HomeMy WebLinkAboutLassen - Motorized Travel Mgmt Environmental Impact StatementUSDA United States Forest Lassen 2550 Riverside Drive
Department of Service National Susanville, CA 96130
Agriculture Forest (530) 257-2151 Voice
(530) 252-6624 TTY
(530) 252-6428 Fax
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
File Code: 2300/1920
Dear Interested Party:
DEC 18 M
OROVILLE, CALIFORNIA
Date: December 14, 2009
On December 18, the Lassen National Forest will release the Motorized Travel Management
Final Environmental Impact Statement for a 30 -day public review period, which will end on
Tuesday, January 19, 2010. The Final Environmental Impact Statement analyzes the effects of
six alternatives, five action alternatives and a No -action Alternative, as well as, a response to
public comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The Access and Travel
Management planning process on the Lassen National Forest are part of a national effort to
define transportation systems on each national forest. The goal is to develop a system of roads
and trails that provide an array of opportunities for access and recreation on national forests, as
well as protection of various resources by limiting motorized vehicle cross-country travel.
The Forest would like to make the public aware that it will not be issuing a decision at this time.
Typically, the Record of Decision and the Final Environmental Impact Statement are issued at
the same time. The reason for the departure in this case is that the Forest would like to give
people time to digest the changes between the Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statement.
There is a new preferred alternative, Modified Alternative 5, which was developed in response to
public comments and the completed mixed use safety analysis. This alternative was analyzed in
the Final Environmental Impact Statement. It is based, on Alternative 5 with some important
changes. There were significant mixed use safety issues identified in Alternative 5's proposed
mixed use designations, so some routes proposed for mixed use in Alternative 5 were dropped
from the Modified Alternative 5. (Mixed use refers to allowing both highway and non -highway
legal vehicles to drive on higher maintenance level roads that facilitate travel by passenger car.)
The Notice of Availability in the Federal Register is expected to be published on December 18th,
2009. The release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement begins a 30 -day comment
period. This new 30 -day comment period does not require the public to resubmit their comments
to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement; those comments have been considered and
incorporated into the Final Environmental Impact Statement. Rather, the Lassen National Forest
is providing the public with a final opportunity to comment on the changes between Draft and
Final; thus potentially influencing the decision before the Record of Decision is signed. This
comment period does not give appeal standing, but does provide an opportunity to review and
comment on the Final Environmental Impact Statement.
Open House:
To assist the public with understanding these changes, the Lassen National Forest will be holding
an open house in January. The open house will be held Thursday, January 7th, from 2:00 to 6:00
p.m., at Chester Memorial Hall, 225 Gay St., Chester, CA. This open house will provide an
opportunity to ask questions of Forest staff. If you are unable to attend the open house, your
comments may be submitted either electronically via e-mail or written comments may be mailed.
9
Caring for the Land and Serving People
OW
Printed w Recycled Paper*
How to comment:
All comments on the Motorized Travel Management Final Environmental Impact Statement
including those submitted electronically must be received by midnight Tuesday, January 19th,
2010. Hand delivered comments must be received at the Forest Supervisor's Office no later than
4:30 p.m. on this, date. Please email your comments to: Itmrd@fs.fed.us, or mail your written
comments to:
Lassen NationalForest'
Attn: Travel Management
2550 Riverside Drive
Susanville, CA 96130
How to obtain copies of the document:
There are essentially three ways to receive copies of the Final Environmental Impact Statement,
hardcopy, CD, or from the website. Due to its size, we are asking those interested to view and
read the document at the Lassen National Forest's website at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lassen or
with a CD ROM, also available upon request. The CDs will have PDF tiles of the FEIS and
Appendices, as well as all the maps. Many of the maps are multi -layered and viewing with
Adobe Reader allows the viewer to click layers on and off. A map index and instructions for
viewing the maps are also included. You may also request paper copies, but these are expensive
to reproduce, so we ask that requests for printed maps be tailored to the specific maps desired.
For those who do not have internet access, maps, documents, and CDs will be available for
viewing at the following offices and locations:
Lassen National Forest Supervisor's Office Eagle Lake Ranger District
2550 Riverside Drive
477-050 Eagle Lake Road
Susanville, CA 96130
Susanville, CA 96130
Ahnanor Ranger District
Hat Creek Ranger District
900 East Highway 36
43225 East Highway 299
Chester, CA 96020
Fall River Mills, CA 96028
For more information about the Final Environmental Impact Statement or upcoming open house,
check the website or contact Christopher O'Brien, Public Services Staff Officer, at (530) 252-
6698 or Dave Pilz, Environmental Coordinator, at (530) 252-6659.
