The Bureau of Reclamation is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Delta-Mendota Canal/California Aqueduct Intertie (Intertie). The Intertie would connect the Delta-Mendota Canal (DMC) and the California Aqueduct via a new pipeline and pumping plant. The primary purpose of the Intertie would be to allow for operation and maintenance activities at the Tracy pumping plant and fish facility, the Delta-Mendota Canal, and the O'Neill pumping plant and intake canal.

The Intertie would be used to accomplish a range of benefits, including meeting current water supply demands, maintaining and repairing Central Valley Project (CVP) Delta export and conveyance facilities, and providing operational flexibility to respond to CVP and State Water Project emergencies. The Intertie would be located in an unincorporated area of the San Joaquin Valley in Alameda County, west of the city of Tracy. The site is in a rural agricultural area that is owned by the State and Federal governments. A Draft EIS is expected to be available in May 2007.

A Notice of Intent to prepare the EIS was published in the Federal Register on Wednesday, July 12, 2006. Two public scoping meetings are being held to solicit public input on topics that will be addressed in the EIS, including anticipated resources, alternatives, and significant concerns and issues. Meeting participants will have the opportunity to interact directly with the study team. The meetings are scheduled as follows:

Sacramento, Tuesday, August 1, 2006, 10 a.m. - noon, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, Cafeteria Conference Rooms C-1001 and C-1002

Stockton, Thursday, August 3, 2006, 6 - 8 p.m., Cesar Chavez Central Library, 605 North El Dorado Street, Steward-Hazelton Room

Written comments on the scope of the environmental document should be received by close of business Tuesday, September 5, 2006, and should be sent to Ms. Sammie Cervantes, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825-1898, via e-mail at scervantes@mp.usbr.gov, or fax to 916-978-5094. For additional information, please contact Ms. Sharon McHale, Project Manager, at 916-978-5086, TDD 916-978-5608, or e-mail smchale@mp.usbr.gov.