News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Draft Environmental Documents for the Proposed Zebra Mussel Eradication Project at San Justo Reservoir

Media Contact: Erin Curtis, 916-978-5100, eccurtis@usbr.gov

For Release: March 18, 2015

FRESNO, Calif. – Reclamation has released for public review environmental documents for the proposed zebra mussel eradication project for San Justo Reservoir, the Hollister Conduit and the San Benito County Water District’s distribution system. The proposed treatment is to use potash which has been shown to be effective in killing zebra mussels.

In January 2008, zebra mussels were discovered in San Justo Reservoir. The reservoir was subsequently closed to public recreational access. San Benito County Water District’s water distribution system was also examined for the presence of mussels and live zebra mussels were confirmed present in the San Benito Conduit in January 2009.

Zebra mussels are an invasive freshwater mollusk that attach to infrastructure, clog water systems, cause changes in food web dynamics, and deteriorate recreational uses of reservoirs.

The Draft Environmental Assessment and Find Of No Significant Impact were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and are available online at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=21049. If you encounter problems accessing the documents, please call 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

Comments are due by close of business, Thursday, April 16. Please email comments to remerson@usbr.gov. Written comments may also be mailed to Rain Emerson, Bureau of Reclamation, 1243 N Street, Fresno, CA 93721 or faxed to 559-487-5397.

For additional information or to request a copy of the Draft EA/FONSI, please contact Emerson at 559-487-5196 (TTY 800-735-2929). Copies of the Draft EA/FONSI may also be viewed at Reclamation’s Fresno office at the above address.

# # #

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 Assessment and Find Of No Significant Impact