The Environmental Assessment (EA) for a geotechnical investigation has been completed and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was released today. The investigation will determine the engineering feasibility of relocating a portion of Olympic Hot Springs Road outside of the floodplain.
If deemed feasible, the analysis of a potential road relocation would then occur in a separate EA. That EA would address long-term planning for the Olympic Hot Springs Road. Scoping for the next EA could occur as early as this winter.
The current EA analyzed the potential impacts of conducting a geotechnical investigation including equipment access for drilling approximately 22 off-road test borings, excavating two test pits, and monitoring subsurface conditions along a one-mile stretch of the slope east of Olympic Hot Springs Road. Monitoring instruments will be installed at the off-road test boring sites to collect data and monitor slope stability.
“Long term, sustainable public access in the Elwha Valley is our goal," said park superintendent Sarah Creachbaum. “This is a necessary step before we can analyze viable options for the road and we appreciate the public’s participation."
The public comment period ended August 31and included a public meeting. Responses to substantive comments on the EA are included with the FONSI. The EA and FONSI are available for review on the project planning website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/OHSgeotech.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
