News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Final Environmental Documents for the Proposed Westlands Water District San Luis Canal Pump-In Program

Media Contact: Erin Curtis, 916-978-5104, eccurtis@usbr.gov

For Release: June 11, 2015

FRESNO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation has released Final Environmental Assessment and Findings of No Significant Impact for the issuance of a five-year Warren Act Contract and up to 25-year land use authorization(s) to Westlands Water District.

The Warren Act contract would allow introduction, conveyance, and storage of pumped groundwater and other non-Central Valley Project water in the San Luis Canal and the San Luis Reservoir. The source of the non-CVP water would come from groundwater wells within Westlands Water District and the Mendota Pool. The total non-CVP water introduced into the canal would not exceed 30,000 acre-feet in a given year and only take place in years in which Westlands Water District’s CVP allocation is 20% or less.

The land use authorization(s) would be for existing permanent and temporary facilities currently located within Reclamation right-of-way for a period of up to 25-years; however non-CVP water may only be introduced from these facilities if there is a Warren Act Contract in place.

The Final EA and FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and are available online at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=21021. If you encounter problems accessing the documents, please call 916-978-5100 (TTY 800-877-8339) or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

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

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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:

Final EA and FONSI