Verde Reservoirs Sediment Mitigation Project Feasibility Report and Environmental Impact Statement
Photo credit: Kevin Doyle, AECOM
Overview
The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), in coordination with the Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District and the Salt River Valley Water Users’ Association (collectively SRP) as the lead non-federal cost-share partner, intends to prepare a FR and EIS for the VRSMP, on the Verde River, near Phoenix, Arizona.
The VRSMP EIS will analyze the environmental impacts of the alternatives designed for addressing sediment accumulation, loss of storage capacity due to sedimentation, and water supply resiliency concerns in the Verde River reservoirs. Reclamation is preparing a FR (in addition to the EIS) to present the planning, engineering, economic, environmental, and social analyses of the alternatives analyzed in detail.
This photo shows the sediment accumulation occurring behind Horseshoe Dam during the annual drawdown of the reservoir.
Copyright Notice: This photo is copyrighted to SRP. All rights reserved. Please do not reproduce, distribute, or use this image without permission from SRP.
Current Activities
In December 2021, Reclamation, in partnership with SRP, as the non-federal cost-share partner and project sponsor, completed the Verde Reservoirs Sediment Mitigation Study appraisal report (VRSMS). The objective of the VRSMS was to examine alternatives to resolve the issue of lost storage capacity at Horseshoe Reservoir due to sediment accumulation . The VRSMS also explored opportunities to create additional benefits for each alternative analyzed. After consideration of a variety of options, the appraisal report recommended that a feasibility study be carried out to determine the technical, environmental, economic, and financial feasibility of implementing one of the Bartlett Dam modification alternatives analyzed in the VRSMS.
Authorization for the feasibility study was provided in 2021 in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. 117-58, 135 Stat. 429 (Nov. 15, 2021), Section 40902(a)(1)(B)(i). The VRSMP Feasibility Study (Feasibility Study) will investigate and analyze: (a) the design of the two Bartlett Dam modification alternatives identified as viable for feasibility level analysis in the VRSMS; (b) at least one non-structural sediment and water management alternative; (c) a no-action alternative; and (d) other alternatives developed through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.
Subsequent to completing the appraisal study, Reclamation, in coordination with the SRP , identified the problems, needs, and opportunities for the Feasibility Study, established the purpose and need under the EIS, and set the planning objectives. With the results of the VRSMS and input from a Value Planning Study conducted in the fall of 2022, Reclamation, in coordination with SRP, is developing an initial list of alternatives to address the problems, needs, and opportunities under the Feasibility Study and the purpose and need for the EIS. The development of these alternatives includes the preparation of technical specifications, analysis, and supporting studies. Besides the design for each alternative, this effort includes an ongoing inventory of existing resources and forecasts for future conditions.
Reclamation started the NEPA process by publishing the Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS in the Federal Register. The NOI sets a 30-day public-comment period and provides information on the public-scoping meetings. Reclamation invites public comments to identify issues or alternatives to be considered in EIS development. The 30-day public-scoping period is from July 11, 2025 to August 13, 2025.
Reclamation is conducting the scoping period in accordance with the NEPA to gather information from the public, government agencies, Tribes, and other interested parties to identify relevant comments, concerns and/or issues that will inform the scope of the EIS and guide its development.
Reclamation is providing an opportunity to participate in the scoping process and provide input through this virtual meeting room throughout the duration of the scoping period. The public and other interested parties also may provide input and participate in the scoping process through three in-person and two virtual public meetings.
July 28, 2025, 5:30 – 7:30 PM MST (AZ), Virtual Meeting on Zoom [Registration required]
July 29, 2025, 5:30 – 7:30 PM MST (AZ), Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation area
Fountain Hills Community Center
13001 N La Montana Drive, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
July 30, 2025, 5:30 – 7:30 PM MST (AZ), Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community area
Escalante Multi-Generational Center, Multipurpose Room (Senior Center)
2150 E Orange Street, Tempe, AZ 85281
July 31, 2025, 5:30 – 7:30 PM MST (AZ), Town of Carefree
Hampton by Hilton Inn Meeting Room
2 Easy Street, Carefree, Arizona 85377
August 1, 2025, 12:00 – 2:00 PM MST (AZ), Virtual Meeting on Zoom [Registration required]
All scoping comments are to be submitted/postmarked by August 13, 2025.
Current and Future Opportunities for Engagement
Government-to-Government coordination and/or consultation with Tribes
Stakeholder Meetings
NEPA Process
NOI/Public Scoping Period
Virtual Presentation
Draft EIS Public Comment Period
Calendar
December 11, 2024 – Stakeholder Meeting
July 11, 2025 – EIS Notice of Intent Published in the Federal Register
July 11, 2025 – August 13, 2025 – Public Scoping Period
How to Use our Virtual Public Meeting Site
By clicking on the following links, participants can access project information and submit comments or questions to Reclamation.
All the VRSMP Feasibility Report and EIS public scoping files on this site are available as a zip file download.
Copyright Notice: This photo is copyrighted to SRP. All rights reserved. Please do not reproduce, distribute, or use this image without permission from SRP.
For further information
For more information on the VRSMS, VRSMP Feasibility Report and EIS, please visit Reclamation’s project website, or email VRSMP@usbr.gov. If you would like to receive email notifications and updates on the VRSMP, please email VRSMP@usbr.gov with subject line "Add me to Email List."
Individuals who are deaf, blind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services to contact the Reclamation’s project manager or National Environmental Policy Act lead during normal business hours or to leave a message or question after hours. You will receive a reply during normal business hours.