Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Green River/Tusher Diversion Dam Rehabilitation Project, Emery/Grand County, UT, 33049-33051 [2013-13062]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 106 / Monday, June 3, 2013 / Notices Notice of extension of public scoping comment period. ACTION: Comments must be received no later than July 8, 2013. SUMMARY: The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest hereby gives notice that it is extending the public scoping comment period for the Green Mountain Lookout Removal Project. A notice was originally published in the Federal Register on May 2, 2013 (Volume 78, No. 85), beginning a 30 day comment period. Please see the Notice of Intent (FR Doc. 2013–10322) for more information related to the project. In response to requests for additional time, the Forest Service will extend the comment period from June 3, 2013, to July 8, 2013. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Todd Griffin, Project Leader, Mt. BakerSnoqualmie National Forest, 2930 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 3A, Everett, Washington 98201. Comments may also be sent via email to toddgriffin@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to (425) 783–0141. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Griffin, Project Leader, at the address listed above or by telephone (360) 677–2258. DATES: Dated: May 28, 2013. Steve Kuennen, Acting Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. 2013–13008 Filed 5–31–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration Advisory Committee Meeting Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, USDA. ACTION: Notice of advisory committee meeting. AGENCY: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, this constitutes notice of the upcoming meeting of the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) Grain Inspection Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee). The Advisory Committee meets twice annually to advise the GIPSA Administrator on the programs and services that GIPSA delivers under the U.S. Grain Standards Act. Recommendations by the Advisory Committee help GIPSA better meet the needs of its customers who operate in a dynamic and changing marketplace. DATES: June 18, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and June 19, 2010, 8:00 a.m. to Noon. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:40 May 31, 2013 Jkt 229001 The Advisory Committee meeting will take place at GIPSA’s National Grain Center, 10383 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, Missouri 64153. Requests to orally address the Advisory Committee during the meeting or written comments may be sent to: Administrator, GIPSA, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 3601, Washington, DC 20250–3601. Requests and comments may also be faxed to (202) 690–2173. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Terri L. Henry by phone at (202) 205– 8281 or by email at Terri.L.Henry@usda.gov. The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to provide advice to the GIPSA Administrator with respect to the implementation of the U.S. Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 71–87k). Information about the Advisory Committee is available on the GIPSA Web site at https://www.gipsa.usda.gov/ fgis/adcommit.html. The agenda will include an overview of Federal Grain Inspection Service operations-market overview, international programs, moisture meter implementation, update on biotech proficiency program, Field Management Division updates and initiatives, and an overview of the quality pilot in New Orleans and results to date. For a copy of the agenda please contact Terri L. Henry by phone at (202) 205–8281 or by email at Terri.L.Henry@usda.gov. Public participation will be limited to written statements unless permission is received from the Committee Chairperson to orally address the Advisory Committee. The meeting will be open to the public. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication of program information or related accommodations should contact Terri L. Henry at the telephone number listed above. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Larry Mitchell, Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration. [FR Doc. 2013–13063 Filed 5–31–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–KD–P PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 33049 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Natural Resources Conservation Service Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Green River/ Tusher Diversion Dam Rehabilitation Project, Emery/Grand County, UT Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of Intent (NOI) to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement. AGENCY: Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4321– 4370d, as implemented by the Council of Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR parts 1500–1508) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) regulations that implement NEPA at 7 CFR part 650, the NRCS Utah State Office announces its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Green River/Tusher Diversion Dam Rehabilitation project. The purpose of this notice is to alert interested parties regarding the intent to prepare the EIS, to provide information on the nature of the proposed action and possible alternatives, and to invite public participation in the EIS process (including providing comments on the scope of the draft EIS, to announce that a public scoping meeting will be conducted, and to identify cooperating agency contacts). The EIS process will evaluate alternatives recommended for detailed study as a result of previous planning-level studies completed by NRCS and any additional (new) alternatives identified during scoping. DATES: Written comments on the scope of the draft EIS, including the project’s purpose and need, the alternatives to be considered, types of issues that should be addressed, associated research that should be considered, and the methodologies to be used in impact evaluations should be sent to NRCS starting on May 29, 2013 and ending on or before June 28, 2013 (5:00 p.m. MDT), to the address listed in the ADDRESSES section below. Comments submitted after June 28, 2013 will be considered to the extent practicable by the project team. Two scoping meetings to present the project and develop the scope of the EIS will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2013, via Tele-briefings. Participants should call (800) 346–7359 (entry code 840561) at least fifteen minutes prior to the meeting and an operator will connect you to the Tele-briefing. The first Tele-briefing will start at 2:00 p.m. (MDT) with a formal presentation and SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\03JNN1.SGM 03JNN1 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 33050 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 106 / Monday, June 3, 2013 / Notices last until 2:45 p.m. An informal question and answer period will be held from 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The second Tele-briefing will start at 6:00 p.m. (MDT) with a formal