News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Draft Environmental Documents for Delta Cross Channel Temporary Closure Multi-Year Study

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, 08/08/2012 12:43

For Release: August 08, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation has released for public review the Draft Environmental Assessment and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact for the proposed closure of the Delta Cross Channel gates for up to 10 days during the first half of October over the next five years (2012 through 2016). Reclamation would evaluate in-season water quality modeling to ensure compliance with water quality standards and minimization of potential impacts to water supply to determine the duration of the closure.

The DCC is located on the Sacramento River near Walnut Grove, California and connects to Snodgrass Slough, which in turn connects to the Mokelumne River. Natural production of Chinook salmon in the Mokelumne River has been significantly impacted over the past several years. One factor that has been identified as a contributing factor to low returns in the lower Mokelumne River is straying to other rivers, particularly the lower American River. It is hypothesized that having the DCC closed during a portion of October would strengthen migration cues for migratory fish, including Chinook salmon. The purpose of the proposed action is to evaluate the effects of short term modifications to DCC gate operations annually in the fall over a five-year period on reduction of Mokelumne River fall-run Chinook salmon straying.

The Draft EA and FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and are available at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=10650. If you encounter problems accessing the documents online, please call 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov

Please email comments by close of business Thursday, August 23, 2012, to Becky Victorine at rvictorine@usbr.gov. Comments may also be mailed to Ms. Victorine at Reclamation’s Bay-Delta Office, 801 I Street, Suite 140, Sacramento, CA 95814 or faxed to 916-414-2439.

For additional information or to request a copy of the Draft EA and FONSI, please contact Ms. Victorine at 916-414-2429 (TTY 916-978-5608). Copies of the Draft EA and FONSI may also be viewed at Reclamation’s Bay-Delta 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 EA and FONSI