82 FR 22814 - Notice of Intent To Prepare a Draft Integrated General Reevaluation Report and Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, Middle Rio Grande Flood Protection Bernalillo to Belen, New Mexico: Mountain View, Isleta and Belen Units
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 95 (May 18, 2017)
Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 95 (May 18, 2017)
| Page Range | 22814-22815 | |
| FR Document | 2017-10075 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 95 (Thursday, May 18, 2017)] [Notices] [Pages 22814-22815] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-10075] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Notice of Intent To Prepare a Draft Integrated General Reevaluation Report and Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, Middle Rio Grande Flood Protection Bernalillo to Belen, New Mexico: Mountain View, Isleta and Belen Units AGENCY: Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DOD. ACTION: Notice of intent. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) intends to prepare a General Reevaluation Report and Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (GRR/SEIS). This is in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for the Middle Rio Grande Flood Protection Bernalillo to Belen, New Mexico Project (Project). This also is the implementation of actions to avoid or minimize potential effects to Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed species and/or associated critical habitat. The GRR/SEIS will supplement the May 1979, Middle Rio Grande Flood Protection Bernalillo to Belen, New Mexico, Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). That document assessed impacts from alternatives to reduce flood risk to structures, infrastructure and life safety. The [[Page 22815]] previously proposed alternative included reconstructing the existing spoil bank system maintained by the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) with structurally competent levee system. ADDRESSES: Comments should be mailed to Albuquerque District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CESPA-PM-LE, Bernalillo to Belen Levee GRR/SEIS, 4101 Jefferson Plaza NE., Albuquerque, NM 87109, or submitted via email to [email protected], designated by inserting ``Bernalillo to Belen Levee SEIS'' in the subject line. Comments may also be submitted at public meetings that will be scheduled at a later date. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions about the proposed action and SEIS can be answered by contacting Dr. Michael D. Porter, Fishery Biologist, Albuquerque District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CESPA- PM-LE, 4101 Jefferson Plaza NE., Albuquerque, NM 87109, by phone at (505) 342-3264; or via email to [email protected] designated by including ``Bernalillo to Belen Levee SEIS'' in the subject line. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The original spoil banks were constructed by MRGCD as part of their authority to drain wetlands and deliver irrigation water. Preparation of this GRR/SEIS became necessary due to the changes that have occurred since the project was authorized as described below. A longer period of record for hydrological data is now available to allow improved and updated hydrological analysis. New levee design criteria that address long duration flows have also been adopted by the Corps in 1993. Any proposed plan now has to incorporate new design features that prevent seepage through the levee or its foundation due to prolonged flow against the riverward toe. The Corps has adopted a probabilistic determination of flood risk to perform levee design. Three species that have been listed as threatened or endangered since 1994 occur within the study area (two with critical habitat). These include the Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo, the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, and the Rio Grande Silvery Minnow. The GRR/SEIS will investigate and determine the extent of Federal interest in a range of alternative plans designed to reduce the risk of flooding in the communities between Albuquerque and Belen. The GRR/SEIS will describe the risk of flooding in the communities between Albuquerque and Belen; evaluate a range of alternatives to reduce flood risk and potential environmental impacts; and describe measures to minimize or mitigate for potential environmental impacts. On November 27, 1995, the Corps published the notice of intent (NOI) to prepare the SEIS for the MRG GRR study in the Federal Register (Vol. 60, No. 227). Previously Proposed Action: The Corps has previously proposed a Tentatively Selected Plan for the Project to rehabilitate the spoil bank system with an engineered levee in four Middle Rio Grande Units. The levee for the Mountain View (4.4 miles), Isleta West (3.2 miles), Belen East (18.1 miles), and Belen West Units (22.1 miles) are designed to provide protection for the 0.1% probability flood. The Corps initiated consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) on the effects of the Project on species listed under the ESA. As part of that consultation, the Corps has proposed several conservation measures that would modify structures or operation and maintenance of the Project. The Service is preparing a Biological Opinion (BiOp) and the Corps expects that the Service may incorporate the conservation measures as part of the BiOp. The Corps will need to complete applicable environmental compliance, including evaluation under NEPA, prior to adopting and implementing any terms and conditions in the BiOp. The proposed GRR/SEIS would constitute that evaluation under NEPA. The Corps has proposed several measures to improve conditions for listed species, including the actions described in the Public Involvement Process section below, subject