98-28439. Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Disposal and Reuse of the Charles River Park Parcel, Army Materials Technology Laboratory (AMTL), Watertown, MA

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 205 (Friday, October 23, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56921-56922]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-28439]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army


Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Disposal and Reuse of the 
Charles River Park Parcel, Army Materials Technology Laboratory (AMTL), 
Watertown, MA

AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The Department of the Army announces today the availability of 
the EA and Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI) for the disposal and 
reuse of the Charles River Park parcel, AMTL, Watertown, Massachusetts. 
The 1988 Commission on Base Realignment and Closure established by the 
Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act 
of 1988, Public Law 100-526, recommended the closure of AMTL. The 
proposed action is the disposal of property made available by the 
closure of AMTL.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before November 23, 1998.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the EA or inquiries into the FNSI may be obtained 
by writing to Susan Holtham, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England 
District (ATTN: Environmental Resource Section), 696 Virginia Road, 
Concord, Massachusetts 01742-2571.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Susan Holtham at [phone] or by telefax at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The EA evaluates the effects of disposal and 
subsequent reuse of the Charles River Park parcel which comprises 
approximately 11 acres. The Army will negotiate the transfer of 11 
acres to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Metropolitan District 
Commission (MDC) or another owner. In 1920, the Army granted a 
permanent right-of-way for the parcel to the Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts, MDC. Through the grant, MDC assumed responsibility for 
care, management and police jurisdiction over the property, however, 
ownership remained with the Army.
    Three alternative methods of disposal were analyzed: Encumbered 
disposal, unencumbered disposal and retention of the property in 
caretaker status (i.e., no action alternative). The Army's preferred 
alternative for disposal of the Charles River Park parcel is encumbered 
disposal which involves conveying the property with conditions imposed 
on special easements, remedial activities, historic properties, and 
wetlands.
    The EA, which is incorporated into the FNSI, examines potential 
effects of the proposed action and alternatives on resource areas and 
areas of environmental concern: Land use, climate, air quality, 
geology, water resources, infrastructure, hazardous and toxic 
substances, biological resources, cultural resources, economic 
development, social and economic development, and quality of life.
    The EA concludes that the disposal and subsequent reuse of the 
property will not have a significant impact on the human environment. 
Issuance of a FNSI would be appropriate. An Environmental Impact 
Statement is not required prior to implementation of the proposed 
actions.

[[Page 56922]]

    The EA also will be available for public review at the Watertown 
Free Library, 123 Main Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02172-4401; 
call [phone] for hours of operation.

    Dated: October 19, 1998.
Raymond J. Fatz,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Environment, Safety and 
Occupational Health) OASA (I,L&E).
[FR Doc. 98-28439 Filed 10-22-98; 8:45 am]
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