Colorado River Plan

Mr. Ed Virden
Bureau of Reclamation
Yuma Area Office
Attn: YAO – 7200
7301 Calle Agua Salada
Yuma, AZ 85364

Via email: evirden@lc.usbr.gov

Re: Environmental Assessment for the Lower Colorado River Drop 2 Storage

Reservoir Project

Dear Mr. Virden:

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Drop 2 Storage Reservoir Project Draft Environmental Assessment. These comments are submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, Living Rivers, National Wildlife Federation, Pacific Institute, Sierra Club, and Yuma Audubon Society.

We understand that recent drought and mounting demands for water in the Colorado River basin have increased interest in projects that improve water efficiency in the basin. We agree that Colorado River water is precious. However, the “savings” of the proposed Drop 2 Storage Reservoir Project (“Drop 2 project” or “proposed project”) will come directly at the expense of water that presently flows, albeit inadvertently, through the Colorado River Limitrophe where it supports valuable native habitat for migratory and resident birds. Until the limitrophe reach has a dedicated supply of water to support the vegetation that grows there and the wildlife that use the area, system efficiency gains will come at the expense of this important ecosystem.