presentation and last until 6:45 p.m. An informal question and answer period will be held from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Presentation materials will be available on the project Web site (https://www.ut.nrcs.usda.gov/ programs/EWP/) for participants to download prior to the meeting. Any individual who requires special assistance to participate in a scoping meeting, such as hard copy documentation of the meeting or other assistance, should contact Mr. Greg Allington, McMillen, LLC, (208) 342– 4214 or greenriver@mcmillen-llc.com by Friday, May 24, 2013 to allow sufficient time for documents to be mailed or special arrangements to be made. Scoping meeting presentation materials will be available on the NRCS Utah Emergency Watershed Protection Web site (https://www.ut.nrcs.usda.gov/ programs/EWP/) prior to the meeting. Electronic copies of the scoping materials may also be obtained from Mr. Greg Allington, McMillen, LLC, (208) 342–4214 or greenriver@mcmillen-llc.com. Representatives of Native American tribal governments and of federal, State, regional and local agencies that may have an interest in any aspect of the project will be invited to be cooperating agencies, as appropriate. ADDRESSES: Formal scoping comments may be submitted via mail, email, fax, or oral telephone comment to: • Contact: Mr. Greg Allington, McMillen, LLC, • Mail: 1401 Shoreline Dr., Boise, Idaho 83702 • Email: greenriver@mcmillen-llc.com • Fax: (208) 342–4216 • Telephone: (208) 342–4214. Details of the public scoping meeting are given above under DATES. Comments should be submitted by close-of-business (5:00 p.m. MDT) June 28, 2013. Respondents should provide contact information if you wish to be included on the EIS mailing list. Please note that any respondent’s entire scoping comment, including their personal contact information, may be made publicly available at any time during the EIS process. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Bronson Smart, State Conservation Engineer, Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building, 125 South State Street, Room 4010, Salt Lake City, Utah 84138–1100, or via email at bronson.smart@ut.usda.gov. Information VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:40 May 31, 2013 Jkt 229001 may also be obtained from Mr. Greg Allington, McMillen, LLC, 1401 Shoreline Dr., Boise, Idaho 83702, or via email at greenriver@mcmillen-llc.com. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background—The NRCS and Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) are analyzing alternatives to rehabilitate the Green River/Tusher Diversion Dam due to damage from the late 2010 and early 2011 flood events. The dam was constructed in the early 1900’s and has been modified over the years to maintain the structure. During the 2010/2011 flood events, flows in the Green River caused severe damage to the diversion structure compromising its structural integrity. If the dam fails, water delivery to two irrigation canals, a historic irrigation water wheel delivery system, and one hydropower plant would be eliminated. The rehabilitation of the diversion dam would be funded through the NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program (CFR, Title 7: Agriculture, Part 624—Emergency Watershed Protection) via technical assistance and partial construction funding. A National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Programmatic EIS was prepared by NRCS for the overall EWP program in 2004; however, the rehabilitation of this diversion dam does not fit within the analysis parameters of the Programmatic EIS. Therefore, additional NEPA analysis is required for this project. The project started out under the analysis of an Environmental Assessment (EA) during the first scoping period that was opened from October 30, 2012 to November 30, 2012. A public scoping meeting was held on November 15, 2012 at Green River City Hall in Green River, Utah. Through additional consultation with the Utah State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, it was determined that the diversion dam may be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Any modifications to the dam may be considered an ‘‘adverse effect’’ which may make it ineligible for listing after rehabilitation. A wide range of alternatives is being considered for the project as listed in the Alternatives section below. Some of the impacts to the diversion dam from these alternatives may be considered ‘‘significant’’ to cultural resources and as a result, NRCS has decided to prepare an EIS for the project. The EIS will be prepared consistent with Title 390, The National Emergency Watershed Protection Program Manual. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 The Upper Colorado Endangered Fish Recovery Program (Recovery Program) is proposing to fund and install a fish barrier in the west irrigation and hydropower plant canal to prevent Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed fish species from entering the canal and/ or hydropower plant. As part of the dam repair, upstream and downstream fish passage may also be incorporated into the design. These fish protection and passage components are proposed for inclusion in the Green River diversion rehabilitation project to help reduce mortality of ESA listed fish species populations in the Green River. Scoping Process—NRCS invites all interested individuals and organizations, public agencies, and Native American Tribes to comment on the scope of the EIS, including the project’s purpose and need, alternatives proposed to date, new alternatives that should be considered, specific areas of study that might be needed, and evaluation methods to be used. Background information including the project purpose and need and alternatives developed to date will be available prior to the scoping meeting on the NRCS Utah EWP Web site (https://www.ut.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ EWP/). Electronic and hard copies of supporting documentation are also available from Mr. Greg Allington, McMillen, LLC, (208) 342–4214 or greg.allington@mcmillen-llc.com. Once the scope of the EIS is confirmed upon the close of scoping, NRCS will begin preparation of the draft EIS. A summary of comments received during the scoping period will be compiled in a scoping report which will be available on the NRCS Utah EWP Web site. Project Study Area and Environmental Setting—The proposed project is located approximately 6.6 miles north of the city of Green River in Emery/Grand Counties, Utah. The project study area includes land that is unincorporated on both sides of the Green River. The primary study area includes the diversion dam where rehabilitation activities would occur. Secondary study areas include areas required for alternatives of the project as described in the Alternatives section below such as the powerhouse raceway, irrigation canal on the east side of the diversion dam, construction staging areas on both sides of the river, and potential impacts to the river and riparian area upstream of the diversion dam. The environmental setting for the project area is primarily located in a riverine environment