[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 62 (Thursday, April 2, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Page 14999]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-7422]


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INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AND WATER COMMISSION, UNITED STATES AND MEXICO


United States Section; Notice of Intent To Prepare an 
Environmental Assessment for Emergency Repairs to the Presidio Flood 
Control Project in Presidio, TX

AGENCY: United States Section, International Boundary and Water 
Commission, United States and Mexico.

ACTION: Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Assessment.

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SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that pursuant to section 
102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as 
amended, the United States Section, International Boundary and Water 
Commission (USIBWC) intends to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) 
for the proposed action of constructing emergency repairs within a 
3000-foot reach of the Presidio Flood Control Levee. This notice is 
being provided as required by the Council on Environmental Quality 
Regulations (40 CFR 1501.7) and the USIBWC's Operating Procedures for 
Implementing Section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA), to obtain suggestions and information from other agencies and 
the public on the scope of issues to be addressed in the EA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Daniel Borunda, Environmental 
Protection Specialist, Environmental Management Division, USIBWC, 4171 
North Mesa Street, C-100, El Paso, Texas 79932 or e-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The USIBWC operates and maintains the Presidio Flood Control 
Project (FCP) located along the Rio Grande within the city of Presidio, 
Texas. The FCP extends approximately 15.2 miles, from Haciendita, 
upstream of the Rio Conchos confluence, and ending downstream of 
Presidio near Brito Creek. In September and October 2008, the Presidio 
FCP levees sustained major flood damage from overtopping, under-
seepage, and erosion. The USIBWC intends to prepare an EA to assess 
impacts associated with emergency repairs of a 3000-foot section of 
levee near Station 7+000 that is susceptible to under-seepage and 
possible levee failure. Recent geotechnical evaluations have identified 
this reach as requiring immediate attention in order to provide flood 
control protection to the city of Presidio in preparation of the 
regional monsoon season. The levee reach is located in the upper levee 
segment of the Presidio Flood Control project near the Cibolo Creek. 
The location of the deficient area requires immediate action by the 
USIBWC in order to ameliorate the eminent risk of levee failure.

Alternatives

    In order to remediate the potential levee failure, within the 3000-
foot reach, the USIBWC is proposing several alternatives actions, 
including: (1) No-action; (2) slurry-trench; (3) slurry trench with 
geotechnical membrane; and (4) sheet piling.
    The NEPA analysis and documentation will identify and evaluate all 
relevant impacts, conditions, and issues associated with the proposed 
alternative actions.

    Dated: March 27, 2009.
Robert McCarthy,
General Counsel.
[FR Doc. E9-7422 Filed 4-1-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7010-01-P