California Department of Water Resources

31/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 31/07/2024 19:47

Notice of Certification for the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report for the Pulse Flows Component of the Water Storage Investment Program Groundwater Projects

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR), in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), has certified the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (Final SEIR; SCH # 2022080216) for the Pulse Flows Component of the Water Storage Investment Program Groundwater Projects (Pulse Flows Component). When DWR makes a decision to participate in one or more of the three projects pursuant to an agreement, DWR will file a Notice of Determination (NOD) at the State Clearinghouse.

The purpose of the Pulse Flows Component is to improve habitat conditions for listed salmonids, primarily spring-run Chinook salmon, and improve conditions for spawning and migration of other listed and non-listed native fish species downstream of Lake Oroville, especially during drier water year types, through the release of pulse flows from Lake Oroville, while utilizing contractual and operational mechanisms to avoid or minimize impacts on State Water Project (SWP) operations, SWP contractors, and water supplies. The Final SEIR is a supplement to three certified EIRs: the Chino Basin Program Final Program EIR (SCH # 2021090310), the Kern Fan Groundwater Storage Project Final EIR (SCH # 2020049019), and the Willow Springs Water Bank Project EIR Addendum to the Antelope Valley Water Bank Project (SCH # 2005091117).