WSP01762

• File Number: 8221.112.I
• Description: Central Arizona Project
• State: AZ
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 1/22/1974
• Title: Final Environmental Statement: Authorized Granite Reef Aqueduct - Central Arizona Project
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: EIS

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SUMMARY
( ) Draft

( X) F1 nal

Environmental Statement

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Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Lower Colorado Req10n
1. Type of action:

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( X) Adm1nfltratfv8

( ) Legislative

2. Brief description of action:

This statement on the Granite Reef Aqueduct feature of the Central Arizona
Project involves the construction of an aqueduct to convey Colorado River
water from the Havasu diversion facilities at Lake Havasu, Yuma County,
to the bifurcation works at the start of the Salt-Gila Aqueduct near
Phoenix, Maricopa Coun~, Arizona. The water will enter the aqueduct at
the outlet portal of the Buckskin Mountains Tunnel, be raised 388 feet
in the aqueduct by a series of pumping plants, and conveyed by an open
concrete-lined canal, siphons and tunnels for approximately 182 miles
southeast to the central Arizona service area. Initial construction of
the feature is scheduled to begin in early 1974, with project completion
scheduled for about 1983.

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3. Summary of env1ronmenta~s and adverse environmental effects:
A long-term average of r.~mllllon acre-feet of water will be pumped
annually from Lake Havasu and conveyed through the aqueduct to the service
area in central Arizona for multiple-purpose uses. This import of water
will utilize the major portion of Arizona's remain1nq entitlement to
Colorado River water and will provide flexibility in meeting the demand
for water imposed by municipal, industrial, and agricultural uses.

Construction of the Granite Reef Aqueduct feature will have an effect on
the environment within the alinement route. The esthetic value of the
immediate area will be altered during construction of the pumping plants
and the canal. About 11,100 acres of land supporting mostly desert shrub
vegetation will be needed for the right-of-way of the aqueduct and
appurtenant facilities. Construction activities will result in disturbance
of biota in the area. Certain species of animals will have to alter their
migration patterns and some losses due to drownings are anticipated. The
aqueduct will provide access to previOUSly inaccessible areas by off~road
enthusiasts thereby increasing recreational pressure on the land.

4. Alternatives considered;
a. Alternative diversion points and routes to central Arizona.
b. Alternative water sources.
c. Alternative power sources.
d. Alternatives to the selected route of the Granite Reef Aqueduct.
e. Alternative of no action.

5. List of entities from whom comments have been requested or received
with responders indicated by "*":
See attached flst.

6. Date made available to CEQ and the public:
Draft statement: March 14, 1973
Final statement: 'JAN 22 1974