[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 186 (Friday, September 25, 1998)] [Notices] [Page 51349] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-25748] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [ER-FRL-5495-7] Environmental Impact Statements and Regulations; Availability of EPA Comments Availability of EPA comments prepared August 17, 1998 Through August 21, 1998 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) 564-5076. An explanation of the ratings assigned to draft environmental impact statements (EISs) was published in FR dated April 10, 1998 (62 FR 17856). Draft EISs ERP No. D-DOC-C39012-PR Rating LO, Corals and Reef Associated Plants and Invertebrates, Fishery Management Plan, Amendment I Marine Conservation District (MCD), Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Puerto Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands, PR and VI. Summary: EPA believed that any of the three options being considered will further the objectives of the Coral Fishery Management Plan and will result in beneficial environmental impacts to the aquatic resources in the US Caribbean. Therefore, in accordance with EPA policy, EPA does not object to the projects implementation. ERP No. D-DOE-A09828-00 Rating EC2, Surplus Plutonium Disposition (DOE/EIS-0283) for Siting, Construction and Operation of three facilities for Plutonium Disposition, Possible Sites Hanford, Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Pantex Plant and Savannah River, CA, ID, NM, SC, TX and WA. Summary: EPA expressed environmental concern based on the effects on water and ecological resources and the presence of contamination in the existing environment and lack of assurance that the proposed operations would not lead to further adverse impacts. ERP No. D-GSA-C60004-NY Rating EC2, Governors Island Disposition of Surplus Federal Real Property, Implementation, Upper New York Bay, NY. Summary: EPA expressed environmental concerns about potentially significant indirect impacts to historic resources and air quality which could result from the implementation of this project, and that additional information (2) should be presented in the final EIS to address these concerns. ERP No. D-NOA-A91064-00 Rating EC1, Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management, Fishery Management Plan, Implementation, Nova Scotia to Florida, Northwestern Atlantic Ocean. Summary: EPA expressed environmental concerns that supported the suite of management alternatives to be implemented to rebuild bluefish stocks. Reduction of fish limits per angler from ten to four/five bluefish was recommend for recreational fishing. Final EISs ERP No. F-FAA-F51043-MN, Dual Track Airport Planning Process, Construction and Expansion, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, Twin Cities, Hennepin and Dakota Counties, MN. Summary: EPA stated that the FEIS did not provide the level of information that is necessary to fully assess all environmental impacts of the preferred alternative. EPA also expressed objections regarding segmentation of the Runway 4-22 extension project. In addition, the FEIS is lacking the following information: (1) Existing 1994 aircraft operations; (2) details supporting the ``Finding of No Practicable Alternative'' for wetlands lose; (3) clear distinction between impacts associated with plans for 2010 versus 2020; and (4) summaries of sub- alternatives evaluated in the previous studies. ERP No. F-TVA-E09801-MS, Red Hills Power Project, Proposal to Purchase 440 megawatts (MW) of Electrical Energy, COE Section 404 Permit, Town of Ackerman, Choctaw County, MS. Summary: EPA continued to have environmental concerns about the project, due to the potential impact of the proposed power plant and surface coal mining operations on environmentally sensitive sites. Dated: September 22, 1998. William D. Dickerson, Director, NEPA Compliance Division, Office of Federal Activities. [FR Doc. 98-25748 Filed 9-24-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-U