Notice2025-12949
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Verde Reservoirs Sediment Mitigation Project Unique Identification Number for Project: PXAO-25-2-NOI
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Published
July 11, 2025
Issuing agencies
Interior DepartmentReclamation Bureau
Abstract
The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) intends to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Verde Reservoirs Sediment Mitigation Project (VRSMP or Project) in Maricopa and Yavapai Counties, Arizona. The VRSMP is a feasibility study authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Public Law 117-58, 135 Statute 429, section 40902(a)(1)(B)(i). The purpose of the Project is to restore lost capacity from sedimentation at Horseshoe Reservoir to mitigate reservoir sediment accumulation while addressing future water supply resiliency through increased surface water yield from the Salt River Federal Reclamation Project (SRFRP) Verde River reservoir system. Reclamation is seeking public comments to identify significant issues, effects, or other alternatives to be addressed in the EIS. Reclamation is also requesting relevant information, studies, or analyses with respect to the proposed action alternatives.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 131 (Friday, July 11, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 131 (Friday, July 11, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30978-30980]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-12949]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Reclamation
[RR03250000; 24XR06801A; RX.002561A0.0019600]
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for
the Verde Reservoirs Sediment Mitigation Project Unique Identification
Number for Project: PXAO-25-2-NOI
AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of intent; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) intends to prepare an
environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Verde Reservoirs Sediment
Mitigation Project (VRSMP or Project) in Maricopa and Yavapai Counties,
Arizona. The VRSMP is a feasibility study authorized by the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Public Law 117-58, 135 Statute
429, section 40902(a)(1)(B)(i). The purpose of the Project is to
restore lost capacity from sedimentation at Horseshoe Reservoir to
mitigate reservoir sediment accumulation while addressing future water
supply resiliency through increased surface water yield from the Salt
River Federal Reclamation Project (SRFRP) Verde River reservoir system.
Reclamation is seeking public comments to identify significant issues,
effects, or other alternatives to be addressed in the EIS. Reclamation
is also requesting relevant information, studies, or analyses with
respect to the proposed action alternatives.
DATES: Comments on the scope of the EIS are due August 11, 2025.
Five public scoping meetings, three in-person and two web-based,
virtual public scoping meetings, will be held to solicit comments on
the scope of the EIS and the issues and alternatives that should be
analyzed. The dates and locations of the scoping meetings will be
announced at least 15 days in advance through the local media,
newspapers, and the project website at <a href="https://www.virtualpublicmeeting.com/vrsmp-fr-eis.com">https://www.virtualpublicmeeting.com/vrsmp-fr-eis.com</a>. At the time of this
publication, the dates and locations of the scoping meetings will be on
the project website.
ADDRESSES: Send written scoping comments, requests to be added to the
project mailing list, or requests for other special assistance needs
via U.S. mail to the Phoenix Area Office, Bureau of Reclamation (ATTN:
VRSMP EIS), 6150 West Thunderbird Road, Glendale, Arizona 85306, or by
email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5f090d0c120f1f2a2c3d2d71383029"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="96c0c4c5dbc6d6e3e5f4e4b8f1f9e0">[email protected]</span></a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Nichole Olsker at (623) 773-6258,
or by email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#88dedadbc5d8c8fdfbeafaa6efe7fe"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="98cecacbd5c8d8edebfaeab6fff7ee">[email protected]</span></a>. Additional information is available
online at <a href="https://www.virtualpublicmeeting.com/vrsmp-fr-eis.com">https://www.virtualpublicmeeting.com/vrsmp-fr-eis.com</a>.
Information on this project may also be found at: <a href="https://www.usbr.gov/lc/phoenix/programs/VRSMP.html">https://www.usbr.gov/lc/phoenix/programs/VRSMP.html</a>. Individuals who are deaf, deafblind,
hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or
TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals
outside the United States should use the relay services offered within
their country to make international calls to the point-of-contact in
the United States.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This Federal Register notice provides the
public with information regarding Reclamation's intent to prepare an
EIS pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969,
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.; the Department of the Interior's
NEPA regulations, 43 CFR part 46; and part 516 of the Departmental
Manual. Additionally, this notice serves to provide notice and request
public input on potential effects on historic properties from this
project in accordance with the section 106 process as defined in the
National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), 54 U.S.C. 306108, and the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's (ACHP) regulations for
implementing NHPA, (36 CFR 800.2(d)(3)).
