[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 239 (Friday, December 12, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65426-65427]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-32568]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[ER-FRL-5487-3]


Environmental Impact Statements and Regulations; Availability of 
EPA Comments

    Availability of EPA comments prepared November 24, 1997 Through 
November 28, 1997 pursuant to the Environmental Review Process (ERP), 
under Section 309 of the Clean Air Act and Section 102(2)(c) of the 
National Environmental Policy Act as amended. Requests for copies of 
EPA comments can be directed to the Office of Federal Activities at 
(202) 564-7167. An explanation of the ratings assigned to draft 
environmental impact statements (EISs) was published in FR dated April 
11, 1997 (62 FR 16154).

Draft EISs

    ERP No. D-COE-K36122-CA Rating EC2, Upper Guadalupe River 
Feasibility Study, Flood Control Protection, Construction, National 
Economic Development Plan (NED), Santa Clara Valley Water District, 
City of San Jose, Santa Clara County, CA.
    Summary: EPA expressed environmental concerns regarding the lack of 
a discussion as to whether a combination of structural and non-
structural features may be a reasonable alternative, whether the 
project would comply with applicable Water Quality Standards, and the 
potential impacts and mitigation measures associated with using 
herbicides to control vegetation under the Channel Bypass Plan. EPA 
recommended that the FEIS incorporate pollution prevention features in 
the project's design, construction and operation.
    ERP No. DS-COE-G39002-00 Rating LO, Red River Chloride Control 
Project, Construction and Operation Methods, Updated and Additional 
Information, several counties TX and OK.
    Summary: EPA had no objection; however, EPA recommended that the 
description of the no action alternative be expanded to include the 
economic consequences of not developing additional water supply sources 
to users in the Red River Basin.
    ERP No. D1-COE-K35012-CA Rating EC2, Sacramento River Bank 
Protection Project, Implemention of Streambank Protection for the Lower 
American River between RM-0 and 13.7, Updated Information, City of 
Sacramento, Sacramento County, CA.
    Summary: EPA commended the Corps for the collaborative process with 
Federal, State and local agencies that lead to the project's design and 
environmental documentation. However, EPA expressed concerns regarding 
potential impacts to aquatic resources. The lack of a discussions of 
mitigation measures to compensate for the unavoidable loss of aquatic 
resources. EPA asked that the FSEIS clearly indicate whether adverse 
impacts to aquatic resources would be avoided and minimized to the 
greatest extent practicable while still executing the project's purpose 
and need. EPA also asked that the FSEIS discuss whether the project 
would comply with Water Quality Standards and protect beneficial uses.

Final EISs

    ERP No. F-AFS-L61214-OR, Kalmiopsis Wilderness, Approval for 
Motorized Vehicular Access to the Private Property within the Chetco 
River

[[Page 65427]]

Drainage, Special-Use-Permit Issuance, Illinois Valley Ranger District, 
Siskiyou National Forest, Curry County, OR.
    Summary: Review of the Final EIS was not deemed necessary. No 
formal comment letter was sent to the preparing agency.
    ERP No. F-AFS-L65278-ID, Middle Fork Analysis Area Management Plan, 
Implementation, Nez Perce National Forest, Selway Ranger District, 
Idaho County, ID.
    Summary: Review of the Final EIS was not deemed necessary. No 
formal comment letter was sent to the preparing agency.
    ERP No. F-BLM-K67045-NV, Florida Canyon Mine Expansion Project and 
Comprehensive Reclamation Plan, Construction and Operation of New 
Facilities and Expansion of Existing Gold Mining Operations in Imlay 
Mining District, Plan-of-Operation Approval and Right-of-Way Permit 
Issuance, Pershing County, NV.
    Summary: Review of the Final EIS was not deemed necessary. No 
formal comment letter was sent to the preparing agency.
    ERP No. F-DOE-L91001-ID, Nez Perce Tribal Hatchery Program, 
Implementation, Restore Chenook Salmon to the Clearwater River 
Subbasin, Snake River, Idaho.
    Summary: Review of the Final EIS has been completed and the project 
found to be satisfactory.
    ERP No. F-IBR-K31018-AZ, Programmatic EIS--Pima-Maricopa Irrigation 
Project, Construction and Operation, Maricopa and Pinal Counties, AZ.
    Summary: EPA expressed environmental concern over the large scope 
of the proposed action and potential adverse environmental impacts. EPA 
recommended prioritization of project components for implementation 
with primary emphasis on rehabilitation of existing irrigation systems 
and agricultural areas. EPA also strongly advocated monitoring and 
adaptive management and urged full integration of the Community's 
comprehensive water management plan. EPA urged implementation of the 
demonstration Riparian Habitat Area as soon as feasible.

    Dated: December 9, 1997.
William D. Dickerson,
Director, NEPA Compliance Division, Office of Federal Activities.
[FR Doc. 97-32568 Filed 12-11-97; 8:45 am]
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