SACRAMENTO, Calif.
- The Bureau of Reclamation has prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Central California Irrigation District (District) Molasses Ditch
Lining Project (Project). The Draft EA details Reclamation’s proposed grant of $300,000 to the District through WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency
Grant Funding. The District would use the funding to line the existing Molasses Ditch with concrete, as well as replace culverts and existing water control
structures for efficient water transport.
Approximately two miles of the unlined Molasses Ditch will be engineered to increase system efficiency, improve flow by reducing seepage, and remove
aquatic vegetation. The Project is expected to conserve approximately 476 acre-feet per year through seepage elimination and reduce the delivery time
between the canal headworks and farm headgate deliveries. Once installed, the Project will reduce the District's irrigation demand from the Central Valley
Project, improve operational efficiency, and help encourage growers to convert to high-efficiency irrigation systems.
The Draft EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and is available at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=27066. If you
encounter problems accessing the document online, please call 916-978-5100 (TTY 800-877-8339) or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.
Comments are due by close of business Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, to hkahler@usbr.gov. Comments may also be mailed to
Harry Kahler, Bureau of Reclamation, MP-152, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825 or faxed to 916-978-5055. For additional information or to request a
copy of the Draft EA, please contact Kahler at 916-978-5216 (TTY 800-877-8339).
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
