News Release Archive

Reclamation Issues Environmental Assessment for Proposed Water Lease in Apache Junction

Media Contact: Patricia Cox , (623) 773-6214 , 10/17/2011 16:11
Nichole Olsker, nolsker@usbr.gov

For Release: October 17, 2011

PHOENIX - The Bureau of Reclamation has issued an Environmental Assessment (EA) on a proposed100-year lease of 1,000 acre-feet of Central Arizona Project (CAP) water annually to the city of Apache Junction?s Water Utilities Community Facilities District (WUCFD). Apache Junction is located in Pinal County, Ariz. The water, part of the CAP entitlement currently held by the Gila River Indian Community, will be treated, delivered or recharged by WUCFD.

The proposed action would not result in additional construction of new facilities or any land-disturbing activities beyond what has been considered within the EA.

Based upon the EA, Reclamation?s preliminary determination is that a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is appropriate for this proposed lease, and an environmental impact statement is not required. However, all comments from the public will be fully considered before a final decision is issued.

The EA and draft FONSI is posted for public review on Reclamation?s Phoenix Area Office website, www.usbr.gov/lc/phoenix. A hard copy or CD version of the EA is available by calling the Environmental Resource Management Division at (623) 773-6251, or by e-mailing jharagara@usbr.gov.

Please mail your comments to Ms. Nichole Olsker, Bureau of Reclamation, 6150 W. Thunderbird Rd., Glendale AZ 85306-4001, Attention PXAO-1500, via electronic mail to nolsker@usbr.gov, or fax to (623) 773-6486, no later than October 28, 2011. Questions should be directed to Ms. Olsker at (623) 773-6258.

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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.