[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] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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] BILLING CODE 4310-94-M