Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Feather River Salmonid Habitat Improvement Project

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released a draft initial study (IS) and intends to adopt a proposed mitigated negative declaration (MND) for the Feather River Salmonid Habitat Improvement Project (proposed project). The draft IS and proposed MND have been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act to provide agencies, the public, and interested parties an opportunity to review the environmental analysis of the proposed project.

 

PROJECT LOCATION

The project area is located within and adjacent to the Feather River in the city of Oroville, Butte County, California. Located approximately 5 miles downstream of Oroville Dam near the Feather River Fish Hatchery, and a quarter mile downstream of the Feather River Fish Barrier Dam, the project is situated just upstream of State Route 70 and downstream of Table Mountain Boulevard, between river miles 65 and 67.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The proposed project consists of the following elements: (1) addition or replacement of approximately 16,000 cubic yards of spawning gravel to multiple locations within the river to improve spawning conditions; (2) excavation of accumulated streambed material from the entrance of Moe’s Side Channel to improve hydraulic capacity and redistribute material at the head of Upper Auditorium Riffle to improve spawning conditions; (3) excavation of accumulated streambed material from the entrance and exit of the Bedrock Park Side Channel to increase flows and improve potential habitat accessibility; and (4) minor spoiling of excavated material adjacent to the exit of the Bedrock Park Side Channel. 

 

The IS assesses the proposed project’s potential significant adverse impacts on the environment. The IS concludes that the proposed project would not have any significant adverse effects on the environment after implementation of mitigation measures.

 

PUBLIC REVIEW PROCESS

The IS is being circulated for public review and comment for a period of 30 days starting October 6, 2022. Written comments should be submitted and received no later than close of business on November 7, 2022.

 

Copies of the draft IS and proposed MND are available at:

https://ceqanet.opr.ca.gov/Search/Recent

 

Or you can access documents at the links below:

• Feather River Salmonid Habitat Improvement Project Draft Initial Study/Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration
• Appendix A: Checklist and Assessment Form for Consistency and Compliance with GHG Emissions Reduction Plan

 

If you encounter problems accessing the document from DWR’s website, please email accessibility@water.ca.gov.

A printed copy can also be requested to view during business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at the DWR office located at 2440 Main Street in Red Bluff, California.

 

Please submit comments in writing or email to:

Harmony Gugino
California Department of Water Resources
2440 Main Street
Red Bluff, CA 96080

Email: Harmony.Gugino@water.ca.gov

 

The most effective comments are those that follow the guidelines below:

 

Comments should be concise and focus directly on the analysis in the IS.

 

Comments should identify the specific part of the IS at issue and include supporting evidence and facts.

 

The commenter should provide complete references or citations, particularly when referring to websites (e.g., provide a specific URL address rather than simply citing “DWR website”).

 

For further information, please contact Harmony Gugino at (530) 529-7393 or Harmony.Gugino@water.ca.gov.