Regulacje i polityka gospodarcza · 22.12.2000

Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for an Emergency Outlet From Devils Lake, ND, to the Sheyenne River

Devils Lake is a terminal lake located in northeastern North Dakota. Devils Lake has a long history of a wide range of fluctuating lake levels. Since 1993, the lake has risen about 25 feet. Rising lake levels have resulted in damages to homes, businesses, infrastructure, transportation systems, and land uses. Significant expenditures of Federal, State, and local funds have been required to relocate structures and to raise and strengthen roads and levees. While these efforts will provide immediate protection, there is great concern that the lake could continue to rise. The Devils Lake basin is a subbasin of the Hudson Bay drainage system. Although Devils Lake has not contributed to the Hudson Bay drainage for many centuries, there is a potential for the lake to rise to its natural outlet elevation if the recent climate patterns persist. There is a potential for substantial damages to occur along the Sheyenne River, depending on the magnitude of the overflow event. Purpose and Need. The purpose of the proposed action is to reduce the flood damages related to the rising lake levels in the flood-prone areas around Devils Lake and to reduce the potential for a natural overflow event. Pr