News Release Archive

Reclamation Seeks Public Input on Proposed Increase in Discharge from Sorrento Plant

Media Contact: Annette Ross, (208) 378-5322, 03/27/2015 13:42
John Petrovsky , jpetrovsky@usbr.gov

For Release: March 27, 2015

BOISE, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking public comment to help identify issues and concerns that may be associated with a proposed increase in wastewater flows from the Sorrento Lactalis dairy products facility in Nampa. Comments are due by April 27, 2015.

Sorrento is proposing to substantially increase production at the Nampa facility over the next several years. This growth in production will increase the plant's wastewater flows from 1.2 cubic feet per second to approximately 4.5 cfs. Sorrento has submitted an application to Reclamation to accommodate this increase in discharge from its treatment plant.

Sorrento's wastewater flows into the Purdam Drain next to its Nampa facility. From the Purdam Drain, the discharge flows down Mason Creek to the Boise River. The quality of the discharge is governed by a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, Reclamation is preparing an Environmental Assessment to determine if Sorrento's proposed action will have any significant impact on the human population or the natural environment. Reclamation will also consider whether there are any alternatives to the proposed action that would lessen or avoid impacts. The alternatives that are being considered include:

No Action - Defined as denial of the application for increased discharge.

The Proposed Action - Defined as approval of the Sorrento consent to use application for an increase in discharge from 1.2 cfs to 4.5 cfs to the Purdam Drain, Mason Creek and the Boise River.

A New Pipeline Discharge Facility - Defined as seeking a route for a new pipeline dedicated to discharge of Sorrento's waste to the Boise River.

The deadline for written comments is April 27, 2015. They can be sent to Rich Jackson, Natural Resource Specialist, Bureau of Reclamation, Snake River Area Office, 230 Collins Road, Boise, ID 83702 or by email at rjackson@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.