Minor Amendment to California Endangered Species Act Incidental Take Permit No. 2081-2009-001-03 (ITP) for Suisun Marsh Salinity Control Gates Pilot Study

SCH Number: 2009012022
Lead Agency: Water Resources, Department of (California Department of Water Resources)
Document Title: Minor Amendment to California Endangered Species Act Incidental Take Permit No. 2081-2009-001-03 (ITP) for Suisun Marsh Salinity Control Gates Pilot Study
Document Type: NOD - Notice of Determination
Received: 7/20/2018

Document Description: The discretionary approval by CDFW is the issuance of the ITP amendment identified above. The ongoing operations of the State Water Project in the Delta as approved by the lead agency is expected to result in incidental take and impacts to habitat of longfin smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys) which is designated as a threatened species under CESA. The amendment to the ITP temporarily modifies the project description to allow operation of the Suisun Marsh Salinity Control Gates (SMSCG) in August 2018 based on the tide (i.e., lowered during flood). Boat locks will also be operation to allow navigation and fish passage. The DWR will collect data (such as zooplankton and water quality), which could be used to assess future operations of the SMSCG. The ITP referenced above as issued and amended by CDFW authorizes incidental take of longfin smelt that may occur as a result of ongoing operations of the State Water project facilities, as is more specifically described in the ITP.

Contact Information: Chad Dibble
Department of Fish and Game
1416 9th St., 12th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-653-6956

Approving Agency: CDFW
Approving Agency Role: Responsible Agency
Approved On: 7/19/2018
Final EIR Available Location: 1416 9th St., 12th Floor, Sacramento, C A95814

(1) The project will have a significant impact on the environment: No
(2a) An Environmental Impact Report was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA: No
(2b) A Negative Declaration was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA: Yes
(3) Mitigated measures were made a condition of the approval of the project: Yes
(4) A Statement of Overriding Considerations was adopted for this project: No
(5) Findings were made pursuant to the provisions of CEQA: Yes