International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The USIBWC hereby gives notice that the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for Aquatic Habitat Restoration in the Rio Grande Canalization Project, Sierra and Do[ntilde]a Ana Counties, New Mexico and El Paso County, Texas is available.

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Final Regulations, and the USIBWC Operational Procedures for Implementing Section 102 of NEPA, published in the Federal Register September 2, 1981, the USIBWC hereby gives notice that the FINAL Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact Arroyo Colorado at Harlingen Flood Flow Improvement Project, Cameron County Texas is available.

Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Final Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508); and the United States Section, Operational Procedures for Implementing Section 102 of NEPA, published in the Federal Register September 2, 1981, (46 FR 44083); the United States Section hereby gives notice that the Draft Environmental Assessment for Alamito and Terneros Sediment and Vegetation Removal below Presidio Flood Control Project, Presidio, Texas is available. An environmental impact statement will not be prepared unless additional information which may affect this decision is brought to our attention within 30-days from the date of this Notice.

In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (5 U.S.C. 552a), the USIBWC is issuing public notice of its intent to establish a new Privacy Act system of records, DOI-84, ``Interior Business Center Datamart.''

Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Final Regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500 through 1508); and the USIBWC's Operational Procedures for Implementing Section 102 of NEPA, published in the Federal Register September 2, 1981, (46 FR 44083); the USIBWC hereby gives notice that the Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Flood Control Improvements to the Rio Grande Canalization Project in Vado, New Mexico are available.

Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Final Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508); and the United States Section, Operational Procedures for Implementing Section 102 of NEPA, published in the Federal Register September 2, 1981, (46 FR 44083); the United States Section hereby gives notice that the Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Non-native Plant Control and Re-establishment of Riparian Habitats Along the Rio Grande on U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission and Bureau of Land Management Lands are available. A notice of finding of no significant impact dated January 24, 2012, provided a thirty (30) day comment period before making the finding final. The Notice was published in the Federal Register on January 24, 2012 (Federal Register Notice, Vol. 77, No. 15, Page 3497).

Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, the Council on Environmental Quality Final Regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500 through 1508), and the United States Section`s Operational Procedures for Implementing Section 102 of NEPA, published in the Federal Register September 2, 1981 (46 FR 44083); the USIBWC hereby gives notice of availability of the Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment and FONSI for Improvements to the Mission Levee Protective System located in Hidalgo County, Texas is available. A notice of finding of no significant impact dated April 6, 2011, provided a thirty (30) day comment period before making the finding final. The Notice was published in the Federal Register on April 6, 2011 (Federal Register Notice, Vol. 76, No. 66, Page 19124).

Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, the Council on Environmental Quality Final Regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500 through 1508), and the United States Section`s Operational Procedures for Implementing Section 102 of NEPA, published in the Federal Register September 2, 1981, (46 FR 44083); the USIBWC hereby gives notice of availability of the Final Environmental Assessment and FONSI for Arroyo Colorado South Levee Rehabilitation Project located in Cameron and Hidalgo Counties, Texas are available. An environmental impact statement will not be prepared.

This notice is provided in accordance with 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) parts 1500-1508 of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and USIBWC procedures for implementing NEPA. The USIBWC anticipates the need to improve existing levees in the Presidio FCP or to relocate portions of the Presidio FCP levees. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was prepared to evaluate potential consequences of each action alternative in reference to flood control improvements. Following the evaluation of each alternative in the EIS, the USIBWC selected Alternative 2 (rehabilitation of existing levee to provide 25- year flood protection) as the preferred alternative, and will use the ETS as a guide in developing construction plans.

Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, the United States Section, International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) for flood control improvements to the Presidio Flood Control Project, Presidio, Texas (Presidio FCP). The EIS analyzes potential impacts of the No Action Alternative and six action alternatives under consideration. Site- specific information is used to evaluate environmental consequences that may result from implementing improvements in the upper, middle and lower reaches of the Presidio FCP. The following environmental resources are assessed in the Draft EIS: Biological resources, cultural resources, water resources, land use, socioeconomic resources and transportation, environmental health issues (air quality, noise, public health, and environmental hazards), and cumulative impacts. A public hearing will be held in the City of Presidio to receive comments on the Draft EIS from interested organizations and individuals through transcription by a certified court reporter. Written comments may be submitted at the public hearing, or mailed to the USIBWC during the

Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Final Regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500 through 1508); and the United States Section, Operational Procedures for Implementing Section 102 of NEPA, published in the Federal Register September 2, 1981, (46 FR 44083); the United States Section hereby gives notice that the Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Emergency Repairs to the Presidio Flood Control Project in Presidio, Texas are available. A notice of finding of no significant impact dated April 2, 2009, provided a thirty (30) day comment period before making the finding final. The Notice was published in the Federal Register on April 2, 2009 (Federal Register Notice, Vol. 74, No. 62, Page 14999).

