News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Final Environmental Documents on Recapturing San Joaquin River Restoration Program Flows for One Year

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

For Release: August 01, 2016

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation has released the Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the San Joaquin River Restoration Program’s plan to recapture a portion of its Restoration Flows at Patterson Irrigation District and/or Banta-Carbona Irrigation District for up to one year. The one-year period began in March 2016; however, recapture actions are not expected to occur until September due to changing conditions.

The project involves recapturing Restoration Flows and conveying them to the Delta-Mendota Canal and San Luis Reservoir, where they will be made available for recirculation to the Friant Division long-term contractors. Both districts have screened pumping plants on the San Joaquin River that can convey 40 cubic feet per second and 65 cfs respectively.

The project is consistent with the SJRRP’s Water Management Goal, to reduce or avoid adverse water supply impacts to all Friant Division long-term contractors that may result from the Restoration Flows.

The Final 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=24095. If you encounter problems accessing the document online, please contact the Public Affairs Office at 916-978-5100 (TTY 800-877-8339) or mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

For additional information or to request a copy of the Final EA and FONSI, please contact Becky Victorine at 916-978-4624 or rvictorine@usbr.gov.

For information on the Restoration Program, please visit the SJRRP’s website at www.restoresjr.net.

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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.