to authority and funding: Public Involvement Process: Coordination has been ongoing since 2008 with both public and private entities that have jurisdiction or an interest in land and resources in the Middle Rio Grande Valley of New Mexico. These entities include the general public, local governments, the Pueblo of Isleta, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the Service, the MRGCD, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, and the Interstate Stream Commission. Coordination will continue throughout the development of the SEIS through comment letters, public meetings and field visits. All interested parties, including federal, state, tribal, and public entities, will be invited to submit comments on the draft SEIS when it is circulated for review. The planning effort is also being coordinated with the Service pursuant to the requirements of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1972 and the ESA of 1973, as amended. Consultation with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the New Mexico State Historic Preservation Officer is ongoing pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Significant Issues To Be Analyzed: Significant issues to be analyzed in the development of the SEIS include the effect of the alternatives on endangered or threatened species and their critical habitat; floodplain development; water quality; riparian ecological systems; social welfare; human safety; cultural resources; and aesthetic qualities. Development of mitigation measures will be undertaken for any unavoidable impacts. Request for Review Comments: The Corps invites affected federal, state, and local agencies, affected Native American tribes, and other interested organizations and persons to participate in the review of the GRR/SEIS. The Corps invites interested parties to provide specific comments on issues and the preferred alternative in the GRR/SEIS related to the construction of the Project. Comments, requests to be placed on the GRR/SEIS mailing list, and requests for information may be submitted to the address above. All comments and materials received, including names and addresses, will become part of the administrative record and may be released to the public. Interested parties should not submit confidential business or otherwise sensitive or protected information. Public Scoping Meeting: The Corps currently plans to conduct public review meetings for this GRR/SEIS in 2017. The exact date, time, and location of the public meetings has not yet been determined. The Corps will publicize this information once the meeting arrangements have been made. The draft GRR/SEIS is currently scheduled to be available for public review in summer 2017. The final GRR/SEIS is currently scheduled to be available for public review in spring 2018. James L. Booth, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, District Commander. [FR Doc. 2017-10075 Filed 5-17-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P
![22814 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 95 / Thursday, May 18, 2017 / Notices
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Public’s Accessibility to the Meeting: (3) days in advance to the Committee’s
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b and 41 CFR Designated Federal Officer, via
Department of the Army, Corps of 102–3.140 through 102–3.165, and the electronic mail, the preferred mode of
Engineers availability of space, this meeting is submission, at the addresses listed in
open to the public. Seating is on a first- the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Lake Eufaula Advisory Committee come basis. Legacy on Main Street is section. The Designated Federal Officer
Meeting Notice readily accessible to and usable by will log each request, in the order
AGENCY: Department of the Army, U.S. persons with disabilities. For additional received, and in consultation with the
Army Corps of Engineers, DoD. information about public access Committee Chair determine whether the
ACTION: Notice of open committee procedures, contact Mr. Jeff Knack, the subject matter of each comment is
meeting. Committee’s Designated Federal Officer, relevant to the Committee’s mission
at the email address or telephone and/or the topics to be addressed in this
SUMMARY: The Department of the Army number listed in the FOR FURTHER public meeting. A 15-minute period
is publishing this notice to announce INFORMATION CONTACT section. near the end of meeting will be available
the following Federal advisory Written Comments and Statements: for verbal public comments. Members of
committee meeting of the Lake Eufaula Pursuant to 41 CFR 102–3.105(j) and the public who have requested to make
Advisory Committee (LEAC). The 102–3.140 and section 10(a)(3) of the a verbal comment and whose comments
meeting is open to the public. Federal Advisory Committee Act, the have been deemed relevant under the
DATES: The Committee will meet from public or interested organizations may process described above, will be allotted
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. on Friday, June submit written comments or statements no more than three (3) minutes during
16, 2017. to the Committee, in response to the this period, and will be invited to speak
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at
stated agenda of the open meeting or in in the order in which their requests
Legacy on Main Street, 224 North Main regard to the Committee’s mission in were received by the Designated Federal
Street, Eufaula, OK 74432. general. Written comments or Officer.
statements should be submitted to Mr.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Brenda S. Bowen,
Knack, the Committee’s Designated
Jeff Knack; Designated Federal Officer Federal Officer, via electronic mail, the Army Federal Register Liaison Officer.
