News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces Public Meeting on Proposed Land Conveyance for Community Septic System Development at Canyon Ferry Reservoir

Media Contact: Jack Conner, (406) 247-7300, jconner@usbr.gov

For Release: August 17, 2016

BILLINGS, Mont. -- The Bureau of Reclamation has completed a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) to analyze the potential impacts of a proposed federal land disposal. A total of 83.5 acres would be conveyed to the East and West Shore Sewer Districts to allow the future development of contemporary community septic systems.

Reclamation currently owns and administers these lands proposed for conveyance. This proposed conveyance would allow the Districts control over certain lands needed for access, development, and operations of these proposed community septic systems. The 83.5 acres identified are the minimum required to develop and operate community septic systems.

Due to the close proximity of the various privately owned dwellings on East and West Shore Road to the reservoir, proper disposal of wastewater is important and water quality is a concern.

This Federal action is needed to accommodate the replacement of existing septic systems prior to contamination of Canyon Ferry lands and waters. Allowing the development of community septic systems was identified as a future outcome in the 2001 Canyon Ferry Lease Lots Sale Environmental Assessment.

The draft EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and is available for review at www.usbr.gov/gp/mtao/nepa/cf_sewer.html.

Public comments will be accepted between August 22, 2016, and September 23, 2016, at the above web page, by e-mailing Justin Kucera at jkucera@usbr.gov or in writing mailed to Bureau of Reclamation, Attn: Justin Kucera, P.O. Box 30137, Billings, MT 59107-0137.

The public meeting will be held Tuesday, August 23, 2016, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following location:

Jorgenson's Inn and Suites
Room 156 (downstairs)
1714 11th Avenue
Helena, MT 59601

For more information please contact Justin Kucera at jkucera@usbr.gov or at (406) 247-7330.

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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:

Montana Area Office Home Page