Environmental statements; availability, etc.: Kamas State Fish Hatchery; reconstruction,

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Federal Register: January 8, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 5)NoticesPage 1148-1149From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

DOCID:fr08ja98-104

UTAH RECLAMATION MITIGATION AND CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Notice of Availability of the Finding of No Significant Impact for the Reconstruction of the Kamas State Fish Hatchery

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

ACTION: Notice of Availability of the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).

SUMMARY: On December 30, 1997, Michael C. Weland, Executive Director of the Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission signed the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) which documents the decision to fund reconstruction of the Kamas State Fish Hatchery in Summit County, Utah. The hatchery will be reconstructed near the city of Kamas as a fish, wildlife and recreation feature of the Bonneville Unit of the Central Utah Project. The Mitigation Commission and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources documented the environmental effects of reconstructing the hatchery in an environmental assessment (EA). The

[Page 1149]Draft EA was developed with public input and the Final EA refined based upon public comment. The Commission has found the EA adequate for its decision to fund the reconstruction of the Proposed Action and has issued its FONSI in accordance with the Commission's NEPA Rule (43 CFR Part 10010.20).

The hatchery and associated features to be reconstructed are supported by the 1994 Fish Hatchery Production Plan and its EA and FONSI (1995) and by the 1997 Draft EA on the revised Fish Hatchery Production Plan, prepared in accordance with and in fulfillment of the Central Utah Project Completion Act of 1992 (Titles II through VI of Public Law 102-575).

Funding the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to reconstruct the Kamas State Fish Hatchery initiates meeting the sport fish recreation and native fish recovery and conservation needs identified in the Fish Hatchery Production Plan and does so in the least environmentally damaging manner. Of the alternatives analyzed under the EA, the Preferred Alternative, which this decision implements, enhances wetlands, reduces fish disease risks, increases educational opportunities, decreases effluent total suspended solids and increases employee and visitor safety.

The Fish and Wildlife planning aid letter issued under the authority of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401; as amended, 16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.) stated that the Fish and Wildlife Service supported the Preferred Alternative as it ``will increase fish production, while having little environmental impact . . .''. Informal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicated that no threatened or endangered species are known to inhabit the hatchery site. Although a small area of wetlands will be impacted by construction, incorporation of enhancement measures (including restoration of a water source to historic wetlands) compensates for these impacts. None of the environmental impacts of this action are considered significant or highly controversial. Certain structures qualify for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. These structures (e.g., residence, shed) lack structural integrity and no longer play a useful role in the hatchery operations. They will be demolished to allow for the improved facilities. State and historic preservation laws require consultation with historic preservation officials prior to demolition. This process has been initiated and qualifying structures have been documented with a series of photographs and/or schematic drawings. This will ensure that the historic value of these structures is retained after construction.

The action is related to other potential future actions, specifically the improvement or construction of other State, Federal or Tribal fish hatcheries. The future construction projects will require separate NEPA compliance. The programmatic perspective has been considered in a separate NEPA document addressing fish hatchery improvement throughout the State.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Copies of the FONSI, of the Final EA, or additional information on matters related to this Federal Register notice can be obtained at the address and telephone number below: Ms. Maureen Wilson, Project Coordinator, Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission, 102 West 500 South, Suite 315 Salt Lake City, UT 84101 Telephone: (801) 524-3146.

Dated: December 31, 1997. Michael C. Weland, Executive Director, Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission.

FR Doc. 98-447Filed1-7-98; 8:45 amBILLING CODE 4310-05-P

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