2020 Temporary Water Rights Changes from The Nature Conservancy to Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District for Irrigation and Shorebird Habitat
Summary
SCH Number
2020100408
Public Agency
Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District (GCID)
(GCID)
Document Title
2020 Temporary Water Rights Changes from The Nature Conservancy to Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District for Irrigation and Shorebird Habitat
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/22/2020
Document Description
TNC will temporarily change the point of diversion and place of use of certain of its pre-1914 adjudicated appropriative water rights from TNC's adjudicated points of diversion at Ward Dam and Upper Dam on Mill Creek. Between mid-September through December 31, 2020, TNC will allow water to flow instream in lower Mill Creek, where it will enhance instream habitat to promote the recovery of threatened, endangered, or fully protected species, and then in the Sacramento River before being diverted at GCID's Hamilton City Pumping Plant (HCPP) on the Sacramento River. Up to 2,500 acre feet of TNC water will be diverted and used within GCID for fall flooding of up to 1,000 acres of rice post-harvest to facilitate rice straw decomposition, consistent with longstanding agricultural practices, and provide habitat for migratory birds at critical times, through mid-March 2021.
Contact Information
Name
Thaddeus L. Bettner
Agency Name
Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Location
Counties
Colusa, Glenn, Tehama
Other Location Info
Mill Creek, Sacramento River, GCID Service Area (See Figures 1 and 2)
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Existing Facilities (15301); Common Sense Exemption (15061(b)(3)
Reasons for Exemption
The Project will divert water through an existing pumping plant and convey it through existing canals; the amount of diversion is within the range of existing and historical diversions at HCPP. The Project will increase the amount of water in stream in Mill Creek and the Sacramento River, to the benefit of anadromous and resident fish, and increase the extent and quality of habitat for migratory birds. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the Project will have a significant effect on the environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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