ARCHES NATL. PARK by Karen Vendell SIERRA CLUB Utah Chapter 93 East 1st South Logan, Utah 84321 November 21 , 1979
(801) 753-0987
George W. Bohn
Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
P. O. Box 11563
Salt Lake City, Utah 84147
RE: Proposed Construction Activities in Logan Canyon, Utah
Dear Mr. Bohn:
The Utah Chapter Sierra Club is concerned about proposed construction in Logan
Canyon, Utah. Present plans call for widening of the existing highway. We are particularly
concerned with compliance under the National Environmental Policy Act.
As I understand the situation your office has decicied to change Logan Canyon from
a Category I (environmentally sensitive) designation to a Category III designation; the
Category III designation means that the area is not environmentally sensitive. This
decision allows the Utah Department of Transportation to proceed with construction without
the preperation of an Environmental Statement.
Under Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for compliance with NEPA an
environmental assessment is regularly prepared on all federal actions. This brief review
of environmencal impacts is used to determine if an Environmental Impact Statement
is needed or not needed. The Utah Department of Transportation has stated publicly
several times that they will not need an Environmental Statement for construction activities.
However, they do not plan to release the environmental assessment until the
spring of 1980. The Sierra Club is now investigating this apparent violation of public
law. Answers to the following items will help tis in obtaining a better understanding
of the project.
1. When did your office decide to change Logan Canyon from a Category I designation
to a Category III designation? How was the public involved in this
decision making process? When was this decision announced to the public?
2. lnfornation on the Utah Department of Transportation Regulations for
compliance with NEPA would be appreciated; and
3. How can the Utah Department of Transportation comply with the CEQ regulations
when they have decided an Environmental statement is not needed even though
the environmental assessment has not been prepared?
Because of the timely nature of this matter a response within ten working days
is requested. Sincerely, Brian Beard
cc: Craig Rayle
Jo Jo Jones
Brant Calkin
Anthony Ruckel Esq.
