[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 239 (Wednesday, December 11, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 65234]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-31473]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Reclamation


Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Rio Grande and Low Flow 
Conveyance Channel Between San Acacia, NM and Elephant Butte Reservoir

AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a draft environmental impact 
statement.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(NEPA), as amended, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) proposes to 
prepare a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) addressing 
possible changes to the configuration and operation of the Rio Grande 
``Floodway'' and Low Flow Conveyance Channel between San Acacia, New 
Mexico and Elephant Butte Reservoir. Public scoping meetings will be 
held to obtain comments from interested organizations and individuals 
on what issues should be considered in the DEIS.

DATES: Two public meetings will be held in January 1997 to present 
information and solicit public input. The first meeting will be held on 
January 21, 1997, in Albuquerque, at the University of New Mexico from 
3:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The second meeting will be held on January 
22, 1997, in Socorro, New Mexico at the Bureau of Reclamation Field 
Division Office from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

ADDRESSES: The meeting in Albuquerque will be held at the University of 
New Mexico Union Building, Rooms 250 A, B, and C (the Union Bldg., is 
located north of Pope Joy Hall). The Socorro meeting will be held at 
the Bureau of Reclamation Socorro Field Division Office Building, 2401 
State Road 1, in the east assembly room. Written comments should be 
submitted to Mr. Chris Gorbach, Project Team Leader at the address 
listed below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Chris Gorbach, Project Team Leader, Bureau of Reclamation, 505 
Marquette NW, Suite 1313, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87102; telephone: 
505-248-5379. E-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Flood Control Acts of 1948 and 1950 
authorize Reclamation to construct and maintain channel works on the 
Rio Grande between Velarde, New Mexico and Caballo Reservoir. These 
works promote efficient conveyance of water to Elephant Butte 
Reservoir. Channel works assist in meeting water delivery obligations 
required by interstate compact and international treaty. They also 
assist in providing reliable valley drainage and contribute to the safe 
passage of flood waters. To assure that these project purposes continue 
to be met effectively, Reclamation is reevaluating the configuration 
and operation of the channel system between San Acacia, New Mexico and 
Elephant Butte Reservoir. The channel facilities specifically involved 
in this reevaluation are the Low Flow Conveyance Channel and the Rio 
Grande Channel or ``Floodway.''
    Factors prompting a reevaluation of the channel system and its 
operation include changes in the flow of the Rio Grande due to climatic 
variation and infrastructure changes. Chronic sediment management 
problems, anticipated reductions in Federal funding, and new legal 
constraints, such as the Endangered Species Act, on system operation 
are also factors that prompt this reevaluation. The needs of endangered 
species and requirements for preservation and enhancement of the Rio 
Grande bosque will be considered. The DEIS will address possible 
actions or changes in the operation of the system that may result from 
the findings of these investigations.
    Besides ensuring continued fulfillment of original project 
purposes, Reclamation will analyze the environmental impacts associated 
with the maintenance and operation of the floodway and Low Flow 
Conveyance Channel system.

    Dated: December 4, 1996.
Charles A. Calhoun,
Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 96-31473 Filed 12-10-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-94-M