I appreciate your participation in this process and encourage you to stay involved in this and
subsequent phases of this planning effort. This is not a final designated road system, as the Forest
will annually review the Lassen NF's travel management system to determine if changes are
needed.
Sincerely,
KATHLEEN S. MORSE
Forest Supervisor
December 18, 2009 SOUTH FEATHER
m •owen
Ms. Victoria Whitney, Chief
Division of Water Rights
State Water Resources Control Board
P.O. Box 2000
Sacramento, CA 95812-2000
Re: Petition for Temporary Transfer of Water/Water Rights
Permits 1267 and 2494 (Applications 1651 and 2778)
Dear Ms. Whitney:
Enclosed are the application forms and supporting documentation submitted by South Feather Water and
Power Agency for a temporary water transfer of a total of 10,000 acre-feet to San Diego County Water
Authority in 2010. For purposes of allocating the transferred water by permit, please assume that 5,000
acre-feet will be transferred pursuant to each of the two above referenced permits.
Enclosed are checks for the application fees, totaling $6,997 and made payable to the State Water
Resources Control Board, and for the environmental filing fee of $850 made payable to the California
Department of Fish and Game.
The applications and supporting documentation are also being sent to the Boards of Supervisors in each
county potentially affected by the proposed transfer, per the attached Service List. If you require further
information, please contact Kathryn Zancanelia at (530) 534-1221, ext. 202 or via email at
Kzancanella(a,southfeather.com.
Sincerely,
South Feather W er and Power Agency
Iy
Michael GI .e, Genera onager
Enclosures
C. Attached Service List
Kathryn Zancanella, Power Division Manager
cc,; Of>t "441 S�� I
State of California
State Water Resources Control Board
DIVISION OF WATER RIGHTS
P.O. Bog 2000, Sacramento, CA 95812-2000
Info: (916) 341-5300, FAX: (916) 341-5400, Web: httpJ/www.watenigbt&mgov
PETITION FOR TEMPORARY TRANSFER
OF WATER/WATER RIGHTS
(Water Code 1725)
❑ Point of Diversion % Point of Rediversion tKPlace of Use ❑ Purpose of Use
Application No(s). 1651 Permit No. 1267 License No.
Statement or Other No.
Present Holder and User of Water Right
South Feather Water and Power Agency Michael Glaze 530.533-1578
Person or Company name Conmctperson Telephone No.
2310 Oro -Quincy Highway Oroville CA 95966
Add= City State Zip Code
Glaze@southfeather.com
E-MAIL (For noticingpurposes)
Co -petitioner
Person or Company name Conmctperson Telephone No.
Address City state Zip Code
E-MAIL (For noticing purposes)
Proposed New User
San Diego County Water Authority
Dennis Cushman
(858) 522-6785
Person or Company name
Contact person
Telephone No.
4677 Overland Avenue San Diego
CA
92123
Address City
state
Zip Code
DCushman@sdcwa.org
E-MAn, (For -tieing purposes)
I (We) hereby petition the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) under the provisions of
Water Code (WC) section 1725 et seq. and in conformance with the specific requirements of California Code of
Regulations (CCR) section 794 for temporary change(s) to the water right application(s) noted above for the purpose
of transferring water. The changes are shown on the accompanying map and described as follows:
Amount of Water to be Transferred 10,000 Acre-feet (AF). If the basis of right is direct diversion, the
average rate of diversion for the maximum 30 day period of use is cubic feet per second (cfs).
Period of TransfeNExchange (Not to exceed one year)
Point of Diversion or Rediversion (Give coordinate distances from section comer or other ties as allowed by
CCR section 715, and the 40 -acre subdivision in which the present & proposed points lie.
Present Ponderosa Dam on South Fork Feather River
Proposed Water Is spilled to Lake Oroville at Ponderosa Dam and released to SDCWA via the SWP facilities.
TRANS-TENW-PET (11-00) If your answers require more space than provided, please attach additional pages
1
Place of Use
Present South Feather Water and Power Agency service area in Butte County
Proposed SDCWNs service territory and/or MWD's service territory and/or groundwater storage (see attached info)
Purpose of Use
Present Agriculture, domestic and municipal
Proposed Agriculture, domestic and municipal
Season of Use Direct Use (cfs) Storage (ac Jt)
Present Year-round
Proposed May-December2010
10,000
The proposed transfer/exchange water is presently used or stored within the county/counties of:
Stored in Plumes, Yuba and Butte counties
The proposed transfer/exchange water will be placed to beneficial use within the following county/counties:
San Diego County and/or Kern County andlor Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura counties
Ia. Would the transfer/exchange water have been consumptively used or stored in the absence of the proposed
temporary change (See WC 1725)? Yes
(yesino)
lb. Provide an analysis which provides documentation that the amount of water to be transferred/exchanged would
have been consumptively used or stored in the absence of the proposed temporary change.
2a. If the point of diversion/rediversion is being changed, are there any person(s) taking water from the stream
between the present point of diversion/rediversion and the proposed point? No
(yes/no)
2b. Are there any persons taking water from the stream between the present point of diversion or return flow and the
proposed point of diversion or return flow? No
(yes(no)
2c. If the answer to 2a. or 2b. is yes, provide the name and address. Also provide the name and address of other
persons known to you who may be affected by the proposed change.
3a. Provide an analysis of any changes in streamflow, water quality, timing of diversion or use, return flows, or
effects on legal users resulting from the proposed transfer/exchange. No changes
3b. State reasons you believe the proposed temporary change will not injure any legal user of the water, see Water
Code Section 1727 (b)(1). Water will be placed in Lake Oroville for use by SDCWA, which is already a SWP recipient.
Appropriate refill criteria will ensure no injury to other SWP recipients.
4. Consult with staff of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board concerning the proposed temporary
change. State the name and phone number of person(s) contacted. Summarize their opinion concerning
compliance with CCR 794(b) and any Regional Board requirements. Jacqueline Matthews (530) 224-3249. The
RWQCB has no comments per email dated 12116/09.
5a. Consult with the California Department of Fish and Game pursuant to CCR 794(b) concerning the proposed
temporary change. State the name and phone number of the person(s) contacted and their opinion concerning the
potential effect(s) of the proposed temporary change on fish, wildlife, or other instream beneficial uses, and state
any measures recommended for mitigation. Lauren Dailey (916) 358-2909. Will not have time to review and comment
until January 2010.
TRANS -TEMP -PET (11-00) If your answers require more space than provided, please attach additional pages
2
5b. Does the proposed use serve to preserve or enhance wetlands habitat, fish and wildlife resources, or recreation in
or on the water (See WC 1707) ? No
(yes/no)
5c. Provide an analysis of potential effect(s) on fish, wildlife, or other instream beneficial uses which may arise from
the proposed change. Releases from storage will occur in summer months, potentially cooling water termperatures slightly
below what they would be absent the transfer.
5d. State reasons you believe the proposed temporary chan
instream beneficial uses, see Water Code Section 1727
habitat. Releases will be ramped up and down to prevent im
will not unreasonably affect fish, wildlife, or other
I(2). The beneficial uses of the stream include cold water
6a. Does any agency involved in the proposed transfer/exchange rely upon section 382 of the Water Code to allow
the delivery of water outside of the agency's service area? No
tyeslno)?
6b. If yes, provide an analysis of the effect of the proposed transfer/ exchange on the overall economy of the area
from which the water is being transferred.
A TRANSFER/EXCHANGE UNDER WATER CODE SECTION 1725 INVOLVES ONLY THE AMOUNT OF
WATER WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN CONSUMPTIVELY USED OR STORED IN THE ABSENCE OF THE
PROPOSED TEMPORARY CHANGE. A CHANGE WILL BE EFFECTIVE FORA PERIOD OF ONE YEAR
OR LESS, BEGINNING ON THE APPROVAL OF THIS PETITION OR ON SUCH DATE OTHERWISE
SPECIFIED BY THE SWRCB ORDER. FOLLOWING EXPIRATION OF THIS TEMPORARY CHANGE, ALL
RIGHTS AUTOMATICALLY REVERT TO THE PRESENT HOLDER BY OPERATION OF LAW.
I (we) declare under p ofperjwy that the above is true and correct to the best ofmy (our) knowledge and belief.
Dated: t6et.It, U at 0roCalifornia
_( 530 ) 533-1/578
Telephone No.
NOTE: This petition shall be accompanied by all information and fees required by this form and
W.C. Section 1725 et. seq, before the SWRCB; will consider acceptance of the petition requesting
temporary change to facilitate a transfer/exchange.
Proof of Service: Compliance with W.C. section 1726(c) shall be met by the filing of copies of the proof of service
to the Department of Fish and Game and to the board of supervisors of the counties where the
water is currently used and the counties to which water is proposed to be transferred.
