81 FR 69850 - Notice of Availability for the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan for the Operation of Glen Canyon Dam, Page, Arizona
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Reclamation
National Park Service Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 195 (October 7, 2016)
Bureau of Reclamation
National Park Service
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 195 (October 7, 2016)
| Page Range | 69850-69853 | |
| FR Document | 2016-24338 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 195 (Friday, October 7, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 69850-69853] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-24338] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Reclamation [RR02013000, XXXR5537F3, RX.19871110.1000000] National Park Service [PPIMIMRO3L, PPMRSNR1Y.AR0000, FPDEFAULT] Notice of Availability for the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan for the Operation of Glen Canyon Dam, Page, Arizona AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation and National Park Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Reclamation and National Park Service, has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan (LTEMP) for the operation of Glen Canyon Dam and related non-flow actions. The LTEMP would provide a framework for adaptively managing Glen Canyon Dam operations over the next 20 years consistent with the Grand Canyon Protection Act of 1992 and other provisions of applicable Federal law. DATES: The Department of the Interior will not issue a final decision on the proposed action for a minimum of 30 days after the date that the Environmental Protection Agency publishes its Notice of Availability of Weekly Receipt of Environmental Impact Statements in the Federal Register. After the 30-day public review period, the Department of the Interior will complete a Record of Decision (ROD). The ROD will state the action that will be implemented and discuss all factors leading to that decision. ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of the FEIS are available at the Glen Canyon Dam LTEMP EIS Web site located at: http://ltempeis.anl.gov/. See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for a list of locations where compact disc copies of the FEIS are available for public inspection. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Katrina Grantz, Chief, Adaptive Management Group, Bureau of Reclamation, kgrantz@usbr.gov, 801-524- 3635; or Mr. Rob Billerbeck, Colorado River Coordinator, National Park Service, Rob_P_Billerbeck@nps.gov, 303-987-6789. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 to contact the above individuals during normal business hours. The Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in order to leave a message or question with the above named individuals. You will receive a reply during normal business hours. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the National Park Service (NPS) jointly prepared the FEIS for the LTEMP in cooperation with 15 cooperating agencies including three Federal agencies, six non-Federal agencies, and six American Indian tribes. A primary function of the LTEMP will be the implementation of monthly, daily, and hourly releases from Glen Canyon Dam and related non-flow actions as part of an experimental adaptive management program in accordance with the Grand Canyon Protection Act of 1992 (GCPA) and in coordination with the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program. This will be the first EIS completed on the monthly, daily, and hourly operations of Glen Canyon Dam since 1995, which was a major point of demarcation in attempting to achieve a balance between project purposes and natural resources protection. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the LTEMP was filed with the Environmental Protection Agency and issued to the public on January 8, 2016, and a Notice of Availability of the DEIS was published in the Federal Register on that same date (81 FR 963). A 122- day public review and comment period for the DEIS ended on May 9, 2016 (extended 32 days from the original 90-day comment period which ended on April 7, 2016). During the public comment period, two public meetings and two public web-based meetings were held to present information and answer any clarifying questions. Public reaction determined through the scoping process and subsequent outreach efforts has been instrumental in assuring a full range of alternatives. The FEIS contains responses to all comments received on the DEIS. Proposed Federal Action The proposed Federal action is the development and implementation of a structured, long-term experimental and management plan for operations of Glen Canyon Dam. The LTEMP and the Secretary of the Interior's (Secretary) decision would provide a framework for adaptively managing Glen Canyon Dam operations and other management and experimental actions over the next 20 years consistent with the GCPA and other provisions of applicable Federal law. The LTEMP would determine specific options for dam operations (including hourly, daily, and monthly release patterns), non-flow actions, and appropriate