News Release Archive

Reclamation to approve land use authorization for City of Huron

Huron to grow alfalfa on Reclamation land to reduce nitrogen concentrations

Media Contact: Erin Curtis, 916-978-5100, eccurtis@usbr.gov

For Release: September 22, 2017

FRESNO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation will approve a land use authorization for the City of Huron. The city has requested to use 188 acres of Reclamation land to grow alfalfa in an effort to reduce nitrogen and other contaminants produced by the city’s waste water treatment plant. Alfalfa is a preferred plant to remove nitrogen as it can convert large amounts of nitrogen to protein, which can later be harvested to feed livestock.

The request was made in order for the city to comply with the Regional Water Quality Control Board’s Waste Discharge Requirements Order Number R5-2014-0163, which requires them to reduce nitrogen concentrations in its effluent from the waste water treatment plant.

A final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and are available at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=29101.

For additional information or to request a copy of the Final EA and/or FONSI, please contact Stacy Holt at 559-487-5295 (TTY 800-877-8339).

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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.