What is Permitting?

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires that federal agencies consider the environmental impacts of and reasonable alternatives to the proposed project before permits are issued for construction.

Who is Involved?

Multiple local, state and federal agencies and Indian tribes are involved in the LPP permitting process. These include:

  • The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) is the lead federal agency on the project developing the LPP Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) project in compliance with NEPA.
  • Utah Board of Water Resources (UBWR) will construct, own, operate and maintain the project until transferred and consult with the Project Management Committee as outlined in the 2006 Lake Powell Pipeline Development Act.
  • Lake Powell Pipeline Project Management Committee (PMC) consults with UBWR on the development and implementation of the project and approves all expenditures from the fund under the 2006 Lake Powell Pipeline Development Act.
  • Utah Division of Water Resources (UDWRe) is the state agency supporting UBWR in obtaining the relevant approvals from the Bureau of Reclamation and other agencies.
  • Washington County Water Conservancy District (WCWCD) is the project proponent who will receive the water to supply 10 southern Utah communities. The district has a representative that serves on the PMC.
  • Rights of way from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and National Park Service will be required for LPP to cross the federal lands they manage. A contract between the state of Utah and the Bureau of Reclamation will also be required. These agencies are cooperating agencies in preparing the EIS.
  • The Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, as well as other Indian tribes, are providing guidance and consultation on tribal historical, cultural and archeological issues. The Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians is a cooperating agency with the Bureau of Reclamation for NEPA compliance.

Permitting:

Steps in the Approval Process