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Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Installation, Operation, and Maintenance of a Remote Video Surveillance (RVS) System in Whatcom County, WA

Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.

 [Federal Register: October 12, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 198)]
[Notices]
[Page 60685]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr12oc00-105]

[[Page 60685]]

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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Immigration and Naturalization Service

[INS No. 2084-00]


Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment (EA) for the
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance of a Remote Video Surveillance
(RVS) System in Whatcom County, WA

AGENCY: Immigration and Naturalization Service, Justice.

ACTION: Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment (EA).

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SUMMARY:

Proposed Action

    The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) has completed an
Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Installation, Operation, and
Maintenance of a Remote Video Surveillance (RVS) system in Whatcom
County, Washington. The RVS system would consist of 45.5 miles of
underground fiber optic line and 32 camera sites mounted on poles
ranging in height from 50 to 80 feet. The proposed action would involve
construction of an underground fiber optic line inside a 2-inch
diameter (maximum) conduit by use of trenching, plowing, or directional
boring equipment. The observation poles would be placed within augured
holes and reinforced where necessary. All line and pole locations have
been surveyed to identify wetlands, streams, endangered species
habitat, or cultural resources. Where such resources were identified,
the line would be relocated or installed via directional boring to
avoid potential adverse impacts. Based upon the findings of this
analysis, no significant adverse environmental impacts would result
from the proposed action. Positive socioeconomic benefits would result
from increased capabilities to interdict terrorist activity and illegal
drug or alien trafficking.

Alternatives to the Proposed Action

    The ``No Action'' alternative would reduce the effectiveness of the
Border Patrol in performing counter drug and alien interdictions. The
``Microwave'' alternative would be more obtrusive, less flexible, and
more expensive. The ``increased staffing'' alternative would be
prohibitively expensive and would place an increased surveillance
burden on Border Patrol staff.
    A copy of the final EA/Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) can
be obtained from the INS at the following location: Ramon Garcia,
Program Officer, Immigration and Naturalization Service Facilities and
Engineering 425 I Street, NW, Room 2060, Washington, DC, 20536,
Telephone: (202) 616-2588, Fax: (202) 514-0579 e-mail:
ramon.garcia@usdoj.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Diefenbeck, Director of
Facilities and Engineering Division, 425 I Street, NW, Washington, DC
20536, telephone (202) 514-3099.

    Dated: September 26, 2000.
Doris Meissner,
Commissioner, Immigration and Naturalization Service.
[FR Doc. 00-26220 Filed 10-11-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-10-M

 
 

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