News Release Archive

Final environmental documents available for Semitropic Water District’s water conservation projects

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

For Release: January 09, 2018

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation prepared an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Semitropic Water Storage District to implement multiple water conservation projects in Wasco, 20 miles northwest of Bakersfield.

The district’s projects include equipping 390 existing groundwater wells with real-time data systems, constructing a 5-megawatt solar energy generator, and lining conveyance ditches to reduce seepage loss of groundwater conveyed to the main distribution canal.

Reclamation provided the district two grants totaling $1,750,000 out of a total project cost of $3,574,962. Federal funding comes from Reclamation’s water conservation programs that promote district level improvements for on-farm water use efficiency and conservation.

Reclamation prepared the EA and FONSI in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and they may be viewed at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=30210. The documents may also be viewed at Reclamation’s Mid-Pacific regional office at the below address.

For additional information or to receive a copy of the document, please contact Doug Kleinsmith, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825, dkleinsmith@usbr.gov, or 916-978-5034 (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.