California Water News Daily Your Source For Water News in California
On Aug. 8, 2023, the Valley Water Board of Directors certified the Fish and Aquatic Habitat Collaborative Effort’s (FAHCE) final environmental impact report (EIR). The document details how Valley Water proposes to release water from our reservoirs to balance water supply needs while also providing habitat for steelhead in Stevens Creek and both steelhead and Chinook salmon in the Guadalupe watershed. The document also details how plants, wildlife, fisheries and water supply will be affected under different scenarios for operations and what we can do to enhance the various benefits.
The proposed FAHCE project implements a Fish Habitat Restoration Plan, and includes restoration measures specified in a 2003 FAHCE Settlement Agreement intended to resolve a water rights complaint filed with the State Water Resources Control Board.
“Our effort to this point has endured some challenges and accomplishments, but the certification of the final EIR is a significant achievement,” Valley Water Board Chair John L. Varela said. “I’d like to thank the outside agencies and stakeholders who helped us reach this milestone. Our Board of Directors is committed to this effort and supplying Santa Clara County with safe, clean water while taking care of our environment.”
The Final Program EIR may be viewed at https://www.valleywater.org/project-updates/publicreview-documents.
