[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 127 (Wednesday, July 2, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35833-35834]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-17271]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Reclamation


Development of a Wetlands Park in Las Vegas Wash in Clark County, 
Nevada

AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability and notice of public hearing on draft 
environmental impact statement (DEIS).

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SUMMARY: The purpose of this action is to provide notice of the 
availability for review and comment, of the DEIS on potential impacts 
on a proposed Wetlands Park in Las Vegas Wash, Clark County, Nevada. A 
Public Hearing will be held to receive comments in preparation for 
finalizing the DEIS.

DATES AND ADDRESSES: A 60-day review period commences with the 
publication of this notice. Written comments may be submitted to the 
Regional Director, Lower Colorado Region, P.O. Box 61470, Boulder City, 
Nevada 89006-1470. The Public Hearing will be held at the following 
location: August 6, 1997--7:00 p.m., Clark County Government Center, 
500 S. Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas, Nevada 89155.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Del Kidd, Bureau of Reclamation, 
Lower Colorado Region, P.O. Box 61470, Boulder City, NV 89006-1470, 
telephone: (702) 293-8698. Copies of the DEIS will be available for 
inspection at local libraries and may be obtained at the above and 
following address: Department of Parks and Recreation, Clark County 
Government Center, P.O. Box 551741, Las Vegas, Nevada 89155-7110, 
telephone number 702-455-2452.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed project is a Wetlands Park 
along a 7 mile reach of Las Vegas Wash in southeastern Nevada, 
including portions of Whitney and the City of Henderson, and 
unincorporated portions of Clark County, Nevada. The Park is proposed 
by the Clark County Department of Comprehensive Planning Parks and 
Recreation. Some of the lands the Park will be constructed on is 
administered by Reclamation. Because Reclamation lands are involved in 
this

[[Page 35834]]

proposal, National Environmental Policy Act compliance is required. 
Also, because Reclamation lands are involved, it was agreed that 
Reclamation would be the lead agency for NEPA compliance. In 1991, 
Nevada residents approved by ballot a statewide wildlife and park bond 
earmarking $13.3 million for the wetlands park project in Las Vegas 
Wash.
    A critical need for the Las Vegas Wash is to control erosion. Flows 
in the upper reaches of the Wash and its tributaries are intermittent 
and occur primarily during storms. Flows in the lower reaches are 
primarily from treated wastewater effluent. The water from these two 
areas ultimately is discharged Lake Mead. As urban development 
continues throughout the Las Vegas Valley, the amount of impervious 
surface area and subsequent stormwater runoff increase. The increase in 
wastewater flows and stormwater runoff have accelerated erosion and 
channelization. In the last 25 years, wetlands have been reduced to 
approximately 50 acres. This erosion has resulted in 4 to 5 million 
cubic yards of sediment being deposited in Lake Mead.
    Four alternatives are considered in the DEIS: Conservation, 
Recreation, Full Development, Integrated Alternative. The Conservation 
Alternative primarily purpose is to protect and enhance wildlife 
habitat. The Recreation Alternative primary purpose is to create a full 
range of recreation activities and wildlife viewing opportunities for 
people of all abilities. The Full Development alternative purpose would 
be to develop the area as a major environmental and recreational 
resource that emphasizes the enhancement of natural resources, 
recreational development, and major facilities for education and large 
numbers of visitors. The Integrated Alternative (preferred alternative) 
would be an environmental and recreational resource emphasizing habitat 
enhancement, and recreational/educational facilities for visitors.
    A variety of impacts were addressed; among these were the 
following: geology, air quality, hydrology, water quality, biological 
resources, land use, transportation, noise, cultural resources, health 
& safety, and visual resources.
    There are two major areas of controversy, and these are sediment 
quality and water use.

    Dated: June 25, 1997
Laura Herbranson,
Director, Resource Management and Technical Services.
[FR Doc. 97-17271 Filed 7-1-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-94-P