The following is an outline of the federal permitting process. The majority of the work is being performed by independent third-party consultants selected by the Army Corps of Engineers, the lead federal agency for the project.

• Letter of Intent (2006). Federal agencies are officially notified that we are proposing the construction of the Halligan Water Supply Project. The project proponents and participants are identified. We meet with the lead Federal agency: the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and an independent third-party consultant is selected to prepare the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
• Scoping. The Corps works with the participants to develop a Purpose and Need Statement and conducts public scoping meetings to identify issues. Cooperating agencies are invited to participate in the NEPA process. These include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, EPA, Bureau of Land Management, State of Colorado, and Larimer County.
• Alternatives Development and Screening. A comprehensive list of alternatives to meet the project purpose and need, including a no-action alternative, are prepared. This large list of alternatives is rigorously evaluated and screened through scientific environmental, engineering and economic studies. These studies are used to evaluate the affected environment, environmental consequences, and mitigation measures associated with the alternatives. Reasons for eliminating alternatives are discussed. A preferred alternative, or alternatives, is described.
• Draft EIS. A draft EIS is prepared. Public notice is made and the draft EIS is distributed to any person, organization, or agency upon request. Public hearings are held to describe the purpose and need, alternative and environmental impacts. Comments are received on the EIS and the Corps responds to the comments.
• Final EIS. A Biological Opinion is prepared, and the final EIS, addressing all substantial issues raised in the comments to the draft EIS, is distributed to any person, organization, or agency upon request. Comments are received and the Corps responds to the comments.
• Record of Decision. The Corps issues a final permit decision, called a Record of Decision. This clearly identifies their decision, discusses all factors used in reaching the decision, and includes any considerations of national policy used in making the decision. Working through the NEPA process to obtain a permit often takes 10 years or more for waters supply projects.