News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces Availability of Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact on EA Dam Safety Corrective Actions at Box Butte Dam

Media Contact: Lucas Milheiser, (308) 345-8323, lmilheiser@usbr.gov

For Release: April 26, 2016

MCCOOK, Neb. -- The Bureau of Reclamation has announced the availability of the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) for Box Butte Dam Safety of Dams Corrective Action. Reclamation prepared the Final EA to evaluate the environmental consequences of undertaking corrective actions at Box Butte Dam, located in Dawes County, in order to reduce the risk of dam failure to satisfactory levels.

Reclamation requested public review and comment on the Draft EA between January 15 and February 12, 2016. In response to comments, Reclamation provided clarifications and expanded discussion in sections 3.3.2 (Soils), 3.5.2 (Water Resources), 3.7.2 (Land Use and Vegetation), 3.9.2 (Fisheries), 3.10.2 (Recreation), and 3.11.2 (Economic and Social Factors) in the Final EA. Also, Reclamation identified Alternative 1 (Toe Drain Replacement) as the Preferred Alternative and provided additional details on required construction dewatering and reservoir drawdowns.

Based upon the analysis of environmental impacts, as described in the Final EA, Reclamation has also released a Finding of No Significant Impact and Decision Notice for the Dam Safety Corrective Actions at Box Butte Dam. Reclamation has selected the Preferred Alternative (Toe Drain Replacement) for implementation. Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2017.

To view the Final EA and FONSI, along with project updates and schedule information, please visit Reclamation's website at www.usbr.gov/gp/nkao/nepa/box_butte.html. Hard copies of the Final EA are available upon request at the contact information below.

Bureau of Reclamation
Attn: Lucas Milheiser
1706 W. 3rd Street
McCook, NE 69001

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

Nebraska-Kansas Area Office Home Page