San Luis Canal (California Aqueduct Pools 20 and 21) Liner Raise Project

The San Luis Canal Liner Raise Project, managed by the California Department of Water Resources, involves raising the concrete liner of the California Aqueduct's Pools 20 and 21 between Milepost 158.7 and 170.3 in Fresno and Kings Counties. The project aims to counteract subsidence and increase water surface elevation to maintain delivery capacity to Public Water Agencies, thereby improving operational flexibility, safety, and reliability. The scope includes raising the liner over approximately 18 miles, with specific heights of up to 1.5 feet over 5 miles, 2.5 feet over 3.5 miles, and 3 feet over 9.5 miles. Work will include excavation using on-site borrow material sourced from north of Pool 17, rerouting road drains, and the removal and reinstallation of guardrails and road delineators. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 and is expected to conclude within nine months, with activities occurring Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The project is conducted under the California Environmental Quality Act, with a Final Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration supporting the approval process. Environmental compliance measures include strict inspection protocols for special-status species, such as the San Joaquin kit fox and Swainson's hawk, and an unanticipated discovery protocol for human remains. The project must also adhere to the Construction General Permit and NPDES Permit SWPPP for water quality and follow applicable air pollution control district standards for dust control. Key project contacts include Marea Bell as the Environmental Planning Lead and Jesse Dillon as the CASP Program Manager.