98-33563. Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Proposed Alamo Lake Reoperation and Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study, La Paz and Mohave Counties, Arizona; dated December 1998

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 243 (Friday, December 18, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 70116]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-33563]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army Corps of Engineers


Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact 
Statement (DEIS) for the Proposed Alamo Lake Reoperation and Ecosystem 
Restoration Feasibility Study, La Paz and Mohave Counties, Arizona; 
dated December 1998

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

ACTION: Notice of Availability.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has prepared a Draft Alamo 
Lake Reoperation and Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study, La Paz 
and Mohave Counties, Arizona; dated December 1998. Alamo Dam is located 
on the Bill Williams River, on the border of Mohave and La Paz 
Counties, in west-central Arizona, approximately 110 miles northwest of 
Phoenix, Arizona. Construction of the dam and appurtenant works was 
completed in 1968 as a multipurpose project (flood control, water 
conservation and supply, and recreation) under authorization of the 
Flood Control Act of December 22, 1944. Since the late 1970's local, 
state, and federal offices, interest groups, and private parties have 
raised issues and concerns surrounding the operation of Alamo Dam and 
its impact, both upstream and downstream, upon recreation, fisheries, 
endangered species, and riparian habitat. In response to these 
concerns, the Corps of Engineers is studying the impacts of alternative 
water storage elevations to optimize biological and recreational 
benefits while still meeting the authorized project purposes.
    The general planning objective guiding the development of 
alternatives was the balance between minimum flows needed to sustain 
and enhance riparian resources below the dam, and sustenance of 
suitable lake elevations with minimal fluctuations for reservoir 
resources and uses. The 1,125-foot, 1,100-foot, and 1,070-foot plans 
are analyzed in consideration of all pertinent environmental resources 
potentially affected under these operational scenarios. This analysis 
is presented in the DEIS to serve as the basis for comparing the 
relative level of impact that each alternative would have on the 
environment.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
For further information on the Draft Feasibility Report contact Mr. 
Mike Smiley, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Attn: 
CESPL-PD-WC, 3636 N. Central Avenue, Room 740, Phoenix, Arizona 85012-
1936, at [phone]; and for information on the DEIS contact Mr. 
Timothy Smith, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, 
Attn: CESPL-PD-RN, P.O. Box 532711, Los Angeles CA 90053-2325, at phone 
[phone], or via E-mail to: [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Army Corps of Engineers has prepared a 
DEIS to assess the environmental effects associated with the Proposed 
Alamo Lake Reoperation and Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study, La 
Paz and Mohave Counties, Arizona; dated December 1998. The public will 
have the opportunity to comment on this analysis before any action is 
taken to implement the proposed action.

Scoping:

    The Army Corps of Engineers conducted a scoping meeting prior to 
preparing the Environmental Impact Statement to aid in determining the 
significant environmental issues associated with the proposed action. 
This meeting was held in Parker, Arizona on May 6, 1998.
    Individuals and agencies may present written comments relevant to 
the DEIS by sending the information to Mr. Timothy Smith at the address 
above prior to February 1, 1999. Comments, suggestions, and requests to 
be placed on the mailing list for announcements and for the Final EIS, 
should be sent to Timothy Smith, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los 
Angeles District, Attn: CESPL-PD-RN, PO Box 532711, Los Angeles, CA 
90053-2325, or via E-mail to: [e-mail], or FAX at 
[phone].

Availability of the Draft EIS

    Copies of the DEIS are available from Mr. Tim Smith at the address 
above. Review copies are also available at the following Corps' 
offices:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Environmental 
Resources Branch, 911 Wilshire Boulevard, 14th Floor, Los Angeles, CA
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Planning Section C, 
3636 N. Central Avenue, Room 740, Phoenix, Arizona 85012-1936

    Dated: December 11, 1998.
John P. Carroll,
Colonel, Corps of Engineers, District Engineer.
[FR Doc. 98-33563 Filed 12-17-98; 8:45 am]
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