Notice of Availability and Intent for the Sutter Bypass East Levee Project

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released a Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for a 30-day public review. The proposed project site is located along an approximately 5.2-mile segment of the Sutter Bypass East Levee (SBEL), between Gilsizer Slough and Hughes Road (Levee Miles 7.40-12.57).  

DWR proposes improvements that include construction of a cutoff wall extending approximately 45-88 feet below the working platform to address under seepage, reconstruction of both landslide and waterside ramps to match pre-project lines, and grading where the levee would be rebuilt after the new cutoff wall is installed, new penetrations are constructed, and the levee is widened.  

The Draft IS/MND concludes that the project could have a significant effect on the environment, but with mitigation incorporated, all impacts would be less than significant. 

The documents are also available for in-person review at: 

Department of Water Resources, 
Division of Flood Operations, 
Flood Maintenance and Operations Branch, 
Environmental Support Section, 
3310 El Camino Avenue, Room 140, 
Sacramento, CA 95821 

Written comments on the environmental document should be received by the close of business on August 9, 2025, and sent to Kristin Ford via email at kristin.ford@water.ca.gov. 

Comments can also be mailed to: 
California Department of Water Resources 
Division of Flood Operations 
Flood Maintenance and Operations Branch 
Environmental Support Section 
Attn: Kristin Ford 
P.O. Box 219000 
Sacramento, CA 95821-9000