Notice of Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for a Permit Application for the Proposed Gregory Canyon Landfill Project, in San Diego County, CA, 25218-25219 [2010-10679]

Download as PDF 25218 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 88 / Friday, May 7, 2010 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers Notice of Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for a Permit Application for the Proposed Gregory Canyon Landfill Project, in San Diego County, CA jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, DoD. ACTION: Notice of Intent (NOI). SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District (Corps) is examining the environmental consequences associated with the proposed construction, operation, and closure of a new Class III landfill in northern San Diego County, in connection with Gregory Canyon, Ltd.’s application for a Department of the Army permit under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act to construct the proposed Gregory Canyon Landfill and associated facilities, which would discharge fill materials into approximately 2 acres of waters of the U.S. (less than 1 acre would be affected by permanent discharges of fill) in the San Luis Rey River to construct a bridge and in Gregory Canyon to construct the landfill liner, stability berm, and ancillary facilities. The primary federal environmental concerns are the proposed discharges of fill material into waters of the U.S. and the potential for significant adverse environmental effects resulting from such in-water activities. Therefore, to address these concerns in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Corps is requiring preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) prior to consideration of any permit action. The action must comply with the Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines (40 CFR part 230) and not be contrary to the public interest to be granted a Corps permit. The Corps may ultimately make a determination to permit or deny the above project, or permit or deny modified versions of the above project. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions about the proposed action or the scoping of the Draft EIS can be answered by Dr. Spencer MacNeil, Corps Senior Project Manager, at (805) 585–2152. Comments regarding scoping of the Draft EIS shall be addressed to: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Regulatory Division, Ventura Field Office, ATTN: CESPL– RG–N–2010–00354–SDM, 2151 Alessandro Drive, Suite 110, Ventura, California 93001, or VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:19 May 06, 2010 Jkt 220001 spencer.d.macneil@usace.army.mil. Comment letters sent via electronic mail shall include the commenter’s physical mailing address and the project title ‘‘Gregory Canyon Landfill Project’’ shall be included in the electronic mail’s subject line. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1. Project Site and Background Information: The proposed project is located in northern San Diego County on State Route 76 (SR 76), about three miles east of Interstate 15. The project site encompasses approximately 1,770 acres. There are three large, regional easements that cross the property: SR 76, a San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) transmission corridor, and San Diego Pipelines Nos. 1 and 2 (First San Diego Aqueduct). In addition, the San Luis Rey River traverses the site in an eastwest direction. A portion of Gregory Mountain is located on the project site; this mountain is considered culturally sacred by some Native Americans. The Gregory Canyon Landfill Project (proposed project) consists of the construction, operation, and closure of the proposed Gregory Canyon Landfill. The proposed landfill and its associated facilities would be located on the south side of SR 76 and would occupy approximately 308 acres of the site. The majority of the remaining property (a minimum of 1,313 acres) would be dedicated as permanent open space for long-term preservation of sensitive habitat and species. The property is located adjacent to residential, agricultural, and Native American properties. A portion of the site was previously occupied by two dairies, which have ceased operation. An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was prepared for the project and was certified in 2003 and 2007 by the Director of the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health (DEH). Subsequently, in response to a court order for additional information regarding the identified water supply, an Addendum to the certified 2007 EIR was prepared. The 2008 Addendum was adopted by the Director of San Diego County DEH. The Court ruled that the Addendum was the appropriate document and that the issue was adequately addressed. A second Addendum was prepared to analyze a change in the provision of water for the project. This Addendum was adopted by the Director of the San Diego County DEH in January 2010. 