June 1970 Revised: March 1971

Environmental Statement

Buchanan Lake Chowchllla River Basin, California

prepared by U. S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento, California SUMMARY ,

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT BUCHANAN LAKE, CKCWCHILLA RIVER BASE!, CALIFORNIA

1. Coordination With Other Agencies. -

Date of Date of Agency Reouest Comments

U.S. Bureau of Uport Fisheries and Wildlife 11 Sep 70 3 Nov 70

Federal Water Quality Administration 11 Sep 70 23 Oct 70 (Environmental Protection Agency)

National Park Service 11 Sep 70 15 Oct 70

Bureau of Outdoor Recreation 11 Sep 70 27 Oct 70

State of California Resources Agency 11 Sep 70 11+ Jan 71

Board of Supervisors, County of Madera 11 Sep 70 21 Oct 70

2. Environmental Impacts. - The project, consisting of a reservoir and downstream channel improvement, would provide flood control, irrigation and recreation. The reservoir would inundate 1500 acres of oak-digger pine, grassland and would result in the loss of almost all of the remaining vege­ tation and associated values along 18 miles of the 20 miles total channel improvements. The project will facilitate increased urban, industrial and agricultural developments within the basin.

3 . Adverse Environmental Effects Which Cannot be Avoided. - The loss of riparian vegetation associated with channel improvements is a loss of aesthetic, wildlife, and other natural values of the river.

U. Alternatives. - The following alternatives were studied and found to be less desirable than the adopted plan principally for the reasons indicated: a. Channel improvements alone would add to flood problems on the San

Joaquin River, would cause greater damage to riparian habitat, and would not provide irrigation supply, fishery resources or recreation opportunities.

b. Channel improvements and a single-purpose irrigation supply reser­ voir would also add to flood problems on the and cause

■f greater damage to riparian habitat, and would not provide as great a fishery resource or as many recreation opportunities.

c. Channel improvements and a single-purpose flood control reservoir would not provide irrigation supply, fishery resources or recreation oppor­ tunities.

d. A multiple-purpose reservoir without channel improvements could avoid the need for extensive damage to riparian channel habitat, but would have to be very large and would be significantly more expensive.

e. No development at all would permit continued flood damages and would not provide the irrigation supply, fishery resources or recreation oppor­ tunities.

5. This is an administrative action, although further Congressional appropriations are required for project completion. The project was authorized by Section 203 of the Flood Control Act of 1962, Public Law

87-87U. Advance planning is essentially complete and real estate acqui­ sition for the reservoir is 85 percent complete. The initial construction contract for this project would be advertised and awarded in mid-1971 and would consist of relocating Madera County Road 607. ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT BUCHANAN LAKE CHOWCHILLA RIVER BASIN, CALIFORNIA

1. Project description. - The Buchanan Lake, Chowchilla River Basin Project was authorized by Section 203 of .the Flood Control Act of 1962, Public Law 87-874, and is now in the advance engineering and design phase. Acquisition of real estate— about 3,380 acres for the and reservoir areas are required— is 85 percent complete.

The project plan calls for construction of a rockfill dam about 205 feet high creating a reservoir having a capacity of 150,000 acre-feet and a shoreline of 20 miles. An unlined, ungated emergency spillway would be provided. The project purposes include flood control, irrigation, general recreation, and fish and wildlife enhancement. A 10,000 acre-foot minimum pool will be provided for sediment storage, recreation, and other purposes. Downstream channel improvements will consist of increasing to 5,000 c.f.s. (cubic feet per second) the capacity of about 12 miles of Ash Slough from its present controlling capacity of 3,000 c.f.s., and increasing to 2,000 c.f.s. the capacity of about 8 miles of Berenda Slough from its present controlling capacity of 1,000 c.f.s. These improvements, located immediately upstream from the Chowchilla Canal, will include channel enlargement, channel clearing, and levee construction. On Ash Slough 660 acres of stream are involved and 400,000 cubic yards of material will be removed, and on Berenda Slough 310 acres are involved and 250,000 cubic yards will be removed. Bank protection will be placed at sharp bends on Ash Slough. Patrol roads will be constructed on the levee crowns and gravity drainage structures will be constructed through the new levees.

The objective of the flood control operation of the reservoir will be to protect the urban and suburban areas of the city of Chowchilla against a flood of about "standard project" magnitude, and the rural agricultural areas along the Chowchilla River, Ash Slough and Berenda Slough against at least the 50-year frequency flood. The flood control operation will also aid in decreasing flooding along the lower San Joaquin River.

Irrigation operation of the project is expected to furnish an annual yield of about 24,000 acre-feet of new water.

