News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Draft Environmental Document on 2015 CVP Water Transfers for Public Review

Media Contact: Erin Curtis, 916-978-5100, 03/02/2015 15:36

For Release: March 02, 2015

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation and the Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority have released for a 20-day public review an Environmental Assessment /Initial Study and draft Mitigated Negative Declaration on the effects of proposed water transfers from willing sellers to buyers in the Sacramento Valley. This EA/IS analyzes transfers of water made available for transfer through a combination of cropland idling and/or groundwater substitution. The transfers could originate in Colusa, Glenn, Sacramento, Shasta, Sutter, Tehama, or Yolo counties. The buyers could be in Colusa, Glenn, Tehama, or Yolo counties.

The water year runs from October 1 through September 30 each year. The hydrologic conditions in 2015 remain critically dry as we enter the fourth year of drought. Conditions have worsened statewide, affecting reservoir storage and water supply. Some water service contractors need to supplement their local and imported supplies to meet demands. The purpose of the Proposed Action is to facilitate the transfer of water from willing sellers to buyers who are experiencing reductions in water made available for 2015. Other transfers not involving the TCCA and its participating members could occur during the same time period. 

The EA/IS was developed to meet requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and the California Environmental Quality Act and may be viewed at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=20761. 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 EA/IS are due by close of business Monday, March 23, and should be mailed to Brad Hubbard, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, MP-410, Sacramento, CA 95825; or emailed to bhubbard@usbr.gov or faxed to 916-978-5290. For a copy of the documents or additional information, please contact Hubbard at 916-978-5204 (TDD 800-877-8339).

# # #

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.