Four Mile/Weed Valley Reservoir Wetlands Restoration Project

Summary

SCH Number
2008068364
Public Agency
State Water Resources Control Board
Document Title
Four Mile/Weed Valley Reservoir Wetlands Restoration Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/26/2008
Document Description
The project consists of reservoir maintenance and habitat improvement for the Four Mile Valley/ Weed Valley Reservoirs. The Four Mile/Weed Valley project will restore 259 and 519 acres, respectively, of seasonal wetlands. Project activities will consist of spillway and weir repair, embankment reinforcement, dam reinforcement, and the retrofitting of the water control structure to original design or as-built specifications. The project will also rehabilitate the reservoir bottoms to promote the habitat of endangered sucker species, will enhance waterfowl and other wildlife habitats, and will facilitate conversion of the vegetation to a more diverse emergent marsh plant community.

Contact Information

Name
Whalen Toy
Agency Name
State Water Resources Control Board
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency

Location

Counties
Modoc

Notice of Exemption

Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class1,Sec.15301;Class4,Sec15304
Reasons for Exemption
The three reservoirs in the Four Mile Valley were built in the 1960's and the Weed Valley Reservoir was constructed in the 1930's by the USFS. The USPS reservoirs were historically used for livestock watering, but these water bodies also benefit wildlife and waterfowl. Over time, the existing structures at all four reservoirs have deteriorated. As a result the USFS, Modoc National Forest proposed a restoration project. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, in March of 2002, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) prepared an environmental assessment for the Warm Springs and Fort Springs grazing allotment located in the Modoc and Fremont National Forest. The environmental effect was evaluated for the Four Mile/Weed Valley Reservoir Wetlands Restoration Project. The USDA 2002 assessment was a finding of no significant impact. The USFS, May 3, 2007 Biological Assessment for Aquatic and Wildlife Species for the Weed Valley Wetland Project site found that the project is not likely to adversely affect the Lost River and Shortnose Suckers. The USFS project reservoirs have existed for over 40 years and the retrofit is for repair and maintenance of the spillways, weirs, control structures, and embankments. The repair work is focused primarily around the perimeters of the reservoir. The earth work planned within the bottom of the reservoirs will create nesting habitats and loafing bars for waterfowl and the construction of swales and potholes will enhance the wetlands with mid-season open water. The USFS also proposes at both project sites to place boulders in the spillway discharge channels to create rest areas for fish during fish migration to and from the reservoirs. The Four Mile/Wee Valley Reservoir Wetlands Restoration Project meets the categorical exemptions for an existing facility needing repair, with limited expansion and minor alternation of the land, and for the improvement of the habitat for fish and wildlife resources, per the guidelines defined under sections 15301 and 15304, title 14 of CEQA.

Disclaimer: The document was originally posted before CEQAnet had the capability to host attachments for the public. To obtain the original attachments for this document, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 445-0613.

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