Operations studies indicate that the average reservoir pool during the recreation season will have a surface area of approximately 1,100 acres. There will be an average drawdown of about seven vertical feet per month during the recreation season. Initial development of recrea­ tional features will include a day-use facility with 50 picnic units and a camping facility with 50 camping units. Facilities to be developed at eacli recreation site will include water supply and distribution systems, sanitary facilities, access and circulation roads, parking facilities and boat-launching facilities. In addition, approximately 1,500 acres of undeveloped project lands along the northwest, north and northeast shores of the reservoir will be used for a wildlife management area. Plate II indicates the location of the recreation and wildlife management-areas.

About 5.5 miles of Madera County Road No. 607 will be improved to permit access for construction and operation. This will be the first construction contract and is scheduled for initiation in 1971.

The overall project will have a benefit-to-cost ratio of 1.9 to 1.

2. Environmental setting without the project. - The Chowchilla River drainage basin is located in the of California, and extends from the Eastside Bypass on the valley floor generally northeast to the western slopes of the . The basin, including the valley floor portion, has a length of about 60 miles and an average width of about 10 miles. The watershed above the authorized Buchanan Dam site has an area of about 235 square miles with a normal annual precipitation of about 29.8 inches. Elevations in the basin range from about 6,800 feet in the Sierra Nevada to about 100 feet above sea level on the valley floor. . The drainage system above the damsite consists of two major tributaries, the East and West Forks, which flow in relatively deep canyons and join about 15 miles above the Buchanan Dam site to form the Chowchilla River. About 10 miles above the city of Chowchilla, the Chowchilla River system has been diverted into three channels. The Chowchilla River becomes a rather insignificant channel below this point and Ash and Berenda Sloughs become the main channels for the stream system. Local people have constructed control works to divert flows among Chowchilla River, Ash Slough and Berenda Slough. Most of the stream channels have been significantly modified from their natural condition as a result of agricultural activities in the area. Modifications consist of construction of irrigation facilities, realign­ ment of channels, removal of sand and vegetation from the channels, and construction of intermittent low levees. A map of the basin is shown on plate I.

The vegetation in the basin varies from coniferous forest in the upper elevations to oak-grassland and chaparral in the foothills where the reservoir site is located. The lower portion of the basin below the foothills is mostly under cultivation with very little native vegetation remaining except the riparian vegetation which grows along the water courses. Although limited, the sloughs support cottonwoods, willows, blackberries and other vegetation that provides food cover, resting and rearing areas for birds and small game. In the reaches of Ash and Berenda Sloughs where channel work is to be done, there are about 18 miles of channel with "good" riparian habitat (a subjective evaluation indicating the presence of significant riparian vegetative growth, wildlife and scenic and 'aesthetic qualities in comparison with other remaining natural habitat in the vicinity). There are approximately 106 miles of stream channels from the Buchanan Dam site to the San Joaquin River.

The principal land uses in the foothills and mountain areas are grazing and lumbering. The alluvial fan and valley floor of the basin downstream from the reservoir site are devoted primarily to agriculture. The land use includes unirrigated pasture, irrigated pasture, field crops, orchards and vineyards. Other related industries include feed lots, grain and milling companies, creamery, concrete pipe plant, lumber mill, and cotton oil mill. The city of Chowchilla is also located in the basin. Land uses have changed the original natural character of the lower portion of the basin; the flood plain includes about 110,000 acres with large areas of highly developed agricultural land and many homes and improvements. The current estimate of value of lands, within the Chowchilla River flood plain is estimated to be in excess of $150,000,000. Lands retaining their natural character are located in the stream floodways and at the lower end of the flood plain, where flood hazard tends to restrict development.

Based on information provided by the U. S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, the foothill area in the vicinity of the reservoir site supports substantial populations of upland game species, particularly quail. Deer, rabbits and doves are other notable game species in the area. There is moderate hunting pressure but. use is limited because of private land ownership. Cultivated lands at lower elevations support good pheasant populations. The project area is not inhabited by any known rare or endangered species of wildlife. Many species of non-game wildlife also exist in the project area.

Flow in the lower reaches of Chowchilla River below Buchanan Dam site is intermittent and docs not presently support a fishery. Upstream reaches and tributaries support small fish populations of non-game species.

Archeological and historical surveys have been conducted under the guidance of the National Park Service. A comprehensive report on excava­ tion of the archeological artifacts is scheduled for release in 1971. The earlier surveys have described the area of Buchanan Lake as potentially one of the richest archeological areas in the state. The project area lies near the borders of several Indian cultures and the survey and salvage information obtained offers opportunities for observation of cultural interaction. The prehistory of the area is reflected in the preliminary excavation of some 6,000 artifacts and the exhumation of 15 burials. Examination of Federal and State publications indicates that there are no known designated historical or archeological sites in this area that would be affected by the proposed project. Information from Madera County indicates that certain sites will be affected but that actions being taken by the Corps and others are satisfactory, as explained below*

