Modified Pixley Groundwater Banking Project

Modified Pixley Groundwater Banking Project

The Authority proposes to construct and operate the Modified Pixley Groundwater Banking Project within the Pixley Irrigation District as a water management facility intended to conserve energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Action/Project would be in compliance with the San Joaquin River Restoration Program Settlement Agreement and Program Management Plan for the Friant Division of the Central Valley Project. The Action/Project will include the construction and operation of up to 800 acres of recharge basins and various pipelines, pumps, wells, a regulating basin, and control structures to facilitate the transport of surface water delivered from a new turnout at the Friant Kern Canal to the recharge basins to replenish groundwater or to directly serve land owners with a define "in-lieu service area" of approx. 3,500 acres. The facilities will also allow groundwater to be pumped and delivered back to the Friant Kern Canal, as needed, and in accordance with water supplies and demand. The Project is partially funded by a grant from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and as such is subject to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as well as the CEQA. The Bureau of Reclamation will take a separate action pursuant to NEPA.

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