experimental and management actions that will meet the GCPA's requirements, maintain or improve hydropower production to the greatest extent practicable, consistent with improvement of downstream resources, including those of importance to American Indian tribes. Purpose and Need for the Proposed Federal Action The proposed Federal action will help determine specific dam operations and actions that could be implemented to improve conditions and continue to meet the GCPA's requirements and to minimize-- consistent with law--adverse impacts on the downstream natural, recreational, and cultural resources in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Grand Canyon National Park, including resources of importance to American Indian tribes. The need for the proposed Federal action stems from the need to use scientific information developed since the 1996 ROD to better inform the public of Department of the Interior decisions on dam operations and other management and experimental actions so that the Secretary may continue to meet statutory responsibilities for protecting downstream resources for future generations, conserving species listed under the Endangered Species Act, avoiding or mitigating impacts on National Register of Historic Places--eligible historic properties, and protecting the interests of American Indian tribes, while meeting obligations for water delivery and the generation of hydroelectric power. The FEIS Analyzes Seven Alternatives The FEIS assesses the potential environmental effects of seven alternatives being considered: The No-Action Alternative (Alternative A) and six Action Alternatives (Alternatives B, C, D, E, F, and G), which are described below. There are a number of experimental and management actions that would be incorporated into all of [[Page 69851]] the LTEMP Action Alternatives, except where noted:High-flow experimental releases for sediment conservation--Implementation of high-flow experiments (HFEs) under all alternatives are patterned after the current HFE Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) (adopted in 2012), but some alternatives include specific modifications related to the frequency of spring and fall HFEs, the duration of fall HFEs, the triggers for HFEs, and the overall process for implementation of HFEs, including implementation considerations and conditions that would result in discontinuing specific experiments. Non-native fish control actions--Implementation of control actions for non-native brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are patterned after those identified in the Non- native Fish Control EA and FONSI (adopted in 2012), but some alternatives include specific modifications related to the area where control actions would occur, the specific actions to be implemented, and the overall process for implementation of control actions, including implementation considerations and conditions that would result in discontinuing specific experiments. Non-native fish control actions are not included in Alternative F. For Alternative D, components of the Non-native Fish Control EA and FONSI were modified and integrated with other actions in a tiered approach for humpback chub (Gila cypha) conservation. Conservation measures established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in previous biological opinions--Conservation measures identified in the 2011 Biological Opinion on operations of Glen Canyon Dam included the establishment of a humpback chub refuge, evaluation of the suitability of habitat in the lower Grand Canyon for the razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus), and establishment of an augmentation program for the razorback sucker, if appropriate. Other measures include humpback chub translocation; Bright Angel Creek brown trout and rainbow trout control; Kanab ambersnail (Oxyloma haydeni kanabensis) monitoring; determination of the feasibility of flow options to control trout including increasing daily down-ramp rates to strand or displace age-0 trout, and high flow followed by low flow to strand or displace age 0 trout; assessments of the effects of actions on humpback chub populations; sediment research to determine effects of equalization flows; and Asian tapeworm (Bothriocephalus acheilognathi) monitoring. Most of these conservation measures are ongoing and are elements of existing management practices, while others are being considered for further action under the LTEMP. Additional conservation measures were developed for the preferred alternative during Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Non-flow experimental and management actions at specific sites such as non-native plant removal, revegetation with native species, and mitigation at specific and appropriate cultural sites. These actions would also have involvement from tribes to capture concerns regarding culturally significant native plants, and would provide an opportunity to integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge in a more applied manner into the long-term adaptive management program. Preservation of historic properties through a program of research, monitoring, and mitigation to address erosion and