BILLINGS, Mont. -- The Bureau of Reclamation has completed a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) to analyze the potential impacts of a proposed federal land disposal. A total of 83.5 acres would be conveyed to the East and West Shore Sewer Districts to allow the future development of contemporary community septic systems.
Reclamation currently owns and administers these lands proposed for conveyance. This proposed conveyance would allow the Districts control over certain lands needed for access, development, and operations of these proposed community septic systems. The 83.5 acres identified are the minimum required to develop and operate community septic systems.
Due to the close proximity of the various privately owned dwellings on East and West Shore Road to the reservoir, proper disposal of wastewater is important and water quality is a concern.
This Federal action is needed to accommodate the replacement of existing septic systems prior to contamination of Canyon Ferry lands and waters. Allowing the development of community septic systems was identified as a future outcome in the 2001 Canyon Ferry Lease Lots Sale Environmental Assessment.
The draft EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and is available for review at www.usbr.gov/gp/mtao/nepa/cf_sewer.html.
Public comments will be accepted between Aug. 22, 2016, and Sept. 23, 2016, at the above web page, by e-mailing Justin Kucera at jkucera@usbr.gov or in writing mailed to Bureau of Reclamation, Attn: Justin Kucera, P.O. Box 30137, Billings, MT 59107-0137.
The public meeting will be held Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following location:
Jorgenson's Inn and Suites
Room 156 (downstairs)
1714 11th Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
For more information please contact Justin Kucera at jkucera@usbr.gov or at (406) 247-7330.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
