[Federal Register: February 26, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 38)]
[Notices]               
[Page 9507-9508]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr26fe99-57]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[ER-FRL-6240-3]

 
Environmental Impact Statements and Regulations; Availability of 
EPA Comments

    Availability of EPA comments prepared February 01, 1999 Through 
February 05, 1999 pursuant to the Environmental Review Process (ERP), 
under Section 309 of the Clean Air Act and Section 102(2)(c) of the 
National Environmental Policy Act as amended. Requests for copies of 
EPA comments can be directed to the Office of Federal Activities at 
(202) 564-7167.
    An explanation of the ratings assigned to draft environmental 
impact statements (EISs) was published in FR dated April 10, 1999 (62 
FR 17856).

Draft EISs

    ERP No. D-COE-J31027-WY Rating EO2, Little Snake Supplemental 
Irrigation Water Supply Project, Construction, Right-of-Way Permit and 
COE Section 404 Permit, Carbon County, WY.
    Summary: EPA objected to the proposed action given the potential 
significant adverse impacts associated with the Colorado River 
Cutthroat Trout recovery program. EPA also recommended that a new 
alternative which combines a reduced storage pool and increased water 
conservation be evaluated in the Final EIS.
    ERP No. D-DOI-K39053-CA Rating EC2, San Joaquin River Agreement 
Project, Implementation of the Meeting Flow Objectives for 1999--2010, 
Vernalis Adaptive Management Plan, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Madera, 
Merced, Fresno and Tuolume Counties, CA.
    Summary: EPA supported the project, as long as it will be 
implemented in a manner that does not degrade existing conditions or 
limit future management options. EPA expressed concerns regarding 
impacts to water quality, groundwater, and riparian habitat and 
requested additional information on these issues be included in the 
FEIS. EPA will continue to participate in implementation of the plan 
and a long-term fishery management program for the San Joaquin River.
    ERP No. D-FAA-B51021-MA Rating EC2, Provincetown Municipal Airport 
Safety and Operational Enhancement Project, Improvements (1) 
Firefighter Equipment Garage; (2) General Aviation Parking Apron 
Expansion; (3) Runaway Safety Areas, and (4) a Runaway Extension, COE 
Section 404 Permit, Cape Cod National Seashore, Barnstable County, MA.
    Summary: EPA expressed environmental concerns that some 
alternatives considered in the DEIS were not adequately evaluated and 
that more information should be provided about mitigation measure 
associated with the runway extension proposals.
    ERP No. D-FHW-B40084-RI Rating EC2, Western Johnston and Cranston, 
Improved Highway Access to the Environmental Management District, 
Funding and COE Section 404 Permit, Providence County, RI.
    Summary: EPA requested information regarding stormwater management 
system for the proposed project and additional information to quantify 
the loss of wetland functions associated with either build alternative. 
Based on the available information, EPA also suggested that the 
Scituate Avenue extension appears to be less environmentally damaging 
than the Comstock Parkway extension.
    ERP No. DS-FHW-E40700-GA Rating EC2, Harry S. Truman Parkway, 
Construction from the Abercon Street Extension (GA-204) to Derenne 
Avenue, COE Section 404 Permit and U.S. Coast Guard Permit, Chatham 
County, GA.
    Summary: EPA's review found that althought the preferred 
alternatives does avoid residential and commercial properties, it 
crosses the Vernon River floodplain and non floodplain wetlands. 
Bridging the entire floodplain and avoiding wetland impact is 
recommended.

Final EISs

    ERP No. F-COE-E32078-00 Savannah Harbor Section 203 Expansion 
Project, Channel Deepening, Harbor Improvements, Georgia Ports 
Authority, Federal Navigation Project, Chatham County, Ga and Jasper 
County, SC.
    Summary: EPA noted that its earlier concerns over the proposal in 
the Draft EIS to deepen the channel by B feet have been eliminated by 
the proposal in the Final EIS to examine four deepening alternative, 
with a maximum deepening of only 6 feet. EPA has agreed with the need 
to continue the evaluate process associated with deepening the Savannah 
Harbor via a Tier II EIS analysis. The additional data developed by its 
preparation will form the basis for a reasoned decision, as to whether/
how much this facility can be upgraded and the unavoidable 
environmental costs.
    ERP No. F-NOA-A91063-00 Monkfish Fishery Regulations Northeast 
Multispecies Fishery (FMP), Fishery Management Plan, Amendment 9, 
Implementation, Exclusive Economic

[[Page 9508]]

Zone, off the New England and Mid-Atlantic Coast.
    Summary: Review of the Final EIS was not deemed necessary. No 
formal comment letter was sent to the preparing agency.
    ERP No. F-NOA-B39035-MA New Bedford Harbor Environment Restoration 
Plan, Implementation, Acushnet River, Buzzards Bay, MA.
    Summary: EPA found the Final EIS responsive to our earlier concerns 
with the exception of two technical concerns noted in the comment 
letter.

    Dated: February 23, 1999.
William D. Dickerson,
Director, NEPA Compliance Division, Office of Federal Activities.
[FR Doc. 99-4860 Filed 2-25-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P