Environmental statements; availability, etc.: La Paz and Mohave Counties, AZ; Alamo Lake feasibility study,

[Federal Register: December 18, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 243)]

[Notices]

[Page 70116]

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

[DOCID:fr18de98-72]

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army Corps of Engineers

Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Proposed Alamo Lake Reoperation and Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study, La Paz and Mohave Counties, Arizona; dated December 1998

AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, DOD.

ACTION: Notice of Availability.

SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has prepared a Draft Alamo Lake Reoperation and Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study, La Paz and Mohave Counties, Arizona; dated December 1998. Alamo Dam is located on the Bill Williams River, on the border of Mohave and La Paz Counties, in west-central Arizona, approximately 110 miles northwest of Phoenix, Arizona. Construction of the dam and appurtenant works was completed in 1968 as a multipurpose project (flood control, water conservation and supply, and recreation) under authorization of the Flood Control Act of December 22, 1944. Since the late 1970's local, state, and federal offices, interest groups, and private parties have raised issues and concerns surrounding the operation of Alamo Dam and its impact, both upstream and downstream, upon recreation, fisheries, endangered species, and riparian habitat. In response to these concerns, the Corps of Engineers is studying the impacts of alternative water storage elevations to optimize biological and recreational benefits while still meeting the authorized project purposes.

The general planning objective guiding the development of alternatives was the balance between minimum flows needed to sustain and enhance riparian resources below the dam, and sustenance of suitable lake elevations with minimal fluctuations for reservoir resources and uses. The 1,125-foot, 1,100-foot, and 1,070-foot plans are analyzed in consideration of all pertinent environmental resources potentially affected under these operational scenarios. This analysis is presented in the DEIS to serve as the basis for comparing the relative level of impact that each alternative would have on the environment.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on the Draft Feasibility Report contact Mr. Mike Smiley, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Attn: CESPL-PD-WC, 3636 N. Central Avenue, Room 740, Phoenix, Arizona 85012- 1936, at (602) 640-2003; and for information on the DEIS contact Mr. Timothy Smith, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Attn: CESPL-PD-RN, P.O. Box 532711, Los Angeles CA 90053-2325, at phone (213) 452-3854, or via E-mail to: tjsmith@spl.usace.army.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Army Corps of Engineers has prepared a DEIS to assess the environmental effects associated with the Proposed Alamo Lake Reoperation and Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study, La Paz and Mohave Counties, Arizona; dated December 1998. The public will have the opportunity to comment on this analysis before any action is taken to implement the proposed action.

Scoping:

The Army Corps of Engineers conducted a scoping meeting prior to preparing the Environmental Impact Statement to aid in determining the significant environmental issues associated with the proposed action. This meeting was held in Parker, Arizona on May 6, 1998.

Individuals and agencies may present written comments relevant to the DEIS by sending the information to Mr. Timothy Smith at the address above prior to February 1, 1999. Comments, suggestions, and requests to be placed on the mailing list for announcements and for the Final EIS, should be sent to Timothy Smith, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Attn: CESPL-PD-RN, PO Box 532711, Los Angeles, CA 90053-2325, or via E-mail to: tjsmith@spl.usace.army.mil, or FAX at (213) 452-4204.

Availability of the Draft EIS

Copies of the DEIS are available from Mr. Tim Smith at the address above. Review copies are also available at the following Corps' offices:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Environmental Resources Branch, 911 Wilshire Boulevard, 14th Floor, Los Angeles, CA U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Planning Section C, 3636 N. Central Avenue, Room 740, Phoenix, Arizona 85012-1936

Dated: December 11, 1998. John P. Carroll, Colonel, Corps of Engineers, District Engineer.

[FR Doc. 98-33563Filed12-17-98; 8:45 am]

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