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

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).

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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,

[[Page 11947]]

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