SCH Number 2001104011

Project Info

Title

Truckee River Water Quality Settlement Agreement-Federal Water Rights Acquisition Program

Description

Water Quality Settlement Agreement (WQSA) is an effort to address Truckee River water quality conditions by directly increasing river flow during the period of the year usually characterized by low flow. WQSA obligates the United States to allocate a total of $12 million to acquire Truckee River water rights. Whenever possible, water associated with such rights will be stored and accumulated in Truckee River reservoirs managed by BOR. Stored water is anticipated to be released primarily during periods of low flow (normally July, August, and September). The resulting flow augmentation is expected to increase the nutrient assimilative capacity of the Truckee River and dilute non-point source pollutants. Federal funds for the program have been fully appropriated by Congress and are managed by Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). BIA has contracted the acquisition program with the Tribe, and the Tribe has, in turn, subcontracted with a water rights acquisition contractor to acquire water and water rights. Water and water rights acquired by theTribe as part of WQSA is expected to be held in trust by the United States for the Tribe.

2 documents in project