Reclamation Bureau – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Meeting of the Yakima River Basin Conservation Advisory Group, Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project, Yakima, WA
As required by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, notice is hereby given that the Yakima River Basin Conservation Advisory Group, Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project, Yakima, Washington, established by the Secretary of the Interior, will hold a public meeting. The purpose of the Conservation Advisory Group is to provide technical advice and counsel to the Secretary of the Interior and Washington State on the structure, implementation, and oversight of the Yakima River Basin Water Conservation Program.
Upper Rio Grande Basin Water Operations Review
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (as amended), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), with and on behalf of other joint-lead agencies [U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), Department of Defense; and the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission (Commission), State of New Mexico], has prepared and made available to the public a final environmental impact statement (FEIS) to assess the consequences of proposed changes to water operations in the Rio Grande basin above Fort Quitman, Texas. The FEIS is programmatic and is not intended to authorize specific projects in the upper Rio Grande system. It is anticipated that a plan for water operations at existing Reclamation and Corps facilities will be developed. The FEIS presents alternatives with respect to water operations and evaluates the potential effects of each alternative on environmental, hydrologic, cultural, and socioeconomic resources, and Indian Trust Assets, including any potential disproportionate effects on minority or low income communities (environmental justice). The FEIS also evaluates the effects of alternatives on the State of New Mexico's ability to meet its obligations associated with the Rio Grande Compact. Some of the alternatives considered include changing the channel capacity criteria at Albuquerque, storage or non-storage of Rio Grande water in authorized San Juan-Chama space in Abiquiu Reservoir, and possible future resumption of operations of the currently unfunctional Low Flow Conveyance Channel. A draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) was filed with the Environmental Protection Agency on January 20, 2006, and a Notice of Availability for the DEIS was published in the Federal Register on that same date. The original 60-day review and comment period for the DEIS was extended an additional 30 days to April 20, 2006, with publication of a Notice of Extension in the Federal Register on March 24, 2006. During the comment period, one public meeting was held in Colorado, one public meeting was held in Texas, and six public meetings were held in New Mexico. All comments received on the DEIS were carefully reviewed and considered in preparing the FEIS. Where appropriate, revisions were made to the document in response to specific comments. The comments and responses, together with the FEIS, will be considered in determining whether or not to implement the proposed action.
Account for Central Valley Project (CVP) Water Transfers Under Mid-Pacific Region Business Practice Guidelines (Guidelines)
The Mid-Pacific Regional Office of the Bureau of Reclamation is proposing guidelines to provide Mid-Pacific Region field, area, and Regional Office employees with the information necessary to consistently and accurately account for water transfers between all contractors who receive CVP water under water service, repayment, settlement, or exchange contracts. Comments on the guidelines are being requested.
South Coast Conduit Secondary Pipeline, Santa Barbara County, California
The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the Cachuma Operation and Maintenance Board (COMB) are planning to prepare a combined EIS/EIR for the proposed construction of a second pipeline adjacent to the South Coast Conduit (SCC) between the South Portal of the Tecolote Tunnel (SPTT) and the Corona Del Mar Water Treatment Plant (CDMWTP) for the purposes of increasing the operational flexibility, reliability, and the conveyance capacity of the SCC, accommodating peak demand levels, and allowing maintenance of the pipeline. The project site is located in Glen Annie Canyon, north of the City of Goleta, in Santa Barbara County, California. The project site encompasses the area surrounding the existing SCC between the SPTT and the CDMWTP.
Red River Valley Water Supply Project, ND
The Bureau of Reclamation is announcing an extension of the public comment period for the Red River Valley Water Supply Project SDEIS. The previously announced comment period for the SDEIS was published in the Federal Register on February 9, 2007 (72 FR, 6285- 6286) informing the public that the comment period would end on March 26, 2007. We are now notifying the public that Reclamation and the State of North Dakota are extending the comment period for an additional 30 days. Accordingly, the public comment period is extended to April 25, 2007.
Delta-Mendota Canal Recirculation Project, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Fresno, Kings, Merced, San Benito, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne Counties, CA
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) intend to prepare an EIS/EIR for the Delta-Mendota Canal (DMC) Recirculation Project. Reclamation is the Federal lead agency for NEPA and DWR is the State lead agency for CEQA. The purpose of the project is to prepare a feasibility study of the DMC Recirculation Project that will evaluate the costs, benefits, feasibility, and impacts of possibly recirculating water from the DMC Canal for release to the San Joaquin River. Recirculation may provide additional flows for fishery objectives and may help to meet San Joaquin River water quality objectives, while reducing the reliance on the New Melones Reservoir for water releases. As part of the feasibility study process, a Draft EIS/EIR is expected to be available in 2008.
Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (as amended) and the general authority to conduct water resources planning under the Reclamation Act of 1902 and all acts amendatory thereof and supplementary thereto, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) has prepared a Planning Report and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (PR/DEIS). This document was undertaken to provide a discussion for the (1) various ways to provide a municipal and industrial (M&I) water supply to the Navajo Nation; City of Gallup, New Mexico; and Jicarilla Apache Nation; (2) identification of a preferred alternative; and (3) associated environmental impacts and costs of such an endeavor, should it be undertaken. The PR/DEIS presents alternatives for providing an anticipated year 2040 M&I water supply for the project area. Alternatives considered include diverting and distributing water from the San Juan River using various configurations, water conservation using existing groundwater supplies, and no action.
North Sonoma County Agricultural Reuse Project (NSCARP)-Sonoma County, CA
Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), and Public Resources Code, sections 21000- 21177 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), the lead Federal agency, and the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA), the local sponsor and CEQA lead agency, have made available for public review and comment a Draft EIS/EIR for the NSCARP. The NSCARP Draft EIS/EIR describes a no action alternative (Alternative 1) and three action alternatives (Alternative 2, Alternative 3, and Alternative 4) that include numerous features that would create an agricultural irrigation system comprised of 19 recycled water storage reservoirs totaling about 11,200 acre-feet in storage capacity. In addition, NSCARP would involve the design and construction of approximately 112 miles of transmission pipeline and numerous pumping stations for conveying water from the Geysers Pipeline to the storage reservoirs, and for distribution of the storage recycled water from the reservoirs to approximately 21,500 acres of agricultural lands. As part of the NEPA/CEQA process, one public hearing will be held to provide interested individuals and organizations with an opportunity to comment verbally and in writing on the NSCARP Draft EIS/EIR.
Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction (DS/FDR) Action-Sacramento, El Dorado, and Placer Counties, CA
The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), the lead Federal agency; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), a cooperating Federal agency; the Reclamation Board, the lead State agency; and the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA), the local sponsor, have prepared a Final EIS/EIR for the Folsom DS/FDR Action. The Folsom DS/ FDR proposed action includes features that address Reclamation's DS objectives and the Corps' FDR objectives jointly as well as features or increments that exclusively address DS, security, or FDR objectives and would be constructed by the respective agencies. The Final EIS/EIR contains responses to comments received on the Draft EIS/EIR. The Corps intends to adopt the Final EIS/EIR to satisfy the requirements of National Environmental Policy Act for the Joint Federal Project (JFP) component and other FDR features as appropriate. The Corps has prepared a Post Authorization Change (PAC) Report which documents recommended changes to the authorized Folsom Modifications and Folsom Dam Raise projects. A Notice of Availability of the Draft EIS/EIR was published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 (71 FR 68837). The public review period on the Draft EIS/EIR ended on January 22, 2006. The public review period was extended via a press release to January 26, 2007.
List of Program Eligible for Inclusion in Fiscal Year 2007 Funding Agreements To Be Negotiated With Self-Governance Tribes
This notice lists program or portions of programs that are eligible for inclusion in Fiscal Year 2007 funding agreements with self-governance tribes and lists programmatic targets pursuant to section 405(c)(4) of the Tribal Self-Governance Act.
Agency Information Collection Activities Under OMB Review; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces the following Information Collection Request (ICR) has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval: Recreation Survey, New Melones Lake Project, Sonora, CA. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and hour burden.
New Melones Lake Project Resource Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (RMP/EIS), Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties, CA
The Bureau of Reclamation is extending the scoping period for the RMP/EIS to March 19, 2007. The notice of intent for the RMP/EIS was published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2006 (71 FR 75769). The scoping period was originally to end on February 16, 2007. During the scoping process, several individuals and organizations have indicated that submission of scoping comments by the February 16, 2007 would be a difficult deadline to meet. To encourage additional public input, the public comment period has been extended.
Agency Information Collection; Proposed Revisions to a Currently Approved Information Collection; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Bureau of Reclamation (we, our, or us) intends to submit a request for renewal (with revisions) of an existing approved information collection to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Certification Summary Form, Reporting Summary Form for Acreage Limitation, 43 CFR part 426 and 43 CFR part 428, OMB Control Number: 1006-0006. This information collection is required under the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 (RRA), Acreage Limitation Rules and Regulations, 43 CFR part 426, and Information Requirements for Certain Farm Operations In Excess of 960 Acres and the Eligibility of Certain Formerly Excess Land, 43 CFR part 428. We request your comments on the revised RRA forms and specific aspects of the information collection.