preservation of archeological and ethnographic sites and minimize loss of integrity at National Register historic properties. Continued adaptive management under the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program, including a research and monitoring component. Alternative A: The No-Action Alternative Alternative A represents continued operation of Glen Canyon Dam as guided by the 1996 ROD for operations of Glen Canyon Dam: Modified low fluctuating flow, as modified by recent Department of the Interior decisions, including those specified in the 2007 ROD on Colorado River Interim Guidelines for Lower Basin Shortages and Coordinated Operations for lakes Powell and Mead (Interim Guidelines) (until 2026), the HFE EA, and the Non-native Fish Control EA (both expiring in 2020). As is the case for all alternatives, Alternative A also includes implementation of existing and planned NPS management activities, with durations as specified in NPS management documents. Under Alternative A, daily flow fluctuations would continue to be determined according to monthly volume brackets as follows: 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) daily range for monthly volumes less than 600 thousand acre-feet (kaf); 6,000 cfs daily range for monthly volumes between 600 kaf and 800 kaf; and 8,000 cfs for monthly volumes greater than 800 kaf. Under Alternative A, the current HFE protocol would be followed until it expired in 2020. Under this protocol, high-flow releases may be made in spring (March and April) or fall (October and November). HFE magnitude would range from 31,500 cfs to 45,000 cfs. The duration would range from less than 1 hour to 96 hours. Frequency of HFEs would be determined by tributary sediment inputs, resource conditions, and a decision process carried out by the Department of the Interior. The HFE protocol uses a ``store and release'' approach in which sediment inputs are tracked over two accounting periods, one for each seasonal HFE: Spring (December through June) and fall (July through November). Under the protocol, the maximum possible magnitude and duration of HFE that would achieve a positive sand mass balance in Marble Canyon, as determined by modeling, would be implemented. Under Alternative A, the current non-native fish control protocol would be followed until it expired in 2020. Mechanical removal would primarily consist of the use of boat-mounted electrofishing equipment to remove all non-native fish captured. Captured non-native fish would be removed alive and potentially stocked into areas that have an approved stocking plan, unless live removal fails, in which case fish would be euthanized and used for later beneficial use. Alternative B The objective of Alternative B is to increase hydropower generation while limiting impacts on other resources and relying on flow and non- flow actions to the extent possible to mitigate impacts of higher fluctuations. Alternative B focuses on non-flow actions and experiments to address sediment resources, non-native fish control, and on native and non-native fish communities. Under Alternative B, monthly volumes would be the same as under current operations, but daily flow fluctuations would be higher than under current operations in most months. Compared to current operations, the hourly up-ramp rate would remain unchanged at 4,000 cfs/hour, but the hourly down-ramp rate would be increased to 4,000 cfs/hour in November through March and 3,000 cfs/hour in other months. Alternative B includes implementation of the non-native fish control protocol and HFE protocol through the entire LTEMP period, but HFEs would be limited to a maximum of one in spring or fall every other year. [[Page 69852]] In addition to these experimental actions, Alternative B would test trout management flows and hydropower improvement flows. With trout management flows, high flows (e.g., 20,000 cfs) would be maintained for 2 or 3 days followed by a very sharp drop in flows to a minimum level (e.g., 5,000 cfs) for the purpose of reducing annual recruitment of trout. Hydropower improvement experiments would test maximum powerplant capacity flows up to four times during the LTEMP period, but only in years with annual volumes <=8.23 million acre-feet (maf). Alternative C The objective of Alternative C is to adaptively operate Glen Canyon Dam to achieve a balance of resource objectives with priorities placed on humpback chub, sediment, and minimizing impacts on hydropower. Alternative C features a number of condition-dependent flow and non- flow actions that would be triggered by resource conditions. The alternative uses decision trees to identify when experimental changes in base operations or other planned action is needed to protect resources. Operational changes or implementation of non-flow actions could be triggered by changes in sediment input, humpback chub numbers and population structure, trout numbers, and water temperature. Monthly release volumes under Alternative C in August through November would be lower than those under most other alternatives to reduce sediment transport rates during the monsoon period. Release volumes in the high power demand months of December, January, and