(DFO) for the Committee, in writing at preferred mode of submission, at the [FR Doc. 2017–10052 Filed 5–17–17; 8:45 am]
Eufaula Lake Office, 102 E. BK 200 Rd., address listed in the FOR FURTHER BILLING CODE 3720–58–P
Stigler, OK 74462–1829, or by email at INFORMATION CONTACT section. Each page
Jeff.Knack@usace.army.mil, or by phone of the comment or statement must
at 1–918–484–5135. include the author’s name, title or DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This affiliation, address, and daytime phone
meeting is being held under the number. Written comments or Department of the Army, U.S. Army
provisions of the Federal Advisory statements being submitted in response Corps of Engineers
Committee Act of 1972 (5 U.S.C., to the agenda set forth in this notice
Appendix, as amended), the Sunshine Notice of Intent To Prepare a Draft
must be received by the Designated Integrated General Reevaluation
in the Government Act of 1976 (U.S.C. Federal Officer at least seven business
552b, as amended) and 41 Code of the Report and Supplemental
days prior to the meeting to be Environmental Impact Statement,
Federal Regulations (CFR 102–3.150). considered by the Committee. The
Purpose of the Meeting: The Lake Middle Rio Grande Flood Protection
Designated Federal Officer and the Bernalillo to Belen, New Mexico:
Eufaula Advisory Committee is an Committee Chair will review all timely
independent Federal advisory Mountain View, Isleta and Belen Units
submitted written comments or
committee established as directed by statements and ensure the comments are AGENCY: Department of the Army, U.S.
Section 3133(b) of the Water Resources provided to all members of the Army Corps of Engineers, DOD.
Development Act of 2007 (WRDA 2007) Committee before the meeting. Written ACTION: Notice of intent.
(Pub. L. 110–114). The committee is comments or statements received after
advisory in nature only with duties to this date may not be provided to the SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of
include providing information and Committee until its next meeting. Please Engineers (Corps) intends to prepare a
recommendations to the Corps of note that because the LEAC operates General Reevaluation Report and
Engineers regarding operations of under the provisions of the Federal Supplemental Environmental Impact
Eufaula Lake, Oklahoma for project Advisory Committee Act, as amended, Statement (GRR/SEIS). This is in
purposes. In accordance with Sections all written comments will be treated as compliance with the National
3133(c)(2) and 3133(d)(1) of WRDA public documents and will be made Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for
2007, the committee will also provide available for public inspection. the Middle Rio Grande Flood Protection
recommendations on a reallocation Pursuant to 41 CFR 102–3.140d, the Bernalillo to Belen, New Mexico Project
study concerning current and future use Committee is not obligated to allow a (Project). This also is the
of the Lake Eufaula storage capacity for member of the public to speak or implementation of actions to avoid or
authorized project purposes as well as a otherwise address the Committee during minimize potential effects to
subsequent pool management plan. the meeting. Members of the public will Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed
Agenda: This will be the third be permitted to make verbal comments species and/or associated critical
meeting of the LEAC. The committee during the Committee meeting only at habitat. The GRR/SEIS will supplement
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
will have a question and answer session the time and in the manner described the May 1979, Middle Rio Grande Flood
with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers below. If a member of the public is Protection Bernalillo to Belen, New
representatives about reallocation interested in making a verbal comment Mexico, Final Environmental Impact
studies and lake level manipulation at the open meeting, that individual Statement (FEIS). That document
plans, discuss proposals for must submit a request, with a brief assessed impacts from alternatives to
recommendations about reallocation statement of the subject matter to be reduce flood risk to structures,
studies, and discuss future direction. addressed by the comment, at least three infrastructure and life safety. The
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 95 / Thursday, May 18, 2017 / Notices 22815
previously proposed alternative reduce flood risk and potential Consultation with the Advisory Council
included reconstructing the existing environmental impacts; and describe on Historic Preservation and the New
spoil bank system maintained by the measures to minimize or mitigate for Mexico State Historic Preservation
Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District potential environmental impacts. Officer is ongoing pursuant to the
(MRGCD) with structurally competent On November 27, 1995, the Corps National Historic Preservation Act of
levee system. published the notice of intent (NOI) to 1966.
ADDRESSES: Comments should be prepare the SEIS for the MRG GRR
study in the Federal Register (Vol. 60, Significant Issues To Be Analyzed:
mailed to Albuquerque District, U.S. Significant issues to be analyzed in the
Army Corps of Engineers, CESPA–PM– No. 227).
Previously Proposed Action: The development of the SEIS include the
LE, Bernalillo to Belen Levee GRR/SEIS,
Corps has previously proposed a effect of the alternatives on endangered
4101 Jefferson Plaza NE., Albuquerque,
NM 87109, or submitted via email to Tentatively Selected Plan for the Project or threatened species and their critical
Michael.D.Porter@usace.army.mil, to rehabilitate the spoil bank system habitat; floodplain development; water
designated by inserting ‘‘Bernalillo to with an engineered levee in four Middle quality; riparian ecological systems;
Belen Levee SEIS’’ in the subject line. Rio Grande Units. The levee for the social welfare; human safety; cultural
Comments may also be submitted at Mountain View (4.4 miles), Isleta West resources; and aesthetic qualities.
