[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 4, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 446-447]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-143]



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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


Notice of Floodplain/Wetland Involvement for Operable Unit 2 
Remedial Action At the Fernald Environmental Management Project

AGENCY: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Fernald Area Office.

ACTION: Notice of Floodplain/Wetland Involvement.

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SUMMARY: The Fernald Environmental Management Project (FEMP), located 
approximately 18 miles (29 kilometers) northwest of downtown 
Cincinnati, Ohio, is divided into five operable units which will 
involve various removal and remedial actions. The subject of this 
Notice of Involvement is Operable Unit 2. The purpose of the Operable 
Unit 2 Remedial Action is to reduce risks to human health and the 
environment. Operable Unit 2 is defined by five subunits or areas: the 
Solid Waste Landfill, Lime Sludge Ponds, Inactive Flyash Pile, South 
Field, and Active Flyash Pile. The proposed Remedial Action 
Alternatives for Operable Unit 2 consist of excavation and disposal of 
Operable Unit 2 waste in an on-property disposal facility. Waste 
exceeding waste acceptance criteria would be disposed of off site.
    Excavation activities involving the Solid Waste Landfill, Lime 
Sludge Ponds, and support facilities (i.e., pipeline and haul road) 
would impact wetland areas. Remedial activities involving the Inactive 
Flyash Pile, South Field, and Active Flyash Pile could impact 
floodplain areas. In accordance with 10 CFR 1022, ``Compliance with 
Floodplain/Wetland Environmental Review Requirements,'' DOE will 
prepare the respective Floodplain/Wetland Assessment for the Operable 
Unit 2 Remedial Action and the appropriate Statements of Findings. The 
proposed activities will be performed in such a manner to avoid or 
minimize potential harm to or within wetland and floodplain areas. Maps 
and additional information are available from the DOE at the address 
below.

DATES: Written comments must be received by the DOE at the following 
address on or before January 19, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Mail comments and requests for further information to: Mr. 
Wally Quaider, Acting Associate Director, Office of Safety & 
Assessment, [[Page 447]] U.S. Department of Energy, Fernald Area 
Office, P.O. Box 538705, Cincinnati, Ohio 45253-8705, Facsimile: (513) 
648-3077.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Carol Borgstrom, Director, Office 
of NEPA Oversight, EH-25, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C. 20585, (202) 586-4600 or 1-800-472-2756.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Remedial Action for Operable Unit 2 
would affect on-property wetlands and the 100- and 500-year floodplain 
of Paddys Run. Activities involving the Solid Waste Landfill would 
result in direct physical impact to a 0.1 hectare- (0.2 acre-) drainage 
ditch wetland on the northern boundary of the Solid Waste Landfill. 
Indirect impacts to a 0.02 hectare- (0.04 acre-) drainage ditch 
wetlands north and northwest of the Lime Sludge Ponds could include the 
migration of eroded soil and surface water runoff and the dispersion of 
fugitive dust to the wetland area. In addition, approximately 0.18 
hectare (0.45 acre) of drainage ditch wetland areas would be filled as 
a result of the construction of a haul road and pipeline. Engineering 
controls would be implemented during all remedial activities to 
minimize impacts. Potential indirect impacts to the 100- and 500-year 
floodplain as a result of the remedial activities involving the 
Inactive Flyash Pile, South Field, and Active Flyash Pile include 
surface water runoff and sedimentation loading into the floodplain. 
Direct physical impact to the floodplain could also occur as a result 
of heavy equipment operating within the floodplain during remediation 
of the Inactive Flyash Pile and South Field; however, no change in 
flood elevations would be expected.
    Proposed actions potentially affecting these areas are subject to 
the substantive requirements of laws, regulations, and orders 
pertaining to wetlands and floodplains protection. Additionally, 
Executive Order (E.O.) 11988--Floodplain Management--and E.O. 11990--
Protection of Wetlands--implemented by 10 CFR 1022, require federal 
agencies to consider the effects of proposed actions on floodplains and 
wetlands. These regulations require federal agencies to avoid, to the 
extent possible, adverse impacts associated with the occupancy and 
modification of floodplains and the destruction and modification of 
wetlands, and to avoid direct or indirect support of floodplain and 
wetlands development where there is a practicable alternative. Where no 
practicable alternative exists, proposed actions must include all 
practicable measures to minimize harm. Best management practices will 
be utilized during the proposed projects to minimize impacts to wetland 
and floodplain areas.

    Issued in Miamisburg, Ohio on December 21, 1994.
Robert Folker,
Acting Manager, Ohio Field Office.
[FR Doc. 95-143 Filed 1-3-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P