Fees: The following fees must accompany the petition before the petition will be accepted:
1. A minimum filing fee of $100, for each aonlication listed in the petitionshall be submitted with the petition
(Water Code section 1547). The fee is made payable to the State Water Resources Control Board
a) Water Code section 1547.1 requires an additionally fee of 25016 ofthe amount computed by using the fee schedule in Article
I (commencing with Water Code section 1525) for use of water outside of the basin from which the water transfer originates.
The fee is based on that portion of water transferred under the existing direct diversion or storage right(s) for each application
identified in the petition. For direct diversion rights, the rate is typically computed based on the average rate of diversion
(cfs) for the maximum 30 -day period of use (AF).
b) If the petitioner relies on Water Code section 382, the total filing fee shall be based on the amount necessary to
cover the reasonable costs of the SWRCB to evaluate and process the petition (Water Code section 386). Please
contact the Division if you would like an estimate of the potential cost.
2. An $850 environmental filing fee, made payable to the Department of Fish and Game, must accompany a petition
for change (Public Resources Code 10005).
TRANS -TEMP -PET (11-00) If your answers require more space than provided, please attach additional pages
3
State of California
State Water Resources Control Board
DIVISION OF WATER RIGHTS
P.O. Bog 2000, Sacramento, CA 95812-2000
Info: (916) 341-5300, FAX (916) 341-5400, Web: http:/Amw.waterrights.cs.gov,
PETITION FOR TEMPORARY TRANSFER
OF WATER/WATER RIGHTS
(Water Code 1725)
❑ Point of Diversion D& Point of Rediversion DI Place of Use ❑ Purpose of Use
Application No(s). 2778 Permit No. 2492 License
Statement or Other No.
Present Holder and User of Water Right
South Feather Water and Power Agency Michael Glaze 530-5334578
Person or Company name Contact person Telephone No.
2310 Oro -Quincy Highway Oroville CA 95966
Address City State Zip Cate
Glaze@southfeathercom
E-MAIL (For noticing purposes)
Co-petdioner
Person or Company name Contiapmon Telephone No.
Address City State Zip Code
EMAIL (For noticing purposes)
Proposed New User
San Diego County Water Authority Dennis Cushman (858) 522-6785
Person or Company name contactperaon Telephone Na
4677 Overland Avenue San Diego CA 92123
Address City State Zip Code
DCushman@sdcwa.org
F MAIL (For noticing purpom)
1(We) hereby petition the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) under the provisions of
Water Code (WC) section 1725 et seq. and in conformance with the specific requirements of California Code of
Regulations (CCR) section 794 for temporary change(s) to the water right application(s) noted above for the purpose
of transferring water. The changes are shown on the accompanying map and described as follows:
Amount of Water to be Transferred 10,000 Acre-feet (AF). If the basis of right is direct diversion, the
average rate of diversion for the maximum 30 day period of use is cubic feet per second (cfs).
Period of TransfeNExchange (Not to exceed one year)
Point of Diversion or Rediversion (Give coordinate distances from section corner or other ties as allowed by
CCR section 715, and the 40 -acre subdivision in which the present & proposed points lie.
Present Ponderosa Dam on South Fork Feather River
Proposed Water is spilled to Lake Orovlle at Ponderosa Dam and released to SDCWA via the SWP facilities
TRANS -TEMP -PET (11-00) If your answers require more space than provided, please attach additional pages
1
Place of Use
Present South Feather Water and Power Agency service area in Butte County
Proposed SDCWA's service territory and/or MWD's service territory and/or groundwater storage (see attached info)
Purpose of Use
Present Agriculture, domestic and municipal
Proposed Agriculture, domestic and municipal
Season of Use Direct Use (cfs) Storage (ac jt)
Present Year-round 10,000
Proposed May -December 2010 10,000
The proposed transfer/exchange water is presently used or stored within the county/counties of:
Stored in Plumes, Yuba and Butte counties
The proposed transfer/exchange water will be placed to beneficial use within the following county/counties:
San Diego County and/or Kem County and/or Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura counties
Ia. Would the transfer/exchange water have been consumptively used or stored in the absence of the proposed
temporary change (See WC 1725)? Yes
lb. Provide an analysis which provides documentation that the amount of water to be transfer-red/exchanged would
have been consumptively used or stored in the absence of the proposed temporary change.
