures, such as riprap berms 
along existing roadway, temporary and permanent seeding, and increasing 
the gravel thickness of the existing roadway may also be implemented to 
ensure there is no deposition in downslope wetland areas. The new 
abutments would be set on pilings placed outside the existing wetland 
limits on the existing roadway preventing any impacts to the stream and 
wetlands. Sediment from installation of the pilings in the stream 
channels could cause a short term impact to the downstream aquatic 
system. This impact would be very minor compared to the regular 
sediment load of Upper Three Runs and Tinker Creeks resulting from a 
rainstorm and should not last more than a few days following completion 
of the work. The amount of sediment created by the initial driving of 
each pile is expected to be measured in ounces. A portable U-shaped 
silt fence would be placed downstream during pile installation to 
collect any sediment displaced. Long-term construction impacts in 
floodplain and wetland areas should not be a factor, since the bridges 
are to be replaced at their present locations.
    A storm water and sediment control plan would be developed so that 
the proposed action complies with applicable State and local floodplain 
protection standards and further, to ensure that no additional impacts 
to wetlands would occur due to erosion and sedimentation. Best 
management practices would be employed during construction and 
maintenance activities associated with these proposed actions. In 
accordance with DOE regulations for compliance with floodplain and 
wetlands environmental review requirements (10 CFR Part 1022), DOE will 
prepare a Floodplain/Wetlands Assessment for this proposed DOE action.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on this 8th day of July 1994.
Donald F. Knuth,
 Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Facility Transition and 
Technical Support Defense Programs.
[FR Doc. 94-17137 Filed 7-13-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P