Development of a Wetlands Park in Las Vegas Wash in Clark County, Nevada

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Reclamation

Development of a Wetlands Park in Las Vegas Wash in Clark County,

Nevada

AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability and notice of public hearing on draft

environmental impact statement (DEIS).

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SUMMARY: The purpose of this action is to provide notice of the

availability for review and comment, of the DEIS on potential impacts

on a proposed Wetlands Park in Las Vegas Wash, Clark County, Nevada. A

Public Hearing will be held to receive comments in preparation for

finalizing the DEIS.

DATES AND ADDRESSES: A 60-day review period commences with the

publication of this notice. Written comments may be submitted to the

Regional Director, Lower Colorado Region, P.O. Box 61470, Boulder City,

Nevada 89006-1470. The Public Hearing will be held at the following

location: August 6, 1997--7:00 p.m., Clark County Government Center,

500 S. Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas, Nevada 89155.

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. Copies of the DEIS will be available for

inspection at local libraries and may be obtained at the above and

following address: Department of Parks and Recreation, Clark County

Government Center, P.O. Box 551741, Las Vegas, Nevada 89155-7110,

telephone number 702-455-2452.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed project is a Wetlands Park

along a 7 mile reach of Las Vegas Wash in southeastern Nevada,

including 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 Comprehensive Planning Parks and

Recreation. Some of the lands the Park will be constructed on is

administered by Reclamation. Because Reclamation lands are involved in

this

[[Page 35834]]

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 statewide 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 ultimately is discharged Lake Mead. As urban development

continues throughout the Las Vegas Valley, the amount of impervious

surface area and subsequent stormwater runoff increase. The increase in

wastewater flows and stormwater runoff have accelerated erosion and

channelization. In the last 25 years, wetlands have been reduced to

approximately 50 acres. This erosion has resulted in 4 to 5 million

cubic yards of sediment being deposited in Lake Mead.

Four alternatives are considered in the DEIS: Conservation,

Recreation, Full Development, Integrated Alternative. The Conservation

Alternative primarily purpose is to protect and enhance wildlife

habitat. The Recreation Alternative primary purpose is to create a full

range of recreation activities and wildlife viewing opportunities for

people of all abilities. The Full Development alternative 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 large

numbers of visitors. The Integrated Alternative (preferred alternative)

would be an environmental and recreational resource emphasizing 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, and these are sediment

quality and water use.

Dated: June 25, 1997

Laura Herbranson,

Director, Resource Management and Technical Services.

[FR Doc. 97-17271 Filed 7-1-97; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-94-P