Draft EA/FONSI Available for the Execution of One Year Temporary Water Service Contracts with Poso Creek LLC for Water Banking
The Bureau of Reclamation has released a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for Reclamation executing a series of 1-year temporary water service contracts with Poso Creek Limited Liability Company (LLC) (Poso) over a period of 18 years through 2026 for flood flows from the Friant Division of the Central Valley Project. These flood flows, up to 15,000 acre-feet annually, would be banked in Semitropic Water Storage District for later recovery by Poso when the water is needed. Poso, located in Westlands Water District, needs a reliable source of water during dry years to help reduce the impacts of water supply shortages on their lands.
The Draft EA and FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and are available online at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_projdetails.cfm?Project_ID=3515. If you encounter problems accessing documents online, please contact Ms. Lynnette Wirth at 916-978-5102 or lwirth@mp.usbr.gov.
Please send written comments to Ms. Judi Tapia, Bureau of Reclamation, 1243 N Street, Fresno, CA 93721, by Tuesday, January 27, 2009. Comments may also be faxed to Ms. Tapia at 559-487-5397, or e-mailed to jtapia@mp.usbr.gov. For additional information or to request a copy of the Draft EA and FONSI, please contact Ms. Tapia at 559-487-5138, TDD 559-487-5933. Copies of the Draft EA and FONSI may also be viewed at Reclamation's Fresno office.
Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at
www.usbr.gov.
