Interior Department Initiates Process to Develop Future Guidelines and Strategies for Protecting the Colorado River
The Department of the Interior today announced that it is initiating the formal process to develop future operating guidelines and strategies to protect the stability and sustainability of the Colorado River. The new guidelines will replace the 2007 Colorado River Interim Guidelines for Lower Basin Shortages and the Coordinated Operations for Lake Powell and Lake Mead, which are set to expire at the end of 2026. (Source: https://www.usbr.gov/newsroom/news-release/4554)
The Bureau of Reclamation will host three virtual public meetings. During these meetings, Reclamation will provide summary information and receive oral comments. The meetings are:
Monday, July 17, 2023, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. (MDT) – Register
Tuesday, July 18, 2023, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. (MDT) – Register
Monday, July 24, 2023, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MDT) – Register
The Bureau of Reclamation is accepting public comments until August 15 on their planning process for managing the declining Colorado River. This includes Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the two largest reservoirs in the United States.
Last time they updated their plans for the river they forgot about the Salton Sea entirely! The Salton Sea relies 99% on the Colorado River for its supply of water. Any and all cutbacks in Colorado River Water to California will kill the Salton Sea.
We need to support the importation of ocean water to the Salton Sea to relieve the impact of the water shortage along the Colorado River due to climate change and drought.
Please remind USBR, in your Colorado River planning:
DON’T FORGET THE SALTON SEA.
RIVER WATER CUTS WITHOUT OCEAN WATER IMPORT WILL KILL THE SALTON SEA.
IMPORT & DESALINATE OCEAN WATER TO THE SALTON SEA.
Written comments should be submitted by August 15, 2023.
Email: crbpost2026@usbr.gov
or
Bureau of Reclamation – Attn: Post-2026 (Mail Stop 84-55000)
P.O. Box 25007
Denver, CO 80225
Imperial Streams Salton Sea and Tributaries Feasibility Study
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineering in partnership with the Salton Sea Management Program and the Salton Sea Authority is hosting two virtual meetings to begin a new feasibility study.
Salton Sea Public Scoping Meetings
Thursday, May 18
1-3pm & 5.30-7.30pm
More information and a Zoom link can be found here: https://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Projects-Studies/Imperial-Streams-Salton-Sea/
The Corps is soliciting comments from the public; Tribal, Federal, State, and local agencies and officials; and other interested parties for initial input into the ecological and related problems at the Salton Sea, potential consideration of the initial array of alternatives, and any correspondence for otherwise potential pertinent information.
Comments or suggestions will be accepted from May 8, 2023, to June 6, 2023.
Comments should be mailed to:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District Planning Division
Attn: Emily Lester
3636 N. Central Avenue, Suite 900
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Alternatively, comments can be sent electronically to: CESPL-Imperial-Streams-Salton-Sea@usace.army.mil
Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for Near-term Colorado River Operations
The Bureau of Reclamation has released the draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for Near-term Colorado River Operations.
The purpose of the SEIS is to supplement the 2007 Interim Guidelines to modify guidelines for operation of Glen Canyon Dam and Hoover Dam to address historic drought, historically low reservoirs, and low runoff conditions in the Colorado River Basin.
More information can be found here: https://www.usbr.gov/ColoradoRiverBasin/SEIS.html
Reclamation will hold four virtual public meetings to provide information on the draft SEIS, answer questions, and take verbal comment. To attend a virtual public meeting, click the link below that corresponds to the meeting date you would like to attend and fill out the registration form. You will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom webinar connection information once you register.
Next meeting:
Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at noon – 2.30 pm Mountain time
Registration Link: https://swca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X_VmHK4TQmOzSp2Q7W0Meg
Dial-in Options: (720) 928-9299 or (602) 753-0140
Webinar ID: 953 3249 2376
Written comments on the SEIS should be submitted by May 30, 2023.
Reclamation is particularly interested in receiving specific recommendations related to the analyses or alternatives that can be considered and potentially integrated into the SEIS.
Email to: CRinterimops@usbr.gov
Telephone: (602) 609-6739
Mail to:
Reclamation
2007 Interim Guidelines SEIS Project Manager
Upper Colorado Basin Region
125 South State Street, Suite 8100
Salt Lake City, Utah 84138
Salton Sea Coalition 