[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 6, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10188-10189]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-5307]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Southwestern Power Administration


White River Lock and Dam No. 1, 2 and 3 Hydroelectric Projects, 
Independence County, AR

AGENCY: Southwestern Power Administration, DOE.

ACTION: Notice of floodplain/wetland involvement.

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SUMMARY: Southwestern Power Administration (Southwestern), a power 
marketing agency of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is a 
cooperating federal agency with the Federal Energy Regulatory 
Commission (FERC) for a proposal to amend three existing hydroelectric 
project licenses, in Independence County, Arkansas. This amendment 
includes changing the route for proposed transmission line 
construction, and constructing an electrical substation adjacent to and 
partially within an existing Southwestern transmission line right-of-
way. Wetland areas would be avoided to the extent practicable. Those 
wetlands that would be crossed will be spanned to reduce disturbances. 
Much of the proposed construction activity will likely occur within a 
100-year floodplain of the White River. In accordance with the DOE's 
Floodplain/Wetland Review Requirements (10 CFR part 1022), Southwestern 
will prepare a floodplain/wetland impacts assessment. The proposed 
action will be performed in a manner so as to avoid or minimize 
potential harm to or within any affected floodplain/wetland.

DATES: Comments on the proposed floodplain/wetland action are due to 
the address below no later than Mach 21, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to Ms. Darlene Low, Manager 
Environmental, Safety, Health and Aviation, Southwestern Power 
Administration, One West Third Street, Tulsa, OK, 74103-3519, fax (918) 
595-6656, e-mail [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robert Orr, Environmental 
Specialist, RMC-Consultants, Inc., 2858 S. Golden, Springfield, MO, 
65808, phone (417) 891-2668, e-mail [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed project will involve 
construction activities within floodplain and wetland areas. 
Independence County or their representative will perform the 
construction. The proposed transmission line consists of approximately 
20-miles of 25 kilovolt (kV) electric transmission line (single pole 
wood or metal structures). Construction of the proposed transmission 
line route will minimize forest clearing and habitat destruction 
through use of existing transportation corridors (e.g., railroad 
corridor), agricultural corridors and pasture land. Some construction 
activities would take place during the winter months when the ground is 
frozen to facilitate access in the extremely wet areas. The floodplain/
wetland assessment will examine the proposed construction activities. 
The White River Project is located along the White River in 
Independence County, Arkansas. The project is located in and around the 
City of Batesville. The transmission would extend along the north side 
of the White River eastward nine miles from Lock and Dam No. 3 (Project 
No. 4659) to the proposed substation.
    The electric substation would be located approximately two miles 
east of

[[Page 10189]]

the White River Lock and Dam No. 2 (Project No. 4660), on the north 
side of the White River. Maps and further information are available 
from the Southwestern contacts identified above.

    Dated: February 26, 2002.
Michael A. Deihl,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 02-5307 Filed 3-5-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P