Reclamation today announced that an Environmental Assessment (EA) has been completed analyzing any potential effects to the environment that might be associated with the transfer of the Sugar Pine Dam and related facilities from Reclamation to the Foresthill Public Utility District. The transfer was authorized and directed by Congress in Public Law 106-566.

A Draft EA was prepared and circulated for public review and comment on October 4, 2002. All comments were considered in preparation of the Final EA. Based on analysis of the Final EA, Reclamation has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the proposed Federal action, meaning that the action would not significantly affect the quality of the human environment, and an Environmental Impact Statement will not be prepared.

The Final EA and FONSI may be obtained by downloading a PDF version from Reclamation's website at www.mp.usbr.gov. Printed copies may be requested by calling 916-989-7174, TDD 916-989-7285.

For further information, please contact Ms. Sandi Richerson at the Central California Area Office, 916-989-7174, TDD 916-989-7285, or e-mail sricherson@mp.usbr.gov.