Bureau of Reclamation: Bureau of Reclamation Seeks Public Comments on Plan to Recharge Groundwater

Lower Colorado Region
Boulder City, Nev.

Media Contact:

Patricia Cox
(623) 773-6214

John McGlothlen
(623) 773-6256

Released On: August 08, 2008

Bureau of Reclamation Seeks Public Comments on Plan to Recharge Groundwater

Before preparing an Environmental Assessment on a proposed groundwater recharge project on the San Xavier District of the Tohono O'odham Nation in Pima County, Arizona, the Bureau of Reclamation is seeking public input on the issues and concerns that should be addressed in that document.

Under the proposed project, groundwater would be recharged with water supplied by the Central Arizona Project (CAP). The project would affect two ephemeral washes that cross the CAP Reach 6 Pipeline in the southeastern portion of the San Xavier District. The purpose of the project is to improve reliability of the water supply for the San Xavier Cooperative Farm.

During the initial scoping phase, the public is invited to submit comments to assist in the identification of key issues and alternatives related to the proposal that should be addressed in the Environmental Assessment. An EA will be prepared by Reclamation, BIA and the Navajo Nation to evaluate potential issues, consider alternatives, and analyze effects of the proposed action and other action alternatives.

The full Notice of Public Scoping Notice can be obtained by calling the Environmental Resource Management Division at (623) 773-6251, by e-mailing rkonst@lc.usbr.gov , or by downloading it from the Phoenix Area Office website at http://www.usbr.gov/lc/phoenix/

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Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov.