News Release Archive

Reclamation to Conduct Geotechnical Work for AVC

Media Contact: Kara Lamb, (970) 962-4326, klamb@usbr.gov

For Release: May 04, 2012

LOVELAND, Colo. -- Reclamation drill crews will begin geotechnical investigations from Pueblo to Lamar, Colo. in early May. The drill crews will be collecting soil and rock samples along the possible routes of the proposed Arkansas Valley Conduit, a water project being evaluated by Reclamation.

The investigations are part of the surveying research Reclamation is conducting for its preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement. This environmental document will evaluate three proposed federal actions: the proposed Arkansas Valley Conduit; an interconnection between the north and south outlets works of Pueblo Reservoir; and a possible long-term excess capacity Master Contract with Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District to store water in Pueblo Reservoir.

Drilling for geotechnical surveying is performed by Reclamation's Great Plains Regional Geology and Exploration crew. The crew operates a truck mounted CME-85 rig for drilling up to 120 feet below the ground surface to collect samples of rock and earth. The samples are then tested for standard physical properties that will help determine design requirements for the Arkansas Valley Conduit.

While most of the 1600 parcels to be surveyed are in public right-of-ways, some may be on private land. In those cases, Reclamation will contact property owners and provide them with an explanatory letter and a Right of Entry form.

To learn more about the proposed Arkansas Valley Conduit, proposed Master Contract, and the related environmental review process, please visit: www.usbr.gov/avceis. Media is invited to contact Kara Lamb, Reclamation Public Information Officer, for follow-up questions at (970) 062-4326 or klamb@usbr.gov.

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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:

Eastern Colorado Area Office Home Page