Background
In December 2021, Reclamation, in partnership with the Salt River
Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District and the Salt River
Valley Water Users' Association (collectively SRP), as the non-Federal
cost-share partner and project sponsor, completed the Verde Reservoirs
Sediment Mitigation Study appraisal report (VRSMS). The objective of
the VRSMS was to examine potential alternatives to resolve the issue of
lost storage capacity due to sediment accumulation in the SRFRP's
reservoir system on the Verde River in Arizona, which consists of
Bartlett and Horseshoe Dams and Reservoirs. The VRSMS also assessed
opportunities to create additional benefits for each alternative
analyzed. The appraisal report recommended that a feasibility study be
carried out to determine the technical, environmental, economic, and
financial feasibility of implementing one of the Bartlett Dam
modification alternatives analyzed in the VRSMS. Authorization for the
feasibility study was provided in 2021 in the Infrastructure Investment
and Jobs Act, Public Law 117-58, 135 Stat. 429 (Nov. 15, 2021), section
40902(a)(1)(B)(i). The VRSMP feasibility study will investigate and
analyze: (a) the design of the two Bartlett Dam modification
alternatives identified as viable for feasibility-level analysis in the
VRSMS; (b) at least one non-structural sediment and water management
alternative; (c) a no action alternative; and (d) other alternatives
developed through the NEPA process.
The SRFRP is a Federal reclamation project. The SRFRP includes an
approximately 248,000-acre service area in Maricopa County, Arizona, as
well as infrastructure in portions of Maricopa, Gila, Yavapai, and
Coconino Counties, Arizona. The SRFRP water supply is developed from
seven storage dams on the Salt River, Verde River, and East Clear Creek
and from water withdrawn from approximately 270 groundwater wells
throughout the service area. SRP operates and maintains the SRFRP in
accordance with contracts with the United States. The SRFRP delivers
water through more than 1,200 miles of canals, laterals, and ditches to
users including shareholders, cities, towns, irrigation districts,
Indian Tribes, and individuals.
Horseshoe Dam is an earthen embankment dam on the Verde River.
Horseshoe Dam was originally constructed in 1946. Horseshoe Dam has
been modified, including in 1949 to add spillway gates funded by the
City of Phoenix. The total storage capacity of Horseshoe Dam and
Reservoir was originally 144,030 acre-feet (AF) but, due to
sedimentation, is currently approximately 108,000 AF. Under the current
sedimentation rate, it is estimated Horseshoe Reservoir sediment would
reach the spillway gates in a little over 100 years from now.
Bartlett Dam is a multiple arch concrete dam on the Verde River.
Bartlett Dam was originally constructed in 1939 and modified in 1994
and 1996 to address the National Dam Safety Program Act, in the Water
Resources Development Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-303, 110 Stat. 3658).
Bartlett Dam is located downstream of Horseshoe Dam. The total storage
capacity of Bartlett Reservoir in 1939 was 182,608 AF. Due to
sedimentation, Bartlett Reservoir has
[[Page 30979]]
a current capacity of approximately 168,000 AF.
Purpose and Need for Action
The purpose of the Proposed Action is to restore lost storage
capacity from sediment accumulation at Horseshoe Reservoir and mitigate
reservoir sediment accumulation while addressing future water supply
resiliency through increased surface water yield from the SRFRP's Verde
River reservoir system.
