[Federal Register: July 6, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 129)]
[Notices]
[Page 38391]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06jy06-57]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment for
the Proposed Infrastructure Improvements for the Yucca Mountain
Project, Nevada
AGENCY: U.S. Department of Energy.
ACTION: Notice of Availability.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability, and the opportunity
for public review and comment, of a draft environmental assessment (EA)
(DOE/EA-1566) that examines the impacts of a proposal by the Department
of Energy (DOE) to repair, replace, or improve certain facilities,
structures, roads, and utilities (collectively referred to as
infrastructure) for the Yucca Mountain Project. The proposed action
would enhance safety at the project and enable DOE to safely continue
ongoing operations, scientific testing, and maintenance until such time
as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission decides whether to authorize
construction of a repository.
DATES: Comments should be submitted to DOE no later than August 7,
2006. DOE will consider comments submitted after this date to the
extent practicable.
ADDRESSES: Comments, or requests for copies of the draft EA, should be
sent to Dr. Jane Summerson, EA Document Manager, United States
Department of Energy, 1551 Hillshire Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89134.
Requests for copies of the draft EA may also be made by calling 1-800-
225-6972. The draft EA and electronic comment forms are available at
http://www.ocrwm.doe.gov. Comments may also be faxed to 1-800-967-0739.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Jane Summerson, EA Document
Manager, at the above address or at 1-800-225-6972.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed action is to repair, replace,
or improve certain infrastructure at Yucca Mountain over a two-year
period to enhance safety at the project and to enable DOE to continue
safely conducting operations, scientific testing, and routine
maintenance until such time as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
decides whether to authorize construction of a repository. For purposes
of analysis in this EA, DOE assumes this period could be up to 10 years
in duration. This EA does not, however, consider or include any actions
beyond an NRC decision on construction authorization. The main elements
of the proposed action are as follows:
Construct up to 33 miles of new and replacement roads
(with two options for an access road)
Construct up to 20.6 miles of new 138 kV power lines (with
two options for a main power line)
Develop a Central Operations Area consisting of six
support buildings to replace existing infrastructure that is nearing
or, in some instances, has exceeded its expected design and operational
life
Site, repair, and construct other facilities and
structures for the Yucca Mountain Project
Under both the proposed action and the no-action alternative,
ongoing operations, scientific testing, and routine maintenance would
continue to be considered.
Some portions of the roads evaluated in this EA cross or run
parallel to floodplains. Therefore, this EA includes a floodplain and
wetlands assessment in compliance with DOE Floodplain and Wetland
Environmental Review Requirements (10 CFR Part 1022).
DOE will consider comments received (see DATES and ADDRESSES,
above) in finalizing the EA. Based on the final EA, DOE will determine
whether to prepare an environmental impact statement or issue a finding
of no significant impact if appropriate for the proposed action.
Issued in Washington, DC, on June 29, 2006.
Edward F. Sproat, III,
Director, Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management.
[FR Doc. E6-10563 Filed 7-5-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P