The National Park Service is inviting public feedback on a draft Memorandum of Agreement aimed at addressing the visual impacts of a newly installed water tank at Hermits Rest. The comment period will run for 15 days, starting from October 21, 2026, and ending at midnight on November 6, 2026.
Details of the Replacement Tank
The replacement water tank at Hermits Rest was installed in 2022 following consultations under the National Historic Preservation Act. Although the tank was initially designed to resemble the original structure, modifications were necessary due to updated safety regulations from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. These changes introduced a ladder, platform, and cap to the tank, which altered its appearance and increased the visibility of modern equipment within the historic area.
Measures to Minimize Visual Impact
In response to these changes, the draft Memorandum of Agreement outlines strategies to mitigate the visual effects of the tank and its safety features, while ensuring the preservation of Hermits Rest’s historic character. This agreement was developed in collaboration with the Arizona State Historic Preservation Officer and is part of the NPS’s ongoing compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act.
Comment Submission Process
The project regarding the replacement water tank is distinct from current water infrastructure recovery efforts at Grand Canyon National Park. Stakeholders and the public are encouraged to review the draft Memorandum of Agreement and submit their comments electronically through the National Park Service’s Planning, Environment and Public Comment project website, where they can find the section labeled “Open for Comment.”
Source: Grand Canyon National Park
