News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Draft Environmental Documents for Proposed Long-Term Exchange Agreements between Oak Flat Water District and Del Puerto Water District

Media Contact: Russell Grimes, 916-978-5100, rwgrimes@usbr.gov

For Release: March 23, 2017

FRESNO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation has released for public review the Draft Environmental Assessment and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact for the proposed long-term exchange agreements (through February 28, 2030) between the California Department of Water Resources, Del Puerto and Oak Flat District that would allow the exchange of up to 3,000 acre-feet per year of Central Valley Project and State Water Project supplies between the Districts utilizing the California Aqueduct and the Delta-Mendota Canal.

The proposed exchanges would be one-for-one and no new increase in diversions from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta by either Department of Water Resources or Reclamation would occur as a result of the exchanges. There will be no increase in total deliveries to Del Puerto or Oak Flat as each would exchange available water supplies allocated by the CVP and SWP.

The Draft EA and FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act,

and are available at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=27922. If you encounter problems accessing the document, please call 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

Comments are due by Friday, April 21, 2017, please email comments to mconnor@usbr.gov. Written comments may also be mailed to Kate Connor, Bureau of Reclamation, 1243 N Street, Fresno, CA 93721 or faxed to 559-487-5397.

For additional information or to request a copy of the Draft EA and FONSI please contact Connor at 559-487-5504 (TTY 800-877-8339). Copies of the Draft EA and FONSI may also be viewed at Reclamation’s Fresno office at the above address.

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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.