[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 239 (Wednesday, December 11, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 65234]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-31473]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Reclamation
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Rio Grande and Low Flow
Conveyance Channel Between San Acacia, NM and Elephant Butte Reservoir
AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a draft environmental impact
statement.
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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(NEPA), as amended, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) proposes to
prepare a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) addressing
possible changes to the configuration and operation of the Rio Grande
``Floodway'' and Low Flow Conveyance Channel between San Acacia, New
Mexico and Elephant Butte Reservoir. Public scoping meetings will be
held to obtain comments from interested organizations and individuals
on what issues should be considered in the DEIS.
DATES: Two public meetings will be held in January 1997 to present
information and solicit public input. The first meeting will be held on
January 21, 1997, in Albuquerque, at the University of New Mexico from
3:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The second meeting will be held on January
22, 1997, in Socorro, New Mexico at the Bureau of Reclamation Field
Division Office from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
ADDRESSES: The meeting in Albuquerque will be held at the University of
New Mexico Union Building, Rooms 250 A, B, and C (the Union Bldg., is
located north of Pope Joy Hall). The Socorro meeting will be held at
the Bureau of Reclamation Socorro Field Division Office Building, 2401
State Road 1, in the east assembly room. Written comments should be
submitted to Mr. Chris Gorbach, Project Team Leader at the address
listed below.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Chris Gorbach, Project Team Leader, Bureau of Reclamation, 505
Marquette NW, Suite 1313, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87102; telephone:
505-248-5379. E-mail: cgorbach@uc.usbr.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Flood Control Acts of 1948 and 1950
authorize Reclamation to construct and maintain channel works on the
Rio Grande between Velarde, New Mexico and Caballo Reservoir. These
works promote efficient conveyance of water to Elephant Butte
Reservoir. Channel works assist in meeting water delivery obligations
required by interstate compact and international treaty. They also
assist in providing reliable valley drainage and contribute to the safe
passage of flood waters. To assure that these project purposes continue
to be met effectively, Reclamation is reevaluating the configuration
and operation of the channel system between San Acacia, New Mexico and
Elephant Butte Reservoir. The channel facilities specifically involved
in this reevaluation are the Low Flow Conveyance Channel and the Rio
Grande Channel or ``Floodway.''
Factors prompting a reevaluation of the channel system and its
operation include changes in the flow of the Rio Grande due to climatic
variation and infrastructure changes. Chronic sediment management
problems, anticipated reductions in Federal funding, and new legal
constraints, such as the Endangered Species Act, on system operation
are also factors that prompt this reevaluation. The needs of endangered
species and requirements for preservation and enhancement of the Rio
Grande bosque will be considered. The DEIS will address possible
actions or changes in the operation of the system that may result from
the findings of these investigations.
Besides ensuring continued fulfillment of original project
purposes, Reclamation will analyze the environmental impacts associated
with the maintenance and operation of the floodway and Low Flow
Conveyance Channel system.
Dated: December 4, 1996.
Charles A. Calhoun,
Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 96-31473 Filed 12-10-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-94-M