July would be increased to compensate for water not released in August through November, and volumes in February through June would be patterned to follow the monthly hydropower demand as defined by the contract rate of delivery. Under Alternative C, the allowable within- day fluctuation range from Glen Canyon Dam would be proportional to monthly volume (7 x monthly volume in kaf). The down-ramp rate would be increased to 2,500 cfs/hour, but the up-ramp rate would remain unchanged at 4,000 cfs/hour. Experimentation under Alternative C includes testing the effects of the following actions: (1) Sediment-triggered spring and fall HFEs through the entire 20-year LTEMP period, (2) 24-hour proactive spring HFEs in high volume years (>=10 maf release volume), (3) extension of the possible duration of fall HFEs while maintaining a maximum total volume of a 96-hour 45,000 cfs release, (4) reducing fluctuations before and after HFEs, (5) mechanical removal of trout near the Little Colorado River confluence, (6) trout management flows, and (7) low summer flows during the entire LTEMP period to allow greater warming. Alternative D: The Preferred Alternative Alternative D is the preferred alternative for the LTEMP. The objective of Alternative D is to adaptively operate Glen Canyon Dam to best meet the resource goals of the LTEMP. Like Alternative C, Alternative D features a number of condition-dependent flow and non- flow actions that would be triggered by resource conditions. Under Alternative D, the total monthly release volume of October, November, and December would be equal to that under Alternative A to avoid the possibility of the operational tier differing from that of Alternative A, as established in the 2007 Interim Guidelines. The August volume was set to a moderate volume level (800 kaf in an 8.23 maf release year) to balance sediment conservation prior to a potential HFE and to address power production and capacity concerns. January through July monthly volumes were set at levels that roughly track Western Area Power Administration's contract rate of delivery. This produced a redistribution of monthly release volumes under Alternative D that would result in the most even distribution of flows of any alternative except for Alternative G. The allowable within-day fluctuation range from Glen Canyon Dam would be proportional to the volume of water scheduled to be released during the month (10 x monthly volume in kaf in the high-demand months of June, July, and August and 9 x monthly volume in kaf in other months). The down-ramp rate under Alternative D would be limited to no greater than 2,500 cfs/hour, which is 1,000 cfs/hour greater than what is allowed under Alternative A. The up-ramp rate would be 4,000 cfs/hour, and this is the same as what is allowed under Alternative A. Experimentation under Alternative D includes testing the effects of the following actions: (1) Sediment-triggered spring and fall HFEs through the entire 20-year LTEMP period, (2) 24-hour proactive spring HFEs in high volume years (>=10 maf release volume), (3) extension of the duration of up to 45,000 cfs fall HFEs for as many as 250 hours depending on sediment availability, (4) mechanical removal of trout near the Little Colorado River confluence, (5) trout management flows, (6) low summer flows in the second 10 years of the LTEMP period to allow greater warming, and (7) sustained low flows to improve the aquatic food base. Alternative E The objective of Alternative E is to provide for recovery of the humpback chub while protecting other important resources including sediment, the rainbow trout fishery at Lees Ferry, aquatic food base, and hydropower resources. Alternative E features a number of condition- dependent flow and non-flow actions that would be triggered by resource conditions. Under Alternative E, monthly volumes would closely follow the monthly hydropower demand as defined by the contract rate of delivery. The total monthly release volume of October, November, and December, however, would be equal to that under Alternative A to minimize the possibility of the operational tier differing from that of Alternative A as established in the Interim Guidelines. In addition, lower monthly volumes (relative to Alternative A) would be targeted in August and September to reduce sediment transport during the monsoon period, when most sediment is delivered by the Paria River. The allowable within-day fluctuation range from Glen Canyon Dam would be proportional to the volume of water scheduled to be released during the month (12 x monthly volume in kaf in high power demand months of June, July, and August, and 10 x monthly volume in kaf in other months). Experimentation under Alternative E includes testing the effects of the following actions: (1) Sediment-triggered fall HFEs through the entire 20-year LTEMP period, (2) sediment-triggered spring HFEs only in the second 10 years of the LTEMP period, (3) 24-hour proactive spring HFEs in high volume years (>=10 maf release volume), (4) reducing fluctuations before fall HFEs, (5) mechanical removal of trout near the Little Colorado River confluence, (6) trout management flows, and (7) low summer flows