News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Shasta Lake Water Resources Investigation; Public Workshops Scheduled

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: June 28, 2013

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation today announced the availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Shasta Lake Water Resources Investigation for a 90-day public review and comment period, and three related public workshops that are scheduled in mid-July.

The Draft EIS documents the evaluation of potential effects of six alternative plans to modify the existing Shasta Dam and Shasta Reservoir Project, located approximately 10 miles northwest of Redding, California. The primary purpose of the project is to (1) increase survival of anadromous fish populations in the upper Sacramento River and (2) increase water supply and water supply reliability for agricultural, municipal and industrial, and environmental purposes.

Three public workshops will be held in July to share information about the Draft EIS and the public review and comment process.

• Tuesday, July 16, 6-8 p.m., Holiday Inn, Palomino Room, 1900 Hilltop Drive, Redding, CA 96002

• Wednesday, July 17, 1-3 p.m., Cal Expo Quality Inn Hotel & Suites, Conference Room, 1413 Howe Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825

• Thursday, July 18, 6-8 p.m., Merced County Fairgrounds, Germino Building, 403 "F" Street, Los Banos, CA 93635

If special assistance is required to participate in the public workshops, please contact Ms. Chow at the numbers provided below.

In February 2012, Reclamation released a Draft Feasibility Report and Preliminary Draft EIS for the SLWRI to inform the public, stakeholders, and decision makers about the results of the SLWRI at that time. The Draft Feasibility Report describes the potential technical, environmental, economic, and financial feasibility of alternatives to raise Shasta Dam. The Draft Feasibility Report, DEIS, and public comments on the two documents will be used to determine next steps for the investigation.

Three public hearings will be held in September to receive formal comments on the Draft EIS. Hearing dates, locations, and times will be announced in August.

The 90-day comment period begins on , Monday, July 1. Written comments on the Draft EIS may be provided at any time before midnight Monday, September 30, and should be mailed to Katrina Chow, Project Manager, Reclamation, Planning Division, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825-1893, 916-978-5067 (TTY 916-978-5608), or email BOR-MPR-SLWRI@usbr.gov. All comments will be considered. For information on the Draft EIS, please visit http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=1915. If you encounter problems accessing the documents online, please call 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov. Please direct all media calls to the Public Affairs Office at 916-978-5100.

For additional information on the SLWRI visit the Reclamation website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/slwri. Copies of the documents may also be viewed at the Reclamation Regional Library, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825, by calling 916-978-5593.

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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:

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Shasta Lake Water Resources Investigation