North Rim & Roaring Springs Water System Improvements

FONSI and Non-Impairment Determination (signed 2026-05-27)

INTRODUCTION

Explains the EA was prepared under NEPA because the waterline between the North Rim and Roaring Springs has outlived its design life and fails often.2

SELECTED ALTERNATIVE AND RATIONALE FOR THE DECISION

NPS chose Alternative B over No Action: new boreholes for waterlines, a North Rim treatment plant, added storage tanks, and Roaring Springs Pumphouse rehabilitation.2

MITIGATION MEASURES

Avoidance and minimization measures and best management practices are built into the selected alternative and listed in Appendix A.2

PUBLIC INVOLVMENT

Two 14-day civic engagement periods and a 30-day EA comment period drew ninety-three correspondences, summarized in Appendix C.2

AGENCY AND TRIBAL CONSULTATION

USFWS concurred the action may affect but is not likely to adversely affect California condors and Mexican spotted owls; a Section 106 Programmatic Agreement was signed by the Arizona SHPO.2

SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA REVIEW

Describes the affected environment, including the Bright Angel Peninsula, Roaring Springs Canyon, contractor camps, hauling routes and helicopter flight paths.2

Final EA (2026-03-06)

Chapter 1: Introduction, Background, and Purpose and Need

Sets out the purpose and need for the North Rim waterline and the Roaring Springs Pumphouse.3

Chapter 2: Alternatives

Compares Alternative A, No Action, with Alternative B, the proposed action and preferred alternative to improve the water system.3

Chapter 3: Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Analyzes historic districts, karst and hydrogeology, soundscapes and noise, special status species, and visitor use and experience.3

Appendix A: Alternatives Considered and Dismissed

Covers dismissed options such as boring alternatives, water sources, a surface-mounted waterline and full treatment at Roaring Springs Pumphouse.3

Appendix B: Mitigation Measures and Best Management Practices

Lists mitigation by topic, including air quality, karst and hydrogeology, soundscapes, visitor use, water resources, and wildlife.3

Appendix C: Impact Topics Dismissed from Further Analysis

Explains why topics such as air quality, archeology, floodplains, wetlands, wildlife and wilderness solitude were dismissed from detailed analysis.3

Appendix E: Consultation and Coordination

Records agency consultation, tribal consultation and civic engagement for the project.3