DWR Initiates Environmental Review Process for Delta Conservation
Plan, Announces Delta Actions
DWR has initiated the public process to study the environmental impacts
of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan. DWR will prepare a joint Environmental
Impact Report/Statement for BDCP in cooperation with the federal lead
agencies.
The BDCP’s purpose is to provide for the conservation of at-risk
species in the Delta and improve the reliability of the water supply system
within a stable regulatory framework. The process is being conducted consistent
with state and federal laws that encourage the development of broad habitat
conservation plans that protect natural communities in exchange for regulatory
assurances.
DWR will serve as the lead agency under California Environmental Quality
Act for the environmental studies. The National Marine Fishery Service,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will
be the federal lead, co-lead or cooperating agencies.
DWR will host scoping meetings for full public participation in the planning
process, and full opportunity to review and comment upon the draft plan,
the analyses of it, and of alternative approaches to achieving the same
ultimate goal. (03/17/2008)
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