Bureau of Reclamation News: Bureau of Reclamation Issues Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact on Proposed Assignment of Central Arizona Project Water Entitlements

Lower Colorado Region
Boulder City, Nev.

Media Contact:

Patricia Cox
(623) 773-6214

Sandy Eto
(623) 773-6254

Released On: June 29, 2007

Bureau of Reclamation Issues Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact on Proposed Assignment of Central Arizona Project Water Entitlements

Reclamation has completed a final Environmental Assessment on the proposed transfer of 7,746 acre-feet annually of CAP water entitlements from four water companies to the Central Arizona Water Conservation District and has determined that the water transfer will not significantly impact the environment.

The four water service companies are the West End Water Company, Sunrise Water Company, New River Utility Company, and Litchfield Park Service Company, all located in western Maricopa County.

None of the water companies has developed the infrastructure necessary to take, treat, and deliver Central Arizona Project water to its customers. The transferred CAP water entitlements would be used exclusively by CAWCD in support of its groundwater replenishment obligations, acting in its capacity as the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District (CAGRD). The water companies are expected to serve their customers by continuing to use groundwater.

Following a 29-day public review period which ended on May 10, Reclamation has considered the comments received and issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).

Copies of both the final EA and FONSI are available on Reclamation's Phoenix Arizona Office website at http://www.usbr.gov/lc/phoenix. A hard copy or CD version of these documents may also be obtained by calling the Environmental Resource Management Division at (623) 773-6251, or by e-mailing rkonst@lc.usbr.gov.

Questions should be directed to Ms. Eto at 623-773-6254.

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Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov.