News Release Archive

Reclamation releases final Environmental Assessment for project to improve efficiency of the Aspen Canal

Media Contact: Justyn Liff, 970-248-0625, jliff@usbr.gov
Lesley McWhirter, 970-248-0608, lmcwhirter@usbr.gov

For Release: April 08, 2019

GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. - The Bureau of Reclamation has released a final Finding of No Significant Impact and Environmental Assessment for the Aspen Canal Piping Project located in Delta County, Colorado. The project will replace approximately 5.6 miles of open irrigation ditch in the Aspen Canal with buried pipe and install a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system at Crawford Reservoir.

“This project will improve efficiency of the canal with installation of a SCADA system that will allow for flow adjustments from Crawford Reservoir into the Aspen Canal,” said Ed Warner, Western Colorado Area Office Manager. “Piping the canal will prevent evaporation and seepage and will reduce salt loading, which threatens food production and drinking water quality in the lower Colorado River Basin states.”

The final EA/FONSI was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and is available online at www.usbr.gov/uc/envdocs/index.html, or a copy can be requested by contacting Lesley McWhirter at 970-248-0608 or lmcwhirter@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.