[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 117 (Monday, June 18, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32873-32874]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-15201]


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UTAH RECLAMATION MITIGATION AND CONSERVATION COMMISSION


Notice of Availability for the Pioneer Irrigation Diversion Final 
Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact

AGENCY: Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission 
(Mitigation Commission).

ACTION: Notice of Availability.

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SUMMARY: The Duchesne River in Duchesne County, Utah, provides both 
irrigation water and quality sport and native non-sport fisheries. 
However, some diversion structures impact fish habitat or inhibit fish 
passage and delivery of instream flows. The Mitigation Commission 
committed to work with Central Utah Water Conservancy District, 
Duchesne County Water Conservancy District and other local water users 
to modify or replace selected diversion structures on the Duchesne 
River above the confluence with Strawberry River that are causing the 
greatest problem for fish and wildlife resources.
    Diversion structures were evaluated based on their potential 
adverse impacts on fish and wildlife resources. Diversions to be 
repaired or replaced were prioritized in an order most beneficial to 
fish and wildlife. The Mitigation Commission selected Pioneer Canal 
Diversion as one of the first diversions for modification or 
replacement.
    Two alternatives were fully evaluated in the environmental 
assessment (EA): The ``Proposed Action,'' which is to reconstruct the 
Pioneer Diversion, and ``No Action.'' However, while only two 
alternatives were fully evaluated in the EA, other approaches were 
considered in developing the Proposed Action.
    Proposed Action elements include: Realign about 1,000 feet of 
existing channel into a more stable pattern as it approaches and passes 
the diversion location; construct a new diversion, to include concrete 
wingwalls, fish passage notch, two flush bottom gates, and de-sanding 
structure; install rock weirs to increase downstream bed elevation for 
fish passage through the fish passage notch; remove and dispose of old 
diversion works; and, cooperate with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by 
contributing toward completion of an agency and public review draft 
status review report of the Ute ladies'-tresses orchid.
    Two issues were raised regarding the proposed action during public 
and agency scoping for the EA: Potential for entrainment of fish into 
the Pioneer Canal and potential for effects on Ute ladies'-tresses 
(ULT) a threatened plant species.
    The Mitigation Commission conducted field sampling in July 1999 to 
assess occurrence of fish in the Pioneer Canal. Based on sampling 
results, there does not appear to be a significant loss of fish into 
the canal system. Also, because the proposed action is designed to 
avoid most nearby ULT plants and suitable habitat, and because of the 
Mitigation Commission's

[[Page 32874]]

involvement in completing a draft status review report, the proposed 
action may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect, Ute ladies'-
tresses orchid. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service concurred with this 
determination via letter dated May 24, 2001.
    Based on information contained in the EA and supporting 
documentation, the proposed action will not significantly affect the 
quality of human environment, under the meaning of Section 102(2)(C) of 
the National Environmental Policy Act. The Mitigation Commission 
consulted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and determined the 
proposed action will not affect endangered species. No historic 
properties will be impacted by the project. And, based on consultation 
with the U.S. Corps of Engineers, reconstruction of Pioneer Diversion 
will be permitted under a General Permit issued to the State of Utah.
    Therefore, after considering the EA analyses of environmental 
effects and public comments received during scoping and agency 
consultation, the proposed action has been selected for implementation.

DATES: Implementation of this decision may occur immediately upon 
signing of the Final Decision Notice and FONSI.

ADDRESSES: The final EA and FONSI is available at the Utah Reclamation 
Mitigation and Conservation Commission; 102 West 500 South, Suite #315, 
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joan Degiorgio, Planning Manager, 801-
524-3146.

    Dated: June 5, 2001.
Michael C. Weland,
Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission Executive 
Director.
[FR Doc. 01-15201 Filed 6-15-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-05-P