No Impact Found for Underground Tunnel Linking California Aqueduct, District Canal

The Bureau of Reclamation has released draft environmental documents finding no significant impact would stem from a water distribution project linking the California Aqueduct to a local district canal in the southern San Joaquin Valley.

The proposed underground pipeline connecting the California Aqueduct with Buena Vista Water Storage District’s West Side Canal near Bakersfield is aimed at improving water distribution in the area. The federal Water Conservation Challenge Grant would be awarded to the district, a State Water Project contractor, to construct the project.

The deadline to submit comments is Tuesday, Sept. 21. Comments may be submitted to rhealer@usbr.gov. The Draft Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact are available online here.