News Release Archive

Reclamation releases final environmental documents for returning transferred water to the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Water Authority

Media Contact: Erin Curtis, 9169785100, eccurtis@usbr.gov

For Release: September 06, 2018

FRESNO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation has released a Finding of No Significant Impact and Final Environmental Assessment for the approval of the annual return of up to 20,000 acre-feet of previously transferred Central Valley Project water from Reclamation-acknowledged water banks over a nine-year period.

Previously transferred water would remain for use in Reclamation-acknowledged water banks and a like amount of State Water Project water would be provided to the Exchange Contractors in San Luis Reservoir. The SWP water would either be transferred to participating contractors as previously covered in the long-term EIS/EIR or delivered to the Exchange Contractors through O’Neill Forebay and the Delta-Mendota Canal for recharge or irrigation purposes within their service area.

The Final 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=33861.

For additional information or to request a copy of the Final EA and FONSI, please contact Kate Connor at 559-262-0337 (TTY 800-877-8339).

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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.