The Bureau of Reclamation has released for public review and comment the Draft Environmental Assessment for the New Melones Lake Concession Development. Located in Calaveras and Tuolumne counties, New Melones Lake is operated by Reclamation for multiple purposes including flood control, irrigation and municipal water supplies, hydroelectric production, water quality, fish and wildlife enhancement and recreation.
In 1986, Reclamation contracted for the construction, operation and maintenance of the New Melones Lake Marina at the Glory Hole Recreation Area. The contract expired in December 2012 and the concessionaire is providing services under an interim concession contract (Jan. 1, 2013 through Dec. 31, 2014). Reclamation intends to award a new long-term concession contract within the next two years.
Reclamation is developing the Environmental Assessment (EA) to assist with the preparation of a prospectus to plan, authorize and manage future commercial services at New Melones Lake. As part of this planning effort, Reclamation is seeking to provide visitors with new and improved facilities. The existing marina and the boats and house boats moored there are occasionally damaged by strong southwesterly winds, and Reclamation proposes to relocate the marina to a more suitable location within the Glory Hole Recreation Area.
A public Open House session to describe and discuss the alternatives in the Draft EA has been scheduled. The public is welcome to arrive at any time during the Open House to visit with Reclamation staff at information stations and provide written comments.
It will take place on Tuesday, July 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center, 6850 Studhorse Flat Road, Sonora.
The Draft EA 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=14381. If you encounter problems accessing the document online, call 916-978-5100 (TTY 916-978-5608) or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.
Comments on the Draft EA are due by Friday, Aug. 16, and should be mailed to Patti Clinton, Central California Area Office, 7794 Folsom Dam Road, Folsom 95630 or emailed to PClinton@usbr.gov. For questions or a copy of the Draft EA, contact Clinton at 916-989-7173.
