News Release Archive

Reclamation seeks public comment on proposed draft Environmental Assessment

Media Contact: Erika Lopez, 208-378-5101, ealopez@usbr.gov

For Release: October 15, 2018

Falls Irrigation District canal below American Falls DamBOISE, Idaho – In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Bureau of Reclamation is conducting an Environmental Assessment (EA) regarding the potential environmental effects of constructing and operating three wells to pump water from the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer into Falls Irrigation District’s existing canal distribution system. The project area is located in southeast Idaho near American Falls, approximately 22 miles southwest of Pocatello, Idaho.

The proposed action is to construct and operate three wells to pump water from the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer into the existing canal distribution system. The proposed action would also provide a reliable source of late season irrigation water to the Falls Irrigation District patrons when American Falls Reservoir levels cannot supplement water delivery late in the season.

There will be a 30-day public comment period from issue of the draft EA. Reclamation will consider all submitted comments and determine whether to issue a Finding of No Significant Impact or a notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.

Please send written comments no later than November 13, 2018, to Rich Jackson, natural resource specialist, Bureau of Reclamation, 230 Collins Road, Boise, Idaho, 83702-4520 or by email at sra-nepa-comments@usbr.gov. You may also contact him for additional information or visit the website at https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/idaho/fallsirrigation/index.html.

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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:

https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/idaho/fallsirrigation/index.html