Floodplain and wetlands protection; environmental review determinations; availability, etc.: Arroyo Seco, Sandia National Laboratories, CA; embankment and streambed restoration,

[Federal Register: June 22, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 119)]

[Notices]

[Page 33276]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr22jn99-55]

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Kirtland Area Office; Notice of Floodplain/Wetlands Involvement for Embankment and Streambed Restoration in the Arroyo Seco, Sandia National Laboratories, California

AGENCY: Kirtland Area Office, Department of Energy.

ACTION: Notice of floodplain/wetlands involvement.

SUMMARY: The Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to remove debris and repair erosional damage to streambanks at two channel structures located in the Arroyo Seco, Sandia National Laboratories, California. An existing earthfill crossing that traverses Arroyo Seco and two associated culverts would also be removed as a feature of the proposal. These actions are necessary to restore the runoff carrying capacity of the stream channel, to restore and protect the function of the channel structures, and to restore the integrity of security fencing. Restoration activities associated with the three project features would occur within the 100-year-flood frequency elevation. Two of the three project features are located within channel wetlands. Approximately 2,100 square feet of wetland would be affected. A restoration plan would be prepared to mitigate the loss of wetlands and riparian vegetation.

DATES: Written comments are due to the address below no later than July 7, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and requests for additional information on this proposed action should be addressed to: Susan Lacy, NEPA Compliance Officer, U.S. Department of Energy, Kirtland Area Office, P.O. Box 5400, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185-5400, PHONE (505) 845-5542 FAX (505) 845-4710.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON GENERAL DOE FLOODPLAIN/WETLANDS ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW REQUIREMENTS, CONTACT: Carol M. Borgstrom, Director, Office of NEPA Policy and Assistance (EH-42), U.S. Department of Energy 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586-4600 or (800) 472-2756.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Project Description

   DOE proposes to implement restorative measures in the channel of Arroyo Seco, Sandia National Laboratories, California. These measures are necessary to restore the runoff capacity of the channel, to restore and protect the function of channel structures, and to restore the integrity of security fencing. Restorative measures would be accomplished at three existing channel structures: (1) The East Buffer Zone Fence Crossing which consists of a concrete hinged grate structure with wingwalls and crossing security fence, (2) a trash rack located upstream of the East Buffer Zone Fence Crossing, and (3) an earthfill channel crossing located south of Building 928. Measures proposed at the hinged grate structure and the trash rack consist of removing accumulated channel debris, filling of eroded channel embankments caused by debris blocking flows through the structures and consequent erosion of structure abutments, restoration of streambed elevations, placement of rock (riprap) for scour protection, and repair of associated security fencing. Approximately 100 cubic yards of earth and two, 48-inch diameter culverts would be removed from the channel crossing. The channel at the crossing would be restored to its original configuration. The removal of the crossing would assist in restoring the original channel capacity.

2. Wetlands and Floodplains

   Restoration activities associated with the three project features would occur within the 100-year-flood frequency elevation. Measures associated with the concrete hinged grate structure and the trash rack would involve channel wetlands. Approximately 300 square feet of wetland soils and vegetation would be covered with riprap at the hinged grate structure and about 1,800 square feet of wetland and riparian vegetation would be removed at the trash rack. A restoration plan would be prepared and implemented to mitigate the loss of wetland and riparian vegetation. The restoration plan would be coordinated with the California Department of Fish and Game.

   In accordance with DOE regulations for compliance with floodplain and wetlands environmental review requirements (10 CFR Part 1022), DOE will prepare a floodplain/wetlands assessment for this proposed action. After DOE issues the assessment, a floodplain statement of findings will be published in the Federal Register.

   Issued in Albuquerque, New Mexico on June 10, 1999. George K. Laskar, Assistant Area Manager, Laboratory Operations, U.S. Department of Energy, Kirtland Area Office.

   [FR Doc. 99-15868Filed6-21-99; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 6450-01-P