2a. If the point of diversion/rediversion is being changed, are there any person(s) taking water from the stream
between the present point of diversion/rediversion and the proposed point? No
(yedno)
2b. Are there any persons taking water from the stream between the present point of diversion or return flow and the
proposed point of diversion or return flow? No
(ye/no)
2c. If the answer to 2a. or 2b. is yes, provide the name and address. Also provide the name and address of other
persons known to you who may be affected by the proposed change.
3a. Provide an analysis of any changes in streamflow, water quality, timing of diversion or use, return flows, or
effects on legal users resulting from the proposed transfer/exchange. No changes
3b. State reasons you believe the proposed temporary change will not injure any legal user of the water, see Water
Code Section 1727 (b)(1). Water will be placed in Lake Oroviile for use by SDCWA, which is already a SWP recipient.
Appropriate refill criteria will ensure no injury to other SWP recipients.
4. Consult with staff of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board concerning the proposed temporary
change. State the name and phone number of person(s) contacted. Summarize their opinion concerning
compliance with CCR 794(6) and any Regional Board requirements. Jacqueline Matthews (530) 224.3249. The
RWQCB has no comments per email dated 12/15/09.
5a. Consult with the California Department of Fish and Game pursuant to CCR 794(b) concerning the proposed
temporary change. State the name and phone number of the person(s) contacted and their opinion concerting the
potential effect(s) of the proposed temporary change on fish, wildlife, or other instream beneficial uses, and state
any measures recommended for mitigation. Lauren Dailey (916) 358-2909. Will not have time to review and comment
until January 2010.
TRANS -TEMP -PET (11-00) If your answers require more space than provided, please attach additional pages
2
5b. Does the proposed use serve to preserve or enhance wetlands habitat, fish and wildlife resources, or recreation in
or on the water (See WC 1707) ? No
(yevno)
5c. Provide an analysis of potential effect(s) on fish, wildlife, or other instream beneficial uses which may arise from
the proposed change. Releases from storage will occur in summer months, potentially cooling watertennperatures slightly
5d. State reasons you believe the proposed temporary char
instream beneficial uses, see Water Code Section 1727
habitat Releases will be ramped up and down to prevent irr
not unreasonably affect fish, wildlife, or other
The beneficial uses of the stream include cold water
6a. Does any agency involved in the proposed transfer/exchange rely upon section 382 of the Water Code to allow
the delivery of water outside of the agency's service area? No
(yes/no)?
6b. If yes, provide an Analysis of the effect of the proposed transfer/ exchange on the overall economy of the area
from which the water is being transferred.
A TRANSFERIEXCHANGE UNDER WATER CODE SECTION 1725 INVOLVES ONLY THE AMOUNT OF
WATER WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN CONSUMPTIVELY USED OR STORED IN THE ABSENCE OF THE
PROPOSED TEMPORARY CHANGE. A CHANGE WILL BE EFFECTIVE FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR
OR LESS, BEGINNING ON THE APPROVAL OF THIS PETITION OR ON SUCH DATE OTHERWISE
SPECIFIED BY THE SWRCB ORDER. FOLLOWING EXPIRATION OF THIS TEMPORARY CHANGE, ALL
RIGHTS AUTOMATICALLY REVERT TO THE PRESENT HOLDER BY OPERATION OF LAW.
I (we) declare under penalty ofperjwy that the above is true and correct to the best ofM (our) knowledge and belief.
California
Y5 78
Telephone No.
NOTE: This petition shall be accompanied by all information and fees required by this form and
W.C. Section 1725 et seq, before the SWRCB will consider acceptance of the petition requesting a
temporary change to facilitate a transfer/exchange.
Proof of Service: Compliance with W.C. section 1726(c) shall be met by the filing of copies of the proof of service
to the Department of Fish and Game and to the board of supervisors ofthe counties where the
water is currently used and the counties to which water is proposed to be transferred
Fees: The following fees must accompany the petition before the petition will be accepted:
1. A minimum filing fee of $100, for each application fisted in the petition, shall be submitted with the petition
(Water Code section 1547). The fee is made payable to the State Water Resources Control Board.
a) Water Code section 1547.1 requires an additionally fee of 25% of the amount computed by using the fee schedule in Article
1 (commencing with Water Code section 1525) for use of water outside of the basin from which the water transfer originates.
The fee is based on that portion of water transferred under the existing direct diversion or storage right(s) for each application
identified in the petition. For direct diversion rights, theme is typically computed based on the average rate of diversion
(cfs) for the maximum 30 -day period of use (AF).
b) If the petitioner relies on Water Code section 382, the total filing fee shall be based on the amount necessary to
cover the reasonable costs of the SWRCB to evaluate and process the petition (Water Code section 386). Please
contact the Division if you would like an estimate of the potential cost.
