Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Proposed Tres Rios Environmental Restoration, Maricopa County, Arizona

Resumo

The Tres Rios study area is 9 miles long and one mile wide, encompassing approximately 5,600 acres. The area gets its name because it is located at the confluence of the Salt, Gila and Agua Fria rivers. The Salt runs into the Gila just upstream of 115th Avenue; the Agua Fria runs into the Gila at the western end of the study area. The feasibility study showed an opportunity exists ``to restore riparian habitat within the study areas, as well as to address flooding problems and the recreation needs of the study area.'' Following studies of several alternatives, a plan was selected that is technically feasible, economically efficient, and environmentally sound. The source of water for the river is effluent from the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The study notes the water also can be used for constructed wetlands that would provide areas for new wildlife habitat, education and recreation. The wetlands would further enhance the high quality of water released from the WWTP. Characteristics of the plan include a regulating wetland to provide a more constant rate of discharge from the 91st Avenue WWTP, constructed wetlands arranged in a line along the north bank of the riv