An aerial view of the California Aqueduct looking north over Interstate 5 in the Central Valley. Credit: CA. DWR

November 16, 2024 - SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation on Friday released the final Environmental Impact Statement for the Long-Term Operation of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project, a significant document that analyzes revised operating rules for one of California’s major water storage and conveyance systems.

“This document establishes a solid, balanced and credible basis for the next version of the Long-Term Operation of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project,” said California-Great Basin Regional Director Karl Stock. “It is the product of robust consultation and outreach that will allow us to meet our water supply and environmental objectives.” 

Prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Environmental Impact Statement analyzes five alternatives reflecting a reasonable range of options for the operation of dams, powerplants, and related facilities of the Central Valley Project and Delta facilities of the State Water Project. 

The preferred alternative includes a new framework for Shasta Reservoir operations to benefit winter-run Chinook salmon; revised operational criteria for Delta exports that supply water to cities, farms, and wildlife refuges; and supports implementation of the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program to provide more Delta outflow and habitat restoration in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay-Delta.

The draft Environmental Impact Statement was distributed in July 2024 followed by six public meetings. More than 1,000 comments were received and responded to as part of the final Environmental Impact Statement. Reclamation expects to finalize the new operating plan with a record of decision in mid-December.  

 The final environmental impact statement is available at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=54661 
Source: USBR