Environmental Impact Statements and Regulations; Availability of EPA Comments

EPA expressed environmental concern due to project impacts related to disturbances within roadless areas, contiguous terrestrial habitat and watersheds. ERP No. D-FHW-G40177-LA Rating LO, Kansas Lane Connector Project, Construction between U.S. 80 (Desiard Street) and U.S. 165 and the Forsythe Avenue Extension, U.S. Army COE Section 10 and 404 Permits Issuance, City of Monroe, Quachita Parish, LA. Summary: EPA has no objections to the selection of the preferred alternative. ERP No. D-FRA-E40799-FL Rating EC1, Florida High Speed Rail from Tampa to Orlando, Transportation Improvement, NPDES Permit and US Army COE Section 404 Permit, Hillsborough, Orange, Osceola and Polk Counties, FL. Summary: EPA has environmental concerns with the proposed project regarding noise, vibration, hazardous waste sites and potential environmental impacts to air quality, wetlands, floodplains and other aquatic resources. ERP No. D-NOA-A91069-00 Rating EC2, Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish, and Sharks Fishery Management Plan, To Prevent Overfishing and Rebuild Overfished Species, Update Essential Fish Habitat, Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Summary: EPA expressed concern that the document had not adequately explained alternatives and impact analyses. EPA recommended that the final document summarize data and that it clearly connect to impacts analysis of the proposed action. EPA also requested information on bycatch and the effects of other fisheries on sharks.