News Release Archive

Public Scoping Meetings Scheduled For Sacramento River Water Reliability Study

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

For Release: August 18, 2003

Reclamation and the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA), on behalf of PCWA, Sacramento Suburban Water District, and the cities of Roseville and Sacramento, entered into a Memorandum of Agreement to cost share the development of a feasibility study, known as the Sacramento River Water Reliability Study (SRWRS). The SRWRS will investigate the viability of a joint water supply diversion from the Sacramento River to meet the needs of the cost-sharing partners. Reclamation and PCWA propose to prepare a joint Environment Impact Statement/ Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for the SRWRS. Reclamation is the lead Federal agency for the National Environmental Policy Act and PCWA is the lead State agency for the California Environmental Quality Act. The SRWRS will include a Planning Report in addition to the EIS/EIR.

Following is a schedule of public scoping meetings that will be held to solicit public input on the scope of the SRWRS and alternatives to be considered in the EIS/EIR.

In Sacramento Monday, September 15, 2003, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Best Western Expo Inn 1413 Howe Avenue, Expo Room

In Sacramento Monday, September 15, 2003, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Best Western Expo Inn 1413 Howe Avenue, Expo Room

In Willows Wednesday, September 17, 2003, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Willows Memorial Hall 525 West Sycamore Street

In Yuba City Monday, September 22, 2003, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sutter County Veterans Hall 1425 Veterans Memorial Drive

In Stockton Tuesday, September 23, 2003, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Radisson Hotel 2323 Grand Canal Boulevard, Delta IV Room

In Rocklin Wednesday, September 24, 2003, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Rocklin City Council Chambers 3970 Rocklin Road

The goal of the SRWRS is to develop a water supply plan that is consistent with the Water Forum Agreement (April 24, 2000) objectives of pursuing a Sacramento River diversion to meet water supply needs of the Placer-Sacramento region and promoting ecosystem preservation along the Lower American River. The project location is the greater Sacramento metropolitan area, encompassing portions of southern Sutter County, northern Sacramento County, and western and southern Placer County.

To meet the water supply needs of the cost-sharing partners, the SRWRS will identify a package of water supply infrastructure components, including new or expanded diversion(s) from the Sacramento, Feather, or American Rivers, and new or expanded water treatment and pumping facilities, storage tanks, and major transmission and distribution pipelines.

The SRWRS plan will be consistent with the Water Forum Agreement in pursuing a Sacramento River diversion to accomplish the following objectives envisioned in the agreement: (1) meeting the needs of planned future growth within the Placer-Sacramento region, (2) maintaining a reliable water supply while reducing diversions of surface water from the American River in future dry years to preserve the river ecosystem, and (3) enhancing ground water conjunctive management to help sustain the quality and availability of ground water for the future.

Written comments on the scope of the EIS/EIR must be received by close of business on Tuesday, October 14, 2003. Send written comments to: Ms. Mona Jefferies-Soniea, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, MP-700, Sacramento, CA 95825 or Mr. Steve Yaeger, c/o Ms. Darcy Granieri, Placer County Water Agency, P.O. Box 6570, Auburn, CA 95604-6570.

For additional information, please contact Ms. Jefferies-Soniea at the above address, at 916-978-5068, via fax at 916-978-5094, or e-mail at mjefferies-soniea@mp.usbr.gov; or Mr. Yaeger at the above address or at 530-823-4962. Additional information is available online at www.usbr.gov/mp/srwrs. If special assistance is required, please call Ms. Sammie Cervantes, Reclamation, at 915-978-5104, TDD 916-978-5608, or via e-mail at scervantes@mp.usbr.gov.

# # #

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:

Sacramento River Water Reliability Study