News Release Archive

Draft Environmental Assessment and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact Available

Fish Barrier Weir and Ladder Modification at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Coleman National Fish Hatchery

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, jmccracken@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: April 06, 2006

The Bureau of Reclamation and the Coleman National Fish Hatchery (Coleman NFH) Complex of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) have released the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Fish Barrier Weir and Ladder Modification at the Services Coleman National Fish Hatchery located near Anderson, California. The first Draft EA and Draft FONSI for this proposed action were made available for public review and comment between June 1 and July 2, 2004. One comment letter was received and the comment has been addressed. This Draft EA provides updated information since the issuance of the first Draft EA.

The proposed action consists of the following specific objectives to meet the purpose and need of improving fish passage management capabilities on Battle Creek at the Coleman NFH fish barrier weir and associated fish ladders (1) Modify the existing barrier weir by adding a 2-foot-wide lipped crest cap and a 10.5-foot overshot gate. The crest cap will provide 100 percent blockage to upstream migrating salmonids at flows up to 800 cfs. (2) Fish ladder modifications include constructing a new ladder structure containing two forks, one leading directly to the existing Coleman NFH adult holding ponds and the second providing access to Battle Creek upstream of the barrier weir.

The California Bay-Delta Authority agencies supporting this proposed action consider its implementation a key step for salmon and steelhead restoration in Battle Creek. The proposed action itself will not necessitate any other changes in hatchery facilities or any changes in hatchery operations.

The Draft EA and Draft FONSI are available for a 30-day review and comment period. These documents are available online at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=2148. Written comments should be submitted by close of business Monday, May 8, 2006, and should be mailed to: Mr. Jim De Staso, Bureau of Reclamation, Northern California Area Office, 16349 Shasta Dam Blvd., Shasta Lake, CA 96019-8400 or faxed to 530-275-2441 or e-mailed to jdestaso@mp.usbr.gov. For additional information or to request a paper copy of the documents, please contact Mr. Louis Moore at 916-978-5106 or e-mail wmoore@mp.usbr.gov .

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Relevant Link:

Draft Environmental Assessment and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact Available