WSP07028

• File Number: 8543.400
• Description: Projects in the Closed Basin Division - Reports
• State: CO
• Basin: Rio Grande
• Water Division: 3
• Date: 7/8/1975
• Title: Closed Basin Report
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

preparing our final system design. We feel that extensive testing ia

necessary to firm up the cost estimates and amount of water to be

salvaged ~efor. we initiate construction.

Concurrently with preparation of the definite plan, report we will initiate

preparation of an environmental impact statement as required by the

National Environmental Policy Act of 19G9. This impact statement would

present a project description and evaluation of the total nonmonetary

project benefits and cost as related to the env:!-ronment. A final environ-

mental i~pact state~cnt was previously filed with the Council on Environ-

mental Quality for the Closed Basin Division in 1971. This statement

was consi~ered adequate under the requirett~nts_of the Council on Environ-

mental Quality at that time. However, new guidelines and requirements

dictate tpat we prepare a new statement now. The National Environmental

Policy Act- requires that a statement be filed with the Council on Environ-

mental Quality before initiation of constr~ction. Preparation of an EIS

is a critical and important step. This do,;ument must consider the overall

environment including fish and wildlife, a;rcheology, sodal effects, etc.

So you can see that much datil-gathering and lIlssimilation is required. We

have to describe the existing environment 'And project the future environ-

ment, both with and w:lthout the proposal.

Then all of this information must be compiled into a statement and

circulated for review within the Bureau. After receiving comment., we

revi.. it as necessary and file it with CEQ as a draft EIS. Then & 9G-day

revi_ period follows during which anyone is invited to comment. We

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