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RECLAMATION RELEASES FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT FOR WATER PURCHASE FOR SAN LUIS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, JMCCRACKEN@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: May 04, 2004

Reclamation has released a final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the purchase of up to 8,500 acre-feet of water annually from the Stevinson Water District in Merced County. The purchase will be used to help meet the water needs at the East Bear Creek Unit of the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge.

Reclamation must acquire water to provide increased water deliveries to wetland habitat areas in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys in accordance with the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA), Section 3406(d)(2). The Water Acquisition Program implements this CVPIA requirement by acquiring water to meet the prescribed refuge water supplies.

The EA and FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The EA describes the potential beneficial and adverse environmental impacts associated with the proposed alternatives. Drafts of the EA and FONSI were circulated for public review and comment.

To request a copy of the final documents, please contact Mary Grim at 916-978-5204 (TDD 916-978-5606). Copies of the documents are also available online at: www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpia/wap/index.html under Environmental Documents.

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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.

Relevant Link:

WATER PURCHASE FOR SAN LUIS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE