Rock Point Canal Environmental Assessment – The Rock Point Canal Irrigation Company, in cooperation with the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), contracted CRS to successfully complete an EA for a new canal alignment in Vernal, Utah. CRS performed an extensive evaluation of the 600-acre project area by performing in-depth environmental analyses for historical resources, wetlands, T&E species, high-value habitat and visual resources.
One of the more unique aspects of this EA was the need to evaluate habitat types within the project area and coordinate with the BOR, the Irrigation Company, and USFWS to determine potential impact on existing wildlife habitat along the unaltered canal and proposed canal pipeline. CRS prepared a Habitat Replacement Plan (HRP) to identify “habitat values lost” with the implementation of the proposed project and develop a plan for replacing those values.
CRS worked closely with the project team to determine canal alignment alternatives that would avoid critical environmental resources. CRS also worked extensively with more than 50 landowners to address their concerns that the new pipeline would not disrupt activities on private property and reduce property values.