As of a 2021 sediment survey, approximately 36,000 AF of water
storage capacity has been lost to sediment accumulation in Horseshoe
Reservoir. This capacity loss represents approximately one-fourth of
Horseshoe Reservoir's original storage capacity. Additionally, Bartlett
Reservoir has lost approximately 15,000 AF of storage capacity to
sedimentation. Combined, Horseshoe and Bartlett Reservoirs sediment
losses amount to approximately 15% of the total original storage
capacity of the SRFRP Verde River reservoir system. Today, it is
estimated that Horseshoe Reservoir loses approximately 500 AF of
storage capacity per year from sedimentation, and Bartlett Reservoir
loses approximately 180 AF per year. This loss of capacity on a highly
variable river system, coupled with the increase in hydrologic
variability anticipated with climate change, creates concerns about
future SRFRP water deliveries. Restoring lost storage capacity and
mitigating sediment accumulation impacts on storage capacity in the
Verde River reservoir system would promote resiliency of future SRFRP
water deliveries, aid the United States in meeting certain Federal
obligations, and ensure that the SRFRP continues to fulfill its
authorized purposes.
Central Arizona water users primarily rely on surface water from
the Salt, Verde, and lower Colorado rivers, groundwater, and treated
effluent. Changes or variations in the availability of lower Colorado
River water supplies and groundwater resulting from, among other
things, extended drought and climate change highlight the need for
maintaining the resiliency of the water supplies from the Verde River.
Constructing a new Verde River storage facility creates opportunities
to benefit Indian Tribes and Arizona water users through the provision
of additional water supplies, dam safety, flood routing, and
recreation.
Preliminary Proposed Alternatives
The Bureau of Reclamation has preliminarily identified the
following alternatives for evaluation in the EIS:
<bullet> Alternative 1--No Action: Under this alternative, the
Verde River reservoir system operations and maintenance would continue
as normal under existing contracts, including with current methods of
sediment management (i.e., sluicing during high inflow events). No
construction would occur under this alternative.
<bullet> Alternative 2--New Bartlett Dam and Reservoir Expansion
(1,901-feet Normal Maximum Water Surface Elevation [NMWSE]) including
Sediment Management Infrastructure: This alternative includes
construction of a new Bartlett Dam and associated structures,
relocation of affected recreation, administrative, and utility
infrastructure, and implementation of sluicing operations to move
sediment through the Verde River reservoir system. Reclamation would
construct a new, larger Bartlett Dam directly downstream of the
existing dam. The new Bartlett dam would expand the total reservoir
capacity up to 650,122 AF, inclusive of 323,484 AF of additional
storage capacity referred to as Bartlett New Verde Space (Bartlett
NVS). The existing Bartlett Dam would be decommissioned and partially
removed. The new Bartlett Dam would increase the normal maximum water
surface elevation (NMWSE) in Bartlett Reservoir to approximately 1,901
feet, an increase of 101.8 feet in elevation compared with the existing
reservoir. The new Bartlett Dam would be designed to include sediment
sluicing gates via the low-level outlet works. There would be a
severance and transfer of all existing water rights stored at Horseshoe
Reservoir to the new Bartlett Reservoir. Horseshoe Reservoir would
continue to operate as a storage reservoir for an estimated additional
108,000 AF of Vacated Horseshoe Space (VHS). New water rights would be
acquired under Arizona law for Bartlett NVS and VHS. Upon completion of
construction and the Secretary of the Interior transferring operation
and maintenance to SRP, SRP would assume the care, operation, and
maintenance of the new Bartlett Dam as part of the SRFRP. Under this
operation plan, spill out of new Bartlett Dam would decrease in
comparison to the No Action Alternative. SRP would manage the Verde
River reservoir system such that the more senior water rights would
accrue water first.
<bullet> Alternative 3--New Bartlett Dam and Reservoir Expansion
(1,860 ft NMWSE) including Sediment Management Infrastructure: This
alternative includes the same components as Alternative 2 except that
it proposes the construction of a smaller new Bartlett Dam, a 60.8 ft
raise in elevation compared to the existing reservoir. The dam designed
for Alternative 3 has the same structural alignment and footprint as
the Alternative 2 design. This alternative could provide an estimated
402,000 AF of total storage capacity and create approximately 75,000 AF
of additional storage capacity (i.e., Bartlett NVS). The new Bartlett
Dam would be designed to include sediment sluicing gates via the low-
level outlet works. SRP would operate and maintain the Verde River
reservoir system as described in Alternative 2. New water rights would
be acquired under Arizona law for the additional space as described in
Alternative 2.