in the second 10 years of the LTEMP period to allow greater warming. Alternative F The objective of Alternative F is to provide flows that follow a more natural pattern of high spring, and low summer, fall, and winter flows while limiting sediment transport and providing for warming in summer months. In keeping with this objective, Alternative F does not feature some of the flow and non-flow actions of the other alternatives. Under Alternative F, peak flows would be lower than pre-dam [[Page 69853]] magnitudes to reduce sediment transport and erosion given the reduced sand supply downstream of the dam. Peak flows would be provided in May and June, which corresponds well with the timing of the pre-dam peak. The overall peak flow in an 8.23 maf year would be 20,000 cfs (scaled proportionately in drier and wetter years), and would include a 24 hour 45,000 cfs flow at the beginning of the spring peak period (e.g., on May 1) if there was no triggered spring HFE in same year, and a 168 hour (7 day) 25,000 cfs flow at the end of June. Following this peak, there would be a rapid drop to the summer base flow. The initial annual 45,000 cfs flow would serve to store sediment above the flows of the remainder of the peak, thus limiting sand transport further downstream and helping to conserve sandbars. The variability in flows within the peak would also serve to water higher elevation vegetation. There would be no within-day fluctuations in flow under Alternative F. Low base flows would be provided from July through January. These low flows would provide for warmer water temperatures, especially in years when releases are warm, and would also serve to reduce overall sand transport during the remainder of the year. Other than testing the effectiveness of sediment-triggered HFEs, which would continue through the entire LTEMP period, there would be no explicit experimental or condition-dependent triggered actions under Alternative F. Alternative G The objective of Alternative G is to maximize the conservation of sediment, in order to maintain and increase sandbar size. Under Alternative G, flows would be delivered in a steady pattern throughout the year with no monthly differences in flow other than those needed to adjust operations in response to changes in forecast and other operating requirements such as equalization. In an 8.23 maf year, steady flow would be approximately 11,400 cfs. Experimentation under Alternative G includes testing the effects of the following actions: (1) Sediment-triggered spring and fall HFEs through the entire 20-year LTEMP period, (2) 24-hour proactive spring HFEs in high volume years (>=10 maf release volume), (3) extension of the duration of up to 45,000 cfs fall HFEs for as many as 250 hours depending on sediment availability, (4) mechanical removal of trout near the Little Colorado River confluence, and (5) trout management flows. Locations To Inspect Copies of the FEIS Compact disc copies of the FEIS are available for public inspection at the following locations: J. Willard Marriott Library, University of Utah, 295 South 1500 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112. Cline Library, Northern Arizona University, 1001 S. Knoles Drive, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011-6022. Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004. Page Public Library, 479 South Lake Powell Boulevard, Page, Arizona 86040. Grand County Library, Moab Branch, 257 East Center Street, Moab, Utah 84532. Sunrise Library, 5400 East Harris Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89110. Denver Public Library, 10 West 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, Colorado 80204. Natural Resources Library, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW., Main Interior Building, Washington, DC 20240-0001. Dated: October 3, 2016. Thomas M. Iseman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Water and Science. Michael J. Bean, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Fish and Wildlife and Parks. [FR Doc. 2016-24338 Filed 10-6-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4332-90-P; 4312-CB-P
![69850 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 195 / Friday, October 7, 2016 / Notices
Dated: September 22, 2016. Reclamation, kgrantz@usbr.gov, 801– structured, long-term experimental and
J. Paul Loether, 524–3635; or Mr. Rob Billerbeck, management plan for operations of Glen
Chief, National Register of Historic Places/ Colorado River Coordinator, National Canyon Dam. The LTEMP and the
National Historic Landmarks Program. Park Service, Secretary of the Interior’s (Secretary)
[FR Doc. 2016–24260 Filed 10–6–16; 8:45 am] Rob_P_Billerbeck@nps.gov, 303–987– decision would provide a framework for
6789. adaptively managing Glen Canyon Dam
BILLING CODE 4312–52–P
Persons who use a operations and other management and
telecommunications device for the deaf experimental actions over the next 20
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR may call the Federal Relay Service at 1– years consistent with the GCPA and
800–877–8339 to contact the above other provisions of applicable Federal
Bureau of Reclamation individuals during normal business law.
