News Release Archive

Draft Environmental Document Available for Proposed Water Banking by Westlands Water District

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

For Release: October 14, 2005

The Bureau of Reclamation announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for a proposed banking of Central Valley Project (CVP) water for Westlands Water District (Westlands) in the Semitropic Water Storage District for delivery back to Westlands during dry years. The draft document was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and is available for a 15-day public review and comment period.

Central Valley Project agricultural water allocations south of the Delta are currently 90 percent for the 2005-2006 water year. Storing any supply that is excess to the immediate needs of landowners within Westlands will maximize the beneficial use of their 2005-2006 allocation. This will allow landowners to bank water for future delivery to meet permanent orchard crop demands during the next critically dry water year(s). Banking would maximize the beneficial use of the CVP supplies and improve the long-term water supply reliability for Westlands landowners with permanent orchard crops.

The Draft EA describes the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed alternatives. Copies of the document are available online at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/index.cfm under the South-Central California Area Office link.

Written comments should be sent to the Bureau of Reclamation, Ms. Mary Grim, MP-410, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825 or faxed to 916-978-5290 by close of business on October 31, 2005. For additional information, please contact Ms. Grim at 916-978-5204 (TDD 916-978-5608).

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Relevant Link:

Draft Environmental Document Available for Proposed Water Banking by Westlands Water District