National Park Service 100 National Park Department of the Interior Baker, 89311 775-234-7331 phone 775-234-7269 fax News Release Release Date: Immediate Contact: Gorden Bell, Environmental Protection Specialist Phone Number: (775) 234-7331 Date: September 26, 2011 Finding of No Significant Impact Signed for Hydrogeologic Research Project in Great Basin National Park Chris Lehnertz, Pacific West Region Director, National Park Service, has issued a decision and a Finding Hydrogeologic Research Project in Great Basin National (FONSI) for the of No Significant Impact Park. The Regional Director concluded that implementation of the preferred alternative for the hydrogeologic research project does not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment and is not an action that normally requires preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS). In July 2011 the National Park Service (NPS) prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Hydrogeologic Research Project. This EA, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, analyzed the impacts that will likely result from implementation of the project. EA The EA was available for a The evaluated four alternatives, including a No Action Alternative. public comment period. Public comments that were received were used in preparation of the FONSI. Actions under the preferred alternative include conducting investigations to better understand important water resources and connections. Project components include conducting a dye-tracing study, conducting stream flow and water quality measurements, installing pressure transducers and temperature sensors, and drilling five wells. All those that commented on the July 2011 Environmental Assessment will be receiving a printed copy of the FONSI. Those interested in viewing the FONSI, may do so on the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment website at (). For questions and additional information about this project please contact Gorden Bell, Environmental Protection Specialist at (775) 234-7331 x224. -NPS-
National Park Service Department of the Interior 100 National Park Baker, 89311 775-234-7331 phone 775-234-7269 fax News Release Release Date: Immediate Contact: Gorden Bell, Environmental Protection Specialist Phone Number: (775) 234-7331 Date: September 26, 2011 Finding of No Significant Impact Signed for Hydrogeologic Research Project in Great Basin National Park Chris Lehnertz, Pacific West Region Director, National Park Service, has issued a decision and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Hydrogeologic Research Project in Great Basin National Park. The Regional Director concluded that implementation of the preferred alternative for the hydrogeologic research project does not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment and is not an action that normally requires preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS). In July 2011 the National Park Service (NPS) prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Hydrogeologic Research Project. This EA, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, analyzed the impacts that will likely result from implementation of the project. The EA evaluated four alternatives, including a No Action Alternative. The EA was available for a public comment period. Public comments that were received were used in preparation of the FONSI. Actions under the preferred alternative include conducting investigations to better understand important water resources and connections. Project components include conducting a dye-tracing study, conducting stream flow and water quality measurements, installing pressure transducers and temperature sensors, and drilling five wells. All those that commented on the July 2011 Environmental Assessment will be receiving a printed copy of the FONSI. Those interested in viewing the FONSI, may do so on the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment website at (). For questions and additional information about this project please contact Gorden Bell, Environmental Protection Specialist at (775) 234-7331 x224. -NPS-
Press-Release-for-FONSI.docx