hours. The Service is available 24 hours The LTEMP would determine specific
[RR02013000, XXXR5537F3, a day, 7 days a week, in order to leave
RX.19871110.1000000] options for dam operations (including
a message or question with the above hourly, daily, and monthly release
National Park Service named individuals. You will receive a patterns), non-flow actions, and
reply during normal business hours. appropriate experimental and
[PPIMIMRO3L, PPMRSNR1Y.AR0000, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant
FPDEFAULT]
management actions that will meet the
to the National Environmental Policy GCPA’s requirements, maintain or
Notice of Availability for the Final Act of 1969, as amended, the Bureau of improve hydropower production to the
Environmental Impact Statement for Reclamation (Reclamation) and the greatest extent practicable, consistent
the Long-Term Experimental and National Park Service (NPS) jointly with improvement of downstream
prepared the FEIS for the LTEMP in resources, including those of
Management Plan for the Operation of
cooperation with 15 cooperating importance to American Indian tribes.
Glen Canyon Dam, Page, Arizona
agencies including three Federal
AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation and agencies, six non-Federal agencies, and Purpose and Need for the Proposed
National Park Service, Interior. six American Indian tribes. A primary Federal Action
ACTION: Notice of availability. function of the LTEMP will be the The proposed Federal action will help
implementation of monthly, daily, and determine specific dam operations and
SUMMARY: The Department of the hourly releases from Glen Canyon Dam actions that could be implemented to
Interior, through the Bureau of and related non-flow actions as part of improve conditions and continue to
Reclamation and National Park Service, an experimental adaptive management meet the GCPA’s requirements and to
has prepared a Final Environmental program in accordance with the Grand minimize—consistent with law—
Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Long- Canyon Protection Act of 1992 (GCPA) adverse impacts on the downstream
Term Experimental and Management and in coordination with the Glen natural, recreational, and cultural
Plan (LTEMP) for the operation of Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management resources in Glen Canyon National
Canyon Dam and related non-flow Program. This will be the first EIS Recreation Area and Grand Canyon
actions. The LTEMP would provide a completed on the monthly, daily, and National Park, including resources of
framework for adaptively managing hourly operations of Glen Canyon Dam importance to American Indian tribes.
Glen Canyon Dam operations over the since 1995, which was a major point of
next 20 years consistent with the Grand The need for the proposed Federal
demarcation in attempting to achieve a
Canyon Protection Act of 1992 and action stems from the need to use
balance between project purposes and
other provisions of applicable Federal scientific information developed since
natural resources protection.
law. The Draft Environmental Impact the 1996 ROD to better inform the
Statement (DEIS) for the LTEMP was public of Department of the Interior
DATES: The Department of the Interior decisions on dam operations and other
will not issue a final decision on the filed with the Environmental Protection
Agency and issued to the public on management and experimental actions
proposed action for a minimum of 30 so that the Secretary may continue to
days after the date that the January 8, 2016, and a Notice of
Availability of the DEIS was published meet statutory responsibilities for
Environmental Protection Agency protecting downstream resources for
publishes its Notice of Availability of in the Federal Register on that same
date (81 FR 963). A 122-day public future generations, conserving species
Weekly Receipt of Environmental listed under the Endangered Species
Impact Statements in the Federal review and comment period for the
DEIS ended on May 9, 2016 (extended Act, avoiding or mitigating impacts on
Register. After the 30-day public review National Register of Historic Places—
32 days from the original 90-day
period, the Department of the Interior eligible historic properties, and
comment period which ended on April
will complete a Record of Decision protecting the interests of American
7, 2016). During the public comment
(ROD). The ROD will state the action Indian tribes, while meeting obligations
period, two public meetings and two
that will be implemented and discuss for water delivery and the generation of
public web-based meetings were held to
all factors leading to that decision. hydroelectric power.
