The Bureau of Reclamation's Southern California Area Office, in cooperation with the Fallbrook Public Utility District and the Department of the Navy Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), intends to prepare a joint environmental impact statement-environmental impact report (EIS/EIR) for the proposed Santa Margarita River Conjunctive Use Project.

Reclamation will host an open house on Wednesday, October 29, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Fallbrook Public Utility District, located at 990 E. Mission Road in Fallbrook, to update the public on the proposed project and obtain input on issues that should be studied in the EIS/EIR process. Members of the public, organizations, and agencies that have an interest in this project are invited to attend the meeting and provide comments. Reclamation staff will make a brief presentation at 7:30 p.m. and provide information on the EIS/EIR schedule and objectives, and will be available to accept comments or answer questions throughout the meeting.

Reclamation will also accept written comments on the proposed project, or accept requests from individuals who wish to be placed on a project mailing list. Written comments or requests may be sent to Greg Krzys, Bureau of Reclamation, Southern California Area Office, 27708 Jefferson Ave., Suite 202, Temecula, CA 92590. Mr. Krzys can also be contacted by telephone, at (951) 695-5310, or by email, at: gkrzys@lc.usbr.gov.

Written comments must be received by the Bureau of Reclamation by close of business on Wednesday, November 26, 2008.