2. Proposed Action: Gregory Canyon, Ltd., as project applicant, proposes to construct, operate, and close a Class III landfill on the project site. The construction activities would discharge PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 fill materials into approximately 2 acres of waters of the U.S. (less than 1 acre would be affected by permanent discharges of fill) associated with constructing a bridge over the San Luis Rey River and with constructing the landfill liner, stability berm, and ancillary facilities in Gregory Canyon. The proposed landfill project would have a maximum daily intake of 5,000 tons and an annual intake of one million tons. The landfill would accept solid waste disposal for approximately 30 years. The landfill components would occupy approximately 308 acres of an approximately 1,770-acre site. All of the construction associated with the landfill would be located to the south of SR 76. The landfill footprint, which would be constructed and filled in phases, would be approximately 197 acres (including relocated SDG&E transmission towers, see below) and would be located within Gregory Canyon. The landfill prism would consist of a double composite liner as well as a leachate collection and removal system with a protective cover. At times, periodic construction to open the next landfill cell would occur simultaneously with acceptance of solid waste. Two borrow/stockpile areas, which would be used to store or excavate material for daily operation of the landfill, would be provided to the west of the landfill footprint. Borrow/ Stockpile Area A, which would be about 22 acres in size, would be located adjacent to the western property boundary. A haul road would connect Borrow/Stockpile Area A with the landfill footprint. The haul road would be 20 feet wide and would run along the base of the adjacent hillside with turnout locations for heavy equipment. Borrow/Stockpile Area B, which would be about 65 acres in size, would be located immediately to the west of the southern portion of the landfill footprint. The proposed project includes the construction of an access road and bridge that would cross the San Luis Rey River, which runs through the property. The approximately 35.5 foot wide bridge would be approximately 640 feet in length, with five sets of piles. The proposed project includes modifications to SR 76 at the entrance. The modifications would widen the roadway to 52 to 64 feet to provide for an eastbound deceleration lane and a westbound left turn lane and would realign approximately 1,700 linear feet of roadway to the south of the existing alignment. The modifications are expected to improve sight distance and E:\FR\FM\07MYN1.SGM 07MYN1 jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 88 / Friday, May 7, 2010 / Notices facilitate truck movements at the access road on SR76. The access road would lead to the ancillary facilities area just north of the landfill footprint. The ancillary facilities area would include booth and fee scale, an administration building, maintenance building, and a recyclable drop-off area. Two 10,000-gallon leachate- holding tanks, a 20,000-gallon water storage tank, a 20,000-gallon recycled water tank, and a 50 gallon per minute reverse osmosis system would be located in the ancillary facilities area. In addition, the proposed project would include the relocation of SDG&E transmission towers located on the slope of Gregory Mountain and an option to relocate approximately 3,200 linear feet of San Diego County Water Authority Pipelines 1 and 2, which traverse the property. The proposed project would include the dedication of a minimum of 1,313 acres of the site as permanent open space for long-term preservation of sensitive habitat and species. Through the EIS process, feasible environmental mitigation measures will be developed to reduce potential environmental impacts. Measures to reduce construction impacts would be implemented through construction contract specifications and permit requirements. 3. Issues: There are several potential environmental issues that will be addressed in the Draft EIS. Additional issues may be identified during the scoping process. Issues initially identified for evaluation in the Draft EIS as potentially significant include: 1. Visual impacts from the landform alterations; 2. air quality impacts from construction, operation, increased vehicle emissions; 3. biological impacts to habitat and wildlife; 4. cultural resources (ethnographic resources); 5. hydrogeology, surface hydrology and water quality from disturbance of sediment, operations, and runoff from development; 6. noise from increased traffic associated with operations; 7. traffic and transportation; and 8. cumulative impacts from