The proposed project, a joint venture between Reclamation, the Navajo Nation, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, is being carried out to correct significant safety deficiencies associated with Captain Tom Dam. Proposed corrective actions include demolishing the dam and replacing it with a new structure or substantially modifying the dam. Captain Tom Reservoir is an off-stream impoundment of Captain Tom Wash, which is a tributary to the Chaco and San Juan rivers.

The construction will be phased over a two-year period beginning in 2009.

During the initial scoping phase, the public is invited to submit comments to assist in the identification of key issues and alternatives related to the proposal that should be addressed in the Environmental Assessment. An EA will be prepared by Reclamation, BIA and the Navajo Nation to evaluate potential issues, consider alternatives, and analyze effects of the proposed action and other action alternatives.

The full Notice of Public Scoping Notice can be obtained by calling the Environmental Resource Management Division at (623) 773-6251, by e-mailing rkonst@lc.usbr.gov , or by downloading it from the Phoenix Area Office website at http://www.usbr.gov/lc/phoenix/