[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 198 (Thursday, October 12, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 60685]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-26220]



[[Page 60685]]

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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Immigration and Naturalization Service

[INS No. 2084-00]


Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment (EA) for the 
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance of a Remote Video Surveillance 
(RVS) System in Whatcom County, WA

AGENCY: Immigration and Naturalization Service, Justice.

ACTION: Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment (EA).

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SUMMARY:

Proposed Action

    The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) has completed an 
Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Installation, Operation, and 
Maintenance of a Remote Video Surveillance (RVS) system in Whatcom 
County, Washington. The RVS system would consist of 45.5 miles of 
underground fiber optic line and 32 camera sites mounted on poles 
ranging in height from 50 to 80 feet. The proposed action would involve 
construction of an underground fiber optic line inside a 2-inch 
diameter (maximum) conduit by use of trenching, plowing, or directional 
boring equipment. The observation poles would be placed within augured 
holes and reinforced where necessary. All line and pole locations have 
been surveyed to identify wetlands, streams, endangered species 
habitat, or cultural resources. Where such resources were identified, 
the line would be relocated or installed via directional boring to 
avoid potential adverse impacts. Based upon the findings of this 
analysis, no significant adverse environmental impacts would result 
from the proposed action. Positive socioeconomic benefits would result 
from increased capabilities to interdict terrorist activity and illegal 
drug or alien trafficking.

Alternatives to the Proposed Action

    The ``No Action'' alternative would reduce the effectiveness of the 
Border Patrol in performing counter drug and alien interdictions. The 
``Microwave'' alternative would be more obtrusive, less flexible, and 
more expensive. The ``increased staffing'' alternative would be 
prohibitively expensive and would place an increased surveillance 
burden on Border Patrol staff.
    A copy of the final EA/Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) can 
be obtained from the INS at the following location: Ramon Garcia, 
Program Officer, Immigration and Naturalization Service Facilities and 
Engineering 425 I Street, NW, Room 2060, Washington, DC, 20536, 
Telephone: (202) 616-2588, Fax: (202) 514-0579 e-mail: 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Diefenbeck, Director of 
Facilities and Engineering Division, 425 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 
20536, telephone (202) 514-3099.

    Dated: September 26, 2000.
Doris Meissner,
Commissioner, Immigration and Naturalization Service.
[FR Doc. 00-26220 Filed 10-11-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-10-M