present information and answer any
ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of the clarifying questions. Public reaction
FEIS are available at the Glen Canyon The FEIS Analyzes Seven Alternatives
determined through the scoping process
Dam LTEMP EIS Web site located at: and subsequent outreach efforts has The FEIS assesses the potential
http://ltempeis.anl.gov/. See the environmental effects of seven
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
been instrumental in assuring a full
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for range of alternatives. The FEIS contains alternatives being considered: The No-
a list of locations where compact disc responses to all comments received on Action Alternative (Alternative A) and
copies of the FEIS are available for the DEIS. six Action Alternatives (Alternatives B,
public inspection. C, D, E, F, and G), which are described
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Proposed Federal Action below. There are a number of
Katrina Grantz, Chief, Adaptive The proposed Federal action is the experimental and management actions
Management Group, Bureau of development and implementation of a that would be incorporated into all of
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:36 Oct 06, 2016 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\07OCN1.SGM 07OCN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/81_FR_70045/page/1.svg)
![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 195 / Friday, October 7, 2016 / Notices 69853
magnitudes to reduce sediment Locations To Inspect Copies of the FEIS infringement of certain claims of U.S.
transport and erosion given the reduced Compact disc copies of the FEIS are Patent No. 8,756,364 (‘‘the ’364 patent’’);
sand supply downstream of the dam. available for public inspection at the U.S. Patent No. 8,516,185 (‘‘the ’185
Peak flows would be provided in May following locations: patent’’); U.S. Patent No. 8,001,434 (‘‘the
and June, which corresponds well with • J. Willard Marriott Library, ’434 patent’’); U.S. Patent 8,359,501
the timing of the pre-dam peak. The University of Utah, 295 South 1500 East, (‘‘the ’501 patent’’); U.S. Patent No.
overall peak flow in an 8.23 maf year 8,689,064 (‘‘the ’064 patent’’); and U.S.
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112.
would be 20,000 cfs (scaled Patent 8,489,837 (‘‘the ’837 patent’’).
• Cline Library, Northern Arizona
proportionately in drier and wetter The complaint further alleges that an
University, 1001 S. Knoles Drive,
years), and would include a 24 hour industry in the United States exists or
Flagstaff, Arizona 86011–6022.
45,000 cfs flow at the beginning of the is in the process of being established as
• Burton Barr Central Library, 1221
spring peak period (e.g., on May 1) if required by subsection (a)(2) of section
North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona
there was no triggered spring HFE in 337.
85004.
same year, and a 168 hour (7 day) The complainant requests that the
• Page Public Library, 479 South Lake
25,000 cfs flow at the end of June. Commission institute an investigation
Powell Boulevard, Page, Arizona 86040.
Following this peak, there would be a and, after the investigation, issue a
rapid drop to the summer base flow. • Grand County Library, Moab
Branch, 257 East Center Street, Moab, limited exclusion order and cease and
The initial annual 45,000 cfs flow desist orders.
would serve to store sediment above the Utah 84532.
flows of the remainder of the peak, thus • Sunrise Library, 5400 East Harris ADDRESSES: The complaint, except for
Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89110. any confidential information contained
limiting sand transport further
downstream and helping to conserve • Denver Public Library, 10 West 14th therein, is available for inspection
Avenue Parkway, Denver, Colorado during official business hours (8:45 a.m.
sandbars. The variability in flows to 5:15 p.m.) in the Office of the
within the peak would also serve to 80204.
water higher elevation vegetation. There • Natural Resources Library, U.S. Secretary, U.S. International Trade
Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street Commission, 500 E Street SW., Room
would be no within-day fluctuations in 112, Washington, DC 20436, telephone
flow under Alternative F. NW., Main Interior Building,
Washington, DC 20240–0001. (202) 205–2000. Hearing impaired
Low base flows would be provided
individuals are advised that information
from July through January. These low Dated: October 3, 2016.
