News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Draft Environmental Assessment for San Joaquin River Restoration Program Seepage Management Actions

Media Contact: Shane Hunt, 916-978-5100, 12/22/2016 16:55

For Release: December 22, 2016

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation has prepared a draft environmental assessment for San Joaquin River Restoration Program seepage management actions up to 2020.

The program’s Restoration Flow releases are currently constrained based on the potential for groundwater seepage impacts to lands adjacent to the San Joaquin River. The purpose of implementing the proposed actions are to account for potential seepage impacts, and enable Restoration Flow releases up to 1,300 cubic feet per second.

Based on landowner input, seepage management actions currently being evaluated include the purchase of easements allowing for higher groundwater tables underneath crops as a result of the release of Restoration Flows or purchase of land affected by groundwater seepage on a willing seller basis.

The Draft EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and is available at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=27373. More information on the Seepage Management Plan is available at: http://www.restoresjr.net/monitoring-data/groundwater-monitoring/. If you encounter problems accessing the documents, please call 916-978-5100 (TTY 800-877-8339) or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

Comments are due by close of business Monday, Jan. 30, 2017, to rvictorine@usbr.gov. Comments may also be mailed to Becky Victorine, Bureau of Reclamation, MP-170, 2800 Cottage Way W-1727, Sacramento, CA 95825 or faxed to 916-978-5469. For additional information or to request a copy of the Draft EA, please contact Victorine at 916-978-4624.

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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.