Yuma, AZ - Reclamation's Yuma Area Office is releasing the Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) for public review/comment on the proposed construction of the Cibola Old Channel Restoration Project along the lower Colorado River near Walters Camp.
The Cibola Old Channel, which is approximately ten miles, has been heavily channelized since its initial construction in 1968 due to slow moving stream flows occurring through this meandering stretch of the river. Under the proposed action, Reclamation will install two recharge pipelines in the lower section of the Cibola Old Channel to increase channel flow and help reduce sediment accumulations and build-up from occurring in this area.
By assuring increased recharge flows diverted from the main stem of the Colorado River, the proposed project would benefit existing fish and wildlife habitats and wetland in lower reach of the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge. through these vital ecosystems.
The DEA describes the affected environments and anticipated environmental impacts resulting from the proposed action and no action alternatives. The Draft EA is available for review at: https://www.usbr.gov/lc/yuma/environmental_docs/environ_docs.html
Reclamation will consider all comments it receives by Oct. 19, 2018. Any additional questions should be addressed to Nick Heatwole, Environmental Protection Specialist, Bureau of Reclamation, 7301 Calle Agua Salada, Yuma, AZ 85364. They can also be submitted by e-mail at nheatwole@usbr.gov.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
