News Release Archive

Reclamation releases draft environmental documents for Firebaugh Canal Water District five-year transfer program

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

For Release: November 21, 2018

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 annual transfers of up to 7,500 acre-feet of Firebaugh Canal Water District’s Central Valley Project water to Pacheco Water District, San Luis Water District, and Westlands Water District for five years. The proposed transfers would occur from April through December of each year when water is transferred.

In order to make Firebaugh’s CVP water supplies available for the transfers, common landowners in Firebaugh and Pacheco, Panoche, San Luis, and Westlands would pump a like-amount of groundwater for use in Firebaugh in lieu of receiving the CVP supplies.

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=36203.

Comments are due by Dec. 21, 2018, 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 559-262-0337.

For additional information or to request a copy of the Draft EA and FONSI, please contact Kate Connor at 559-487-5504 (TTY 800-877-8339). Copies of the Draft EA/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.