2. An $850 environmental filing fee, made payable to the Department of Fish and Game, must accompany a petition
for change (Pubfic Resources Code 10005).
TRANS -TEMP -PET (11-00) If your answers require more space than provided, please attach additional pages
3
Petition for Temporary Transfer of WaterMater Rights
Supplemental Information
Line 1b. Provide an analysis which provides documentation that the amount of
water to be transferredlexchanged would have been consumptively used or stored
in the absence of the proposed temporary change.
South Feather Water and Power Agency (SFWPA) proposes to transfer 10,000 acre-feet
of water that would otherwise remain in storage in Little Grass Valley and Sly Creek
reservoirs. This water will be transferred to Lake Oroville, managed by the Department
of Water Resources (DWR) for release to San Diego County Water Authority via the
State Water Project facilities. This water will be used to generate up to eighteen hours
per day at SFWPA's Sly Creek, Woodleaf and Forbestown powerhouses and then
spilled at Ponderosa Dam on the South Fork Feather River to Lake Oroville, where it will
be used to generate power at the Hyatt Powerplant and/or Thermalito Powerplant before
being released to the Feather River.
Each year, PG&E, the purchaser of power from SFWPA's South Feather Power Project,
provides a forecast of generation and reservoir operations. During a typical year, Little
Grass Valley and Sly Creek reservoirs are filled by the end of May with runoff from snow
melt and rainfall, and are then gradually drawn down throughout the summer to provide
instream aquatic habitat, consumptive water supply and power generation, while
maintaining sufficient water surface levels for recreation purposes. The end of year
storage (on or before December 31) in Little Grass Valley Reservoir is typically 45,000 —
50,000 AF, and the storage in Sly Creek Reservoir is 10,000-15,000 AF, for a combined
end of year storage total of about 60,000 AF.
To facilitate the temporary transfer, 10,000 AF in excess of typical operations will be
drawn from Little Grass Valley and Sly Creek in June -September, while still meeting
criteria for providing reservoir recreation, and delivered through the South Fork Feather
River facilities to Ponderosa Dam where the water will be spilled to Lake Oroville. The
reservoirs will then continue to be drawn down after the recreation season ends to an
end of year combined storage of 50,000 AF. Absent the temporary transfer, the
reservoirs would be operated to achieve the end of year combined storage of 60,000 AF.
There will be no change or impact to SFWPA's irrigation or domestic deliveries as a
result of this transfer. DWR and SFWPA will agree to establish refill criteria that mitigate
any potential impact to the State Water Project as a result of SFWPA refilling its
reservoirs following the transfer.
State of California
State Water Resources Control Board
DIVISION OF WATER RIGHTS
P.O. Box 2000, Sacramento, CA 95812-2000
Ido: (916) 341-5300, FAX: (916) 341-5400, Web: http:l/www.wamrdghts.ca.gov
ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
FOR PETITIONS
(THIS IS NOT A CEOA DOCUMENT)
APPLICATION NO. 1651 & 2778 PERMIT NO 1267 & 2492 LICENSE NO.
The following information will aid in the environmental review of your change petition as required by
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). IN ORDER FOR YOUR CHANGE PETITION
TO BE ACCEPTED AS COMPLETED. ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS LISTED BELOW
MUST BE COMPLETED TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABIL£fY. Failure to answer all questions may
result in your change petition being returned to you, causing delays in processing. If you need more
space, attach additional sheets. Additional information may be required from you to amplify further
or clarify the information requested in this form.
DISCRIPTION OF CHANGES TO PROJECT
1. Provide a description of the proposed changes to your project, including but not limited to, type
of construction activity, structures existing or to be built, area to be graded or excavated, changes
in land use, and project operational changes, including changes in how the water will be used.
South Feather Water and Power Agency proposes to transfer 10,000 acre-feet from storage in
its reservoirs to Lake Oroville for use by San Diego County Water Authority. The water will
be drawn from storage in Little Grass Valley and Sly Creek reservoirs during May -December,
passed through South Feather's Sly Creek, Woodieaf and Forbestown powerhouses, and then
spilled at Ponderosa Dam to Lake Oroville. Water will be released from Lake Oroville to San
Diego County WA for use in its service area or in the MWD service area or will be placed in
groundwater storage in Kern County. The reduction in storage levels in Little Grass Valley
and Sly Creek reservoirs, and the resulting flows in the South Fork Feather River are well
within the operating limitations of the South Feather Power Project, and will have no adverse
impact on water supply to South Feather's customers.
