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Reclamation completes important step for alternate water supply for Eastern North Dakota
Media Contact:
Patience Mosbrucker, 701-221-1204, pmosbrucker@usbr.gov
For Release: December 04, 2020
BISMARCK, N.D. - The Bureau of Reclamation released its Final Environmental Impact Statement today for the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply (ENDAWS) Project, advancing an important alternate water supply project to better meet the needs for the state.
“This final EIS represents a comprehensive evaluation of Eastern North Dakota water supply options using existing Garrison Diversion Unit facilities to meet contemporary water needs in the state,” said Reclamation’s Missouri Basin Regional Director Brent Esplin. “We appreciate public and partner input throughout this evaluation process and look forward to completing a Record of Decision following a 30-day public waiting period.”
As proposed by North Dakota’s Garrison Diversion Conservancy District, the project would deliver up to 165 cubic feet of water per second from the McClusky Canal in Central North Dakota to meet the need for an alternate water supply to the state-led Red River Valley Water Supply Project in Eastern North Dakota. Reclamation evaluated six alternatives as part of its environmental review. The McClusky Canal and Missouri River North Alternative is the preferred alternative. This alternative includes water quality treatment actions and criteria to further reduce the already low risk of a project-related transfer of aquatic invasive species from the Missouri River Basin to the Hudson Bay Basin.
Information about each of the examined alternatives, as well as other project information is available here: https://www.usbr.gov/gp/dkao/nepa/endaws/index.html.
Reclamation completed the Final EIS with collaboration from cooperating agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, North Dakota State Water Commission, Garrison Diversion Conservancy District, and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
A Federal Register notice formally announcing the availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the ENDAWS Project was posted and is available for download at https://www.usbr.gov/gp/dkao/nepa/endaws/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.
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