News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Draft Environmental Documents on 2013 CVP Water Transfers for Public Review

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

For Release: May 06, 2013

The Bureau of Reclamation has released a Draft Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the transfer of Central Valley Project water by CVP contractors located north of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Transfers would occur through groundwater substitution and would be available for purchase by 10 San Luis Delta Mendota Water Authority member agencies located south of the Delta. The Draft EA, which is available for a 15-day public review period, analyzes the potential upper limit of water that may be made available by transfers in 2013.

With dry hydrologic conditions and low CVP water allocations, there is a need for water contractors to supplement local and imported supplies to meet demands. The purpose of the Proposed Action is to facilitate the transfer of CVP water from willing sellers to buyers that are experiencing water shortages in 2013. Reclamation would review and approve proposed CVP water transfers in accordance with the Interim Guidelines for the Implementation of Water Transfers under the Central Valley Project Improvement Act http://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpia/3405a/index.html.

The Draft EA and FONSI were developed to meet requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and are available for review at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=13310. If you encounter problems accessing documents online, please contact the public Affairs Office at 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

Written comments on the Draft EA and FONSI are due by close of business Tuesday, May 21, 2013, and should be mailed to Brad Hubbard, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, MP-410, Sacramento, CA 95825; or email bhubbard@usbr.gov or faxed to 916-978-5290. For a copy of the documents or for additional information, please contact Hubbard at 916-978-5204 (TDD 916-978-5608).

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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:

Interim Guidelines for the Implementation of Water Transfers

The Draft EA and FONSI