97-17271. Development of a Wetlands Park in Las Vegas Wash in Clark County, Nevada  

  • [Federal Register Volume 62, Number 127 (Wednesday, July 2, 1997)]
    [Notices]
    [Pages 35833-35834]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 97-17271]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
    
    Bureau of Reclamation
    
    
    Development of a Wetlands Park in Las Vegas Wash in Clark County, 
    Nevada
    
    AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.
    
    ACTION: Notice of availability and notice of public hearing on draft 
    environmental impact statement (DEIS).
    
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    SUMMARY: The purpose of this action is to provide notice of the 
    availability for review and comment, of the DEIS on potential impacts 
    on a proposed Wetlands Park in Las Vegas Wash, Clark County, Nevada. A 
    Public Hearing will be held to receive comments in preparation for 
    finalizing the DEIS.
    
    DATES AND ADDRESSES: A 60-day review period commences with the 
    publication of this notice. Written comments may be submitted to the 
    Regional Director, Lower Colorado Region, P.O. Box 61470, Boulder City, 
    Nevada 89006-1470. The Public Hearing will be held at the following 
    location: August 6, 1997--7:00 p.m., Clark County Government Center, 
    500 S. Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas, Nevada 89155.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Del Kidd, Bureau of Reclamation, 
    Lower Colorado Region, P.O. Box 61470, Boulder City, NV 89006-1470, 
    telephone: (702) 293-8698. Copies of the DEIS will be available for 
    inspection at local libraries and may be obtained at the above and 
    following address: Department of Parks and Recreation, Clark County 
    Government Center, P.O. Box 551741, Las Vegas, Nevada 89155-7110, 
    telephone number 702-455-2452.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed project is a Wetlands Park 
    along a 7 mile reach of Las Vegas Wash in southeastern Nevada, 
    including portions of Whitney and the City of Henderson, and 
    unincorporated portions of Clark County, Nevada. The Park is proposed 
    by the Clark County Department of Comprehensive Planning Parks and 
    Recreation. Some of the lands the Park will be constructed on is 
    administered by Reclamation. Because Reclamation lands are involved in 
    this
    
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    proposal, National Environmental Policy Act compliance is required. 
    Also, because Reclamation lands are involved, it was agreed that 
    Reclamation would be the lead agency for NEPA compliance. In 1991, 
    Nevada residents approved by ballot a statewide wildlife and park bond 
    earmarking $13.3 million for the wetlands park project in Las Vegas 
    Wash.
        A critical need for the Las Vegas Wash is to control erosion. Flows 
    in the upper reaches of the Wash and its tributaries are intermittent 
    and occur primarily during storms. Flows in the lower reaches are 
    primarily from treated wastewater effluent. The water from these two 
    areas ultimately is discharged Lake Mead. As urban development 
    continues throughout the Las Vegas Valley, the amount of impervious 
    surface area and subsequent stormwater runoff increase. The increase in 
    wastewater flows and stormwater runoff have accelerated erosion and 
    channelization. In the last 25 years, wetlands have been reduced to 
    approximately 50 acres. This erosion has resulted in 4 to 5 million 
    cubic yards of sediment being deposited in Lake Mead.
        Four alternatives are considered in the DEIS: Conservation, 
    Recreation, Full Development, Integrated Alternative. The Conservation 
    Alternative primarily purpose is to protect and enhance wildlife 
    habitat. The Recreation Alternative primary purpose is to create a full 
    range of recreation activities and wildlife viewing opportunities for 
    people of all abilities. The Full Development alternative purpose would 
    be to develop the area as a major environmental and recreational 
    resource that emphasizes the enhancement of natural resources, 
    recreational development, and major facilities for education and large 
    numbers of visitors. The Integrated Alternative (preferred alternative) 
    would be an environmental and recreational resource emphasizing habitat 
    enhancement, and recreational/educational facilities for visitors.
        A variety of impacts were addressed; among these were the 
    following: geology, air quality, hydrology, water quality, biological 
    resources, land use, transportation, noise, cultural resources, health 
    & safety, and visual resources.
        There are two major areas of controversy, and these are sediment 
    quality and water use.
    
        Dated: June 25, 1997
    Laura Herbranson,
    Director, Resource Management and Technical Services.
    [FR Doc. 97-17271 Filed 7-1-97; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4310-94-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
07/02/1997
Department:
Reclamation Bureau
Entry Type:
Notice
Action:
Notice of availability and notice of public hearing on draft environmental impact statement (DEIS).
Document Number:
97-17271
Pages:
35833-35834 (2 pages)
PDF File:
97-17271.pdf