Browns Valley Irrigation District Multiyear Temporary Water Transfers EIR

In December 2009, the BVID Board of Directors certified the EIR for the Temporary Water Transfers Project. BVID is currently seeking authorization under CEQA to expand the period for releasing its conserved water supplies from July 1 – October 31 to include the April 1 – June 30 period when those supplies could be released for use in the Department of Water Resources’ Instream Flow Water Purchase Program. This proposed expansion of the time period for water releases is the focus of this Addendum. This project modification would not result in the construction of any new facilities. The water releases during the expanded time period would be very similar to existing conditions and would therefore avoid any significant new or more severe environmental effects. Water released to DWR in the April 1 – June 30 period would be made following the same methods and constraints that have been in effect for the last 15 years. Water would continue to be transferred to the same buyers who would use their existing on-stream facilities or existing CVP and SWP facilities s to divert water purchased from BVID within the existing diversion capacities and historic use amounts of the buyers during the July 1 – October 31 period, or released to DWR for Delta outflows to enhance water quality and provide fishery benefits during the April 1 – June 30 period. The total volume of water released each year would continue to be limited to the 3,100 afy of Conservation Water, and BVID’s water rights would not change.