Agency Information Collection; Proposed Revisions to a Currently Approved Information Collection; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Bureau of Reclamation (we, our, or us) intends to submit a request for renewal (with revisions) of an existing approved information collection to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Individual Landholder's and Farm Operator's Certification and Reporting Forms for Acreage Limitation, 43 CFR part 426 and 43 CFR part 428, OMB Control Number: 1006-0005. This information collection is required under the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 (RRA), Acreage Limitation Rules and Regulations, 43 CFR part 426, and Information Requirements for Certain Farm Operations In Excess of 960 Acres and the Eligibility of Certain Formerly Excess Land, 43 CFR part 428. We request your comments on the revised RRA forms and specific aspects of the information collection.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Revisions to a Currently Approved Information Collection; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Bureau of Reclamation (we, our, or us) intends to submit a request for renewal (with revisions) of an existing approved information collection to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Forms to Determine Compliance by Certain Landholders, 43 CFR part 426, OMB Control Number: 1006-0023. As a result of the regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with Federal reclamation law and assessment of the appropriate water rate [43 CFR 426.6(b)(2) and 43 CFR 426.9(b)], a new ``Religious or Charitable Organization Identification Sheet'' (Form 7-2578) has been developed for approval as part of this information collection. We request your comments on the proposed Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 (RRA) forms and specific aspects of the information collection.
Information Collection Activities; Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that the Bureau of Reclamation (we, our, or us) intends to seek approval of the following proposed new information collection: Recreation Visitor Use Surveys. We will use several distinct forms to collect different types of recreation information. Before submitting the information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, we are soliciting comments on specific aspects of the information collection.
Colorado River Interim Guidelines for Lower Basin Shortages and Coordinated Operations for Lake Powell and Lake Mead
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, and the Council on Environmental Quality's Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA, the Department of the Interior (Department), acting through the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), has prepared a draft environmental impact statement (Draft EIS) on the proposed adoption of specific Colorado River Lower Basin shortage guidelines and coordinated reservoir management strategies to address operations of Lake Powell and Lake Mead, particularly under low reservoir conditions. This action is proposed in order to provide a greater degree of certainty to U.S. Colorado River water users and managers of the Colorado River Basin by providing detailed and objective guidelines for the operations of Lake Powell and Lake Mead, thereby allowing water managers and water users in the Lower Basin to know when, and by how much, water deliveries will be reduced in drought and other low reservoir conditions. The Department proposes that these guidelines be interim in duration and extend through 2026. Cooperating agencies are the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service (NPS), the Western Area Power Administration (Western), and the United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission.
Quarterly Status Report of Water Service, Repayment, and Other Water-Related Contract Negotiations
Notice is hereby given of contractual actions that have been proposed to the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and were pending through December 31, 2006, and contract actions that have been completed or discontinued since the last publication of this notice on November 20, 2006. From the date of this publication, future quarterly notices during this calendar year will be limited to new, modified, discontinued, or completed contract actions. This annual notice should be used as a point of reference to identify changes in future notices. This notice is one of a variety of means used to inform the public about proposed contractual actions for capital recovery and management of project resources and facilities consistent with section 9(f) of the Reclamation Project Act of 1939. Additional announcements of individual contract actions may be published in the Federal Register and in newspapers of general circulation in the areas determined by Reclamation to be affected by the proposed action.
Central Valley Project Improvement Act, Criteria for Developing Refuge Water Management Plans
The ``Criteria for Developing Refuge Water Management Plans'' (Refuge Criteria), as applied in the following areas, are now available for public comment. Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. The Refuge Criteria provides a common methodology, or standard, for efficient use of water by Federal Wildlife Refuges, State Wildlife Management Areas and Resource Conservation Districts that receive water under provisions of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA). They document the process and format by which Refuge Water Management Plans (Plans) should be prepared and submitted to Reclamation as part of the Refuge/District Water Supply Contracts and Memorandum of Agreements. The Refuge Criteria refers to Refuges, Wildlife Areas and Resource Conservation Districts as Refuges. Those Refuges that entered into water supply contracts with Reclamation, as a result of the CVPIA and subsequent Department of the Interior administrative review processes, are required to prepare Plans using the Refuge Criteria.
Central Valley Project Improvement Act, Water Management Plans
The following Water Management Plans are available for review: Tea Pot Dome Water District. East Bay Municipal Utility District. To meet the requirements of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act of 1992 (CVPIA) and the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) developed and published the Criteria for Evaluating Water Management Plans (Criteria). For the purpose of this announcement, Water Management Plans (Plans) are considered the same as Water Conservation Plans. The above entities have developed a Plan, which Reclamation has evaluated and preliminarily determined to meet the requirements of these Criteria. Reclamation is publishing this notice in order to allow the public to review the plans and comment on the preliminary determinations. Public comment on Reclamation's preliminary (i.e., draft) determination is invited at this time.
Red River Valley Water Supply Project, ND
The Bureau of Reclamation published a notice in the Federal Register on December 30, 2005 (70 FR, 77425) informing the public of the availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Red River Valley Water Supply Project. We are now notifying the public that Reclamation and the State of North Dakota have prepared a Supplemental DEIS in response to public comment and new information. It is now available for review and comment. The Supplemental DEIS provides new information and additional analyses related to water supply needs, water quality, Missouri River flow depletions, aquatic resources, social-economics, and the risk of transfer of potentially invasive species from the Missouri River into the Red River and Hudson Bay basins from potential treatment or conveyance failures. Alternatives considered in the 2005 DEIS have been revised, two have been eliminated from consideration, and a federally-preferred alternative has been identified in the Supplemental DEIS.
Fish Passage Improvement Project at the Red Bluff Diversion Dam, Tehama County, CA
The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority (TCCA) are re-circulating the DEIS/EIR for the Fish Passage Improvement Project at the Red Bluff Diversion Dam for public review and comment. The document is being re-circulated for any additional comments since it was originally available to the public from August 14 through October 29, 2002, given the length of lapsed time and the recent selection of Alternative 2B as Reclamation's Preferred Alternative. The public comments sent in 2002 are also available although no responses have yet been completed. The final EIS/ EIR will be prepared after the end of the new comment period.
Fourth Public Meeting for Reclamation's Managing for Excellence Project
The Bureau of Reclamation is holding a meeting to inform the public about the Managing for Excellence project. This meeting is the first of three meetings that will be held in 2007 to inform the public about the action items, progress, and results of the Managing for Excellence project and to seek broad public input and feedback. Subsequent meetings in 2007 are planned.
Meeting of the Yakima River Basin Conservation Advisory Group, Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project, Yakima, WA
As required by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, notice is hereby given that the Yakima River Basin Conservation Advisory Group, Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project, Yakima, Washington, established by the Secretary of the Interior, will hold a public meeting. The purpose of the Conservation Advisory Group is to provide technical advice and counsel to the Secretary of the Interior and Washington State on the structure, implementation, and oversight of the Yakima River Basin Water Conservation Program.
Transfer of Title to Facilities, Works, and Lands of the Gila Project, Wellton-Mohawk Division, to the Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District, Yuma County, AZ (Wellton-Mohawk Title Transfer)
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) to evaluate the potential effects of the proposed Wellton-Mohawk Title Transfer. The title transfer would transfer ownership and divest Reclamation of the responsibility for the operation, maintenance, management, regulation of, and liability for the identified project facilities and appurtenant lands to the Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District (District). This title transfer would consolidate management responsibility with the District, thereby allowing them to have greater authority in the management of growth and land-based issues in the Wellton-Mohawk Valley, protect against encroachment on agriculture, and consolidate ownership of lands, facilities, and the Gila River Flood Channel.
Yakima River Basin Water Storage Feasibility Study; Benton, Yakima, and Kittitas Counties, Washington
Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) proposes to prepare a combined Planning Report and Environmental Impact Statement (PR/EIS) on the Yakima River Basin Water Storage Feasibility Study. The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is a joint lead with Reclamation in the preparation of this Environmental Impact Statement which will also be used to comply with requirements of the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). The purpose of Reclamation's Yakima River Basin Water Storage Feasibility Study is to evaluate alternatives that would create additional water storage for the Yakima River basin and assess their potential to supply the water needed for ecosystem aquatic habitat, basin-wide agriculture, and municipal demands. The need for the study is based on the existing finite water supply and limited storage capability of the Yakima River basin in low water years. This finite supply and limited storage capacity do not meet the water supply demands in all years and result in significant adverse impact to the Yakima River basin's economy, which is agriculture-based, and to the basin's aquatic habitat, specifically, anadromous fisheries. The study seeks to identify means of increasing water storage available, including storage of Columbia River water, for purposes of improving anadromous fish habitat and meeting irrigation and municipal water supply needs.
Change in Discount Rate for Water Resources Planning
The Water Resources Planning Act of 1965 and the Water Resources Development Act of 1974 require an annual determination of a discount rate for Federal water resources planning. The discount rate for Federal water resources planning for fiscal year 2007 is 4.875 percent. Discounting is to be used to convert future monetary values to present values.
New Melones Lake Project Resource Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (RMP/EIS), Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties, CA
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Reclamation Act of 1902, the Reclamation Project Act of 1939, and the Reclamation Recreation Management Act of 1992, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) proposes to prepare an integrated RMP/EIS for the New Melones Lake Project. Reclamation is the lead federal agency for NEPA. The RMP process is designed to evaluate current and future resource conditions for a management area and to analyze whether updated or new management actions are necessary to attain desired long- term goals. The public is invited to participate in the planning process by submitting comments during the scoping period and the public comment period on the draft RMP/EIS. Other opportunities to participate will be described during the public scoping meetings.
Long-Term Experimental Plan for the Operation of Glen Canyon Dam and Other Associated Management Activities
In a Federal Register notice published on November 6, 2006 (71 FR 64982-64983), and pursuant to Sec. 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, and 40 CFR 1508.22, the Department of the Interior (Department), acting through the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), provided notice that the Department intends to prepare an EIS and conduct public scoping meetings for the adoption of a Long-Term Experimental Plan for the operation of Glen Canyon Dam and other associated management activities. This Federal Register notice, prepared pursuant to 40 CFR 1508.22, provides information on additional public scoping meetings, the purpose and need for the proposed action, and additional background on the Long-Term Experimental Plan. The purpose of the Long-Term Experimental Plan is to increase understanding of the ecosystem downstream from Glen Canyon Dam and to improve and protect important downstream resources. The NEPA process would evaluate the implications and impacts of each of the alternatives on all of the purposes and benefits of Glen Canyon Dam as well as on downstream resources. The proposed plan would implement a structured, long-term program of experimentation (including dam operations, modifications to Glen Canyon Dam intake structures, and other non-flow management actions, such as removal of non-native fish species) and monitoring in the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam. The proposed Long-Term Experimental Plan is intended to ensure a continued, structured application of adaptive management in such a manner as to protect, mitigate adverse impacts to, and improve the values for which Grand Canyon National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area were established, including, but not limited to natural and cultural resources and visitor use, consistent with applicable Federal law. The Long-Term Experimental Plan will build on a decade of scientific experimentation and monitoring that has taken place as part of the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program, and will build on the knowledge gained by experiments, operations, and management actions taken under the program. Accordingly, Reclamation intends to tier from earlier NEPA compliance documents prepared as part of the Department's Glen Canyon Adaptive Management Program efforts, see 40 CFR 1500.4(i), 1502.20, and 1508.20(b), such as the 2002 Environmental Assessment prepared on adaptive management experimental actions at Glen Canyon Dam (Proposed Experimental Releases from Glen Canyon Dam and Removal of Non-Native Fish). Dates and Addresses: Two additional public scoping meetings will be held to solicit comments on the scope of the Long-Term Experimental Plan and the issues and alternatives that should be analyzed. The meetings will serve to expand upon the input received from the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program meetings and the recommendations of the Adaptive Management Work Group (AMWG), a federal advisory committee. Oral and written comments will be accepted at the meetings to be held at the following locations: Thursday, January 4, 20076 p.m. to 8 p.m., Embassy Suites Phoenix Airport at 44th Street, 1515 North 44th Street, Cholla Room, Phoenix, Arizona. Friday, January 5, 20076 p.m. to 8 p.m., Hilton Salt Lake City Center, 255 South West Temple, Salon 1, Salt Lake City, Utah. Written comments on the proposed development of the Long-Term Experimental Plan may be sent by close of business on Wednesday, February 28, 2007, to: Regional Director, Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Region, Attention: UC-402, 125 South State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84318-1147, faxogram at (801) 524-3858, or e-mail at GCDExpPlan@uc.usbr.gov.
South Delta Improvements Program, Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta, CA
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) have prepared a Final EIS/EIR for the South Delta Improvements Program (SDIP). The SDIP is being pursued to address the needs of the Sacramento- San Joaquin River Delta (Delta) aquatic environment, as well as longstanding statewise, regional and local water supply needs. Reclamation and DWR have identified the following objectives and purpose: reduce the movement of San Joaquin River watershed Central Valley fall-/late fall-run juvenile Chinook salmon into the south Delta via Old River; maintain adequate water levels and, through improved circulation, water quality available for agricultural diversions in the south Delta, downstream of the head of Old River; and increase water deliveries and delivery reliability for Central Valley Project (CVP) and State Water Project (SWP) water contractors south of the Delta and provide opportunities to convey water for fish and wildlife purposes by increasing the maximum permitted level of diversion through the existing intake gates at Clifton Court Forebay from 6680 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 8500 cfs.
California Bay-Delta Public Advisory Committee Public Meeting
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the California Bay-Delta Public Advisory Committee (Committee) will meet on December 14, 2006. This meeting will be held jointly with the California Bay-Delta Authority. The agenda for the joint meeting will include discussions with State and Federal agency representatives on end of Stage 1 decisions and planning for Stage 2 actions for the CALFED Bay-Delta Program (Program); and recommendations on Year 6 Program Performance and Accomplishments, Year 7 Priorities and Program Plans, and Program Performance and Balance. The meeting will also include reports form the Lead Scientist and the Independent Science Board, along with updates on the Delta Vision, Delta Risk Management Strategy, Pelagic Organisms Decline Action Plan, and Program Performance and Tracking.
Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction (DS/FDR) Action-Sacramento, El Dorado, and Placer Counties, CA
Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), CEQ NEPA Regulations (40 CFR 1502.9[c][1]), and Public Resources Code, sections 21000-21177 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15088.5 of the CEQA Guidelines, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), the lead Federal agency; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), a cooperating Federal agency; the Reclamation Board of the State of California, the lead State agency; and the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA), the local sponsor, have made available for public review and comment a Draft EIS/ EIR for the Folsom DS/FDR Action. The Folsom DS/FDR Draft EIS/EIR describes five action alternatives which include numerous features that address previously identified and ongoing dam safety, flood damage reduction, and security issues by modifying Folsom Dam and Appurtenant Structures (the Folsom Facility). The alternatives include features that would address Reclamation's dam safety objectives and the Corps' flood damage reduction objectives jointly, as well as features or increments that would exclusively address dam safety, security, or flood damage reduction objectives and would be constructed and authorized by the respective agencies. Engineering, economic, and environmental studies have been conducted to help determine reasonable design alternatives and their impacts. The no action alternative is also included in these analyses. As part of the NEPA process, two public hearing sessions will be held to provide interested individuals and organizations with an opportunity to comment verbally and in writing on the Folsom DS/FDR Draft EIS/EIR. The first hour of each public hearing session will allow time to review information stations and displays, ask questions, and provide written comments on comment forms; the formal hearing will be held for one hour and be extended to two hours if needed. Information gathered from the EIS/EIR review process will be used in conjunction with technical and economic principles to determine the preferred alternative.
Quarterly Status Report of Water Service, Repayment, and Other Water-Related Contract Negotiations
Notice is hereby given of contractual actions that have been proposed to the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and are new, modified, discontinued, or completed since the last publication of this notice on August 2, 2006. This notice is one of a variety of means used to inform the public about proposed contractual actions for capital recovery and management of project resources and facilities consistent with section 9(f) of the Reclamation Project Act of 1939. Additional announcements of individual contract actions may be published in the Federal Register and in newspapers of general circulation in the areas determined by Reclamation to be affected by the proposed action.
Central Valley Project Improvement Act, Criteria for Developing Refuge Water Management Plans
The ``Criteria for Developing Refuge Water Management Plans'' (Refuge Criteria), as applied in the following areas, are now available for public comment. North Grassland State Wildlife Area, China Island North Grassland State Wildlife Area, Salt Slough Merced National Wildlife Refuge Los Banos State Wildlife Area Mendota State Wildlife Area San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Delevan National Wildlife Refuge Colusa National Wildlife Refuge Kern National Wildlife Refuge Volta State Wildlife Area Pixley National Wildlife Refuge The Refuge Criteria provides a common methodology, or standard, for efficient use of water by Federal Wildlife Refuges, State Wildlife Management Areas and Resource Conservation Districts that receive water under provisions of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA). They document the process and format by which Refuge Water Management Plans (Plans) should be prepared and submitted to Reclamation as part of the Refuge/District Water Supply Contracts and Memorandum of Agreements. The Refuge Criteria refers to Refuges, Wildlife Areas and Resource Conservation Districts as Refuges. Those Refuges that entered into water supply contracts with Reclamation, as a result of the CVPIA and subsequent Department of the Interior administrative review processes, are required to prepare Plans using the Refuge Criteria.
Central Valley Project Improvement Act, Water Management Plans
The following Water Management Plans are available for review: Patterson Irrigation District. Porterville Irrigation District. Pixley Irrigation District. Lower Tule River Irrigation District. To meet the requirements of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act of 1992 (CVPIA) and the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) developed and published the Criteria for Evaluating Water Management Plans (Criteria).
Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Work Group (AMWG)
The Adaptive Management Program (AMP) was implemented as a result of the Record of Decision on the Operation of Glen Canyon Dam Final Environmental Impact Statement to comply with consultation requirements of the Grand Canyon Protection Act (Pub. L. 102-575) of 1992. The AMP includes a federal advisory committee (AMWG), a technical work group (TWG), a monitoring and research center, and independent review panels. The AMWG makes recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior concerning Glen Canyon Dam operations and other management actions to protect resources downstream of Glen Canyon Dam consistent with the Grand Canyon Protection Act. The TWG is a subcommittee of the AMWG and provides technical advice and recommendations to the AMWG. Dates and Addresses: The AMWG will conduct the following public meeting: Phoenix, ArizonaDecember 5-6, 2006. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m. on the first day and begin at 8 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m. on the second day. The meeting will be held at the Fiesta Inn Resort (Encantada Ballroom) located at 2100 South Priest Drive in Tempe, Arizona. Agenda: The purpose of the meeting will be to (1) review and develop a recommendation to the Secretary of the Interior for a Long- Term Experimental Plan; (2) receive an update on progress for development of a Lower Colorado River recovery program and related work/goals for the endangered humpback chub; (3) discuss a selective withdrawal structure for Glen Canyon Dam; (4) review fiscal year 2006 program expenditures; (5) approve the public outreach Web site; and (6) discuss research and monitoring reports, basin hydrology, and other administrative and resource issues pertaining to the AMP. To view a copy of the draft agenda, please visit Reclamation's Web site at: https://www.usbr.gov/uc/rm/amp/amwg/mtgs/06dec05/.
Contra Costa Water District Alternative Intake Project, Contra Costa and San Joaquin Counties, CA
The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) have prepared a Final EIR/EIS for the proposed Contra Costa Water District Alternative Intake Project. The Draft EIR/ EIS evaluated the potential environmental effects of five alternatives: the No-Action Alternative and four action alternatives. The Final EIR/ EIS contains responses to comments received on the Draft EIR/EIS. A Notice of Availability of the Draft EIR/EIS was published in the Federal Register on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 (71 FR 27275). The public review period on the Draft EIR/EIS ended on Monday, June 26, 2006.
Upper Truckee River and Marsh Restoration Project, El Dorado County, CA
Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Compact and Chapter 5 of the TRPA Code of Ordinances, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), the TRPA, and the California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy), intend to prepare a joint EIS/EIS/EIR. The EIS/EIS/EIR would evaluate a joint Reclamation and TRPA restoration project along the reach of the Upper Truckee River that extends from U.S. Highway 50 north to Lake Tahoe and its adjacent wetland. The purpose of the proposed action is to restore natural geomorphic processes and ecological functions in this lowest reach of the Upper Truckee River and the surrounding marsh to improve ecological values of the study area and help reduce the river's discharge of nutrients and sediment that diminish Lake Tahoe's clarity. The Upper Truckee River and Marsh Restoration Project is identified in TRPA's Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) as a project that is necessary to restore and maintain environmental thresholds for the Lake Tahoe Basin. EIP projects are designed to achieve and maintain environmental thresholds that protect Tahoe's unique and valued resources. Two public scoping meetings will be held to solicit comments from interested parties to assist in determining the scope of the environmental analysis, including the alternatives to be addressed, and to identify the significant environmental issues related to the proposed action.
Central Valley Project Improvement Act, Water Management Plans
The following Water Management Plans are available for review: Santa Clara Valley Water District City of Fairfield Solano County Water Agency City of Roseville Suisun-Solano Irrigation District To meet the requirements of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act of 1992 (CVPIA) and the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982, the Bureau of Reclamation has developed and published the Criteria for Evaluating Water Management Plans (Criteria).
Third Public Meeting for Reclamation's Managing for Excellence Project
The Bureau of Reclamation is holding a meeting to inform the public about the Managing for Excellence project. This meeting is the third of three previously noticed meetings to be held in 2006 to inform the public about the action items, progress, and results of the Managing for Excellence project and to seek broad feedback. Subsequent meetings will be held in 2007.
Meeting of the Yakima River Basin Conservation Advisory Group, Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project, Yakima, Washington
As required by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, notice is hereby given that the Yakima River Basin Conservation Advisory Group, Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project, Yakima, Washington, established by the Secretary of the Interior, will hold a public meeting. The purpose of the Conservation Advisory Group is to provide technical advice and counsel to the Secretary of the Interior and Washington State on the Structure, implementation, and oversight of the Yakima River Basin Water Conservation Program.
Public Conduct on Bureau of Reclamation Facilities, Lands, and Waterbodies; Inclusion of Hoover Dam
This proposed rule would make public conduct at Hoover Dam subject to the same rules governing public conduct at other Bureau of Reclamation facilities. In order to do this, Reclamation is proposing to remove from the Code of Federal Regulations the existing 43 CFR Part 421 (Rules of Conduct at Hoover Dam) and make public conduct on all Reclamation projects subject to 43 CFR Part 423 (Public Conduct on Bureau of Reclamation Facilities, Lands, and Waterbodies).
Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Advisory Council
The Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Advisory Council (Council) was established by the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-320) (Act) to receive reports and advise Federal agencies on implementing the Act. In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Bureau of Reclamation announces that the Council will meet as detailed below. Dates and Location: The Council will conduct its annual meeting at the following time and location: Wednesday, October 25, 2006Scottsdale AZThe meeting will be held at the Chaparral Suites Resort, 5001 North Scottsdale Road. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m., recess at approximately 1 p.m., and reconvene briefly the following day at 1 p.m.
