[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 199 (Wednesday, October 15, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 53653]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-27230]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Reclamation


Garrison Diversion Unit

AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, in conjunction with U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

ACTION: Notice of availability of Final Environmental Impact Statement 
(FEIS).

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969, as amended, the Bureau of Reclamation, acting as 
lead Federal agency, in conjunction with the Fish and Wildlife Service 
and North Dakota Game and Fish Department, has prepared a Final 
Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) on the Arrowwood National 
Wildlife Refuge (NWR) mitigation project. The FEIS evaluates the impact 
to the environment of seven alternatives, including no action, for 
mitigating adverse impacts of Jamestown Reservoir on Arrowwood NWR. The 
project would improve refuge water management capability through 
construction of various bypass channels, water control structures, and 
fish barriers. In addition, the normal operating level of Jamestown 
would be lowered approximately 1.8 feet. This mitigation is required by 
the Garrison Diversion Unit Reformulation Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-294) and 
the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (16 U.S.C. 
668dd-668jj).

DATES: A 30-day public comment period commences with the publication of 
this notice.

ADDRESSES: Obtain information relative to the study or a copy of the 
FEIS from: Greg Hiemenz, Project Coordinator, Bureau of Reclamation, 
Dakotas Area Office, P.O. Box 1017, Bismarck ND 58502.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Hiemenz, Project Coordinator, at 
(701) 250-4242 extension 3611 or Dennis E. Breitzman, Area Manager, at 
(701) 250-4242.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Arrowwood NWR is located on the James River 
in Stutsman and Foster Counties, North Dakota. The refuge lies within 
the flood pool of Jamestown Reservoir, a component of the Garrison 
Diversion Unit, and has, on numerous occasions, been adversely affected 
by reservoir operations.
    Seven alternatives for mitigating impacts to the refuge, including 
no action, were evaluated in the FEIS. The action alternatives comprise 
an incremental series of physical features, including bypass channels, 
water control structures, waterfowl sub-impoundments, and fish 
barriers, that could be constructed at Arrowwood NWR and Jamestown 
Reservoir to improve refuge water management. In addition, five of the 
six action alternatives would lower the normal operating level of 
Jamestown Reservoir and include measures to enhance the reservoir's 
sport fishery. Three of the alternatives would require off-site 
mitigation, including acquisition of private lands for development as 
wildlife habitat, to fully mitigate impacts to the refuge. The 
preferred alternative is the Mud and Jim Lakes Bypass--Lower Joint-use 
Pool Alternative. This is the least costly alternative that mitigates 
for all adverse impacts without requiring any acquisition of private 
land.
    As part of the NEPA process, public scoping meetings were held 
during January 1994. The draft EIS was completed and sent out for 
agency and public review and comment in April 1996. Comments were 
received and replies are incorporated into the FEIS.

    Dated: October 7, 1997.
Neil Stessman,
Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 97-27230 Filed 10-14-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-94-P