[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 218 (Friday, November 8, 1996)] [Notices] [Pages 57869-57870] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-28780] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [ER-FRL-5474-7] Environmental Impact Statements and Regulations; Availability of EPA Comments Availability of EPA comments prepared October 15, 1996 Through October 18, 1996 pursuant to the Environmental Review Process (ERP), under Section 309 of the Clean Air Act and Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act as amended. Requests for copies of EPA comments can be directed to the Office of Federal Activities at (202) 564-7167. An explanation of the ratings assigned to draft environmental impact statements (EISs) was published in FR dated April 05, 1996 (61 FR 15251). [[Page 57870]] Draft EISs ERP No. D-AFS-K65189-CA Rating EC2, Cavanah Multi-Resource Management Project, Implementation, Enchancing Forest Health and Productivity, Tahoe National Forest, Foresthill Ranger District, Placer County, CA. Summary: EPA expressed environmental concerns that the proposed management activities in a watershed degraded water quality are not being taken under a fully integrated management plan. ERP No. D-BLM-G67003-NM Rating LO, Little Rock Open-Pit Mine Project, Construction and Operation, Plan of Operations Approval, and several Permits Issuance, Grant County, NM. Summary: EPA had no objection to the preferred alternative with the inclusion of the mitigation and monitoring measures presented in the Draft EIS addressing dust suppression as part of the mine plan operation. ERP No. D-DOE-L09809-WA, Hanford Site Tank Waste Remediation Systems (TWRS), Management and Disposal of Radioactive, Hazardous, and Mixed Wastes, NPDES Permit and Approval of Several Permits, in the City of Richland, Grant County, WA. Summary: EPA's previous endorsement of the single regulatory authority approach and the extensive involvement of the Washington Department of Ecology as a co-preparer of this draft EIS, EPA does not foresee having any critical environmental objections to the proposed project. ERP No. D-NPS-L61211-AK Denali National Park and Reserve, ``Frontcountry'' Entrance Area and Road Corridor, Development Concept Plan, AK. Summary: Our abbreviated review has revealed no EPA concerns on this project. ERP No. DA-AFS-L65137-AK Rating EO2, Tongass Land Management Plan Revision (1996 DSEIS) New Information Concerning Changes to the Management Plan, Implementation, Tongass National Forest, AK. Summary: EPA expressed environmental objections to the action as described in the preferred alternative because of potential adverse impacts to water quality and fish habitat. ERP No. DR-SFW-K99026-CA Rating EC2, Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) Planning Area, Issuance of Take Authorizations for Threatened and Endangered Species Due to Urban Growth, San Diego County, CA. Summary: EPA expressed environmental concerns that tribal governments were not consulted. EPA also noted that requirements of Clean Water Act Section 404 will continue to apply on lands which do not become part of the habitat conservation area. Final EISs ERP No. F-AFS-K82005-CA Placerville Nursery Pest Management Plan, Implementation, Camino, El Dorado County, CA. Summary: Review of the Final EIS was not deemed necessary. No formal comment letter was sent to the preparing agency. ERP No. F-AFS-L65259-OR Foss Perkins Analysis Area, Vegetation Management and Timber Sale, Ochoco National Forest, Snow Mountain Ranger District, Harney County, OR. Summary: Review of the Final EIS was not deemed necessary. No formal comment letter was sent to the preparing agency. ERP No. F-BLM-K67033-NV Lone Tree Gold Mine Expansion Project, Plan of Operations Approval and Permit Issuance, Winnemucca District, Humboldt County, NV. Summary: EPA continued to express environmental concerns regarding impact due to waste rock and design of the tailings facility. ERP No. F-FRC-L05209-WA Nisqually Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 1862) Issuing New License (Relicense), Nisqually River, Pierce, Thurston and Lewis Counties, WA. Summary: Review of the Final EIS was not deemed necessary. No formal comment letter was sent to the preparing agency. ERP No. F-NPS-L65258-ID Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, General Management Plan, Implementation, Twin Falls and Gooding Counties, ID. Summary: Review of the Final EIS was not deemed necessary. No formal comment letter was sent to the preparing agency. Other ERP No. LD-AFS-K65185-CA Rating EO2, Tahoe National Forest and Portion of Plumas and EL Dorado National Forests, Implementation, Twenty-Two Westside Rivers for Suitability and inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, Wild and Scenic River Study, Placer, Nevada, Sierra, Plumas, EL Dorado and Yuba Counties, CA. Summary: EPA expressed environmental objections to the minimal protection and designation of exceptional ecological areas and the use of less protective classifications for acknowledged wild segments. EPA urge the Forest Service to designate the Downieville complex or to actively seek Research Natural Area or Special Interest Area designation for this exceptional, biologically rich area and for reconsideration of the North Fork of the North Fork American River, North Fork of the Middle Fork American River, Fordyce Creek, Middle Yuba River, and the upper South Yuba River for designation into an ecosystem watershed management strategy. Dated: November 5, 1996. William D. Dickerson, Director, NEPA Compliance Division, Office of Federal Activities. [FR Doc. 96-28780 Filed 11-7-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-U