The RDEIR/SDEIS will describe and analyze refinement of the resource area analyses, alternatives and actions of the Draft EIR/EIS. In addition, it will include three additional alternatives that describe conveyance options that do not contain a Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Plan as described in the previously circulated Draft EIR/EIS released on December 13, 2013.
Based on project revisions and in consideration of comments received on the Draft BDCP, Draft EIR/EIS, and Draft Implementing Agreement, the state and federal lead agencies recognize that additional information is appropriate to address comments and to enhance the environmental analysis. Reclamation and DWR have proposed three additional conveyance alternatives for analysis in the RDEIR/SDEIS: Alternatives 2D, 4A, and 5A.
DWR has identified Alternative 4A as their proposed project. This alternative will consist of a new water conveyance facility with three intakes and conservation measures necessary to minimize or avoid project effects. Alternative 4A is proposed to make physical and operational improvements to the State Water Project system in the Delta necessary to restore and protect ecosystem health, water supplies of the State Water Project and Central Valley Project south-of-Delta, and water quality within a stable regulatory framework, consistent with statutory and contractual obligations.
The Council on Environmental Quality regulations for implementing NEPA (40 CFR 1502.9(c)) do not require any additional scoping for a supplement to a Draft EIS, and the lead agencies are not proposing any scoping process for this RDEIR/SDEIS. Once the draft/supplemental documents are completed, they will be available at www.baydeltaconservationplan.com, along with other project information.
For project information, please contact Michelle Banonis, Bureau of Reclamation, 916-930-5676 (TTY 800-877-8339) or email mbanonis@usbr.gov.
