FORT PECK, Mont. (NMB) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released the finalized Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for test releases from Fort Peck Dam.
The release of the Final EIS does not constitute a decision, as the EIS is being reviewed by the Environmental Protection Agency until October 25th. At that point, the Army Corps could issue a Record of Decision to select an alternative for implementation and other commitments.
The purpose of the EIS is to assess the capacity of test flows from the Fort Peck Dam to promote the growth and survival of the pallid sturgeon, a fish species listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
According to the plan, when water levels at Fort Peck allow, increased releases would take place between April and July to test the theory that the mimicking of spring runoff would attract pallid sturgeon into the Missouri River.
Governor Greg Gianforte has expressed opposition to this plan, saying it could damage cropland and irrigation downstream of the Dam. The plan could also lead to decreased recreation at Fort Peck due to low water levels
The Final EIS report and appendices can be viewed online at: https://go.usa.gov/xMRu9.
