Photo credit: Bureau Reclamation

The National Environmental Policy Act requires that federal agencies engage the public during preparation of an EA. Scoping is the process that continues throughout the planning and early stages of EA preparation. Agencies use scoping to engage various stakeholders, federal, state, local agencies, Native American Tribes, and the public in the early identification of affected resources, issues to be considered, and potential alternatives.

The NEPA process begins when a federal agency develops a proposal to take a major federal action. Federal agencies may prepare an EA to determine if a proposed federal action will significantly affect the quality of the resources. If no significant impacts are identified, the Bureau of Reclamation will issue a finding of no significant impact with the final EA. Should significant impacts be identified, the Bureau of Reclamation may begin development of an environmental impact statement. 

The Bureau of Reclamation invited the public to identify issues or alternatives for consideration in the development of an environmental assessment for the Conconully Safety of Dams Modification project. The 30-day public comment period occurred from Aug. 9 to Sept. 8. Scoping is the initial opportunity for the public to provide input on the project. The Bureau of Reclamation will consider all comments received during the scoping period.