News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Environmental Documents for Temporary Water Supply to South of Delta Refuges

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: September 16, 2010

The Bureau of Reclamation has made available for public review and comment, a Draft Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the temporary supply of water for South-of-Delta Refuges.

The Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) was released on August 24, 2010 for a 15-day public review and comment period. Reclamation did not receive comments on the Draft EA.

Reclamation's proposed action is to approve a one-year acquisition/transfer of 8,000 acre-feet of Central Valley Project water to assist South-of-Delta refuges with 2010 water supplies. The transfer would involve water from the San Joaquin Exchange Contractors Water Authority to meet South-of-Delta refuges incremental Level 4 water supply needs for Water Year 2010. Incremental Level 4 water is supplemental water to meet optimal refuge requirements, purchased from willing sellers.

The proposed action is being undertaken pursuant to, and in full compliance with, the Central Valley Project Improvement Act, which authorizes new water supply contracts for fish and wildlife purposes. The proposed action does not involve any construction activities and would not cause any land use changes.

The Final EA and Finding of No Significant Impact were developed to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and may be viewed at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=6296. If you encounter problems accessing documents online, please call 916-978-5100 (TDD 916-978-5608) or e-mail mpPublicAffairs@usbr.gov.

For additional information, please contact Brad Hubbard at 916-978-5204 or e-mail bhubbard@usbr.gov.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

Final EA and Finding of No Significant Impact