[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 126 (Wednesday, July 1, 1998)] [Notices] [Pages 35939-35940] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-17528] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Indian Affairs Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the White River Amphitheatre, Muckleshoot Indian Reservation, King County, WA AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent and public scoping notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Bureau of Indian Affairs, with the cooperation of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental [[Page 35940]] Protection Agency, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, and Washington Department of Transportation, intends to gather the information necessary and prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed taking into federal trust of land for the construction of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe's White River Amphitheatre. A description of the proposed project, location, and environmental considerations to be addressed in the EIS are provided in the Supplementary Information section. This notice also announces a public meeting to be held on the proposal and the preparation of the EIS. This notice is published in accordance with Section 1501.7 of the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508) implementing the procedural requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and the Department of the Interior Manual (516 DM 1-6), and is in the exercise of authority delegated to the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs by 209 DM 8. The purpose of this notice is to obtain suggestions and information from other agencies and the public on the scope of issues to be addressed in the EIS. DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 24, 1998. The public scoping meeting will be held on July 15, 1998. We will consider all comments sent during the comment period, or submitted at the public scoping meeting. ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to Stanley Speaks, Area Director, Portland Area Office, 911 N.E. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4169. The public scoping meeting will be held at Green River Community College, Lindbloom Student Center, 12401 S.E. 320th Street, Auburn, Washington, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: June Boynton, Area Environmental Coordinator, 503-231-6749. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe intends to develop an amphitheatre on tribal property within the boundaries of the Muckleshoot Indian Reservation adjacent to Highway 164, about seven miles southeast of the City of Auburn in King County, Washington. The White River Amphitheatre Project will consist of a 20,000-seat amphitheatre plus parking for approximately 5900 cars, all on a 90-acre site. The amphitheatre will include fixed and lawn seating, a main stage, concessions, cafes, and various plantings surrounding the seating. The amphitheatre will be used for about 30 to 40 concert events per year (which will generate the greatest attendance) and community and cultural events such as Native American pow wows, dance performances, and children's events. The Tribe has recently requested that the BIA acquire the land upon which the amphitheatre is being built and hold that land in trust status on behalf of the Tribe. As a consequence, BIA must decide either to acquire the land or not acquire the land. With respect to possible BIA action, only the action and no action alternatives have so far been identified. Additionally, a federal district court ordered BIA to prepare an EIS with respect to the amphitheatre in United States ex rel. Citizens for Safety & Environment v. Bill Graham Enterprises, Inc., No. C97-1775C (W.D.Wash.) (order issued April 17, 1998). It has not been decided whether to appeal that decision. The EIS will address the project's effects on the environment. Issues identified include:Traffic--concerns that traffic jams will result and that safety and emergency services will be compromised. Noise--concerns that the sounds from the concerts will travel offsite and adversely affect surrounding residents, wildlife, and livestock. Crime--concern that crimes, including alcohol and drug related ones, will increase in the vicinity of the amphitheatre. Water quality--the primary concern is that runoff from the site will not be adequately controlled or cleaned up to prevent impact to the White River. Wetlands--are wetland impacts minimized, accounted for, or mitigated? Wildlife--are there unacceptable impacts on fish and wildlife and their habitats, including threatened or endangered species? Slope stability--will the project affect the stability of the bluff above the White River and thereby affect other resources? Sewage disposal--how will sewage from the site be handled? Air quality--will traffic at the amphitheatre generate enough carbon monoxide to violate regional standards? Land use--how will the project affect the rural character of the surrounding lands? Socioeconomics--how will the project affect local businesses and property values? The Bureau of Indian Affairs recognizes that the Corps of Engineers has issued a public notice for a proposed wetland fill permit for the amphitheatre, has held a public hearing to receive comments, and has accepted numerous written comments concerning the Amphitheatre project. The issues and concerns received by the Corps of Engineers in comments on the project will be included as part of the scoping for this EIS. Dated: June 26, 1998. Kevin Gover, Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs. [FR Doc. 98-17528 Filed 6-30-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-02-P