News Release Archive

Draft Environmental Documents Released on Water Acquisition for San Luis National Wildlife Refuge's East Bear Creek Unit

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

For Release: February 17, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation has released for public review the Draft Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for acquiring water from East Side Canal and Irrigation Company for the East Bear Creek Unit of the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge.

Reclamation would purchase up to 7,295 acre-feet of water per year from the irrigation company, during Water Years 2011 through 2016, to meet the refuge's water requirements to provide wetland habitats for migratory waterfowl, other migratory birds, and wetland-dependent wildlife. The East Bear Creek Unit of the refuge is located in Merced County, California.

The Draft Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and are available online at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=7321. If you encounter problems accessing documents online, please call the Public Affairs Office at 916-978-5100 TTY 916-978-5608) or e-mail mpPublicAffairs@usbr.gov.

Written comments must be received by close of business Thursday, March 3, 2011, and should be sent to Shelly Hatleberg, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825. Comments may also be faxed to Ms. Hatleberg at 916-978-5055 or e-mailed to shatleberg@usbr.gov.

For additional information or to request a copy of the Draft EA/FONSI, please contact Ms. Hatleberg at 916-978-5050 (TTY 916-978-5608). Copies of the draft documents may also be viewed at Reclamation's Sacramento office at the above address.

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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:

NEPA Documents