News Release Archive

Reclamation releases final documents for Delta smelt fall 2017 outflow

Media Contact: Erin Curtis, 916-978-5100, 09/29/2017 17:30

For Release: September 29, 2017

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation has released final environmental documents for a modification to October’s water operations in the San Francisco Bay-Delta for Delta smelt habitat, after consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

In September, Reclamation, in coordination with the California Department of Water Resources, proposed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to modify how the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project implement a 2008 Biological Opinion on the Long-Term Operation of the CVP and SWP under the Endangered Species Act. The Biological Opinion includes an adaptive management provision that allows the Fish and Wildlife Service to make changes to these requirements based upon science and up-to-date information.

The change request was precipitated by new science and monitoring information on Delta smelt conservation as part of the adaptive management component of the 2008 BiOp. In addition, changes in operations at Oroville Dam for public safety have resulted in less carryover storage. Based on this, Reclamation requested a re-initiation of consultation in relation to proposed modifications to requirements for flows in the Delta for salinity levels, known as Fall X2.

On Sept. 27, the Fish and Wildlife Service responded to Reclamation’s request with a decision allowing a one-month change in water management guidelines. In accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Service’s response, Reclamation and DWR will the operate the CVP and SWP such that the monthly average position of the fall outflow requirement is no more eastward than 80 km (50 miles) from the Golden Gate Bridge.

In the final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No New Significant Impact released Sept. 29, Reclamation evaluated the change to operation of the CVP and SWP in October and its effects. The EA is tiered off the Coordinated Long-Term Operation of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision.

The final EA and FONNSI 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=30266. The documents may also be viewed at Reclamation’s Bay-Delta Office, 801 I Street, Suite 140, Sacramento, CA 95814. For additional information, please contact Ben Nelson, 916-414-2424 (TTY 800-877-8339) or bcnelson@usbr.gov.

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