The Bureau of Reclamation has released a Draft Environmental Assessment for the proposed release of Oakdale Irrigation District and South San Joaquin River Irrigation District water rights water from New Melones Reservoir into the Stanislaus River to determine effects on environmental resources.

The proposal, which would allow assessment of impacts on downstream fisheries and other environmental factors, is consistent with the 2009 National Marine Fisheries Service Biological Opinion for the Long-Term Operations of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project.

Up to a total of 80,000 acre-feet would be released in variable flows of up to 2,300 cubic feet per second between April 8 and May 31.

The Draft Environmental Assessment was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and is available at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_projdetails.cfm?Project_ID=13030. If you encounter problems accessing the documents, call 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

For additional information or to request a copy of the Draft EA, call 916-989-7182.