past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects. 4. Alternatives: Several alternatives are being considered for the proposed action. The Draft EIS will include a coequal analysis of the No Action and project alternatives considered. Alternatives were considered through the state environmental review process and an associated EIR that included a no VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:19 May 06, 2010 Jkt 220001 project alternative; two on-site landfill scenarios; an on-site prescriptive design alternative with a single liner; two offsite North San Diego County locations; and alternatives to reduce the need for a landfill. The EIS will likely consider some of these alternatives. The EIS will include and evaluate a No Action Alternative that would not implement any of the proposed project elements and would not involve any discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the U.S., and therefore, would not require a Corps permit. These alternatives will be further formulated and developed during the scoping process. Additional alternatives that may be developed during scoping will also be considered in the Draft EIS. 5. Scoping Process: The Corps will conduct a public scoping meeting for the proposed Gregory Canyon Landfill Project Draft EIS to receive public comment and to assess public concerns regarding the appropriate scope and preparation of the Draft EIS. Participation in the public meeting by federal, state, and local agencies and other interested organizations and persons is encouraged. The meeting will be held on June 3, 2010 beginning at 6:00 PM (PST) at the City of San Marcos Senior Center (Horizon Room), 111 Richmar Avenue, San Marcos, CA 92069. Comments on the proposed action, alternatives, or any additional concerns should be submitted in writing. Written comment letters will be accepted until June 18, 2010. The Corps also anticipates formally consulting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act and with the State Historic Preservation Officer under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. 6. Availability of the Draft EIS: The Draft EIS is expected to be published and circulated by mid-2011, and a public meeting will be held after its publication. Dated: April 29, 2010. Mark D. Cohen, Deputy Chief, Regulatory Division, Corps of Engineers. [FR Doc. 2010–10679 Filed 5–6–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3720–58–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Air Force [Docket ID: USAF–2010–0015] Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records AGENCY: Department of the Air Force, ACTION: Notice to add a system of records. SUMMARY: The Department of the Air Force proposes to add a system of records to its inventory of record systems subject to the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended. DATES: The proposed action will be effective on June 7, 2010 unless comments are received that would result in a contrary determination. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number and title, by any of the following methods: • Federal Rulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Federal Docket Management System Office, 1160 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301–1160. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number for this Federal Register document. The general policy for comments and other submissions from members of the public is to make these submissions available for public viewing on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov as they are received without change, including any personal identifiers or contact information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Charles J. Shedrick, 703–696–6488. The Department of the Air Force’s notices for systems of records subject to the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended, have been published in the Federal Register and are available from the Department of the Air Force Privacy Office, Air Force Privacy Act Office, Office of Warfighting Integration and Chief Information officer, ATTN: SAF/ XCPPI, 1800 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330–1800. The proposed systems report, as required by 5 U.S.C. 552a(r) of the Privacy Act, was submitted on April 27, 2010, to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) pursuant to paragraph 4c of Appendix I to OMB Circular No. A–130, ‘‘Federal Agency Responsibilities for Maintaining Records About Individuals,’’ dated February 8, 1996 (February 20, 1996; 61 FR 6427). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DoD. PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 25219 E:\FR\FM\07MYN1.SGM 07MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 88 (Friday, May 7, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25218-25219]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-10679]



[[Page 25218]]

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers


Notice of Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact 
Statement for a Permit Application for the Proposed Gregory Canyon 
Landfill Project, in San Diego County, CA

AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, DoD.

ACTION: Notice of Intent (NOI).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District (Corps) 
is examining the environmental consequences associated with the 
proposed construction, operation, and closure of a new Class III 
landfill in northern San Diego County, in connection with Gregory 
Canyon, Ltd.'s application for a Department of the Army permit under 
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act to construct the proposed Gregory 
Canyon Landfill and associated facilities, which would discharge fill 
materials into approximately 2 acres of waters of the U.S. (less than 1 
acre would be affected by permanent discharges of fill) in the San Luis 
Rey River to construct a bridge and in Gregory Canyon to construct the 
landfill liner, stability berm, and ancillary facilities.
    The primary federal environmental concerns are the proposed 
discharges of fill material into waters of the U.S. and the potential 
for significant adverse environmental effects resulting from such in-
water activities. Therefore, to address these concerns in accordance 
with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Corps is 
requiring preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) prior 
to consideration of any permit action. The action must comply with the 
Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines (40 CFR part 230) and not be contrary to 
the public interest to be granted a Corps permit. The Corps may 
ultimately make a determination to permit or deny the above project, or 
permit or deny modified versions of the above project.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions about the proposed action or 
the scoping of the Draft EIS can be answered by Dr. Spencer MacNeil, 
Corps Senior Project Manager, at (805) 585-2152. Comments regarding 
scoping of the Draft EIS shall be addressed to: U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers, Los Angeles District, Regulatory Division, Ventura Field 
Office, ATTN: CESPL-RG-N-2010-00354-SDM, 2151 Alessandro Drive, Suite 
110, Ventura, California 93001, or spencer.d.macneil@usace.army.mil. 
Comment letters sent via electronic mail shall include the commenter's 
physical mailing address and the project title ``Gregory Canyon 
Landfill Project'' shall be included in the electronic mail's subject 
line.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    1. Project Site and Background Information: The proposed project is 
located in northern San Diego County on State Route 76 (SR 76), about 
three miles east of Interstate 15. The project site encompasses 
approximately 1,770 acres. There are three large, regional easements 
that cross the property: SR 76, a San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) 
transmission corridor, and San Diego Pipelines Nos. 1 and 2 (First San 
Diego Aqueduct). In addition, the San Luis Rey River traverses the site 
in an east-west direction. A portion of Gregory Mountain is located on 
the project site; this mountain is considered culturally sacred by some 
Native Americans. The Gregory Canyon Landfill Project (proposed 
project) consists of the construction, operation, and closure of the 
proposed Gregory Canyon Landfill. The proposed landfill and its 
associated facilities would be located on the south side of SR 76 and 
would occupy approximately 308 acres of the site. The majority of the 
remaining property (a minimum of 1,313 acres) would be dedicated as 
permanent open space for long-term preservation of sensitive habitat 
and species.
    The property is located adjacent to residential, agricultural, and 
Native American properties. A portion of the site was previously 
occupied by two dairies, which have ceased operation.
    An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was prepared for the project 
and was certified in 2003 and 2007 by the Director of the San Diego 
County Department of Environmental Health (DEH). Subsequently, in 
response to a court order for additional information regarding the 
identified water supply, an Addendum to the certified 2007 EIR was 
prepared. The 2008 Addendum was adopted by the Director of San Diego 
County DEH. The Court ruled that the Addendum was the appropriate 
document and that the issue was adequately addressed. A second Addendum 
was prepared to analyze a change in the provision of water for the 
project. This Addendum was adopted by the Director of the San Diego 
County DEH in January 2010.
    2. Proposed Action: Gregory Canyon, Ltd., as project applicant, 
proposes to construct, operate, and close a Class III landfill on the 
project site. The construction activities would discharge fill 
materials into approximately 2 acres of waters of the U.S. (less than 1 
acre would be affected by permanent discharges of fill) associated with 
constructing a bridge over the San Luis Rey River and with constructing 
the landfill liner, stability berm, and ancillary facilities in Gregory 
Canyon. The proposed landfill project would have a maximum daily intake 
of 5,000 tons and an annual intake of one million tons. The landfill 
would accept solid waste disposal for approximately 30 years. The 
landfill components would occupy approximately 308 acres of an 
approximately 1,770-acre site. All of the construction associated with 
the landfill would be located to the south of SR 76.
    The landfill footprint, which would be constructed and filled in 
phases, would be approximately 197 acres (including relocated SDG&E 
transmission towers, see below) and would be located within Gregory 
Canyon. The landfill prism would consist of a double composite liner as 
well as a leachate collection and removal system with a protective 
cover. At times, periodic construction to open the next landfill cell 
would occur simultaneously with acceptance of solid waste.
    Two borrow/stockpile areas, which would be used to store or 
excavate material for daily operation of the landfill, would be 
provided to the west of the landfill footprint. Borrow/Stockpile Area 
A, which would be about 22 acres in size, would be located adjacent to 
the western property boundary. A haul road would connect Borrow/
Stockpile Area A with the landfill footprint. The haul road would be 20 
feet wide and would run along the base of the adjacent hillside with 
turn-out locations for heavy equipment. Borrow/Stockpile Area B, which 
would be about 65 acres in size, would be located immediately to the 
west of the southern portion of the landfill footprint.
    The proposed project includes the construction of an access road 
and bridge that would cross the San Luis Rey River, which runs through 
the property. The approximately 35.5 foot wide bridge would be 
approximately 640 feet in length, with five sets of piles. The proposed 
project includes modifications to SR 76 at the entrance. The 
modifications would widen the roadway to 52 to 64 feet to provide for 
an eastbound deceleration lane and a westbound left turn lane and would 
realign approximately 1,700 linear feet of roadway to the south of the 
existing alignment. The modifications are expected to improve sight 
distance and

