News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Final Environmental Documents for Transfer or Exchange of Recirculated Restoration Flows to Red Top

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

For Release: December 06, 2016

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – As part of the San Joaquin River Restoration Program, the Bureau of Reclamation has made available the Final Environmental Assessment/Initial Study and Finding of No Significant Impact for a new turnout and pipeline to facilitate a 10-year transfer and exchange of recaptured San Joaquin River Restoration Flows to Red Top.

The purpose of the proposed action is to reduce reliance on deep aquifer groundwater pumping in the Red Top area to reduce the rate of subsidence, as well as avoid water supply impacts to Friant Contractors by providing a mechanism to recirculate, reuse, exchange or transfer recaptured Restoration Flows.

Red Top is located in western Fresno and Madera counties, south of Highway 152, near the San Joaquin River and Eastside Bypass. Restoration Flows are water releases from Friant Dam that are made for environmental purposes, as authorized in the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act.

The turnout and pipeline will connect Central California Irrigation District’s (CCID) Poso Canal to pumping and conveyance facilities in Red Top. Construction of the pipeline will begin in December 2016 and the new facility will allow for the transfer or exchange of up to 10,000 acre-feet per year during water years 2016 – 2026.

The Final EA/IS and FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the California Environmental Quality Act. Reclamation is the lead agency in accordance with NEPA, and CCID is the lead agency in accordance with CEQA in preparing the analysis. The documents are available at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=24552. If you encounter problems accessing the documents online, please call 916-978-5100 (TTY 800-877-8339) or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

For additional information, please contact Becky Victorine at 916-978-4624 or rvictorine@usbr.gov. More information on the San Joaquin River Restoration Program is available 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.