Reclamation releases Draft Environmental Assessment for construction at Heart Butte Dam

BISMARCK, N.D. - The Bureau of Reclamation has prepared a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the construction of a Safety of Dams Modification Project at Heart Butte Dam. Reclamation is the lead Federal agency responsible for ensuring compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and related federal environmental and cultural resource legislation. The draft EA presents the Proposed Action Alternative and evaluates the potential impacts to the human and natural environment associated with the Proposed Action Alternative in comparison with the No Action Alternative.

The need for the dam safety modification project arises from Reclamation's duty to ensure the safety and reliability of Heart Butte Dam. Reclamation has performed a Corrective Action Study and identified a Proposed Action Alternative to ensure the continued safe condition of the dam. Construction is expected to require two to three years and a temporary reduction of Lake Tschida to the minimum water elevation of 2,030 feet. The reduction in reservoir elevation is necessary to ensure safe working conditions and enable project site dewatering during the construction period.

Reclamation will use this draft EA and any reviewer comments to determine whether the project will have any significant impacts on the human and natural environment. If no significant issues are identified, Reclamation would issue a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). If any significant issues are identified, Reclamation may consider the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement. Reclamation defines significance in accordance with 40 CFR 1508.27.

We would appreciate your review and comments on the draft EA. A digital copy is available at https://www.usbr.gov/gp/dkao/heart_butte/index.html. The review period will be open for 30 days until December 20, 2024. Questions or comments regarding the preparation of the EA may be directed to Ashley Persinger, Supervisory Natural Resource Specialist at (701) 221-1282 or at [email protected], or in writing to:

Bureau of Reclamation, Area Manager

304 East Broadway Avenue

Bismarck, North Dakota 58501

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