Re-Operation of Pyramid Dam for the California Aqueduct Pump Storage Project - South State Water Project Hydropower (Water Quality Certification Temporary Amend
5 Documents in Project
Summary
SCH Number
2021030471
Public Agency
State Water Resources Control Board
Document Title
Re-Operation of Pyramid Dam for the California Aqueduct Pump Storage Project - South State Water Project Hydropower (Water Quality Certification Temporary Amend
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/21/2023
Document Description
On February 10, 2023, DWR requested a temporary variance from the water quality certification (certification) issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) for the Re-Operation of Pyramid Dam Water Quality Certification for the South State Water Project Hydropower’s (Project; Federal Energy Commission [FERC] Project No. 2426). The variance involves a request to temporarily increase the amount of water deliveries from Pyramid Lake to United Water Conservation District (United) at Piru Lake. Condition 1 of the certification requires stream releases from Pyramid Lake to match natural inflow, and has a limitation of 3,150 acre-feet for water deliveries. DWR requested to deliver up to 25,000 acre-feet of additional water to United, in water years 2022-2023 and the 2023-2024. The release will mimic the natural hydrograph, will include a gradual ramp up and ramp down of flows, and will have a peak flow similar to that of a typical storm event. The proposed increase of the Project’s water delivery is to help replenish critically depleted groundwater in United’s service boundary.
Contact Information
Name
Andrea Sellers
Agency Name
California State Water Resources Control Board
Job Title
Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Counties
Los Angeles, Ventura
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
Pyramid Lake and Middle Piru Creek
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
(Sec. 21080(b)(4); 15269(c); EO N-7-22, paragraph 5)
Reasons for Exemption
On February 15, 2023, the Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency approved suspension of CEQA requirements for the Project under drought emergency Executive Order N-7-22, paragraph 5. The exemption applies because the proposed releases are intended to improve the conditions of the Oxnard Plain and Pleasant Valley groundwater basins, which are experiencing severely depleted groundwater conditions.
County Clerks
Los Angeles, Ventura
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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