[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 46 (Wednesday, March 10, 1999)] [Notices] [Pages 11946-11947] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 99-5936] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Reclamation [FES 99-9] Development of a Wetlands Park in Las Vegas Wash in Clark County, Nevada
Agency
Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.
Action
Notice of availability of a final environmental impact statement (FEIS).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the Clark County Parks and Recreation have prepared a FEIS on potential impacts from the proposed Wetlands Park in Las Vegas Wash, Clark County, Nevada. Reclamation's involvement stems from a request for a lease for the wetlands park.
Addresses
Copies of the FEIS are available for public inspection and review at the following locations: • Bureau of Reclamation, Program Analysis Office, Room 7456, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20240; telephone: (202) 208-4662. • Bureau of Reclamation, Denver Office Library, Building 67, Room 167, Denver Federal Center, 6th and Kipling, Denver, CO 80225; telephone: (303) 236-6963. • Bureau of Reclamation, Lower Colorado Region, Park Street and Nevada Highway, Boulder City, Nevada 89006-1470: telephone (702) 293-8698. • Clark County Department Parks and Recreation, 2601 East Sunset Road, Las Vegas, NV 89120; telephone: (702) 455-8287. • Copies of the FEIS will be available for inspection at local libraries All those who commented on the Draft EIS or gave presentations at the Public Hearing will receive a copy of the FEIS.
For Further Information Contact
Mr. Del Kidd, Bureau of Reclamation, Lower Colorado Region, P.O. Box 61470,
Boulder City, NV 89006-1470, telephone: (702) 293-8698, or Mr. Bruce Sillitoe, Department of Parks and Recreation, 2601 East Sunset Road, Las Vegas, NV 89120, telephone: (702) 455-8287.
Supplementary Information
The proposed project is a Wetlands Park (Park) along a 7 mile reach of Las Vegas Wash in southeastern Nevada, in portions of Whitney and the City of Henderson, and unincorporated portions of Clark County, Nevada. The Park is proposed by the Clark County Department of Parks and Recreation. Portions of the Park will be constructed on lands administered by Reclamation. Because Reclamation lands are involved in this proposal, National Environmental Policy Act compliance is required. Also, because Reclamation lands are involved, it was agreed that Reclamation would be the lead agency for NEPA compliance. In 1991, Nevada residents approved, by ballot, a wildlife and park bond earmarking $13.3 million for the wetlands park project in Las Vegas Wash. A critical need for the Las Vegas Wash is to control erosion. Flows in the upper reaches of the Wash and its tributaries are intermittent and occur primarily during storms. Flows in the lower reaches are primarily from treated wastewater effluent. The water from these two areas is ultimately discharged into Lake Mead. As urban development continues throughout the Las Vegas Valley, the amount of impervious surface area and subsequent stormwater runoff will increase. The increase in wastewater flows and stormwater runoff have accelerated erosion and channelization. In the last 15 years, wetlands have been reduced by approximately 400 acres. This erosion has resulted in 4 to 5 million cubic yards of sediment being deposited in Lake Mead. In addition to no action, four alternatives are addressed in the FEIS: Conservation, Recreation, Full Development, Integrated Alternative. The Conservation Alternative primary purpose would be to protect and enhance wildlife habitat. The Recreation Alternative primary purpose would be to create a full range of recreation activities and wildlife viewing opportunities for people of all abilities. The Full Development Alternative primary purpose would be to develop the area as a major environmental and recreational resource that emphasizes the enhancement of natural resources, recreational development, and major facilities for education and for large numbers of visitors. The Integrated Alternative (preferred alternative) primary purpose would be for an environmental and recreational resource that emphasized habitat enhancement, and recreational/educational facilities for visitors. A variety of impacts were addressed; among these were the following: geology, air quality, hydrology, water quality, biological resources, land use, transportation, noise, cultural resources, health & safety, and visual resources. There are two major areas of controversy: sediment quality and water use. The Draft EIS was issued July 2, 1997. Comments received from interested organizations and individuals on the Draft EIS were addressed in the FEIS. No decision will be made on the proposed action until 30 days after the release of the FEIS. After the 30-day waiting period, Reclamation will complete a Record of Decision. This document will present the action that will be implemented and will discuss all factors leading to the decision.
Dated: February 18, 1999.
Deanna Miller, Director, Resource Management Office. [FR Doc. 99-5936 Filed 3-9-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-94-P