3. The environmental impact of the proposed action. - The environmental impact is discussed in three parts:

a. The changes or conversions of environmental resources due to the project are as follows. A dam will be constructed, converting a portion of the Chowchilla River to a reservoir. The project would alter the seasonal distribution of flows below Buchanan Lake. Some 3,380 acres of lands in private ownership will be acquired for the dam and reservoir and for public access to the reservoir. A new supply of irrigation water will be provided. Recreation facilities will be developed includ­ ing water supply and distribution systems, sanitary facilities, access and circulation roads, parking facilities and boat-launching facilities. A portion of a county road will be improved to provide all-weather access. A 12-mile reach of Ash Slough and an 8-mile reach cf Berenda Slough will be improved to carry larger floodflows. Property rights for the channel improvements will be obtained by the California Reclamation Board.

b. Both beneficial and detrimental aspects will result from these changes. Flood control operation of the reservoir will protect the urban and suburban areas of the city of Chowchilla, providing a very high degree of flood protection to persons and property and enhance living conditions throughout the flood plain. The channel improvements will protect the rural agricultural areas along the Chowchilla River, Ash Slough and Berenda Slough against at least the 50-year frequency flood. Prevention of floods will imprpve the general sanitary environment in the immediate vicinity of Chowchilla, solving the problem of backflows from sewer manholes and drains and disruptions of sanitary services which have occurred during some past inundations. Prevention of floods will also alleviate the potential health problem posed by threat of inundation of wells which now comprise the water supply for the city of Chowchilla and will improve the general quality of water in Chowchilla River by eliminating some of the turbidity and sediment usually associated with floodflows. Flood peaks along the lower San Joaquin River and in the Delta will be reduced. Irrigation operation of the project will provide an annual yield of about 24,000 acre-feet of new water and it is expected that about 8,000 additional acres can be converted from dry land farming to intensive agricultural production. In addition, better timing for delivery of water for lands now being irrigated will be possible. The new lake will provide a water-oriented recreation resource and a warm-water game fishery where none presently exists. Annual recreation and fish and wildlife public use of the project is estimated to grow from 200,000 to 1,500,000 visitors in about 70 years. The economic well-being of the people in the area will be enhanced. Flood protection will encourage cultural development which will displace existing natural values with human resource values. The present relatively diversified natural environmental values present on. the 8,000 acres of dry-farmed land will be diminished by higher and more efficient land utilisation. Buchanan Lake and accompanying improvements would inundate an area of more than 1,500 acres of oak-digger pine- grassland and isolated stands of riparian vegetation. There are about 18 miles of intermittent riparian vegetation in the reaches of Ash and Bercnda Sloughs where channel work will be done. Unless consideration is given to the vegetation and associated natural values of the lower Chowchilla River channels, such natural features could be eliminated. Selective clearing is planned to save the larger trees, and levee slopes, read embankments, spoil banks and other construction areas will be seeded to establish vegetative growth. The significant archeolcgical resources have been surveyed and salvaged under direction of the National Park Service and the final portions of this work are planned for completion in 1971. Only a minor amount of sucli resources would be lost due to ■ construction and inundation. It is possible that water quality may be degra- dated as a consequence of the proposed action, and preventive measures and solutions would be developed. The new irrigation water supply will result in additional return flows containing agricultural by-products. Increased urbani­ zation and industrialization encouraged by flood protection and improved economic conditions could result in discharges of pollutants into the streams unless controlled. Groundwater levels in the area over the past 10 years have generally declined. Water quality changes could possibly result from such factors as thermal and dissolved oxygen stratification in the reservoir, chemical and biological changes and recreation use by-products. Consump­ tive use from the new water yield of the project will result in a small reduction in total flow through the Sacramcnto-San Joaquin Delta. However, such flows from Chowchilla River occur in the winter and early spring months when all other tributaries of the San Joaquin River are contributing fresh water or floodwaters to the Delta. The presence of the new lake will undoubtedly attract new subdivision development in the vicinity as is presently happening at other reservoirs in California; water quality problems and loss of open space or other environmental values could result unless control measures are adopted.

c. Remedial, protective and nitigation measures will be implemented as follows. The Corps of Engineers will encourage local, government agencies to prevent unsuitable developments in flood plains by appropriate regulatory actions, and to exercise available authorities to prevent adverse effects on water quality and to protect other environmental resources outside the project boundaries which might result from construc­ tion of the project. It is anticipated that existing regulatory powers and other means available to local, State and Federal authorities will, prevent unacceptable degradation of water quality and other environmental resource standards below the levels established by law. From available information there is no basis to indicate that violation of the established water quality standards or other environmental standards will occur as a result of the project. Corps of Engineers' plans for the project include several specific remedial, protective and mitigative actions. Specific specifications are included in Corps of Engineers construction contracts to minimize water quality and other environmental degradation during construction activities. Abcut 1,500 acres of project land and water area will be devoted to fish and wildlife management. With habitat improvement measures, the wildlife carrying capacity of the management area would be increased to compensate for the wildlife habitat to be inundated. Active participation in the operation of the fish and wildlife area by the State of California will assist in insuring optimum benefit from this facility. Some trees, shrubs and food producing plants will be planted in the downstream areas as a part of the project construction for partial mitigation of the loss of riparian vegetation and wildlife habitat. Provisions will be included in the maintenance manual for channel maintenance for retention of vegetation and other environmental resources compatible with flood control requirements. Adequate sanitary facilities and other measures for pollution prevention will be included in project development, operation and maintenance programs. Public use plans will be developed and utilized in a coordinated planning, design, construction and operation program to optimize human environmental benefits from Buchanan Lake.

A. Adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided should the project be implemented. - Increased agricultural production on 8,000 acres will decrease the natural environmental values by changing the area from dry land farming and grazing to intensive crop production. The flood protection provided to downstream areas and to the city of Chowchilla will encourage further development which will replace existing natural values with human resource values. A reach of the Chowchilla River will become a lake. The natural vegetative community and associated animal communities will be displaced. There will be a reduction in wildlife habitat since the game habitat improvements planned at the reser­ voir cannot completely mitigate for loss of riparian vegetation or for loss of associated non-game wildlife habitat. Also, the vegetative plantings and selective tree retention planned for the downstream channels may not fully compensate for the loss of the natural appearance of the stream. A minor loss of those archeological resources not included in the National Park Service survey and salvage program will occur. Adverse effects upon water quality may occur; however, the project and accompany­ ing actions by others are expected to provide safeguards for water quality or other environmental standards established by law.

5. Alternatives to the proposed action. - In formulating a plan of improvement for the Chowchilla River, consideration was given to the following alternative plans: a. Channel improvements only.

b. Channel improvements for flood control and reservoir storage for irrigation.

c. A single-purpose flood control reservoir.

d. A multiple-purpose flood control, irrigation and recreation reservoir.

e. A multiple-purpose flood control, irrigation, and recreation reservoir with downstream channel improvements (adopted plan).

f. No action.

Channel improvements only could reduce the flood damages along the Chowchilla River but would add to flood problems along the lower San Joaquin River and would damage riparian habitat more than most of the alternative plans. Channel improvements only would neither help alleviate the irrigation water deficiency in the area nor would they provide a recreation area or fishery. The seasonal distribution of flows would not be significantly altered nor would water quality changes accompanying such alteration occur; however, groundwater recharge could be decreased as a result of increased floodflow runoff rates. The need for more irrigation water and provision of recreation or fishery benefits would not be provided by a single-purpose flood control reservoir; changes in seasonal flow distribution and accompanying water quality changes would be minor. Adoption of a plan without an irrigation function would not optimize the development of the available water resources and would permit declining groundwater levels. A multiple-purpose reservoir large enough to provide essentially the same flood protection as the adopted plan (which includes downstream channel work) could be constructed. Such project would require land for the reservoir area but would not require channelization of the downstream channels. The seasonal flow distribution would be altered and some water quality changes might be incurred. Such a plan would be significantly more expensive than the adopted plan. The consequences of a no action alternative would be continuing flood damage, no irrigation or recreation benefits, diminish­ ing groundwater levels, and no change in seasonal flow distribution and water quality. Assuming the present rate of development in the area would continue in the absence of the authorized project, flood damages would continue until some non-Federal agency could construct similar works or implement a program for flood protection, possibly through flood plain management. Other alternatives studied were modification of the basic multipurpose reservoir concept with downstream channel improvement. The multipurpose dam and reservoir at the Buchanan site with downstream channel improve­ ments was found to be the most economical and desirable plan. The selected damsite, in addition to being the most technically feasible location, was closest to the population centers for recreation use, had the most potential for water conservation and had less impact on the loss of wildlife and trees than other upstream sites. The adopted plan includes downstream channel improvements, but the extent of such improvements is the minimum required for an adequate level of flood protection in comparison to other modifications of the basic plan, and consequently has the least impact on wildlife habitat and other natural resource values along the downstream channels.

6. Relationship between short-term uses of man’s environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity. - The project was formulated and will be constructed to meet the environmental needs of the area for flood protection, increased water conservation, public recreation areas, creation of a fishery resource, and preservation of fish and wildlife habitat. The characteristics of the limited vegetation along the downstream channels will be altered to a minor extent. The inundation of land by the reservoir will limit long-term land-use patterns in the immediate area, but will significantly enhance the human environment in the flood plain and in the reservoir area. The overall agricultural productivity of the area will be increased by the project's flood protection and new supply of irrigation water. Recreation potential and fish resources will be increased over the long term by creation of the new lake. Planning and regulation by local, State and Federal authorities is expected to prevent any unacceptable levels of such degradation of water quality.

7. Irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources which would be involved in the proposed action should it be implemented. - Irreversible commitment of resources on a long-term basis includes the inundation of the reservoir area, enlarging a portion of the existing stream below the dam to a larger flood-carrying facility and resulting loss of riparian vegetation and other stream values. The planned wildlife management area will help mitigate for wildlife losses in the reservoir area. Vegetative plantings and establishment of a designated floodway in the downstream channels in which undesirable encroachments will be prohibited will help ameliorate the effect of the channel work upon natural stream values.

8. Coordination with other agencies. - A draft of this environmental statement was sent to the following agencies for review and comment on 11 September 1970: a. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife

b. Federal Water Quality Administration

c. National Park Service

d. Bureau of Outdoor Recreation

e. State of California Resources Agency

f. Board of Supervisors, County of Madera

Comments were received from these agencies and are attached to this statement. The draft statement was revised to reflect pertinent comments received. Revised procedures for preparation of these statements were recently, instituted, accordingly, this statement was prepared in the format of the most recent guidelines. Actions concerning certain agency comments are briefly discussed below.

a. Several comments concerned the need for more discussion on water quality. This statement has been expanded to discuss some of these problems to the extent practicable.

b. The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife suggested further emphasis be given on planting vegetation in the downstream channels. Plantings to the extent warranted will be included in the project.

c. The State Resources Agency suggested increased field level coordination concerning fisheries. Sacramento District has implemented procedures to achieve this.

d. The National Park Service questioned the. need for increasing agricultural production on 8,000 acres by means of the irrigation supply. The Corps of Engineers obtained the project planning information on irrigation needs and benefits from the Bureau of Reclamation who will market the water, and the Corps analysis indicates that the expert advice received from that agency is reasonable and valid.

Unresolved conflicts concerning this project appear to be relatively minor. A recent public meeting in Madera, California, attended by local people and those concerned with the water problems of the area to discuss the project indicated no opposition. Any problems concerning possible degradation of water quality and loss of riparian habitat that may be encountered during construction will be given further consideration.

Attachments 1. Plate I 2. Plate II 3. Letters

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE ^BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE

730 N. E. PACIFIC STREET P. O. BOX 3737 PORTLAND, OREGON 97208

November 3, 1970

District Engineer Sacramento District, Corps of Engineers 650 Capitol Nall Sacramento, California 95814

Dear Sir:

Vie have reviewed the draft of your Buchanan Reservoir Environmental Information and Statement prepared as required by Section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act, P.L. 91-190.

The following comments are for consideration during review of the environmental draft and do not constitute this Bureau's formal' analysis under provisions of P.L. 91-190.

We believe that the importance of existing vegetation in the lower Chowchilla River, Berenda Slough and Ash Slough should be emphasized. We stated in our July 31, 1970, letter to you that "Inspection of the site shows that Ash and Berenda Sloughs provide important food, cover, resting and rearing area for birds and small game." Many migratory birds use the vegetation along these waterways for feeding and resting. These sloughs support considerable vegetation within the levees com­ posed of cottonwoods, willows, blackberries, and other plants. Although discussed in our previous letter, your statement does not include means to replace vegetation that will be removed from the river channel. We reiterate that consideration should be given to planting food-producing brush and grasses within the levees in order to reduce wildlife habitat and population losses that will result from channel-improvement work in this area.

We suggest you discuss this matter with staff of our Sacramento Area office, Division of River Basin Studies.

The opportunity to provide comments on your draft statement is most appreciated.

Sincerely yours.

Regional Director UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION

District Engineer l r* “r o o * ' v* t » * J 13 i u Sacramento District C Corps of Enpineers 650 Capitol'Mall Sacramento, California 95814

Dear Sir:

This is in reply to your letter of September 11, 1970 requesting review and comments on the draft environmental statement for Buchanan Reservoir.

The impact of this project on water quality is an important environmental concern; however the statement is silent on this issue. Considering the purpose of the document, failure to discuss this aspect of the environmental impact of the project is a serious omission. A list of specific comments on some deficiencies of the statement is attached.

We believe that consideration of these comments in preparing the final statement will result in a more complete and meaningful evaluation of the environmental impact of the project. Thank you for the opportunity to review the draft.

Si ncerely, Specific Comments by Federal Water Quality Administration

A discussion of the impact of the project on the environment should consider water quality changes that can be expected to occur. Such items as turbidity, thermal and dissolved oxygen j^stratification, chemical and biological changes, and the effects • of increased recreational activity on the reservoir or in the reservoir drainage area, should be included.

The statement also ."ails to discuss the impact of subdivision development on water quality. While it is mentioned that such development will be attracted to the new lake, none of the environmental implications of that development are evaluated. Water quality changes in existing impoundments which have occurred subsequent to the appearance of new subdivisions ‘ demonstrate the significance of the problem. A lack of discussion on this point is a serious deficiency in an environmental impact statement.

