Environmental Impact Statements and Regulations; Availability of EPA Comments

EPA expressed environmental concerns with potential adverse impacts to water quality and wildlife. The preferred alternative requires harvesting on steep slopes with highly erosive soils which may further impact 303(d) listed streams, aquatic resources and habitat for the Western Spotted Owl. ERP No. D-AFS-L65428-ID Rating NS, Twin Creek Timber Sale Project, Proposal to Cut and Remove Lodgepole Pine Sawtimber and Road Construction/Reconstruction, Montpelier Ranger District, Caribou National Forest, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Permit, Bear Lake County, ID. Summary: Region 10 has used a screening tool to conduct a limited review of this action. Based upon this screen, EPA does not foresee having any environmental objections to the proposed project. ERP No. D-AFS-L65435-ID Rating EC2, Mission Brush Project, Proposes Vegetation, Wildlife Habitat, Recreation and Aquatic Improvement Treatments, Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Bonners Ferry Ranger District, Bounty County, ID. Summary: EPA expressed environmental concerns regarding potential adverse impacts to water quality, invasive species, biodiversity, and cumulative impacts. ERP No. D-HHS-D81034-MD Rating EC2, Integrated Research Facility (IRF) at Fort Detrick Construction and Operation, Adjacent to Existing U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases Facilities, City of Frederick, Frederick County, MD. Summary: EPA expressed concerns regarding the Laboratory Sewer System's (LSS) possible contamination from biological warfare liquid wastes and radioactive materials to the proposed integrated Research Facility (IRF). EPA requested the FEIS specify the degree of contamination and remedial efforts to mitigate contamination from the LSS and indicate the U.S. Army's commitment to provide follow-up studies on post IRF activities. ERP No. DA-FTA-K40237-CA Rating LO, Orange County Centerline Project, Transportation Improvements, Updated Information concerning Four New Alternatives and Re-examining an Updated New No Build Alternative, City of Santa Ana through the City of Casta Mesa to the City of Irvine, Funding, Orange County, CA. Summary: EPA has no objections regarding the environmental impacts of the proposed project.