The proposed action is to complete construction of the project, including the construction of a biota water treatment plant to treat the water from Lake Sakakawea, before it is transported through the buried pipeline into the Hudson Bay Basin.

Reclamation is preparing the supplemental document to address the issues related to final construction and operation of the project. Input from the public is being sought on the development of reasonable alternatives to the proposed action, information relative to new water treatment processes, methods for evaluating the risks and potential consequences; which may be associated with the proposed action and concerns relative to potential environmental effects.

There will be four public scoping meetings starting at 6:30 p.m. each evening:

• Monday, September 13, Bottineau, N.D.
  MSU- Bottineau, Nelson Science Center Room 125, 105 Simrall Blvd
• Tuesday, September 14, Minot, N.D.
  Sleep Inn - Inn and Suites, North Convention Center, 2400 10th St NW
• Wednesday, September 15, New Town, N.D.
  4 Bears Casino & Lodge, Mandan Room, 202 Frontage Road
• Thursday, September 16, Bismarck, N.D.
  Best Western Doublewood Inn, Congress Room, 1400 Interchange Ave

Both verbal and written comments will be accepted at the meetings. In addition, comments may be submitted by mail, fax, or e-mail to:

Northwest Area Water Supply Project
Bureau of Reclamation, Dakotas Area Office
P.O. Box 1017
Bismarck, North Dakota 58502-1017

FAX: 701.250.4590

Email: NAWS_EIS@usbr.gov

Comments should be received by Tuesday, October 12, 2010.

The Federal Register Notice regarding this proposed action is available for download at www.usbr.gov/gp/dkao.