News Release Archive

Reclamation seeks comments on plan to ensure San Luis Reservoir water reliability

Proposed Pacheco Reservoir expansion to address algae-related impacts on water supply and delivery

Media Contact: Jeff Hawk, 916-978-5100, jhawk@usbr.gov
Matt Keller, 408-630-2881, mkeller@valleywater.org

For Release: July 25, 2019

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation and Valley Water released today draft environmental documents for public comment on the San Luis Low Point Improvement Project, which addresses water delivery interruptions and proposes to maintain reliable and cost-effective water supply.

The proposed project would expand the Pacheco Reservoir and respond to a “low point” problem that occurs when San Luis Reservoir falls below 300,000 acre-feet in the summer and late fall. The low water level fosters algae growth, making the water unsuitable for municipal and industrial use by Valley Water and other contractors of Reclamation’s San Felipe Division.

The public is invited to attend the following open houses to learn about the project, address questions and receive written comments on the draft environmental documents.

  • Gilroy: Monday, August 12, 2019, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth Street
  • Sacramento: Friday, August 16, 2019, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., Federal Building, 2800 Cottage Way, Café Conference Rooms C1001-C1002

The draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) are available at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=339 and https://www.valleywater.org/project-updates/public-review-documents.

Submit written comments on the draft EIS at the open houses or mail by close of business Tuesday, September 24, 2019, to Nicole Johnson, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, MP-700, Sacramento, CA 95825; faxed to 916-978-5094; or email to njohnson@usbr.gov. Electronic CD copies of the draft document may be requested from Johnson.

Submit written comments on the draft EIR at the open houses or mail by close of business Tuesday, September 24, 2019, to Melih Ozbilgin, Santa Clara Valley Water District, 5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118-3686 or email to mozbilgin@valleywater.org. Electronic CD copies of the draft document may be requested from Ozbilgin.

For more information on SLLPIP or to request special assistance at the public open houses, please contact Nicole Johnson, 916-978-5085, njohnson@usbr.gov. For additional information on the project, please visit https://www.usbr.gov/mp/sllpp/index.html.

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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.