Boise River Storage Basin Feasibility Study & EIS

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s determination of feasibility of additional surface water storage in the Boise River watershed in Boise, Idaho to help meet future water supply needs. This was a high priority project for Reclamation that required extensive resources to complete in a short period of performance. Required tasks included involvement in the public comment process, feasibility analysis, environmental compliance and permitting, alternative development and analysis, non-structural alternative analysis, and project planning and management.

Our team, as prime contractor for the Bureau of Reclamation, led a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, economists, and engineers to determine the feasibility of additional surface water storage in the Boise River system to meet future water supply needs for the rapidly growing metropolitan area near Boise, Idaho. The team completed a comprehensive feasibility study, environmental analysis, and permitting for increased storage behind Anderson Ranch and Arrowrock Dams, as well as Lucky Peak Dam. This effort included developing the proposed project alternative, conducting a fatal flaw analysis of multiple alternatives, and finalizing environmental compliance under federal laws such as the Endangered Species Act, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act. We also supported public involvement through meetings at four sites across the basin. The planned storage enhancements aim to secure long-term water supply for irrigation, domestic, industrial, and municipal needs while maintaining endangered species protections, power generation requirements, and improving flood risk management for the Boise River basin.