flows would provide for warmer water on this matter can be obtained by
Thomas M. Iseman, contacting the Commission’s TDD
temperatures, especially in years when Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Water
releases are warm, and would also serve terminal on (202) 205–1810. Persons
and Science. with mobility impairments who will
to reduce overall sand transport during Michael J. Bean,
the remainder of the year. need special assistance in gaining access
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Fish to the Commission should contact the
Other than testing the effectiveness of and Wildlife and Parks.
sediment-triggered HFEs, which would Office of the Secretary at (202) 205–
[FR Doc. 2016–24338 Filed 10–6–16; 8:45 am] 2000. General information concerning
continue through the entire LTEMP
period, there would be no explicit BILLING CODE 4332–90–P; 4312–CB–P the Commission may also be obtained
experimental or condition-dependent by accessing its internet server at
triggered actions under Alternative F. https://www.usitc.gov. The public
INTERNATIONAL TRADE record for this investigation may be
Alternative G COMMISSION viewed on the Commission’s electronic
The objective of Alternative G is to docket (EDIS) at https://edis.usitc.gov.
[Investigation No. 337–TA–1023]
maximize the conservation of sediment, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The
in order to maintain and increase Certain Memory Modules and Office of Unfair Import Investigations,
sandbar size. Under Alternative G, flows Components Thereof, and Products U.S. International Trade Commission,
would be delivered in a steady pattern Containing Same; Institution of telephone (202) 205–2560.
throughout the year with no monthly Investigation SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
differences in flow other than those
needed to adjust operations in response AGENCY: U.S. International Trade Authority: The authority for institution of
this investigation is contained in section 337
to changes in forecast and other Commission of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, and
operating requirements such as ACTION: Notice. in section 210.10 of the Commission’s Rules
equalization. In an 8.23 maf year, steady of Practice and Procedure, 19 CFR 210.10
flow would be approximately 11,400 SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that a (2016).
cfs. complaint was filed with the U.S.
Experimentation under Alternative G International Trade Commission on Scope of Investigation: Having
includes testing the effects of the September 1, 2016, under section 337 of considered the complaint, the U.S.
following actions: (1) Sediment- the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, 19 International Trade Commission, on
triggered spring and fall HFEs through U.S.C. 1337, on behalf of Netlist, Inc. of September 30, 2016, ordered that—
the entire 20-year LTEMP period, (2) 24- Irvine, California. Supplements to the (1) Pursuant to subsection (b) of
hour proactive spring HFEs in high Complaint were filed on September 22, section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as
volume years (≥10 maf release volume), 2016 and September 23, 2016. The amended, an investigation be instituted
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
(3) extension of the duration of up to complaint alleges violations of section to determine whether there is a
45,000 cfs fall HFEs for as many as 250 337 based upon the importation into the violation of subsection (a)(1)(B) of
hours depending on sediment United States, the sale for importation, section 337 in the importation into the
availability, (4) mechanical removal of and the sale within the United States United States, the sale for importation,
trout near the Little Colorado River after importation of certain memory or the sale within the United States after
confluence, and (5) trout management modules and components thereof, and importation of certain memory modules
flows. products containing same by reason of and components thereof, and products
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:36 Oct 06, 2016 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\07OCN1.SGM 07OCN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/81_FR_70045/page/4.svg)
Document Created: 2018-02-13 16:31:43
Document Modified: 2018-02-13 16:31:43
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of availability. | |
| Dates | The Department of the Interior will not issue a final decision on the proposed action for a minimum of 30 days after the date that the Environmental Protection Agency publishes its Notice of Availability of Weekly Receipt of Environmental Impact Statements in the Federal Register. After the 30-day public review period, the Department of the Interior will complete a Record of Decision (ROD). The ROD will state the action that will be implemented and discuss all factors leading to that decision. | |
| Contact | Ms. Katrina Grantz, Chief, Adaptive Management Group, Bureau of Reclamation, [email protected], 801-524- 3635; or Mr. Rob Billerbeck, Colorado River Coordinator, National Park Service, [email protected], 303-987-6789. | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 69850 |
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