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 capacity 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 total 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 (USACE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District are cooperating agencies on this project. Additionally, Reclamation is coordinating with and/or consulting with eighteen Native American Tribes. Reclamation is also working with Arizona Public Service 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 Council on Environmental Quality’s (CEQ) NEPA Implementing Regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500–1508), the U.S. Department of the Interior NEPA Regulations (43 CFR Part 46), Reclamation’s NEPA Handbook (Reclamation 2012) and the Principles and Requirements for Federal Investments in Water Resources (CEQ 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 2025, and Reclamation will be hosting 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.

Previous Station: NEPA and Public Involvement

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".