Animas-La PLata Project Environmental Impact Statement

Quality (CEQ) (40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 1500 to 1508). These regulations provide
the legal and regulatory guidelines for preparation of environmental impact statements (EIS). The 1996
FSFES and the 1980 FES are incorporated by reference to eliminate duplication and repetitive
discussions of the same issues, and also incorporates information from the 1996 FSFES and 1980 FES
(40 CFR 1508.28 and 1500.40)).
Public Involvement Activities
The Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement ( DSEIS) for. the Animas -La Plata Project was
filed with the Environmental Protection Agency and distributed to the public on January 14, 2000. The
public comment period opened on January 14, 2000 and was originally set to close on March 17, 2000;
however, the comment period was extended by 30 days, as noticed in the Federal Register on March 9,
2000. The public comment period closed on April 17, 2000.
The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) conducted three public hearings on the ALP Project DSEIS in
Durango, Colorado; Farmington, New Mexico; and Denver, Colorado on February 15, 16, and 17, 2000,
respectively. Notice of the public hearings was announced in the local media and published in the
Federal Register on January 14, 2000. A total of 77 people presented oral testimony. Speakers
represented the Colorado Ute Tribes, Navajo Nation, federal and state agencies, various organizations
including county and local offices, water districts, environmental groups, and individuals.
Written comments were accepted by Reclamation at each hearing and were also received as letters and
via email throughout the entire public comment period. A total of 397 oral and written
comments/letters /e -mails were received. Responses have been prepared for each of these comments, and
where appropriate, changes have been made in the text of the FSEIS. Changes made are marked in the
FSEIS by a bar in the margin of the text. Responses were developed for comments and questions that
were within the scope of the proposed action.
SEIS Evaluation Process
This FSEIS evaluates 10 alternatives, including 9 action alternatives that include several structural and
non - structural components, and a no action alternative (see Table ES -2 below). Project structural
components were evaluated, including storage reservoirs, a pumping plant, and conveyance facilities.
These are defined in detail, their environmental settings and potential environmental impacts are
evaluated, and mitigation measures are proposed. The construction and operation of a water pipeline to
transmit treated water to the Navajo Nation at and near Shiprock (the NNMP) is also a structural
component of the ALP Project.
ES -5