News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Final Environmental Documents on the Proposed Upgrade of Electrical Systems at Imperial Dam

Media Contact: Doug Hendrix, (928) 343-8145, dhendrix@usbr.gov

For Release: November 15, 2013

YUMA, ARIZ. — The Bureau of Reclamation’s Yuma Area Office announced today the release of a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for proposed upgrades to electrical components at Imperial Dam, located approximately 18 miles northeast of Yuma, Arizona.

Under the proposed action described in the EA, the Imperial Irrigation District would upgrade and improve electrical systems, components and service lines at Imperial Dam and its associated facilities, bringing these structures up to current safety standards and National Electrical Codes. With original construction of Imperial Dam completed in 1938, the electrical components providing site power to Imperial Dam and its associated facilities need extensive refurbishment in order to ensure long-term operational efficiency and reliability.

The replacement of high-voltage power lines and the movement of construction equipment will result in short-term, intermittent closures of the park located at the western end of the dam to ensure public safety. However, this project does not include any substantial or long-term changes in the operation of the facility.

The EA analyzed and described the anticipated environmental and human impacts resulting from the proposed action. Based upon analysis completed for the EA, Reclamation has determined that authorizing the Imperial Irrigation District to conduct the electrical upgrades will not result in significant environmental or human impacts. As such, Reclamation has determined that a FONSI is appropriate and that an environmental impact statement is not needed for this project. Copies of the Final EA and FONSI are available online at: www.usbr.gov/lc/yuma/environmental_docs/environ_docs.html.

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