# Western Colorado Area Office, Grand Junction, Colorado

> Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more.

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A97-27231

## Record

- **Collection:** Federal Register
- **Document type:** Notice
- **Published:** October 15, 1997
- **Citation:** 62 FR 53652

## Text

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Reclamation

Western Colorado Area Office, Grand Junction, Colorado

AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a supplemental environmental impact
statement.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of
1969, as amended, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) intends to
prepare a supplemental environmental impact statement on the AB Lateral
Hydropower Project. The project would be located in Montrose County,
Colorado. The purpose of the hydropower project is to economically
develop the energy potential of water flows from the Gunnison River
through the existing Gunnison Tunnel to the Uncompahgre River.

DATES: The Supplemental EIS is expected to be available for public
comment in 1998.

ADDRESSES: For information concerning the supplemental NEPA work, or
information or suggestions concerning the work, contact Mr. Steve
McCall, Environmental Specialist, Western Colorado Area Office, Bureau
of Reclamation, P.O. Box 60340, Grand Junction CO 81506.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Steve McCall at (970) 248-0600.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

A final environmental impact statement (FEIS 90-25) was filed on

[[Page 53653]]

August 28, 1990. The FEIS described four alternatives for the proposed
construction and operation of a hydropower project using features of
Reclamation's Uncompahgre Valley Reclamation Project (UVRP).
Reclamation is considering executing a lease of power privilege (a type
of contract) with a private company to use facilities for this project.
A Section 404 Permit under the Clean Water (Act) is also required for
the project.
The alternatives described in the FEIS provided for additional
water diversions from the Gunnison River through the existing Gunnison
Tunnel to a penstock and powerplant near Montrose, Colorado. The
significant issues addressed in the FEIS included the impacts of
reduced flows in the Gunnison River, increased flows in the Uncompahgre
River, economic impacts in local counties, and impacts on wetlands.
Since publication of the FEIS, additional information has become
available concerning proposed bank stabilization plans along the
Uncompahgre River, endangered species, resources along the Gunnison
River, and power sales.
Hydropower development in association with the UVRP was authorized
by the Act of June 22, 1938 (Pub. L. 75-698, Stat. 941). Under the Act,
the hydropower facility would be constructed and operated under a lease
of power privilege with Reclamation. This lease would provide for cost
reimbursement fees, Reclamation's role as overseer, and the Sponsor's
obligations, including environmental commitments. Funding for the
hydropower studies is provided by the project proponents. Reclamation
serves as the lead Federal agency responsible for ensuring compliance
with NEPA.

Potential Federal Action

Two major Federal actions are pending on the project: execution of
a lease of power privilege by Reclamation and issuance of a Section 404
Permit under the Clean Water Act by the Corps of Engineers.

Dated: October 7, 1997.
Charles Calhoun,
Regional Director, Upper Colorado Region.
[FR Doc. 97-27231 Filed 10-14-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-94-M

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A97-27231. Public record. Not legal advice.