The downstream effects of altered natural flows and changes in land use should also be examined. While the statement does discuss land uses which will be encouraged by the project, it fails to mention the effect of those uses on water quality. The impact of intensified agriculture, greater urbanization and further industrial development on water quality, as well as the effect of altering flows, must be evaluated.

S till another water quality impact which is not discussed, is the reduction in flow through the San Joaquin- delta which will be caused by this project. Maintaining water quality at levels specified in Federal/State standards will be dependent in part on the maintenance of an adequate outflow from the delta. Since this project will reduce that flow, it may contribute to a violation of the standards. This point should be thoroughly discussed in the statement.

The effects of construction on water quality are also ignored in the statement. While techniques should be utilized which will minimize pollution, some adverse changes such as increases in turbidity may be unavoidable and should be discussed.

The discussion of alternatives to the project is similarly lacking. Although the guidelines issued by the Council on Environmental Quality call for an analysis of the environmental impact of each alternative, the statement does not describe effects of each on water quality.

Environmental Statement Buchanan Reservoir Project Chowchilla River Basin, California U. S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento, California UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WESTERN REGION 450 GOLDEN GATE AVENUE. BOX 35063 SAN FRANCISCO. CALIFORNIA 94102

October 15, 1970

Lt. Col. James II. Higman Acting District Engineer Corps of Engineers 650 Capitol Hall Sacramento, California 95814

Dear Lt. Col. Higman:

We appreciate the opportunity to review and comment on the "Environmental Statement for the Buchanan Reservoir Chow- chilla River Basin, California."

The environmental statement is quite conclusive except in the following areas: The report states that the project will provide irrigation waters for an additional 8,000 acres of land now in dry farming and convert it into intensive agriculture production. We question this as being a benefit since the Federal Government is already spending billions ' to subsidize surplus crops and the soil bank program. The 1,500 acres of land proposed as a wildlife management area, which is most likely already inhabited by wildlife, could not possibly replace the wildlife habitat inundated by the project even with improvement measures. We suggest that the statement on page 4 be rewritten to reflect the fact that the proposed 1,500 acres of wildlife management area would help mitigate some of the losses due to the project if funds are provided for continued management and mainten­ ance. Also what are the possibilities of maintaining a minimum flow of water, even a few CFH's, in the Chowchilla River bed during the normally dry periods as part of the wildlife mitigation measures?

We are also concerned about residential, commercial, and other developments that may be the result of additional flood plain protection. What effect will they have on the environment and what type of controls or planning, if any, will go into such new developments? We feel that even with the proposed flood plain protection, zoning or purchasing a generous right-of-way along the £howchilla River is necessary. It would serve as a green . belt and open space and would allow ample space for control measures other than deep rectangular concrete channels if additional flood control measures are ever needed in developed areas in the future.

This proposed flood control project is again treating a symptom and there is no mention of treating some of the causes contributing to flooding. We suggest that a paragraph or two be devoted to promoting good watershed management 'and flood plain zoning, etc., in the Chowchilla River Basin in the future as an important step in controlling the periodic flooding problem.

We have no further comments at this time.

Sincerely yours,

Theodore R. Owings Assistant Director Western Region UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF OUTDOOR RECREATION PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGIONAL OFFICE BOX 36062 450 GOLDEN GATE AVENUE SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94102

October 27, 1970

District Engineer U. S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento 65O Capitol Mall Sacramento, California 9581^

Dear Sir:

This is in response to your request dated September 11, 1970, for comment on the environmental statement for Buchanan Reservoir. Our review revealed several aspects of the statement needing further elaboration.

According to paragraph 12 of the statement "The flood control and conservation features of the project are expected to facilitate orderly development and stimulate agricultural, urban, industrial and commercial growth within the basin". The last sentence in the paragraph reads "The presence of the new lake will undoubtedly attract new subdivision development in the vicinity as is presently happening at other reservoirs in California". Such secondary effects on growth and population distribution may be of considerable consequence and warrant further elaboration. Will development in the flood plain be controlled or at least guided in accordance with flood plain zoning and flood insurance incentives? It is not clear how features of the project facilitate "orderly" develop­ ment. What will be the impact upon the resource base, including land use, water and public services of the area? It might be helpful to cite actual examples of the anticipated types of development resulting from Corps’ projects in other areas.

The alternatives section could be improved with a more complete discussion of the adverse and beneficial environmental impacts of each of the alternative site locations. Consideration might be given, for example, to variations in location as they relate to potential for growth stimulation. The location might be a major factor in controlling where growth will take place. A discussion of the environmental effects of recreation facility- development at the chosen sites would be appropriate. There is no mention of such effects nor of the potential impact of concentrated human use at the sites. This level of detail is particularly p_grtinent at the post-authorization site planning stage of the Buchanan project.

Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this environmental statement.

Sincerely yours,

Frank E . Sylvester Regional Director THE RESOURCES AGENCY OF CALIFORNIA SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

m 14 1971

Colonel James C. Donovan District Engineer Sacramento District U. S. Army Corps of Engineers 650 Capitol Mall Sacramento, California 95814

Dear Colonel Donovan:

We have reviewed the draft environmental statement on the Buchanan Reservoir project which was submitted to this office for state review and comment on September 11, 1970. Following are our comments on the statement.

The statement discusses a number of benefits and potential adverse environmental effects of the project. We believe it would be helpful to describe in somewhat greater detail some of the potential adverse effects, particularly those on the wildlife environment. The acreage of prime wildlife habitat and number of miles of river frontage to be inundated by the reservoir and the extent of riparian habitat to be eliminated along downstream channels should be indicated. Also, it should be pointed out that picnicking and other high density recreation uses of the project lands and the eventual sub­ urban developments that would be attracted to the project area will have detrimental effects on the wildlife resources.

Since drainage is a general San Joaquin Valley problem, we believe it would be beneficial to include in the statement comments on the potential effects (good and/or bad) of the project on drainage in the Valley and effects of the irriga­ tion return water from the project on the project service area.

We suggest that the description of the project, paragraph 8, et seq., include data on V7ater surface areas and shoreline lengths for the reservoir pools as-depicted on Plate II of the statement. Also, in the discussion in paragraph 18 con­ cerning' alternatives to the project, it is implied that increased development of ground water due to lack of a supple­ mental source of irrigation water would cause detrimental drawdovm of the existing ground water supply. We believe it would be appropriate to support this implication with infor­ mation on the trends of ground water levels in the area over the past 10 years or so.

Another detriment that should be mentioned is the increase in mineral content of downstream surface water and underlying ground water that would result from the use of irrigation water supplies conserved by the project.

The statement indicates that "Coordination is being maintained with fish and wildlife agencies and others to develop adequate plans for environmental mitigation and beautification needs". Now that the project is in the final design and initial con­ struction stages, we recommend that there be increased communi­ cation and coordination at the field level with respect to the planning, implementation, and maintenance of wildlife mitigation features.

There may be a problem in convincing local agencies to maintain trees, shrubs and other vegetation planted on the berms and levees to mitigate the effect of project channel improvements upon natural stream values. Experience along the lower Sacramento River shows that trees and shrubs on the water­ side berms do not pose a significant problem for maintenance agencies but that trees and shrubs on the levee slopes are costly to maintain. Preliminary project plans should clearly show the extent and nature of the proposed vegetation planting and/or recreation facilities so that local maintenance agencies will be fully alerted to the maintenance required.

It is suggested that the statement include a discussion of unresolved conflicts, or an indication that there are none, to develop an understanding of the extent of local support for the project.

Sincerely yours,

AsBis^ant Secretary for Resources PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT ON CORPS OF ENGINEERS HIDDEN RESERVOIR AND BUCHANAN RESERVOIR. STATEMENTS CALLED FOR BY PUBLIC LAW 91-190. (Corps of Engineers statements on environmental impact of the projects)

I have read over the draft versions of the report submitted by the Departs front of the Army, Sacramento D istrict Corps of Engineers for the Hidden' R eservoir and the Buchanan R eservoir p ro je c ts as d ire cte d by your Board.

Important points related to the environment, In the area affected by the project, include the statement "With very little native vegetation remain­ ing except along water courses", A discussion with local Fish and Gome people indicates that thoso water courses and that vegetation in those water courses are some of the most Important areas in the County with .regard to w ildlife. Preservation of that vegetation, or possibly its enhancement, as well as the removal of It for flood control purposes, would seem to bo a very important coordinating aspect of this work In the flood- plains. If there existed plenty of natural vegetation elsewhere to support w ild life population, then these floodplain areas would perhaps not be as Important as they are.

In Paragraph 4 of the Hidden Reservoir Report, there Is the statement: "Some lands retaining their natural character are locat’ed along the stream courses where flood hazard restricts development". Thus you can see th a t thoso areas have been preserved In the past simply because there has been no economic use of the land due to the flood hazard. Once again this emphasizes the Importance of maintaining vegetation for w ild life cover in those s tr ip s , since economic pressure has e s s e n tia lly romovod most such cover and environmental values for w ild life from other places, leav­ ing only these narrow strips. This makes them more Important than ever.

Although the report, In Paragraph 6, says that the stream has little potential as a wild and scenic river, nonetheless, it does provide some scenic value in a region which has little else of scenic value at this time. Of course, in comparison to somo of the major and more Important . w ild riv e rs in the United S tate s, th is r iv e r does not compare very favorably; but in comparison to the surrounding land uses, It does have relative scenic value. This department recommends these be conserved wherever possible. Such conservation might be accomplished simply by careful planning and sensitive execution of the floodplain cloaranco projects without necessarily spending any additional funds. As a matter of fact, careful planning might allow the saving of some money by requir- Ing certain areas of vegetation to be le ft in p.laco rather -than torn out.