surrounded by a relatively narrow riparian plant E:\FR\FM\03JNN1.SGM 03JNN1 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 106 / Monday, June 3, 2013 / Notices community adjacent to the river. Beyond the riparian community are agricultural fields on the east side of the diversion dam and BLM land on the west side of the diversion dam that is primarily comprised of desert shrubs and grasses. Environmental resources consist of the natural and man-made environment. Preliminary resource concerns associated with the rehabilitation of the diversion dam may include both beneficial and negative impacts to water quality and supply, fish, threatened and endangered species, cultural, recreation, aesthetics, and public health and safety. Alternatives—NRCS is analyzing the following conceptual alternatives to rehabilitate the diversion dam: • Repair Existing Diversion Dam: Repair the existing diversion to safely pass flood events. • Replace Existing Diversion Dam: Demolish the existing diversion dam and install a new dam in the same location. • Replace Diversion Dam Downstream: Demolish the existing diversion dam and install a new diversion dam downstream. • Replace Diversion Dam Upstream: Demolish the existing diversion dam and install a new diversion dam upstream. • Diversion Decommissioning: Completely remove the diversion dam from the river and stabilize the diversion site. The existing water rights at the dam would be supplemented via pumping out of the river or other options to provide water to the water rights holders. • Fish Passage Upstream/ Downstream: Construct a passage system(s) on the dam to allow safe upstream and downstream passage of fish over the diversion dam. • Electric Fish Barrier: Install an electric fish barrier to prevent fish from swimming into the powerhouse and irrigation canal on the west side of the diversion dam. • Fish Barrier: Install a fish barrier to prevent fish from swimming into irrigation canal on the east side of the diversion dam. • Boat Passage Upstream/ Downstream: Construct a passage system(s) on the dam to allow safe downstream passage of boats past the diversion dam. NRCS will consider any viable alternatives brought forward during scoping if it is substantially different from the alternatives described above. NRCS will also study a No-Action alternative which would consist of no Federal money used for the rehabilitation of the diversion dam. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:40 May 31, 2013 Jkt 229001 Cooperating Agencies—Federal, state, and local agencies that may be interested in or affected by the project may request or be requested by NRCS to become a cooperating agency in the development of the EIS. Signed this 24th day of May, 2013, in Salt Lake City, Utah. David C Brown, Utah State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service. [FR Doc. 2013–13062 Filed 5–31–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–16–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Natural Resources Conservation Service Non-Rock Alternatives to Shoreline Protection Demonstration Project (LA– 16) Iberia, Jefferson, and Lafourche Parishes, LA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of Agriculture. ACTION: Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact. AGENCY: Pursuant to Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Guidelines (40 CFR part 1500); and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Guidelines (7 CFR part 650); the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, gives notice that an environmental impact statement is not being prepared for the Non-Rock Alternatives to Shoreline Protection Demonstration Project (LA–16), Iberia, Jefferson, and Lafourche Parishes, Louisiana. SUMMARY: 33051 shoreline protection systems will be demonstrated in up to three (3) test sites in coastal Louisiana. Up to five (5) ‘‘non-rock’’ shoreline protection systems will be installed in 500 linear foot sections at each site, extending a maximum of 4,200 linear feet (including buffer areas) along the shoreline at each site. The sites selected include the western side of the peninsula separating Vermilion and Weeks Bay in Iberia Parish; the southeast shoreline of Lake Salvador in Jefferson Parish; and the western shoreline of Bayou Perot in Lafourche Parish. The Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been forwarded to the Environmental Protection Agency and to various federal, state, and local agencies and interested parties. A limited number of copies of the FONSI are available to fill single copy requests at the above address. Basic data collected during the environmental assessment are on file and may be reviewed by contacting W. Britt Paul. No administrative action on implementation of the proposal will be taken until 30 days after the date of this publication in the Federal Register. W. Britt Paul, Acting State Conservationist. [FR Doc. 2013–13060 Filed 5–31–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–16–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board [B–53–2013] FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Notification of Proposed Production Activity, The Gas Company, LLC dba Hawai’i Gas, Subzone 9F (Synthetic Natural Gas), Kapolei, Hawaii An environmental assessment of the federally assisted action indicates that the project will not cause significant local, regional, or national impacts on the environment. As a result of these findings, W. Britt Paul, Acting State Conservationist, has determined that preparation and review of an environmental impact statement is not needed for this project. The project will install and monitor various shoreline protection systems in areas of the state where physical, logistical and environmental limitations preclude the use of rock structures. The The Gas Company, LLC dba Hawai’i Gas (Hawai’i Gas), operator of Subzone 9F, submitted a notification of proposed production activity to the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board for their facility in Kapolei, Hawaii. The notification conforming to the requirements of the regulations of the FTZ Board (15 CFR 400.22) was received on May 22, 2013. The subzone currently has authority to produce synthetic natural gas, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, hydrocarbon gas mixtures and zinc sulfide using certain foreign-status feedstocks produced within Subzone 9A. The current request would allow Hawai’i Gas to admit the feedstocks listed below from any source in foreign status. Pursuant to 15 CFR 400.14(b), FTZ activity would be limited to the specific foreign-status materials and components and specific finished W. Britt Paul, Acting State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 3737 Government Street, Alexandria, Louisiana 71302; telephone (318) 473– 7751. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\03JNN1.SGM 03JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 106 (Monday, June 3, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33049-33051]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-13062]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Natural Resources Conservation Service


Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Green 
River/Tusher Diversion Dam Rehabilitation Project, Emery/Grand County, 
UT

AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of Intent (NOI) to Prepare an Environmental Impact 
Statement.

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

SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4370d, as implemented by the 
Council of Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508) 
and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) regulations that 
implement NEPA at 7 CFR part 650, the NRCS Utah State Office announces 
its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the 
Green River/Tusher Diversion Dam Rehabilitation project.
    The purpose of this notice is to alert interested parties regarding 
the intent to prepare the EIS, to provide information on the nature of 
the proposed action and possible alternatives, and to invite public 
participation in the EIS process (including providing comments on the 
scope of the draft EIS, to announce that a public scoping meeting will 
be conducted, and to identify cooperating agency contacts). The EIS 
process will evaluate alternatives recommended for detailed study as a 
result of previous planning-level studies completed by NRCS and any 
additional (new) alternatives identified during scoping.

DATES: Written comments on the scope of the draft EIS, including the 
project's purpose and need, the alternatives to be considered, types of 
issues that should be addressed, associated research that should be 
considered, and the methodologies to be used in impact evaluations 
should be sent to NRCS starting on May 29, 2013 and ending on or before 
June 28, 2013 (5:00 p.m. MDT), to the address listed in the ADDRESSES 
section below. Comments submitted after June 28, 2013 will be 
considered to the extent practicable by the project team.
    Two scoping meetings to present the project and develop the scope 
of the EIS will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2013, via Tele-
briefings. Participants should call (800) 346-7359 (entry code 840561) 
at least fifteen minutes prior to the meeting and an operator will 
connect you to the Tele-briefing. The first Tele-briefing will start at 
2:00 p.m. (MDT) with a formal presentation and

