BLM Seeks Public Comment on Water Load Out Facility near Moab

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Moab Field Office

Media Contact:

Moab, Utah--The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Utah Moab Field Office is seeking public comment on an environmental assessment (EA) analyzing a proposed ROW application for Grand County to construct and operate a water load-out facility adjacent to State Route 279 on the north side of the Colorado River.  The purpose of the proposal is to replace the current water load out site near the Moab boat ramp, which has traffic safety issues, especially for trucks, due to limited visibility at the intersection with Highway 191.  The relocation should also alleviate congestion with recreationists using the boat ramp. 

Grand County’s proposed new water load out facility would continue to serve multiple user groups such as Grand County Road Department, private construction companies, and local oil and gas operators.  Grand Water and Sewer Service Agency acting on behalf of the Grand County Water Conservancy District intends to apply for a change in the point of diversion for the current existing water right at the Moab boat ramp.  

The EA analyzes this proposal considering concerns identified during internal and public scoping, such as potential impacts to areas of critical environmental concern, floodplains, weeds, and riparian vegetation. 

An electronic copy of the EA can be found online at:  http://go.usa.gov/xKnQB. Comments can be submitted online through ePlanning, under the “Documents” tab.

Comments will be accepted through October 13, 2016.  Please note that the most useful comments are those that identify issues relevant to the proposed action or contain new technical or scientific information.  Comments that contain only opinions or preferences will not receive a formal response, but may be considered in the BLM decision-making process.   

Before including an address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in any comments, please be aware that the entire comment—including personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time.  Requests to withhold personal identifying information from public review can be submitted, but the BLM cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so. 

For further information, contact Jan Denney at (435) 259-2122.  Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to leave a message or question with the above individual.  The FIRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Replies are provided during normal business hours.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.