[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 199 (Wednesday, October 15, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53652-53653]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-27231]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Reclamation


Western Colorado Area Office, Grand Junction, Colorado

AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.

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

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 
1969, as amended, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) intends to 
prepare a supplemental environmental impact statement on the AB Lateral 
Hydropower Project. The project would be located in Montrose County, 
Colorado. The purpose of the hydropower project is to economically 
develop the energy potential of water flows from the Gunnison River 
through the existing Gunnison Tunnel to the Uncompahgre River.

DATES: The Supplemental EIS is expected to be available for public 
comment in 1998.

ADDRESSES: For information concerning the supplemental NEPA work, or 
information or suggestions concerning the work, contact Mr. Steve 
McCall, Environmental Specialist, Western Colorado Area Office, Bureau 
of Reclamation, P.O. Box 60340, Grand Junction CO 81506.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Steve McCall at (970) 248-0600.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    A final environmental impact statement (FEIS 90-25) was filed on

[[Page 53653]]

August 28, 1990. The FEIS described four alternatives for the proposed 
construction and operation of a hydropower project using features of 
Reclamation's Uncompahgre Valley Reclamation Project (UVRP). 
Reclamation is considering executing a lease of power privilege (a type 
of contract) with a private company to use facilities for this project. 
A Section 404 Permit under the Clean Water (Act) is also required for 
the project.
    The alternatives described in the FEIS provided for additional 
water diversions from the Gunnison River through the existing Gunnison 
Tunnel to a penstock and powerplant near Montrose, Colorado. The 
significant issues addressed in the FEIS included the impacts of 
reduced flows in the Gunnison River, increased flows in the Uncompahgre 
River, economic impacts in local counties, and impacts on wetlands. 
Since publication of the FEIS, additional information has become 
available concerning proposed bank stabilization plans along the 
Uncompahgre River, endangered species, resources along the Gunnison 
River, and power sales.
    Hydropower development in association with the UVRP was authorized 
by the Act of June 22, 1938 (Pub. L. 75-698, Stat. 941). Under the Act, 
the hydropower facility would be constructed and operated under a lease 
of power privilege with Reclamation. This lease would provide for cost 
reimbursement fees, Reclamation's role as overseer, and the Sponsor's 
obligations, including environmental commitments. Funding for the 
hydropower studies is provided by the project proponents. Reclamation 
serves as the lead Federal agency responsible for ensuring compliance 
with NEPA.

Potential Federal Action

    Two major Federal actions are pending on the project: execution of 
a lease of power privilege by Reclamation and issuance of a Section 404 
Permit under the Clean Water Act by the Corps of Engineers.

    Dated: October 7, 1997.
Charles Calhoun,
Regional Director, Upper Colorado Region.
[FR Doc. 97-27231 Filed 10-14-97; 8:45 am]
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