Indian Creek Watershed Finding Of No Significant Impact

Des Moines, Ia. – Following a 45-day interagency and public review of the Indian Creek Watershed Draft Supplemental Plan-Environmental Assessment Number 1, the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced that the project will not cause significant impact on the environment. Because of these findings, Iowa NRCS State Conservationist Richard Van Klaveren has determined that the preparation and review of an environmental impact statement will not be needed.

The Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Indian Creek Watershed will be provided to the Environmental Protection Agency and to various federal, state and local agencies. A complete version of the FONSI and supplemental plan can be accessed via the Iowa NRCS website, www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/watershedprogram.html.

The Indian Creek Watershed Plan involves rehabilitation of Site 2, an earthfill dam north of Council Bluffs. Site 2 was originally planned and constructed as part of the Indian Creek Watershed, authorized by the Watershed Protection and Flood Control Act, Public Law 83-566. Site 2 has a drainage area of 687 acres and forms a pool of 28 acres.

The purpose of the project is to provide continued gully stabilization and sediment control while improving public safety. The rehabilitation of the dam is necessary because seven houses occupied by approximately 25 people are in the breach inundation area of the dam, which was constructed in 1975. One business is also located in the breach area. Site 2 has been reclassified as high hazard by NRCS and the State of Iowa because of the potential loss of life should the dam suddenly fail.

The plan consists of rehabilitating the Site 2 dam to high hazard criteria for a new 50-year life. The top of the dam will be raised three feet, the principal spillway elevation will remain at the same elevation to maintain the current water level, and a new vegetated spillway will be added to the existing dam.

This rehabilitation action is being planned and implemented under authority of the Small Watershed Rehabilitation Amendments of 2000. The Act authorizes federal funding of 65 percent for approved project costs.

Indian Creek Watershed sponsors include the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors and the West Pottawattamie County Soil and Water Conservation District.

If you have questions about the Finding of No Significant Impact for the Indian Creek Watershed, please contact Dave Beck, Iowa NRCS Planning Leader, at 515-284-4135.

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