In-Delta Storage Program Environmental Evaluations Stakeholders Committee Meeting January 22, 2003 Leslie Pierce

Updating the baseline dataUpdating the baseline data Key issues raised during the public comment periodKey issues raised during the public comment period Future stepsFuture steps OutlineOutline

Baseline data Surveys for the Delta Wetlands Project were done in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s Regulatory agencies requested updated surveys for all islands for the Re- engineered Delta Wetlands Project

Surveys conducted in Botanical surveys –Interior of four islands –Channel sides of the levees –Surveyed for 16 special status plant species Wildlife surveys –Interior and levees of four islands –Surveyed for 2 reptiles, 16 birds, and 4 mammals Data evaluation is in progress

Ongoing work Fisheries –Started the Central Valley Fish Facilities Review Team review of the proposed fish screens for the integrated facilities –Begin discussing proposed Re-engineered DW Project operations with regulatory agencies

Public Comments Impacts to agricultural land –Conflicting comments –CALFED ROD –Quantifying impacts and will propose mitigation Cumulative and third party impacts –Will address during the Subsequent EIR/EIS if the agencies decide to continue with the project Operational and environmental benefits of the project

Future Steps Complete the Feasibility Study (state version) by June 2003 If the agencies decide to proceed further with the project, complete a draft Subsequent EIR/EIS by March 2004

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