[[Page 33050]]

last until 2:45 p.m. An informal question and answer period will be 
held from 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The second Tele-briefing will start at 
6:00 p.m. (MDT) with a formal presentation and last until 6:45 p.m. An 
informal question and answer period will be held from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 
p.m. Presentation materials will be available on the project Web site 
(https://www.ut.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/EWP/) for participants 
to download prior to the meeting.
    Any individual who requires special assistance to participate in a 
scoping meeting, such as hard copy documentation of the meeting or 
other assistance, should contact Mr. Greg Allington, McMillen, LLC, 
(208) 342-4214 or llc.com">greenriver@mcmillen-llc.com by Friday, May 24, 2013 
to allow sufficient time for documents to be mailed or special 
arrangements to be made.
    Scoping meeting presentation materials will be available on the 
NRCS Utah Emergency Watershed Protection Web site (https://www.ut.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/EWP/) prior to the meeting. 
Electronic copies of the scoping materials may also be obtained from 
Mr. Greg Allington, McMillen, LLC, (208) 342-4214 or 
llc.com">greenriver@mcmillen-llc.com. Representatives of Native American tribal 
governments and of federal, State, regional and local agencies that may 
have an interest in any aspect of the project will be invited to be 
cooperating agencies, as appropriate.

ADDRESSES: Formal scoping comments may be submitted via mail, email, 
fax, or oral telephone comment to:
     Contact: Mr. Greg Allington, McMillen, LLC,
     Mail: 1401 Shoreline Dr., Boise, Idaho 83702
     Email: llc.com">greenriver@mcmillen-llc.com
     Fax: (208) 342-4216
     Telephone: (208) 342-4214.
    Details of the public scoping meeting are given above under DATES. 
Comments should be submitted by close-of-business (5:00 p.m. MDT) June 
28, 2013. Respondents should provide contact information if you wish to 
be included on the EIS mailing list. Please note that any respondent's 
entire scoping comment, including their personal contact information, 
may be made publicly available at any time during the EIS process.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Bronson Smart, State Conservation 
Engineer, Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building, 125 South State Street, 
Room 4010, Salt Lake City, Utah 84138-1100, or via email at 
bronson.smart@ut.usda.gov. Information may also be obtained from Mr. 
Greg Allington, McMillen, LLC, 1401 Shoreline Dr., Boise, Idaho 83702, 
or via email at llc.com">greenriver@mcmillen-llc.com.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Background--The NRCS and Utah Department of Agriculture and Food 
(UDAF) are analyzing alternatives to rehabilitate the Green River/
Tusher Diversion Dam due to damage from the late 2010 and early 2011 
flood events. The dam was constructed in the early 1900's and has been 
modified over the years to maintain the structure. During the 2010/2011 
flood events, flows in the Green River caused severe damage to the 
diversion structure compromising its structural integrity. If the dam 
fails, water delivery to two irrigation canals, a historic irrigation 
water wheel delivery system, and one hydropower plant would be 
eliminated.
    The rehabilitation of the diversion dam would be funded through the 
NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program (CFR, Title 7: 
Agriculture, Part 624--Emergency Watershed Protection) via technical 
assistance and partial construction funding. A National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) Programmatic EIS was prepared by NRCS for the overall 
EWP program in 2004; however, the rehabilitation of this diversion dam 
does not fit within the analysis parameters of the Programmatic EIS. 
Therefore, additional NEPA analysis is required for this project.
    The project started out under the analysis of an Environmental 
Assessment (EA) during the first scoping period that was opened from 
October 30, 2012 to November 30, 2012. A public scoping meeting was 
held on November 15, 2012 at Green River City Hall in Green River, 
Utah. Through additional consultation with the Utah State Historic 
Preservation Office (SHPO) under Section 106 of the National Historic 
Preservation Act, it was determined that the diversion dam may be 
eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Any 
modifications to the dam may be considered an ``adverse effect'' which 
may make it ineligible for listing after rehabilitation. A wide range 
of alternatives is being considered for the project as listed in the 
Alternatives section below. Some of the impacts to the diversion dam 
from these alternatives may be considered ``significant'' to cultural 
resources and as a result, NRCS has decided to prepare an EIS for the 
project. The EIS will be prepared consistent with Title 390, The 
National Emergency Watershed Protection Program Manual.
    The Upper Colorado Endangered Fish Recovery Program (Recovery 
Program) is proposing to fund and install a fish barrier in the west 
irrigation and hydropower plant canal to prevent Endangered Species Act 
(ESA) listed fish species from entering the canal and/or hydropower 
plant. As part of the dam repair, upstream and downstream fish passage 
may also be incorporated into the design. These fish protection and 
passage components are proposed for inclusion in the Green River 
diversion rehabilitation project to help reduce mortality of ESA listed 
fish species populations in the Green River.
    Scoping Process--NRCS invites all interested individuals and 
organizations, public agencies, and Native American Tribes to comment 
on the scope of the EIS, including the project's purpose and need, 
alternatives proposed to date, new alternatives that should be 
considered, specific areas of study that might be needed, and 
evaluation methods to be used.
    Background information including the project purpose and need and 
alternatives developed to date will be available prior to the scoping 
meeting on the NRCS Utah EWP Web site (https://www.ut.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/EWP/). Electronic and hard copies of supporting 
documentation are also available from Mr. Greg Allington, McMillen, 
LLC, (208) 342-4214 or llc.com">greg.allington@mcmillen-llc.com.
    Once the scope of the EIS is confirmed upon the close of scoping, 
NRCS will begin preparation of the draft EIS. A summary of comments 
received during the scoping period will be compiled in a scoping report 
which will be available on the NRCS Utah EWP Web site.
    Project Study Area and Environmental Setting--The proposed project 
is located approximately 6.6 miles north of the city of Green River in 
Emery/Grand Counties, Utah. The project study area includes land that 
is unincorporated on both sides of the Green River. The primary study 
area includes the diversion dam where rehabilitation activities would 
occur. Secondary study areas include areas required for alternatives of 
the project as described in the Alternatives section below such as the 
powerhouse raceway, irrigation canal on the east side of the diversion 
dam, construction staging areas on both sides of the river, and 
potential impacts to the river and riparian area upstream of the 
diversion dam.
    The environmental setting for the project area is primarily located 
in a riverine environment surrounded by a relatively narrow riparian 
plant

