News Release Archive

Reclamation Seeks Public Input on the Coordinated Long-term Operation of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project

Public Meetings Scheduled in September

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

For Release: July 31, 2015

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation today released environmental documents that analyze the impacts of implementing requirements to protect listed species for the operation of the two major water projects in California.

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement analyzes the impacts of implementing the 2008 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and 2009 National Marine Fisheries Service Biological Opinions associated with the coordinated long-term operation of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project.

Four public meetings will be held to gather public input on the environmental analysis. The meetings will be held at the following locations:

  • Sacramento: Wednesday, September 9, 2015, from 2 to 4 p.m., John E. Moss Federal Building, Stanford Room, 650 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA 95814.

  • Red Bluff: Thursday, September 10, 2015, from 6 to 8 p.m., Red Bluff Community Center, 1500 S. Jackson Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080.

  • Los Banos: Tuesday, September 15, 2015, from 6 to 8 p.m., Los Banos Community Center, Grand Room, 645 7th Street, Los Banos, CA 93635.

  • Irvine: Thursday, September 17, 2015, from 6 to 8 p.m., Hilton Hotel Irvine/Orange County Airport, 18800 MacArthur Boulevard, Irvine, CA 92612.

In August 2008, Reclamation submitted a biological assessment to the Service and NMFS for consultation on the impacts of the coordinated long-term operation of the CVP and SWP on listed fish species. The Service and NMFS concluded in their BOs, respectively, that the coordinated long-term operation of the CVP and SWP did not comply with the requirements of section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act. To remedy this ESA compliance issue, the Service and NMFS provided Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives in their respective BOs. Lawsuits were filed challenging Reclamation’s acceptance and implementation of the associated RPAs. The Court ruled that Reclamation must conduct an environmental review to determine whether implementing the RPAs causes a significant effect to the human environment.

The DEIS analyzes five alternatives that consider modifications to operational components of the CVP and SWP from both the RPAs. All of the alternatives address continued operation of the CVP, in coordination with the SWP.

Continued operation of the CVP and the SWP is necessary to provide river regulation, improvement of navigation; flood control; water supply for irrigation and domestic uses; fish and wildlife mitigation, protection, and restoration; fish and wildlife enhancement and power generation. The CVP and SWP facilities also provide recreation benefits and must meet water rights and water quality.

Hard copies of the DEIS are located at Bureau of Reclamation, Mid-Pacific Region, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento CA 95825-1898. For access to the document at 2800 Cottage Way, please call 916-978-5100 and reference press release number MP-15-125. A hard copy is also available at Bureau of Reclamation, Bay-Delta Office, 801 I Street, Suite 140, Sacramento, CA 95814. For access to the document at 801 I Street, please call 916-414-2424.

To view or download the DEIS, go to http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=21883. If you encounter problems accessing the documents, please call 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

Written comments are due by close of business, Tuesday, September 29, 2015. You may mail your comments to Ben Nelson, Natural Resources Specialist, Bureau of Reclamation, Bay-Delta Office, 801 I Street, Suite 140, Sacramento, CA 95814-2536. Comments may also be emailed to bcnelson@usbr.gov or fax to (916) 414-2439.

For additional information, please contact Theresa Olson, Conservation and Conveyance Division Chief, Bay-Delta Office, Bureau of Reclamation at tolson@usbr.gov, or by phone at 916-414-2433 (TTY 800-877-8339).

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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:

DEIS