Feds Launch Study to Figure Out Oregon Irrigation Near Boise
Published Date: 1/16/2025
Notice
Summary
The Owyhee Irrigation District in Eastern Oregon is planning to upgrade its water system to deliver irrigation water more reliably and efficiently to local farms. The USDA and partners will study the environmental effects of this project and want your thoughts by February 18, 2025. This upgrade aims to help farmers, save water, and support the community’s future.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Irrigation Modernization for Local Farmers
The Owyhee Irrigation District plans to modernize its system by piping 74.8 miles of canal, lining 8.5 miles, installing 13 SCADA sites, upgrading 2 headgates, and upgrading 13 siphons to serve 67,134.5 acres. OID currently operates over 400 miles of canals, delivers water to about 1,012 patrons and 1,364 parcels, and supplies water to approximately 312,000 acres in a normal year; the project aims to improve reliability and efficiency for farm water deliveries.
Public Comment and Scoping Opportunities
NRCS requests public comments by February 18, 2025 and will hold public scoping meetings in early 2025 near the OID project area. A Draft EIS is expected about 16 months after this Notice of Intent and will be available for a 45-day public review and comment period.
Environmental and Water Permitting Requirements
The project will require Endangered Species Act consultation, National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 consultation, Clean Water Act water quality certification under section 401, NPDES permitting under section 402, and potential section 404 permits for wetland impacts. These consultations and permits will be part of the EIS and project compliance.
Government-to-Government Tribal Consultation
NRCS will consult with Native American Tribes on a government-to-government basis under 36 CFR 800.2 and 800.3 and Executive Order 13175; tribal concerns including impacts on Indian trust assets and cultural resources will be considered in the EIS and the Section 106 process.
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