BOR and ISC release NM Unit Public Scoping Report
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and NM Interstate Stream Commission released their Public Scoping Report summarizing the wide range of public comments received during the scoping period for the NM Unit. More than 1,400 comments were submitted with 1,136 determined to be substantive.
While the report categorizes and summarizes the comments received, BOR’s website provides links to each of the comments submitted by individuals, agencies and organizations.
Overall, the public is concerned with the vagueness of the proposed action, the impacts of the Gila diversion on domestic wells, endangered species, wildlife, habitat, cultural resources, public health/safety and recreation, and the economic impacts on taxpayers and the local economy.
The scoping comments will be used to formulate alternatives to the proposed action and to analyze the potential impacts of each alternative. This evaluation will be presented in the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) expected to be released in January 2019. The public will have 45 days to comment. Informational meetings on the draft EIS are being planned.
The Gila Conservation Coalition will continue to keep you up to date on the latest developments and opportunities to engage.
Silver City Daily Press – Feds, state release Gila diversion scoping results