News Release Archive

San Joaquin River Restoration Program Releases Draft Environmental Document on the Eastside Bypass Conveyance Project

Media Contact: Shane Hunt, 916-978-5100, shunt@usbr.gov

For Release: October 23, 2015

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation has released for public review an Environmental Assessment for a proposed project to restore flow capacity to the low flow channel within the Eastside Bypass, which will facilitate the passage of Restoration Flows and connectivity for reintroduced salmonids. The project is consistent with the San Joaquin River Restoration Program’s goal for Restoration Flows, intended to maintain fish populations in good condition from below Friant Dam to the confluence of the Merced River.

The project is located approximately 19 miles southwest of the city of Merced, in the vicinity of El Nido Road and the southern extent of the Merced National Wildlife Refuge. The project includes removing accumulated sediments in the channel, constructing a low flow channel, and removing the low flow crossing and inoperable culvert currently impeding flows at El Nido Road.

The Draft EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and may be viewed at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=23315. If you encounter problems accessing the document online, please call 916-978-5100 (TTY 800-877-8339) or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

Written comments are due by close of business Monday, Nov. 23, 2015, to Becky Victorine, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, MP-170, Sacramento, CA 95825. Comments may also be faxed to 916-978-5469 or emailed to rvictorine@usbr.gov. For additional information, please contact Victorine at 916-978-4624.

For information on the SJRRP, please visit www.restoresjr.net.

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