News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Final Environmental Documents for Long-Term Exchange Agreements to Three Central Valley Project Contractors

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

For Release: June 22, 2015

FRESNO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation has released the Final the Environmental Assessment and the Findings of No Significant Impact for the proposed long-term exchange agreements with the California Department of Water Resources and Byron Bethany Irrigation District.

The exchanges would improve water supply reliability for three Central Valley Project contractors served by Byron Bethany Irrigation District, including Musco Family Olive Company, the United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery and Del Puerto Water District.

In the exchanges, DWR would deliver State Water Project water diverted at the Harvey O. Banks Pumping Plant to the three CVP contractors consistent with approved monthly schedules. In exchange, Reclamation would deliver an equivalent amount of CVP water pumped at the Jones Pumping Plant 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 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=21221. 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.