Adoption of Well 7 Project Addendum to the Santa Ana Conservation and Conjunctive Use Program (SARCCUP) Joint Projects Final Environmental Impact Report

Adoption of Well 7 Project Addendum to the Santa Ana Conservation and Conjunctive Use Program (SARCCUP) Joint Projects Final Environmental Impact Report

In February 2019, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA), as CEQA lead agency, certified the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR), adopted Findings of Fact and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP), and approved the 2019 Santa Ana Conservation and Conjunctive Use Program (SARCCUP). The EIR analyzed five projects located within the Santa Ana River Watershed, including two alternative locations for the Arlington Production Wells and Pipeline project (hereinafter referred to as “Well 7”). The Western Municipal Water District (WMWD) also adopted the Final EIR and made findings as a CEQA responsible agency approving the Project on March 20, 2019. During the design phase, a better location for Well 7 was identified to be at 7200 Magnolia Avenue in Riverside. The relocation of Well 7 and the revised pipeline alignment were necessary to optimize groundwater extraction, reduce construction impacts, and minimize disruptions to the surrounding community. These revisions ensure that the project continues to meet water supply reliability goals while streamlining construction efforts. Subsequent to this certified EIR, WMWD has prepared an Addendum as CEQA lead agency with regard to minor revisions to the Well 7 project. The Addendum evaluates an updated location of Well 7, including a change in the pipeline alignment. The Addendum determined that the minor modifications would not result in substantial changes to the previously certified EIR because it would not involve new significant impacts, nor would it substantially increase the severity of an impact identified in the certified EIR. Thorough site assessments and additional environmental analysis were conducted to confirm that the proposed changes would not introduce any new significant impacts. The results of these evaluations demonstrated that the modifications align with the environmental findings of the previously certified EIR, maintaining compliance with CEQA guidelines. The previously adopted MMRP remains applicable to the modified Well 7 Project. The project will continue to monitor the environmental mitigation measures as outlined in the 2019 FEIR, ensuring that the project operates within the established environmental protections. No additional mitigation measures are necessary based on the minor modifications. On September 18, 2024, at a regularly scheduled meeting, the WMWD Board of Directors adopted the Addendum and approved the minor changes to the modified Well 7 project.

Riverside

Riverside

Southern California

Riverside