This notice advises the public that pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, the United States Section, International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) intends to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed action of constructing emergency repairs within a 3000-foot reach of the Presidio Flood Control Levee. This notice is being provided as required by the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR 1501.7) and the USIBWC's Operating Procedures for Implementing Section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), to obtain suggestions and information from other agencies and

This notice advises the public that pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, the United States Section, International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed action to increase flood protection capability and partial levee realignment of the Presidio Flood Control Project (FCP) along the Texas-Mexico Border. This notice is being provided as required by the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR 1501.7) and the USIBWC's Operating Procedures for Implementing Section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), to obtain suggestions and information from other agencies and the public on the scope of issues to be addressed in the EIS. A public meeting will be held in the city of Presidio, Texas.

This notice is provided in accordance with 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) parts 1500-1508 of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and USIBWC procedures for implementing NEPA. The USIBWC anticipates the need to improve maintenance practices or functionality of the Tijuana River Flood Control Project (Tijuana River FCP) located in southern San Diego County, California. Measures under consideration include changes in vegetation management within the floodway, water quality improvements, and support to local or regional initiatives for multipurpose use of the project for wildlife habitat development and other environmental improvements. Identified measures were incorporated into a Multipurpose Project Management (MPM) Alternative for long-term improvement of the Tijuana River FCP. A Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) was prepared to evaluate potential consequences of changes associated with the MPM Alternative relative to the continuation of current operation and maintenance (O&M) activities (No Action Alternative). The USIBWC will apply this programmatic evaluation as a guideline for the environmental impacts assessment of future individual projects considered possible at a conceptual level, but not currently anticipated for implementation. Following the programmatic evaluation of potential impacts, the MPM Alternative was adopted as the preferred option for long-term improvements to the Tijuana River FCP. In implementing this alternative, the USIBWC will continue to improve functionality of the Tijuana River FCP to meet its mandate for flood control while supporting regional initiatives for improvement of water quality and environmental conditions.

Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, the United States Section, International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) has prepared a Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (Final PEIS) for future improvements to the Tijuana River Flood Control Project in southern San Diego County. The Draft PEIS, prepared in cooperation with the Los Angeles District, United States Army Corps of Engineers, analyzes potential effects of the No Action Alternative and a Multi- purpose Project Management Alternative. Because improvement measures under consideration are at a conceptual level of development, the USIBWC has taken a broad programmatic look at the environmental implications of their implementation. The USIBWC will apply the programmatic evaluation as an overall guidance for environmental evaluations of future individual improvement projects developed for implementation. Once any given project is identified for implementation, site-specific environmental documentation will be developed based on project specifications and PEIS findings.

Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, the United States Section, International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) has prepared a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for future improvements to three Rio Grande Flood Control Projects (FCP) operated by the USIBWC along the Texas-Mexico Border: The Rectification FCP, the Presidio FCP and Lower Rio Grande FCP. The PEIS, prepared in cooperation with the United States Bureau of Reclamation, United States Fish and Wildlife Service and United States Army Corps of Engineers, analyzes potential impacts of the No Action Alternative and three action alternatives for future FCP improvements under consideration. Because several measures under consideration are at a conceptual level of development, the USIBWC has taken a broad programmatic look at the potential environmental implications of measures identified for future implementation. The USIBWC will apply the programmatic evaluation as an overall guidance for future environmental evaluations of individual improvement projects whose implementation is anticipated or possible within a 20-year timeframe. Once any given improvement project is identified for future implementation, site-specific environmental documentation will be developed based on project specifications and PEIS findings.

Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, the Council on Environmental Quality Final Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508), and the United States Section, International Boundary and Water Commission's (USIBWC) Operational Procedures for Implementing Section 102 of NEPA, published in the Federal Register September 2, 1981, (46 FR 44083); the USIBWC hereby gives notice of availability of the Final Environmental Assessment and FONSI for Improvements to the Main and North Floodways Levee System, in the Lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project, located in Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy Counties, Texas.

Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, the Council on Environmental Quality Final Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508), and the United States Section, International Boundary and Water Commission's (USIBWC) Operational Procedures for Implementing Section 102 of NEPA, published in the Federal Register September 2, 1981, (46 FR 44083); the USIBWC hereby gives notice of availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment and FONSI for Improvements to the Main and North Floodways Levee System, in the Lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project, located in Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy Counties, Texas.

Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, the United States Section, International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) has prepared a Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (Draft PEIS) for future improvements to the Tijuana River Flood Control Project operated by the USIBWC in southern San Diego County. The Draft PEIS, prepared in cooperation with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, analyzes potential effects of the No Action Alternative and two action alternatives for future improvements. Because several measures under consideration are at a conceptual level of development, the USIBWC has taken a broad programmatic look at the potential environmental implications of future implementation measures. The USIBWC will apply the programmatic evaluation as an overall guidance for future environmental evaluations of individual improvement projects whose implementation is anticipated or possible within a 20-year timeframe. Once any given improvement project is identified for future implementation, site-specific environmental documentation will be developed based on project specifications and PEIS findings. Public participation in the evaluation of potential effect is encouraged. A public hearing will be held at the City of Imperial Beach, California, to receive oral comments on the Draft PEIS from interested organizations and individuals through transcription by a certified court reporter. Written comments may be submitted at the public hearings or mailed to the USIBWC during the 45-day public review period to the contact and address below.

Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, the Council on Environmental Quality Final Regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500 through 1508), and the United States Section, International Boundary and Water Commission's (USIBWC) Operational Procedures for Implementing Section 102 of NEPA, published in the Federal Register September 2, 1981, (46 FR 44083); the USIBWC hereby gives notice that the Draft Environmental Assessment and FONSI for Improvements to the Donna-Brownsville Levee System, in the Lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project, located in Hidalgo and Cameron Counties, Texas, are available. An environmental impact statement will not be prepared unless additional information which may affect this decision is brought to our attention within 30-days from the date of this Notice.

The United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for a proposed action to raise the levee system from International Dam to Riverside Diversion Dam, in El Paso County, Texas. The levee system under consideration for this EA, approximately 15-miles long, is located entirely within the city limits of El Paso, Texas. This reach of levee system was recently identified as one of the priority areas within the Rio Grande Rectification Project for flood control improvements. The need for improvements to the levee system was determined by hydraulic modeling completed by the USIBWC in 2003. The USIBWC hydraulic study for this reach indicated that an increase in levee height would be required to meet design criteria for flood protection. An increase from 0.5 to 1.5 feet is anticipated for approximately 5.1 miles of levee. The increase in levee height would expand the levee footprint by lateral extension of the structure. Levee footprint increases in this reach will occur within the USIBWC right- of-way (ROW) and may extend primarily toward the riverside of the existing levee or to the landside given available ROW. FEMA decertification of USIBWC levees in El Paso County, Texas has resulted in the need to rehabilitate the levees to FEMA criteria; draft Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps will be issued in spring of 2007. The USIBWC plans on raising approximately 5.1 miles of USIBWC levees within the International Dam to Riverside Diversion Dam to meet the minimum 3 feet of freeboard criteria. The Environmental Assessment assesses potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Action and the No Action Alternative. A Draft Finding of No Significant Impact was issued for the Proposed Action, including mitigation measures, based on a review of the facts and analyses contained in the Environmental Assessment. An environmental impact statement will not be prepared unless additional information which may affect this decision is brought to our attention within 30- days from the date of this Notice. Availability: Copies of the Draft Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact may be obtained by request from Mr. Daniel Borunda, 4171 North Mesa, Suite C-100, El Paso, Texas 79902, e- mail: danielborunda@ibwc.state.gov. Electronic copies may also be obtained from the USIBWC Home Page at https://www.ibwc.state.gov. Written comments will be accepted for 30-days following the date of this Notice.

Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Final Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508); and the United States Section's Operational Procedures for Implementing Section 102 of NEPA, published in the Federal Register September 2, 1981, (46 FR 44083); the United States Section hereby gives notice that the Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Improvements to the Mission and Common Levee Systems, in the Lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project, located in Hidalgo County, Texas are available.

Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Final Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508); and the United States Section's Operational Procedures for Implementing Section 102 of NEPA, published in the Federal Register September 2, 1981, (46 FR 44083); the United States Section hereby gives notice that the Draft Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Improvements to the Mission and Common Levee Systems, in the Lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project, located in Hidalgo County, Texas are available.

Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Final Regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500 through 1508); and the USIBWC's Operational Procedures for Implementing Section 102 of NEPA, published in the Federal Register September 2, 1981, (46 FR 44083); the USIBWC hereby gives notice that the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, Clean Water Act Compliance at the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, located in San Diego County, California is available. The ROD was signed and made available via the USIBWC website on September 30, 2005. A Notice of Availability of the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) dated July 14, 2005, provided a thirty (30)-day comment period. The Notice was published in the Federal Register on July 22, 2005 (70 FR 42379).

This announces the availability of the FSEIS that assesses the potential environmental impacts of the construction and operation of a range of treatment and disposal alternatives for the SBIWTP to achieve compliance with the CWA and the requirements contained in its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Situated in the United States at the United States/Mexico border, the SBIWTP treats sewage flows originating from the City of Tijuana, Mexico and the surrounding region and discharges the treated effluent into the Pacific Ocean through an ocean outfall. In December 2004, the USIBWC published a Draft SEIS (DSEIS) for this action which considered existing and new alternatives that would enable the USIBWC to bring the SBIWTP into compliance with the CWA and the requirements contained in its NPDES permit and to evaluate new information on the current discharges of advanced primary effluent from the SBIWTP through the South Bay Ocean Outfall (SBOO), as well as potential interim actions that would continue operations of the SBIWTP until the SBIWTP achieves CWA compliance. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Region 9, San Francisco, California, is a Cooperating Agency for this action.