SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation has released for public review a draft Environmental Assessment/Initial Study proposing a new turnout and pipeline to facilitate a 10-year transfer and exchange of recaptured San Joaquin River Restoration Flows to Red Top.
The proposed turnout and pipeline would connect Central California Irrigation District’s (CCID) Poso Canal to pumping and conveyance facilities in Red Top, located in western Fresno and Madera counties. The new facilities would allow for the transfer or exchange of up to 10,000 acre-feet per year during water years 2016 - 2026.
The purpose of the proposed action is to reduce reliance on deep aquifer groundwater pumping in the Red Top area. The goal is to reduce the rate of subsidence, as well as avoid water supply impacts to Friant Contractors by providing a mechanism to recirculate, reuse, exchange or transfer recaptured Restoration Flows near the San Joaquin River and Eastside Bypass.
The Draft EA/IS was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the California Environmental Quality Act. Reclamation is the lead agency in accordance with NEPA, and CCID is the lead agency in accordance with CEQA in preparing the analysis. The Draft EA/IS may be viewed at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=24552. If you encounter problems accessing the documents online, please call 916-978-5100 (TTY 800-877-8339) or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.
Written comments are due by close of business on Friday, March 4, 2016, to Becky Victorine, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, MP-170, Sacramento, CA 95825. Comments may also be faxed to 916-978-5469 or emailed to rvictorine@usbr.gov. For additional information, please contact Victorine at 916-978-4624.
More information on the San Joaquin River Restoration Program and its Restoration Flows is available at www.restoresjr.net.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