PET -ENV (1-00)
GOVERNMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Before a final decision can be made on your change petition, we must consider the information
contained in an environmental document prepared in compliance with the requirements of CEQA. If
an environmental document has been prepared for your proposed changes by another agency, we must
consider it. If one has not been prepared, a determination must be made as to who is responsible for
the preparation of the environmental document for your change petition. The following questions are
designed to aid us in that determination.
2. Contact your county planning or public works department for the following information:
a. Person contacted Date of contact
Department
b. Assessor's Parcel No. Not applicable
c. County Zoning Designation
Telephone (
d. Are any county permits required for your proposed changes? No
If yes, check appropriate space below:
Grading Permit, Use Permit, Watercourse
Obstruction Permit, Change of Zoning, General Plan
Change, Other (explain):
e. Have you obtained any of the required permits described above?
If yes, provide a complete copy of each permit obtained.
3. Are any additional state or federal permits required for your proposed changes? No (i.e.,
from Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management,
Soil Conservation Service, Department of Water Resources (Division of Safety of Dams),
Reclamation Board, Coastal Commission, State Lands Commission, etc.) For each agency from
which a permit is required provide the following information:
Permit type
Person (s) contacted Agency
Date of contact Telephone ( )
4. Has any public agency prepared an environmental document for any aspect of your proposed
changes? No
If so, please submit a copy of the latest environmental document (s) prepared, including a copy of
the notice of determination adopted by the public agency. If not, explain below whether you
expect that a public agency other than the State Water Resources Control Board will be preparing
an environmental document for your change petition or whether the applicant, if it is a California
public agency, will be preparing the environmental document for your change petition:
PET -ENV (1-00) -2-
Temporary changes under Water Code sections 1725. at seq. are exempt from the
requirements of CEQA pursuant to Water Code Section 1729. The SWRCB must consider
potential impacts to other legal users and to fish, wildlife or other instream beneficial uses.
Note: When completed, please submit a copy of the final environmental document (including
notice of determination) or notice of exemption to the State Water Resources Control Board.
Processing of your change petition cannot proceed until such documents are submitted.
S. Will your proposed changes, during construction or operation, generate waste or wastewater
containing such things as sewage, industrial chemicals, metals, or agricultural chemicals, or
cause erosion, turbidity or sedimentation? No If so, explain:
If yes or you are unsure of your answer, contact your local Regional Water Quality Control Board
for the following information (See attachment for address and telephone number):
Will a waste discharge permit be required for your petition? No
Person contacted Date of contact
What method of treatment and disposal will be used?
6. Have any archeological reports been prepared on this project, or will you be preparing an
archeological report to satisfy another public agency? None required
Do you know of any archeological or historic sites located within the general project area?
If so, explain:
ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
7. Attach TMREE COMPLETE SETS of color photographs, clearly dated and labeled, showing
the vegetation currently existing at the following locations:
PET -ENV (1-00) -3-
a. Along the stream channel immediately downstream from the proposed point(s) of diversion
b. Along the stream channel immediately upstream from the proposed point(s) of diversion
c. At the place(s) where the water is to be used
Note: It is very important that you submit no less than three complete sets of photo exaphs as
required above. If less than three sets are submitted, processing of your change petition will be
delayed until you furnish the remaining sets!
8. From the list given below, mark or circle the general plant community types which best describe
those which occur within you project area (Note: See footnote denoted by * under Question 11
below):
Tree Dominated Commuinities
Subalpine Conifer
Red Fir
Lodgepole Pine
Mixed Conifer
Sierran Mixed Conifer
White Fir
Klamath Mixed Conifer
Douglas -Fir
Jeffrey Pine
Ponderosa Pine
Eastside Pine
Redwood
Pinyon -Juniper
Juniper
Aspen
Closed -Cone Pine -Cypress
Montane Hardwood Conifer
Montane Hardwood
Valley Foothill Hardwood
Blue Oak Woodland
Valley Oak Woodland
Coastal Oak Woodland
Valley Foothilarwood-Conifer
Blue Oak -Digger Pine
Eucalyptus
Montane Riparian
Valle Foothill Ri ari
Shrub Dominated Communities
Alpine Dwarf -Shrub
Low Sage
Bitterbrush
Sagebrush
Montane Chaparral
Mixed Chaparral
Chamise-Redshank Chaparral
Coastal Scrub
Desert Succulent Shrub
Desert Wash
Desert Scrub
Alkali Desert Scrub
Herbaceous Dominated Communities
Annual Grassland
Perennial Grassland
Wet Meadow
Fresh Emergent Wetland
Saline Emergent Wetland
Pasture
Acuatic Communities
Rivee
Lacustrine
stuarme
Marine
Desert Riparian Developed Communities
Palm Oasis Cropland
Joshua Tree Orchard -Vineyard
Urban
Literature source: Mayer, K.E., and W.F. Laudenslayer, Jr., (eds). 1988. A Guide to Wildlife
Habitats of California. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Sacramento.
