News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Draft Environmental Documents for a Modification to the Friant-Kern Canal

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916 978 5100, 08/19/2011 17:01

For Release: August 19, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation today released for public review environmental documents for a modification to the Friant-Kern Canal. The modification would involve the construction of a turnout diversion structure, a check structure across the canal to control flows, a 50-foot radio tower, and a structure for control and measurement.

The documents also analyze potential environmental impacts for a new pipeline that would connect the turnout to the city of Fresno's Surface Water Treatment Facility, in northeastern Fresno. The 60-inch diameter pipeline would extend 4.5 miles and deliver up to 184 acre-feet of water per day to meet the 2020 design capacity of the water treatment facility.

A Draft Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact (EA/FONSI) were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and are available online on the link provided below. If you encounter problems accessing the documents, please call 916-978-5100 or e-mail mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

Written comments must be received by close of business September 19, 2011 and should be sent to Chuck Siek, Bureau of Reclamation, South-Central California Area Office, 1243 N Street, Fresno, CA 93721. Comments may also be faxed to Mr. Siek at 559-487-5397 or e-mailed to csiek@usbr.gov.

For additional information or to request a copy of the Draft EA/FONSI, please contact Mr. Siek at 559-487-5138, TTY 800-735-2929. Copies of the draft documents may also be viewed at Reclamation's Fresno 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:

Draft Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact