Environmental Impact Statements and Regulations; Availability of EPA Comments

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[ER-FRL-5491-4]

Environmental Impact Statements and Regulations; Availability of

EPA Comments

Availability of EPA comments prepared April 13, 1998 Through April

17, 1998 pursuant to the Environmental Review Process (ERP), under

Section 309 of the Clean Air Act and Section 102(2)(c) of the National

Environmental Policy Act as amended. Requests for copies of EPA

comments can be directed to the Office of Federal Activities at (202)

564-7167. An explanation of the ratings assigned to draft environmental

impact statements (EISs) was published in FR dated April 10, 1998 (63

FR 17856).

Draft EISs

ERP No. D-AFS-L65300-AK Rating LO, Canal-Hoya Timber Sale,

Implementation, Stikine Area, Tongass National Forest, Value Comparison

Unit (VCU), AK.

Summary: EPA used a screening tool to conduct a limited review of

this action. Based upon the screen, EPA does not foresee having any

environmental objections to the proposed project. Therefore, EPA will

not be conducting a detailed review.

ERP No. D-BLM-L08054-AK Rating LO, Northern Intertie Project,

Construction of 230 kV Transmission Line from Healy to Fairbanks, AK,

Application for Right-of-Way Grant, Gold Valley Electric Association,

AK.

Summary: EPA used a screening tool to conduct a limited review of

this action. Based upon the screen, EPA does not foresee having any

environmental objections to the proposed project. Therefore, EPA will

not be conducting a detailed review.

ERP No. D-NOA-E39041-SC Rating EC2, Marine Environmental Health

Research Laboratory (MEHRL), Construction and Operation of Premiere,

High Technology and Marine Research Center, Approval of Permits,

Charleston County, SC.

Summary: EPA expressed environmental concerns and about lack of

discussion on fuel storage tanks, spill prevention and containment

strategies in the event of a tank runover and impacts from running

laboratory ventilation hoods.

ERP No. D-UMC-K11088-CA Rating EO2, Tustin Marine Corps Air Station

(MCAS) Disposal and Reuse, Implementation, Orange County, CA.

Summary: EPA expressed environmental objections due to projected

adverse impacts to wetlands and other jurisdictional waters. EPA

requested that the final EIS demonstrate that all practicable measures

were taken to avoid and minimize the placement of fill in wetlands and

other aquatic resources. EPA, also expressed concern about potential

impacts associated with the use of fertilizers and pesticides at the

golf course and recommended that final EIS examine reasonable

opportunities to reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides.

Final EISs

ERP No. F-BLM-J01076-WY, Powder River (WYW136142) and Thundercloud

(WYW136458) Coal Lease Applications, Federal Coal Leasing, Campbell and

Converse Counties, WY.

Summary: EPA's review has not identified any potential

environmental impacts.

ERP No. F-BLM-K67046-NV, Olinghouse Mine Project, Construction of

Two Open Pits, Waste Dump, Haul Road and Cyanide Heap Leach Pads, Plan-

of-Operation Approval Carson City, Washoe County, NV.

Summary: EPA concerns were addressed in the Final EIS. EPA still

have environmental concerns about potential impacts to nearby springs

and potentially adverse pit lake chemistry. EPA requested that the

Record of Decision (ROD) include specific mitigation and monitoring

provisions on these two issues.

ERP No. F-NOA-L91001-AK, Juneau Consolidated Facility, Space for

the University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Fisheries and Ocean

Science (UAF), Possible Site Lena Point, Fisheries Management

Operation, `Vision for 2005', Juneau, AK.

Summary: EPA continues to have environmental concerns regarding

wastewater treatment at the proposed facility and the Record of

Decision should specify whether the facility will tie into the existing

City and Borough of Juneau treatment system or operate an on-site

treatment plant.

ERP No. F-US-J11014-CO United States Army Garrison, Fitzsimons

(Formerly Fitzsimons Army Medical Center) Disposal and Reuse for BRAC-

95, Implementation, City of Aurora, Denver County, CO.

Summary: EPA expressed lack of objections.

ERP No. FS-USA-E65040-MS, Camp Shelby Continued Military Training

Activities, Use of National Forest Lands, Updated Information, Final

Site Selected Authorization for Implementation of the Proposed G. V.

(Sonny) Montgomery Ranges, Special Use Permit, DeSoto National Forest,

Forrest, George and Perry Counties, MS.

Summary: EPA's initial comments on developing this training range

have largely been addressed by additional data/exposition. However,

certain concerns will only be verified after the range becomes

operational. Therefore, EPA will continue to participate in the

interagency team, which will be monitoring the facility's progress.

Dated: April 28, 1998.

William D. Dickerson,

Director, NEPA Compliance Division, Office of Federal Activities.

[FR Doc. 98-11659 Filed 4-30-98; 8:45 am]

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