The Corps’, report Indicates that there are no fodoral or stato'historical sites in tho aroa of this project. Thoro aro two local historical points specified In tho General Plan of Madora County and one which Is not shown on tho Gonoral Plan Map but which has somo historical significance and Is cited by tho Historical Society for that reason. Monte Redondo in the. lower regions'of the , somewhere between Road 15 and Road 19, has been cited In some historical reports as a landmark of the valley in the early days hero. It was a tree-covored Island rather liko an oasis in the valley area In the Fresno River floodplain In that place. In tho early history of tho County It Was used as a principal stopping point for shade and water supplies for travelers. At this time there appears to be nothing of the original vegetation lo ft there and nothing to mark the location. Therefore, It appears that there Is no conflict between this project and that early historical site.

H-19 on the General Rian Map, ju s t below Hlddon Lako on tho Fresno R iver marks tho s ite o f an old Indian v illa g e . P re lim in a ry In v e s tig a tio n s by an Investigator from the federal government indicates that there are no really significant art.! facts to be found in that area and that it is not In any way an outstanding example of Indian culture In this area but rather is simply a further example of archaeological remains that can be found in many other placos in the County. ! .

H-17 marks a point very near the geographic contor of the State of C alif­ ornia at mean low tide. This would not be affected in any way by tho river improvements.

The Corps has already explained tho procedures for possible eventual moving of the Savage Monument and the adjoining store to a new location In the public recreation area adjoining the lake.

At tho Buchanan R eservoir s it o , H-23 is lis te d as an h is to ric a l s ite in the Goner,al Plan o f Madora County. This archaeological d ig has alroady been carefully investigated by an archaeological team. Apparently further work is planned on the site and it appears that the entire archaeological site w ill be fully investigated prior to tho time of Inundation by tho Buchanan Lake. The General Plan shows no other historical sites of any great s ig n ific a n c e downstream from Buchanan R eservoir. . ,

One other aspect of environmental impact would certainly Include tho generation of speculative pressures on new subdivision development in tho vicinity of tho reservoirs. It is apparently entI roly up to local govern­ ment to obtain the highest level of land use In the development of these areas.

Item 14 of the Buchanan Report discusses the downstream channel Improve­ ments as a flood control feature of the project; They pointed out that this downstream activity would modify existing wildlife habitat and the esthetic values associated with the existing character of the stream. Tho report says that mitigation measures would Includo planting of troos, shrubs and fruit-producing plants in noloctod areas and seeding of a ll lovoo slopes, road embankments, sp o il banks, and o th e r co n stru ctio n areas outsldo, the channel. The report ch:o not epeoify who will do thin or who its re- oponoible for having it done. In other words, fhoro Is no spoclflc Implementation mechanism fo r environmental preservation o r enhancement s+ated in this report. I t therefore asp-oars that it would be up to tne local Flood Control Agency which is carrying o" The direction of This work and doing The exact contrac-"! ng to be responsible for the m itigating, measures, specified.

The Planning Department o f Madera County h ig h ly reconrronds to tne Flood Control Agency that th9 downstream work Include in tne long-range plan­ ning the planting of trees and shrubs in ■‘t.ese selected areas and tne seeding o f a ll levee slopes, road embankments, sp o il banks, and other construction areas in and cuts'ce the channel on the complotion of any work that h3s to be done. It is recommended that Iccol representatives of the Fish and Garre Commission De called uoon for Their advice and assistance in carrying out these measures. It is also recommended that the Natural Resources Planning and ’ Development Committee be called ucon for its advice and assistance in tnis work.

It appears Thar there is an opportunity here, for very little cost,one p-incipally for the expenditure of careful thought and discussion, for some possibilities for the actual improvement of w ildlife habitat and scenic value o f the d'ownstroam area as w e ll as. conservation in conjunct­ ion with this flood control work.

.This report to the Board of Supervisors does not specify’ any changes in ,‘ the draft of the report by the Corps of Engineers, either for the Hidden Reservoir cr *or the Buchanan R eservoir, but dees c a ll the Board's attention to the possibilities of local planning and coordination for the erhancemenc of this downstream area, in terms of w ild life and scenic values, in conjunction with the required flood control activities to be c a rrie d cut by the local Flood Control Agency. It is recommended tnat This opportunity not be disregarded, but rather, used as an opportunity for participation by local organizations end individuals in the enhance­ ment of the environment long these ecologically important strips. j »

Rta^nsrtful Iv submitted.

/ROBERT L. WALL Planning Director Madera County, C a lif.

Dated: October 21, J970