[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 46 (Wednesday, March 10, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11946-11947]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-5936]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Reclamation
[FES 99-9]


Development of a Wetlands Park in Las Vegas Wash in Clark County, 
Nevada

AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability of a final environmental impact 
statement (FEIS).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 
1969, as amended, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the Clark 
County Parks and Recreation have prepared a FEIS on potential impacts 
from the proposed Wetlands Park in Las Vegas Wash, Clark County, 
Nevada. Reclamation's involvement stems from a request for a lease for 
the wetlands park.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the FEIS are available for public inspection and 
review at the following locations:
     Bureau of Reclamation, Program Analysis Office, Room 7456, 
1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20240; telephone: (202) 208-4662.
     Bureau of Reclamation, Denver Office Library, Building 67, 
Room 167, Denver Federal Center, 6th and Kipling, Denver, CO 80225; 
telephone: (303) 236-6963.
     Bureau of Reclamation, Lower Colorado Region, Park Street 
and Nevada Highway, Boulder City, Nevada 89006-1470: telephone (702) 
293-8698.
     Clark County Department Parks and Recreation, 2601 East 
Sunset Road, Las Vegas, NV 89120; telephone: (702) 455-8287.
     Copies of the FEIS will be available for inspection at 
local libraries All those who commented on the Draft EIS or gave 
presentations at the Public Hearing will receive a copy of the FEIS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Del Kidd, Bureau of Reclamation, 
Lower Colorado Region, P.O. Box 61470,

[[Page 11947]]

Boulder City, NV 89006-1470, telephone: (702) 293-8698, or Mr. Bruce 
Sillitoe, Department of Parks and Recreation, 2601 East Sunset Road, 
Las Vegas, NV 89120, telephone: (702) 455-8287.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed project is a Wetlands Park 
(Park) along a 7 mile reach of Las Vegas Wash in southeastern Nevada, 
in portions of Whitney and the City of Henderson, and unincorporated 
portions of Clark County, Nevada. The Park is proposed by the Clark 
County Department of Parks and Recreation. Portions of the Park will be 
constructed on lands administered by Reclamation. Because Reclamation 
lands are involved in this proposal, National Environmental Policy Act 
compliance is required. Also, because Reclamation lands are involved, 
it was agreed that Reclamation would be the lead agency for NEPA 
compliance.
    In 1991, Nevada residents approved, by ballot, a wildlife and park 
bond earmarking $13.3 million for the wetlands park project in Las 
Vegas Wash.
    A critical need for the Las Vegas Wash is to control erosion. Flows 
in the upper reaches of the Wash and its tributaries are intermittent 
and occur primarily during storms. Flows in the lower reaches are 
primarily from treated wastewater effluent. The water from these two 
areas is ultimately discharged into Lake Mead. As urban development 
continues throughout the Las Vegas Valley, the amount of impervious 
surface area and subsequent stormwater runoff will increase. The 
increase in wastewater flows and stormwater runoff have accelerated 
erosion and channelization. In the last 15 years, wetlands have been 
reduced by approximately 400 acres. This erosion has resulted in 4 to 5 
million cubic yards of sediment being deposited in Lake Mead.
    In addition to no action, four alternatives are addressed in the 
FEIS: Conservation, Recreation, Full Development, Integrated 
Alternative. The Conservation Alternative primary purpose would be to 
protect and enhance wildlife habitat. The Recreation Alternative 
primary purpose would be to create a full range of recreation 
activities and wildlife viewing opportunities for people of all 
abilities. The Full Development Alternative primary purpose would be to 
develop the area as a major environmental and recreational resource 
that emphasizes the enhancement of natural resources, recreational 
development, and major facilities for education and for large numbers 
of visitors. The Integrated Alternative (preferred alternative) primary 
purpose would be for an environmental and recreational resource that 
emphasized habitat enhancement, and recreational/educational facilities 
for visitors.
    A variety of impacts were addressed; among these were the 
following: geology, air quality, hydrology, water quality, biological 
resources, land use, transportation, noise, cultural resources, health 
& safety, and visual resources.
    There are two major areas of controversy: sediment quality and 
water use.
    The Draft EIS was issued July 2, 1997. Comments received from 
interested organizations and individuals on the Draft EIS were 
addressed in the FEIS. No decision will be made on the proposed action 
until 30 days after the release of the FEIS. After the 30-day waiting 
period, Reclamation will complete a Record of Decision. This document 
will present the action that will be implemented and will discuss all 
factors leading to the decision.

    Dated: February 18, 1999.

Deanna Miller,
Director, Resource Management Office.
[FR Doc. 99-5936 Filed 3-9-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-94-P