Proposed Water Service Contract, El Dorado County Water Agency, El Dorado County, CA
Pursuant to Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (as amended) and Section 21061 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and El Dorado County Water Agency (EDCWA) intend to prepare a joint EIS/EIR for a Municipal and Industrial (M&I) water service contract from the Central Valley Project (CVP), California. The proposed project consists of a long term water supply contract under which Reclamation would provide up to 15,000 acre-feet per annum (AFA) to the EDCWA for diversion from Folsom Reservoir or for exchange upstream on the American River. The EDCWA proposes to sub-contract this water equally between El Dorado Irrigation District (EID) and Georgetown Divide Public Utility District (GDPUD). EID proposes to take its supply from Folsom Reservoir. GDPUD proposes to take its supply upstream by way of a water exchange with Placer County Water Agency (PCWA). The GDPUD diversion facility is at the American River Pump Station which is currently under construction.
Upper Truckee River Restoration and Golf Course Relocation Project, El Dorado County, CA
Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Compact and Chapter 5 of the TRPA Code of Ordinances, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), the TRPA, and the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) intend to prepare a joint EIS/EIS/EIR. The EIS/EIS/EIR would evaluate a restoration project along the reach of the Upper Truckee River that extends from its entry point at the southern boundary of Washoe Meadows State Park (SP) to that point just west of U.S. Highway 50 (U.S. 50) where the river exits Lake Valley State Recreation Area (SRA). Two public scoping meetings will be held to solicit comments from interested parties to assist in determining the scope of the environmental analysis, including the alternatives to be addressed, and to identify the significant environmental issues related to the proposed action.
California Bay-Delta Public Advisory Committee Public Meeting
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the California Bay-Delta Public Advisory Committee (Committee) will meet on September 13, 2006. The agenda for the Committee meeting will include discussions with State and Federal agency representatives on the end of Stage 1 decisions and the planning for State 2 of the CALFED Bay-Delta Program, Program Plans, and the restructuring of the Committee subcommittees. The meeting will also include updates on science, Delta Vision, Delta Risk Management Strategy, and the Bay-Delta Conservation Plan.
Regulating Non-Contract Use of Colorado River Water in the Lower Basin
The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is providing advance notice and is seeking public input on its plans to develop a rule to address and reduce the use of Colorado River water in the lower Colorado River basin (Lower Basin) without a contract (Non-Contract Use). Reclamation believes that development of such a rule would help prevent Non-Contract Use from depleting the Colorado River and taking water from holders of Colorado River water entitlements. Reclamation intends that any rule would establish the procedure that Reclamation would follow in making determinations of potential Non-Contract Use including notice and administrative appeal procedures for those entities whose use of Colorado River water falls within the category of Non-Contract use.
Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Work Group (AMWG), Notice of Meeting (By Phone)
The Adaptive Management Program (AMP) was implemented as a result of the Record of Decision on the Operation of Glen Canyon Dam Final Environmental Impact Statement to comply with consultation requirements of the Grand Canyon Protection Act (Pub. L. 102-575) of 1992. The AMP includes a Federal advisory committee (AMWG), a technical work group (TWG), a monitoring and research center, and independent review panels. The AMWG makes recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior concerning Glen Canyon Dam operations and other management actions to protect resources downstream of Glen Canyon Dam consistent with the Grand Canyon Protection Act. The TWG is a subcommittee of the AMWG and provides technical advice and recommendations to the AMWG. The AMWG will conduct the following conference call: Date: Wednesday, September 6, 2006. The call will begin at 2 p.m. (EDT), 12 p.m. (MDT) and 11 a.m. (PDT, and Arizona) and conclude two (2) hours later in the respective time zones. The telephone numbers are: 801-524-3860 for Federal participants and 1-888-264-8816 for non- Federal participants and members of the public. Agenda: The purpose of the meeting will be to review and discuss the TWG recommended Fiscal Year 2007, hydrograph, budget, and workplan, to facilitate making a recommendation to the Secretary of the Interior. Time will be allowed for any individual or organization wishing to make formal oral comments on the call. To allow full consideration of information by the AMWG members, written notice must be provided to Dennis Kubly, Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Regional Office, 125 South State Street, Room 6107, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84138; telephone (801) 524-3715; faxogram (801) 524-3858; e-mail at dkubly@uc.usbr.gov at least five (5) days prior to the call. Any written comments received will be provided to the AMWG members.
Second Public Meeting for Reclamation's Managing for Excellence Project
The Bureau of Reclamation is holding a meeting to inform the public about the Managing for Excellence project. This meeting is the second of three meetings that will be held in 2006 to inform the public about the action items, progress, and results of the Managing for Excellence project and to seek broad feedback. A subsequent meeting will likely be held November 2006 in Sacramento, California.
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