What is a Feasibility Report and how is it related to the EIS?

A feasibility report is a document that evaluates whether a project plan is practical and can be successful. Reclamation is preparing a feasibility report for the Verde Reservoirs Sediment Mitigation Project (VRSMP) and the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be included with the feasibility report. The feasibility study will be conducted in accordance with Bureau of Reclamation Manual Directives and Standards CMP 09-02: Water and Related Resources Feasibility Studies. 

How fast are Horseshoe and Bartlett Reservoirs filling with sediment?

As of a 2021 sediment survey, approximately 36,000 acre-feet (AF) of water-storage capacity has been lost to sediment accumulation in Horseshoe Reservoir. This loss represents approximately one-fourth of Horseshoe Reservoir’s original storage capacity. Additionally, Bartlett Reservoir has lost approximately 15,000 AF of storage capacity to sedimentation. Combined, Horseshoe and Bartlett reservoirs sediment losses amount to approximately 15% of the original storage capacity of the Salt River Federal Reclamation Project’s (SRFRP) Verde River reservoir system. Today, it is estimated that Horseshoe Reservoir loses approximately 500 AF of storage capacity per year from sedimentation, and Bartlett Reservoir loses approximately 180 AF per year.

What other agencies, Native American Tribes, and interested parties are involved with the project?

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers , U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) - Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District are cooperating agencies on this project. Additionally, Reclamation is coordinating with Arizona Game and Fish Department and consulting with 18 Native American Tribes. Reclamation is also working with Arizona Public Service and other USFS Special Use Permit holders on proposed affected facilities.

Has Reclamation already decided what alternative will be chosen?

Reclamation is continuing to discuss alternatives to address the purpose and need. The alternative development and selection process incorporates a number of guiding principles as provided by relevant laws and guidance, including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. and the Principles and Requirements for Federal Investments in Water Resources (Council on Environmental Quality, 2013). Reclamation has not yet decided on the preferred nor chosen alternative.

How can I ask questions, provide comments, or stay in touch?

Participation for the VRSMP Feasibility Report and EIS is strongly encouraged. Public scoping for the EIS will be initiated in the spring of 2025, and Reclamation will host In-person and virtual public meetings providing information on the proposed alternatives. These meetings will provide more information on alternative development, public commenting, and information on how to stay informed on the VRSMP Feasibility Report and EIS.

What would happen to existing recreational opportunities at Bartlett Reservoir if Reclamation increases the height of Bartlett Dam?

The proposed increase in height of the new Bartlett Dam would require relocating existing recreation infrastructure and facilities. Reclamation, in coordination with Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District and the Salt River Valley Water Users’ Association (collectively SRP) and the USFS (Tonto National Forest),  is developing plans to replace in kind the loss of recreation infrastructure and facilities by relocating and developing new facilities and infrastructure around the western shoreline of the proposed reservoir following a set of principles, key design considerations, and criteria.

Are there ways to accomplish the project without increasing the height of Bartlett Dam?

Alternative methods to accomplish project purpose and need without increasing the height of Bartlett Dam were considered in the appraisal report and in developing the preliminary alternatives under this feasibility study. Alternative 4 is a non-structural alternative that would restore lost storage capacity in the Verde River reservoirs system and mitigate future sediment-accumulation impacts on storage capacity by dredging sediment from Horseshoe Reservoir. This alternative would require removing and trucking sediment to an offsite location on a continuing basis as part of ongoing maintenance.

Will the VRSMP affect sensitive biological or cultural resources? 

Reclamation, in coordination with SRP, USFS, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, are surveying the project area for sensitive biological resources and working with the USFWS to address effects to listed species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Formal Section 7 ESA compliance is anticipated for the project. Compliance with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act are also anticipated.

Reclamation is conducting surveys to identify cultural resources that may be affected by the project and will complete the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 process in a phased manner. In cooperation with Tribes, and other federal and state agencies, Reclamation is preparing a programmatic agreement to address adverse effects on cultural resources.

Previous Station: Providing Scoping Comments

For more information on the VRSMP Feasibility Report and EIS, please visit Reclamation’s project website, or email VRSMP@usbr.gov. If you would like to be added to the email list to receive notifications and updates on the VRSMP, please email VRSMP@usbr.gov with subject line "Add me to Email List".