Bureau of Reclamation: Reclamation Releases Final Environmental Assessment for the Drop 2 Storage Reservoir Project

Lower Colorado Region
Boulder City, Nev.

Media Contact:

Jack Simes
928-343-8334

Released On: June 20, 2007

Reclamation Releases Final Environmental Assessment for the Drop 2 Storage Reservoir Project

The Bureau of Reclamation today released a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Drop 2 Storage Reservoir Project. Authorized by Public Law 109-432 of December 20, 2006, the reservoir would be constructed along the All American Canal (AAC) about 25 miles west of Yuma, Arizona.

The project will provide additional regulating capacity to maximize within the United States the beneficial use of Colorado River water released from Parker Dam. It includes a storage reservoir with a capacity of 8,000 acre-feet; an inlet structure from the AAC to the reservoir; and an outlet structure that connects the reservoir back to the AAC. The reservoir would be used to capture Colorado River water that, because of inclement weather, higher than normal flow periods, or other factors, exceeds user demand.

The proposed reservoir could save on average approximately 70,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water per year, ultimately reducing the amount of water released from Lake Mead.

Construction activities are scheduled to begin in 2008.

The draft EA is available on-line at: www.usbr.gov/lc/yuma in the Environmental Documents section, or can be requested from Mr. Ed Virden (Environmental Group Manager) at 928-343-8268 or by e-mail to evirden@lc.usbr.gov.

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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.