[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 179 (Monday, September 16, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58407-58409]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-23465]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


National Nuclear Security Administration Office of Los Alamos 
Site Operations; Floodplain Statement of Findings for the Proposed 
Access Control and Traffic Improvements at Los Alamos National 
Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM

AGENCY: National Nuclear Security Administration, Office of Los Alamos 
Site Operations, Department of Energy.

ACTION: Floodplain Statement of Findings.

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SUMMARY: This Floodplain Statement of Findings is for the construction 
and operation of proposed access control and traffic improvements at 
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Construction actions could occur 
near and over the floodplains of Mortandad and Los Alamos Canyons; 
there would be no action within established wetland areas (see Figure 
1). In accordance with 10 CFR Part 1022, the Department of Energy 
(DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Office of Los 
Alamos Site Operations has prepared a floodplain/wetland assessment and 
will perform this proposed action in a manner so as to avoid or 
minimize potential harm to or within the affected floodplains.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Withers, U.S. Department of 
Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Office of Los Alamos 
Site Operations, 528 35th Street, Los Alamos, NM 87544. Telephone (505) 
667-8690; facsimile (505) 667-9998; or electronic address: 
[email protected]. For Further Information on General DOE Floodplain 
Environmental Review Requirements, contact: Carol M. Borgstrom, 
Director, Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance, EH-42, Department of 
Energy, 100 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington DC 20585-0119. 
Telephone (202) 586-4600 or (800) 472-2756, facsimile (202) 586-7031.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with DOE regulations for 
compliance with floodplain and wetlands environmental review 
requirements (10 CFR part 1022), NNSA prepared a floodplain/wetland 
assessment for this action. The NNSA included the floodplain/wetland 
assessment document as part of an Environmental Assessment issued on 
July 23, 2002 by the NNSA. No comments were received on the proposed 
floodplain action.
    Project Description: NNSA considered a proposal for the 
construction of various access control and traffic improvements to be 
installed at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). One of the elements 
of the proposed action would be the construction of a short road around 
the east side of Technical Area 3 at LANL along the mesa tops. Bridges 
would be constructed from either side of the road to span over 
floodplains located at the heads of Mortandad and Sandia Canyons. No 
actions would be taken directly in the floodplains nearby. This project 
is estimated to occur over the next three years from 2003 through 2005.
    Alternatives: The No Action Alternative was considered. Under the 
No Action Alternative access control into LANL would continue to be 
provided by the implementation of temporary measures as needed. No 
safety improvements of the intersections would be undertaken.
    Floodplain Impacts: The proposed action would have the potential 
for minimal impacts on the floodplains. Should a rain event occur 
during construction activities, there may be some sediment movement 
down canyon because of the loosened condition of the soil from the 
clearing and construction activities.
    Floodplain Mitigation: Placement of Best Management Practices (such 
as silt fences, straw bales or wattles, or wooden or rock structures to 
slow down water runoff and run-on at cleared sites) at the construction 
areas and post-construction reseeding and re-vegetation of the 
construction sites will minimize soil disturbance and reduce or prevent 
the potential for soil erosion. Upon completion of the construction 
activities the downstream flow and function of the floodplain will not 
be impeded. No debris will be left at the work site. No vehicle 
maintenance or fueling within 100 feet of the floodplain would occur. 
Any sediment movement from the sites would be short term and temporary.

    Issued in Los Alamos, NM on September 9, 2002.
E. Dennis Martinez,
Deputy Director, U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security 
Administration, Los Alamos Site Office.
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[FR Doc. 02-23465 Filed 9-13-02; 8:45 am]
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