public meetings that will be scheduled (3.2 miles), Belen East (18.1 miles), and Development of mitigation measures
at a later date. Belen West Units (22.1 miles) are will be undertaken for any unavoidable
designed to provide protection for the impacts.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
0.1% probability flood. The Corps
Questions about the proposed action initiated consultation with the U.S. Fish Request for Review Comments: The
and SEIS can be answered by contacting and Wildlife Service (Service) on the Corps invites affected federal, state, and
Dr. Michael D. Porter, Fishery Biologist, effects of the Project on species listed local agencies, affected Native American
Albuquerque District, U.S. Army Corps under the ESA. As part of that tribes, and other interested
of Engineers, CESPA–PM–LE, 4101 consultation, the Corps has proposed organizations and persons to participate
Jefferson Plaza NE., Albuquerque, NM several conservation measures that in the review of the GRR/SEIS. The
87109, by phone at (505) 342–3264; or would modify structures or operation Corps invites interested parties to
via email to Michael.D.Porter@ and maintenance of the Project. The provide specific comments on issues
usace.army.mil designated by including Service is preparing a Biological and the preferred alternative in the
‘‘Bernalillo to Belen Levee SEIS’’ in the Opinion (BiOp) and the Corps expects GRR/SEIS related to the construction of
subject line. that the Service may incorporate the the Project. Comments, requests to be
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The conservation measures as part of the placed on the GRR/SEIS mailing list,
original spoil banks were constructed by BiOp. The Corps will need to complete and requests for information may be
MRGCD as part of their authority to applicable environmental compliance, submitted to the address above. All
drain wetlands and deliver irrigation including evaluation under NEPA, prior comments and materials received,
water. to adopting and implementing any
Preparation of this GRR/SEIS became including names and addresses, will
terms and conditions in the BiOp. The become part of the administrative record
necessary due to the changes that have proposed GRR/SEIS would constitute
occurred since the project was and may be released to the public.
that evaluation under NEPA. The Corps
authorized as described below. A longer Interested parties should not submit
has proposed several measures to
period of record for hydrological data is improve conditions for listed species, confidential business or otherwise
now available to allow improved and including the actions described in the sensitive or protected information.
updated hydrological analysis. New Public Involvement Process section Public Scoping Meeting: The Corps
levee design criteria that address long below, subject to authority and funding: currently plans to conduct public
duration flows have also been adopted Public Involvement Process: review meetings for this GRR/SEIS in
by the Corps in 1993. Any proposed Coordination has been ongoing since 2017. The exact date, time, and location
plan now has to incorporate new design 2008 with both public and private of the public meetings has not yet been
features that prevent seepage through entities that have jurisdiction or an determined. The Corps will publicize
the levee or its foundation due to interest in land and resources in the this information once the meeting
prolonged flow against the riverward Middle Rio Grande Valley of New arrangements have been made. The draft
toe. The Corps has adopted a Mexico. These entities include the GRR/SEIS is currently scheduled to be
probabilistic determination of flood risk general public, local governments, the
available for public review in summer
to perform levee design. Three species Pueblo of Isleta, the U.S. Bureau of
2017. The final GRR/SEIS is currently
that have been listed as threatened or Reclamation, the Service, the MRGCD,
endangered since 1994 occur within the the New Mexico Department of Game scheduled to be available for public
study area (two with critical habitat). and Fish, and the Interstate Stream review in spring 2018.
These include the Western Yellow- Commission. Coordination will James L. Booth,
billed Cuckoo, the Southwestern Willow continue throughout the development of Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, District
Flycatcher, and the Rio Grande Silvery the SEIS through comment letters, Commander.
Minnow. public meetings and field visits. All [FR Doc. 2017–10075 Filed 5–17–17; 8:45 am]
The GRR/SEIS will investigate and interested parties, including federal,
BILLING CODE P
determine the extent of Federal interest
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
state, tribal, and public entities, will be
in a range of alternative plans designed invited to submit comments on the draft
to reduce the risk of flooding in the SEIS when it is circulated for review.
communities between Albuquerque and The planning effort is also being
Belen. The GRR/SEIS will describe the coordinated with the Service pursuant
risk of flooding in the communities to the requirements of the Fish and
between Albuquerque and Belen; Wildlife Coordination Act of 1972 and
evaluate a range of alternatives to the ESA of 1973, as amended.
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Document Created: 2017-05-18 01:20:36
Document Modified: 2017-05-18 01:20:36
| 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 intent. | |
| Contact | Questions about the proposed action and SEIS can be answered by contacting Dr. Michael D. Porter, Fishery Biologist, Albuquerque District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CESPA- PM-LE, 4101 Jefferson Plaza NE., Albuquerque, NM 87109, by phone at (505) 342-3264; or via email to [email protected] designated by including ``Bernalillo to Belen Levee SEIS'' in the subject line. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 22814 |
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