166 pp. (Note: You may view a copy of this document qt our public counter at the address given
PET -ENV (1-00) 4-
at the top of this form or you may purchase a copy by calling the California Department of Fish
and Game, Wildlife Habitat Relationships (WHR) Program at (916) 653-7203).
9. Provide below an estimate of the type, number, and size (bunk/stem diameter at chest height) of
trees and large shrubs that are planned to be removed or destroyed due to implementation of the
proposed changes. Consider all aspects of your change petition, including changes in diversion
structures, water distribution and use facilities, and changes in the place of use due to additional
water development.
None - existing diversions will be utilized.
FISH AND WILDLIFE CONCERNS
10. Identify the typical species offish which occur in the source(s) from which you propose to divert
water and discuss whether or not any of these fish species or their habitat has been or would be
affected by your proposed changes. (Note: See footnote denoted by * under Question 1 I below):
Rainbow trout, brown trout. Neither of these species or their habitat will be affected by the
proposed changes.
11. Identify the typical species of riparian and terrestrial wildlife in the area and discuss whether or
not any of these species and/or their habitat has been or would be affected by your proposed
changes through construction of additional water diversion and distribution works and/or changes
in land use in the place of water use. (Note: See footnote denoted by * below):
Deer, coyote, squirrels, upland game species. No changes in diversion facilities or land use
are proposed, and area species and habitat will not be affected.
PET -ENV (1-00) -5-
*Note: The purposes of Question 10 and 11 are to provide a preliminary assessment of the presence
of typical plant and animal species in the area and whether these species might be affected by
your proposed changes. Detailed site surveys to quantify populations of specific species or
determine the presence of rare or endangered species may be required at a later date. It is very
important that you answer these questions accurately. If you are unable to obtain appropriate
answers from your local California Department of Fish and Game biologists (See attachment for
address and telephone number) or you do not have adequate information or expertise to complete
your answers, you should hire a fishery consultant and/or a wildlife consultant to review your
project and prepare suitable answers for you. For information on available qualified fishery or
wildlife consultants near you, consult your local telephone directory yellow pages under
Environmental and Ecological Services, or call the California Environmental Protection Agency,
Registered Environmental Assessor (REA) Program, at (916) 324-6881 or the University of
California, Cooperative Extension Service (See your local telephone directory white pages).
12. Do your proposed changes involve any construction or grading -related activity which has
significantly altered or would significantly alter the bed or bank of any stream or
lake? No
If so, explain:_
I hereby certify that the statements I have fiunished above and in the attached exhibits are complete to
the best of my ability, and that the facts, statements, and information presented are true and correct to
the best of my knowledge.
Date Dk- 17, Aro 9 Signature
PET -ENV (1-00) -6-
Environmental Information for Petitions
Environmental Setting — Photographs
The 10,000 acre-feet transferred will be placed in Lake Oroville for release to the
Feather River and to the points of rediversion on the State Water Project for San
Diego County Water Authority. The place of use will include San Vicente
RPcervnir shnwn helnw
PROOF OF SERVICE STATEMENT
I, Kathryn Zancanella, do certify that the attached
PETITION FOR TEMPORARY TRANSFER OF WATERtWATER RIGHTS,
UNDER PERMITS 1267 AND 2494 (APPLICATIONS 1651 AND 2778)
was mailed on December 21, 2069 to the parties listed below.
Dated �V, ZO4
Forbestown, California
Signature
State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Rights
California Dept. of Fish and Game, North Central Region
Regional Water Quality Control Board
San Diego County Water Authority
County of Butte, Board of Supervisors
County of San Diego, Board of Supervisors
County of Plumas, Board of Supervisors
County of Yuba, Board of Supervisors
County of Kem, Board of Supervisors
County of Los Angeles, Board of Supervisors
County of Orange, Board of Supervisors
County of Riverside, Board of Supervisors
County of San Bernardino, Board of Supervisors
County of Ventura, Board of Supervisors