Yuma, Ariz – The Bureau of Reclamation’s Yuma Area Office is issuing a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) today for public review and comment. The EA addresses proposed upgrades to electrical components at Imperial Dam, located approximately 18 miles northeast of Yuma, Arizona.

The proposed Imperial Dam Facilities Improvements Project would upgrade and improve electrical systems, components and service lines at Imperial Dam and its associated facilities, bringing these structures up to current safety standards and National Electrical Codes. With original construction of Imperial Dam completed in 1938, the electrical components providing site power to Imperial Dam and its associated facilities need extensive refurbishment in order to ensure long term operational efficiency and reliability.

The draft EA analyzes and describes the anticipated environmental and human impacts resulting from the proposed action. Based on the analysis, Reclamation made a preliminary determination that authorizing the Imperial Irrigation District to conduct the electrical upgrades will not result in significant environmental or human impacts. As such Reclamation has determined that a FONSI is appropriate and that an environmental impact statement is not needed for this project. Copies of the draft EA and draft FONSI are available for review online at: http://www.usbr.gov/lc/yuma/environmental_docs/environ_docs.html.

Comments on these documents will be accepted until December 19, 2012. Comments should be mailed to Mr. Julian DeSantiago, Environmental Protection Specialist, Bureau of Reclamation, 7301 Calle Agua Salada, Yuma, AZ 85364. They can also be submitted by e-mail at jdesantiago@usbr.gov.