[[Page 25219]]

facilitate truck movements at the access road on SR76.
    The access road would lead to the ancillary facilities area just 
north of the landfill footprint. The ancillary facilities area would 
include booth and fee scale, an administration building, maintenance 
building, and a recyclable drop-off area. Two 10,000-gallon leachate- 
holding tanks, a 20,000-gallon water storage tank, a 20,000-gallon 
recycled water tank, and a 50 gallon per minute reverse osmosis system 
would be located in the ancillary facilities area.
    In addition, the proposed project would include the relocation of 
SDG&E transmission towers located on the slope of Gregory Mountain and 
an option to relocate approximately 3,200 linear feet of San Diego 
County Water Authority Pipelines 1 and 2, which traverse the property. 
The proposed project would include the dedication of a minimum of 1,313 
acres of the site as permanent open space for long-term preservation of 
sensitive habitat and species.
    Through the EIS process, feasible environmental mitigation measures 
will be developed to reduce potential environmental impacts. Measures 
to reduce construction impacts would be implemented through 
construction contract specifications and permit requirements.
    3. Issues: There are several potential environmental issues that 
will be addressed in the Draft EIS. Additional issues may be identified 
during the scoping process. Issues initially identified for evaluation 
in the Draft EIS as potentially significant include:
    1. Visual impacts from the landform alterations;
    2. air quality impacts from construction, operation, increased 
vehicle emissions;
    3. biological impacts to habitat and wildlife;
    4. cultural resources (ethnographic resources);
    5. hydrogeology, surface hydrology and water quality from 
disturbance of sediment, operations, and runoff from development;
    6. noise from increased traffic associated with operations;
    7. traffic and transportation; and
    8. cumulative impacts from past, present, and reasonably 
foreseeable future projects.
    4. Alternatives: Several alternatives are being considered for the 
proposed action. The Draft EIS will include a co-equal analysis of the 
No Action and project alternatives considered. Alternatives were 
considered through the state environmental review process and an 
associated EIR that included a no project alternative; two on-site 
landfill scenarios; an on-site prescriptive design alternative with a 
single liner; two off-site North San Diego County locations; and 
alternatives to reduce the need for a landfill. The EIS will likely 
consider some of these alternatives. The EIS will include and evaluate 
a No Action Alternative that would not implement any of the proposed 
project elements and would not involve any discharge of dredged or fill 
material into waters of the U.S., and therefore, would not require a 
Corps permit. These alternatives will be further formulated and 
developed during the scoping process. Additional alternatives that may 
be developed during scoping will also be considered in the Draft EIS.
    5. Scoping Process: The Corps will conduct a public scoping meeting 
for the proposed Gregory Canyon Landfill Project Draft EIS to receive 
public comment and to assess public concerns regarding the appropriate 
scope and preparation of the Draft EIS. Participation in the public 
meeting by federal, state, and local agencies and other interested 
organizations and persons is encouraged. The meeting will be held on 
June 3, 2010 beginning at 6:00 PM (PST) at the City of San Marcos 
Senior Center (Horizon Room), 111 Richmar Avenue, San Marcos, CA 92069. 
Comments on the proposed action, alternatives, or any additional 
concerns should be submitted in writing. Written comment letters will 
be accepted until June 18, 2010.
    The Corps also anticipates formally consulting with the U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act and 
with the State Historic Preservation Officer under Section 106 of the 
National Historic Preservation Act.
    6. Availability of the Draft EIS: The Draft EIS is expected to be 
published and circulated by mid-2011, and a public meeting will be held 
after its publication.

    Dated: April 29, 2010.
Mark D. Cohen,
Deputy Chief, Regulatory Division, Corps of Engineers.
[FR Doc. 2010-10679 Filed 5-6-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3720-58-P
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