News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Draft Environmental Documents for Proposed Long-Term Exchange Agreements to Divert SWP Water to Three CVP Contractors

Media Contact: Erin Curtis, 916-978-5100, 04/02/2015 15:42

For Release: April 02, 2015

FRESNO, Calif. ? The Bureau of Reclamation has released for public review the Draft Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the proposed long-term exchange agreements with The California Department of Water Resources and Byron Bethany Irrigation District which provides service to the Musco Family Olive Company, the United States Department of Veteran?s Affairs San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, and Del Puerto Water District.

The proposed exchanges would improve reliability by having DWR deliver State Water Project water diverted at the Harvey O. Banks Pumping Plant to the three Central Valley Project contractors consistent with approved monthly schedules. In exchange, Reclamation would deliver an equivalent amount of CVP water pumped at the Jones Pumping Plant or Joint Point at Banks Pumping to DWR at O?Neill Forebay for use by SWP contractors.

The proposed exchanges would be one-for-one exchanges and no new increase in diversions from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta by either DWR or Reclamation would occur as a result of the exchanges. The three CVP contractors are either unable to directly receive CVP water using CVP facilities, or require additional operational flexibility.

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=21221. If you encounter problems accessing the documents, please call 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

Comments are due by close of business May 1, 2015. Please email comments to remerson@usbr.gov. Written comments may also be mailed to Rain Emerson, Bureau of Reclamation, 1243 N Street, Fresno, CA 93721 or faxed to 559-487-5397.

For additional information or to request a copy of the Draft EA/FONSI, please contact Emerson at 559-487-5196 (TTY 800-735-2929). Copies of the Draft EA/FONSI 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 EA and FONSI