News Release Archive

Reclamation releases environmental documents for the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer wells project

Media Contact: Erika Lopez, 208-378-5101, ealopez@usbr.gov

For Release: December 14, 2018

Falls Irrigation District canal below American Falls Dam.AMERICAN FALLS, Idaho – The Bureau of Reclamation issued the final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the proposed construction and operation of three wells to pump water from the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer into Falls Irrigation District’s existing canal distribution system.

The selected action to construct and operate the three wells would provide a reliable source of late season irrigation water to the Falls Irrigation District patrons when American Falls Reservoir levels cannot supplement water delivery late in the season. The project area is located in southeast Idaho near American Falls, approximately 22 miles southwest of Pocatello, Idaho.

The final EA and FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and are available online at https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/idaho/fallsirrigation/index.html. For more information or to request a copy, please contact Mr. Rich Jackson, Natural Resource Specialist, Bureau of Reclamation, 230 Collins Road, Boise, Idaho, 83702-4520 or by email at sra-nepa-comments@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:

https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/idaho/fallsirrigation/index.html