Consultation and Coordination
| Chapter | Consultation and Coordination |
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This chapter describes the Bureau of Reclamation's (Reclamation) public involvement activities and its consultation and coordination with State and Federal agencies and private organizations during the planning and preparation of the draft environmental assessment (DEA).
Reclamation initially developed a public involvement plan for renewal of the water service contract with the Loup Basin Reclamation District (LBRD). The public involvement goals included: (1) identifying and involving the diverse interests at the onset and throughout the process; (2) attempting to identify issues and concerns early in the process; (3) providing pertinent information to publics to keep them informed and help them form educated opinions; (4) helping publics understand how their input affects the processes and outcomes; and (5) providing forums for publics to discuss various issues and differing viewpoints.
The plan outlined three phases of public involvement--the Resource Management Assessment, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, and the negotiation of new contracts. The plan was written so it could easily be adapted to respond to evolving issues and to accommodate public needs.
In July 1997, the LBRD requested Reclamation begin studying the feasibility of transferring ownership of all Middle Loup Project facilities from the Federal Government to the LBRD, in lieu of continuing the contract renewal process. The public involvement plan was adapted to fit the title transfer process.
Reclamation initially held public scoping meetings for contract renewal in May 1996 at Sargent, Loup City, St. Paul, and Grand Island, all in Nebraska. Any ideas, issues, and concerns identified at these meetings which also apply to title transfer were retained and given consideration by Reclamation's title transfer team.
Because the title transfer process could affect additional publics and have a potentially different outcome than renewing the water service contract, Reclamation held additional public meetings. In October 1997, Reclamation provided information on the title transfer process to publics at Sargent, Loup City, St. Paul, and Grand Island. Reclamation's meetings were held primarily to gather input concerning environmental effects of the transfer. However, because Reclamation is committed to protecting the public trust and the project authorized purposes, all comments and questions were recorded. Those outside the scope of Reclamation's NEPA process have been forwarded to the LBRD for its consideration.
In addition to the public meetings, Reclamation publishes a title transfer newsletter (its distri-bution list is included as attachment G). The newsletter answers questions raised and keeps the public apprised of study progress and related issues. During the NEPA process, six issues of the newsletter were published and distributed. Reclamation also offers information via the Internet at http://www.usbr.gov/gp/ or by contacting Judy O'Sullivan, Public Affairs, at (308) 389-4622 (extension 211), or josullivan@usbr.gov.
As part of the NEPA process, Reclamation consulted with many other local, State, Federal, and Tribal agencies, including the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma.
The DEA process represents compliance with the following:
Reclamation is consulting with the FWS regarding the effects of project operation on listed species and critical habitat. Consultation will be completed before title is transferred.
Jim Beadnell, a repayment specialist with Reclamation, reviewed portions of the economics section.
Carol Berry, Technical Service Center, Technical Writer-Editor, was responsible for the production of this document.
Bill R. Chada, Bureau of Reclamation area archeologist, Nebraska-Kansas Area Office, was responsible for the cultural resources analysis, including archeological, historic, and Native American Tribal issues.
Gary Davis, Great Plains Regional Office environmental specialist, provided information on migratory birds, environmental justice, threatened and endangered species, and NEPA compliance.
Richard J. (Rick) DeVore, a hydraulic engineer with Reclamation, was responsible for the hydrology model.
Sharon Leffel, an editorial assistant in the Technical Service Center, did copy editing and desktop publishing.
Jeffrey M. Lucero, Great Plains Regional Office, was responsible for water quality coordination.
Pat Mangan, biologist, Technical Service Center, was responsible for protected species, fisheries, wildlife and recreation information, and liaison with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Jill Manring, Nebraska-Kansas Area Office, a biologist, managed technical specialists in preparation of the environmental assessment.
Judy O'Sullivan, a public information specialist with Reclamation, prepared a public involvement plan and newsletter and directed public involvement activities.
Marvin Swanda, Chief of Water Operations with Reclamation at McCook, Nebraska, is in charge of reservoir operations for the Nebraska-Kansas Area Office. He participated in discussions and provided information on request.
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__________. 1993a. Nebraska's Threatened and Endangered Species-Bald Eagle. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Lincoln, Nebraska.
__________. 1993b. Nebraska's Threatened and Endangered Species-Western Prairie Fringed Orchid. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Lincoln, Nebraska.
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__________. 2001b. Unpublished memorandum. Grand Island, Nebraska.
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