<bullet> Alternative 4--Non-structural Sediment Management Plan &
Maintenance Dredging: Reclamation guidance requires the inclusion of a
non-structural alternative in feasibility analysis. SRP would modify
its current sediment management plan through alteration of sluicing
operations through Horseshoe and Bartlett Dams and implement a
maintenance dredging program at Horseshoe Dam. The timing of sluicing
operations would be determined based on the forecasting of inflow
exceedances above the storage capacity.
Maintenance dredging at Horseshoe Reservoir would occur through use
of mechanical dredging equipment (excavator and/or crane with clamshell
bucket) supplemented by in-the-dry excavation equipment (e.g.,
excavators, bulldozers, and scrapers) to annually remove approximately
511 AF of sediment from Horseshoe Reservoir over a 100-year period. The
dredged material would be relocated by truck to an offsite disposal
area.
Principles, Requirements, and Guidelines
As part of the environmental analysis process, the Federal
Principles, Requirements, and Guidelines for Water and Land Related
Resources Implementation Studies (PR&Gs) will be applied to examine the
various technical, economic, hydrologic, recreation and ecosystem
services considerations of each alternative, including the No Action
Alternative. The requirements of a PR&G analysis are unique to the
process and are not included in the Council of Environmental Quality or
Department of the Interior's NEPA implementing regulations. Additional
information regarding the PR&Gs is available online at the website
provided in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice.
[[Page 30980]]
Statutory Authority and Anticipated Permits
NEPA [42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.] requires Federal agencies to conduct
an environmental analysis of their proposed action alternatives to
determine whether the actions may significantly affect the human
environment. The EIS will analyze the environmental effects of
implementing the proposed action and alternatives, and a No Action
Alternative. The Project is expected to have effects on the following
resources: biology (including threatened and endangered species,
special status species, wildlife, and vegetation and land cover),
cultural, water (i.e., supply and quality), floodplains, air, visual
resources, recreation, land use, geology, soils, climate change,
socioeconomic, and Indian Trust Assets.
In addition to NEPA, various other Federal, State, and local
authorizations may be required for the Proposed Action. Applicable
Federal laws include, but are not limited to, the Endangered Species
Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act,
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, National Historic Preservation
Act, Clean Air Act, and Clean Water Act. Permits and authorizations
will not be sought until after congressional authorization for the
Project and the record of decision is signed, if applicable.
Cooperating Agency Status
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service have accepted invitations to participate as
cooperating agencies for the EIS. The U.S. Forest Service anticipates a
potential amendment to the Tonto National Forest' Land and Resource
Management Plan and issuance and/or modification to Special Use Permits
under the Preliminary Proposed Alternatives. These actions would be
analyzed in this EIS. Other entities will be considered, as necessary,
during the EIS process. If, based on the Proposed Action, your agency
believes it has special expertise or jurisdiction by law, please
respond within 30 days of the date of publication of this notice to the
person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this
notice.
Public Disclosure
Before including your address, phone number, email address, or
other personal, identifying information in your comment submission, you
should be aware that your entire comment--including your personal
identifying information--may be made publicly available at any time.
While you can ask us in your comment to withhold personal identifying
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be
able to do so.
Schedule for Decision Making Process
The EIS will be an accompanying document to the feasibility report.
A record of decision would be signed, if applicable, after
congressional authorization.
How to Request Reasonable Accommodation
For special assistance at one of the scoping meetings, please
contact Ms. Nichole Olsker or the TDD line (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section of this notice) at least 5 working days before the
meetings. All meeting facilities are physically accessible to people
with disabilities. Information regarding this project is available in
alternate formats upon request.
Christina Davis-Kernan,
Acting Regional Director, Lower Colorado Basin, Bureau of Reclamation.
[FR Doc. 2025-12949 Filed 7-10-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4332-90-P
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