[[Page 33051]]

community adjacent to the river. Beyond the riparian community are 
agricultural fields on the east side of the diversion dam and BLM land 
on the west side of the diversion dam that is primarily comprised of 
desert shrubs and grasses.
    Environmental resources consist of the natural and man-made 
environment. Preliminary resource concerns associated with the 
rehabilitation of the diversion dam may include both beneficial and 
negative impacts to water quality and supply, fish, threatened and 
endangered species, cultural, recreation, aesthetics, and public health 
and safety.
    Alternatives--NRCS is analyzing the following conceptual 
alternatives to rehabilitate the diversion dam:
     Repair Existing Diversion Dam: Repair the existing 
diversion to safely pass flood events.
     Replace Existing Diversion Dam: Demolish the existing 
diversion dam and install a new dam in the same location.
     Replace Diversion Dam Downstream: Demolish the existing 
diversion dam and install a new diversion dam downstream.
     Replace Diversion Dam Upstream: Demolish the existing 
diversion dam and install a new diversion dam upstream.
     Diversion Decommissioning: Completely remove the diversion 
dam from the river and stabilize the diversion site. The existing water 
rights at the dam would be supplemented via pumping out of the river or 
other options to provide water to the water rights holders.
     Fish Passage Upstream/Downstream: Construct a passage 
system(s) on the dam to allow safe upstream and downstream passage of 
fish over the diversion dam.
     Electric Fish Barrier: Install an electric fish barrier to 
prevent fish from swimming into the powerhouse and irrigation canal on 
the west side of the diversion dam.
     Fish Barrier: Install a fish barrier to prevent fish from 
swimming into irrigation canal on the east side of the diversion dam.
     Boat Passage Upstream/Downstream: Construct a passage 
system(s) on the dam to allow safe downstream passage of boats past the 
diversion dam.
    NRCS will consider any viable alternatives brought forward during 
scoping if it is substantially different from the alternatives 
described above. NRCS will also study a No-Action alternative which 
would consist of no Federal money used for the rehabilitation of the 
diversion dam.
    Cooperating Agencies--Federal, state, and local agencies that may 
be interested in or affected by the project may request or be requested 
by NRCS to become a cooperating agency in the development of the EIS.

    Signed this 24th day of May, 2013, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
David C Brown,
Utah State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-13062 Filed 5-31-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-P
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