Fresno, California - The Bureau of Reclamation has released for public review a Draft Environmental Assessment for a proposal to exchange Refuge Level 2 water for Panoche Water District’s groundwater.

The Panoche WD is proposing to fund the costs of pumping and delivering up to 4,000 acre-feet of groundwater supplies from four existing wells in exchange for up to 2,000 acre-feet of Central Valley Project Refuge Level 2 water. The groundwater would be delivered to private wetlands within the Grassland Resources Conservation District in Merced County for refuge water supply needs in fall 2015 through Feb. 29, 2016. In exchange, Panoche WD would receive Refuge Level 2 water delivered by Reclamation to help meet current agricultural water needs.

The Draft EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and is attached to the news release email distribution. To request a copy of the Draft EA or for additional information, please contact Brad Hubbard at 916-978-5204 (TTY 800-877-8339) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Copies of the document may also be viewed at Reclamation’s Mid-Pacific Regional Office at the below address.

Comments must be received by close of business Tuesday, July 28, and should be sent to: Brad Hubbard, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825. Comments may also be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or faxed to 916-978-5059.