3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Chapter 3.0 Project Description

3.0 Project Description 3.1 Proposed Project The El Dorado Water & Power Authority (EDWPA) has filed with the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Rights, 5644X02 and 5645X12 for partial assignment of each of State Filed Applications (SFAs) 5644 and 5645, and accompanying applications allowing for the total withdrawal for use of 40,000 acre-feet annually (AFA) from the Basin. The proposed project is defined as the acquisition of these water rights and to make consumptive use of this water. The proposed partial assignment from SFAs with a 1927 priority date would make these new water rights senior to many downstream appropriators on the American River, such as the Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) and the City of Sacramento (City). This 1927 priority date is legally significant because, under water law, appropriative water rights are granted on the principle of, “First in time, first in right.” Under this system, the most senior appropriator is entitled to take its entire appropriation before the next most senior appropriator can successfully lay claim to its water right. Depending on water availability, there may be years when junior right holders may not be entitled to take the full amounts of water to which they are ostensibly entitled, even though they hold a valid right. The water supply sought originates from American River sources, including water presently stored and released from Loon Lake Reservoir, Union Valley and Ice House Reservoirs and certain direct diversions from the upper Rubicon River (tributary to the Middle and North Fork American Rivers) and Silver Creek (tributary to the South Fork American River), all of which have been used by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) for approximately 50 years for hydroelectric power generation in its FERC Project No. 2101, also known as the Upper American River Project (UARP) located in El Dorado County, California. The proposed project is consistent with the diversion and storage locations allowed under the El Dorado-SMUD Cooperation Agreement, which can be found in Appendix B. Under the terms of the Cooperation Agreement, SMUD would continue to operate the UARP pursuant to its FERC operational license, while also meeting water deliveries called for by EDWPA. EDWPA has prepared this EIR as the Lead Agency pursuant to Section 15051(a) of the CEQA Guidelines, since EDWPA is the public agency that will carry out the proposed project. As noted in Chapter 1.0 Introduction, this EIR represents a two-tier document. At the project level, it addresses the potential environmental effects of the new water right acquisition at the local, regional and State-wide levels across a broad range of water-

3.0-1 Chapter 3.0 Project Description related environmental resources. It also addresses at the project level the potential indirect effects of serving this new water supply within the existing service areas and favorable areas (i.e., Favorable Areas) consistent with the growth projections and conclusions reached by the El Dorado General Plan and its accompanying EIR. This current EIR, however, does not evaluate the final infrastructure and facility requirements necessary to fully implement the proposed project. This is because it is not possible at this time for water purveyors to determine facility siting, design, and construction-related surveying prior to acquiring a new water supply that would generate such a need. Pursuant to Section 15145 of the CEQA Guidelines, the EIR cannot speculate on the site- specific, project-level environmental effects of these facilities. Such facilities and infrastructure, however, are described to the extent known and this discussion sets the framework for the program level impact analysis provided later in the EIR regarding the types of construction and operational effects these facilities would impart on the environment. 3.2 Project Objectives The fundamental objective of the proposed project is to establish new permitted water rights allowing for the diversion of water from the American River basin meeting planned future consumptive water demands within the western slopes of El Dorado County. EDWPA, as the permittee, would contract with the El Dorado Irrigation District (EID) and Georgetown Divide Public Utility District (GDPUD), or other future newly formed entity, to allow the use of water under the permit within the EID and GDPUD service areas as well as other areas located within the western slopes of El Dorado County as those demands are realized in the future. A secondary but very important project objective is to obtain the benefits of policies in California water law protecting the interests of so-called “counties of origin” or “areas of origin.” Here, that benefit can be obtained through the acquisition of water rights with the 1927 priority date associated with State Filed Applications (SFAs) 5644 and 5645. The fundamental objective of the proposed project – to establish the right to divert up to 40,000 AFA from the American River basin – reflects the legal mandates and obligations of the various participating agencies, which generally require them to identify and obtain sufficient amounts of water to serve projected and approved demand in their respective service areas. As explained previously, EDWPA is a Joint Powers Authority, organized under the Joint Exercise of Powers Act (Gov. Code, § 6500 et seq.), comprised of the County of El Dorado (the “County”), the El Dorado County Water Agency (EDCWA) and EID. In 2004, the County, EDCWA and EID formed EDWPA in order to enable them to jointly negotiate with SMUD their storage and water delivery use rights to the Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s (SMUD’s) Upper American River Project

3.0-2 Chapter 3.0 Project Description

(UARP), and to jointly represent its member agencies with regard to SMUD’s applications for UARP relicensing with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). EDCWA is a district created by Chapter 96 of the California Water Code Appendices. Its mission is to ensure that present and future water demands within the County are met. EDCWA’s jurisdictional area consists of all territory lying within the boundaries of El Dorado County. EID is an irrigation district organized and existing under the Irrigation District Law, California Water Code Division 11. GDPUD is a public utility district formed pursuant to the Public Utility District Act (Pub. Util. Code, §§ 15501 – 18055), whose duties include providing water supply within its boundaries. (See also Pub. Util. Code, §§ 16407 [provision of water to customers], 16461 [powers of public utility districts].) The traditional understanding of water suppliers under California law is that there is a “duty to serve” new development as anticipated in adopted general plans. As reflected in case law, this obligation has been understood to require water suppliers to find and develop any new water supplies needed to meet projected growth levels in their service areas. (See Swanson v. Marin Municipal Water Dist. (1976) 56 Cal.App.3d 512, 524 (water district has a “continuing obligation to exert every reasonable effort to augment its available water supply in order to meet increasing demand”); Glenbrook Development Co. v. City of Brea (1967) 253 Cal.App.2d 267, 277 (“county water district has a mandatory duty of furnishing water to inhabitants within the district’s boundaries”); see also Lukrawka v. Spring Valley Water Co. (1915) 169 Cal.318, 322; Building Industry Assn. of Northern California v. Marin Municipal Water Dist. (1991) 235 Cal.App.3d 1641, 1648-1649.) Consistent with this traditional obligation, a “distributor of a public water supply” can refuse to supply water to new development only if the distributor “finds and determines that the ordinary demands and requirements of water customers cannot be satisfied without depleting the water supply of the distributor to the extent that there would be insufficient water for human consumption, sanitation, and fire protection.” (Cal. Water Code, § 350.) The Urban Water Management Planning Act (Cal. Water Code, § 10610 et seq.), as amended in 2001, contains provisions embodying this “duty to serve.” The Act was passed in response to the California Legislature’s concern that California’s water supply agencies might not be engaged in adequate long-term planning. That Act requires “urban water suppliers” to maintain an “urban water management plan” that must identify existing water supply and demand, and must identify any new water sources required to

3.0-3 Chapter 3.0 Project Description satisfy demand as projected at least 20 years into the future. The projected 20-year supply must account for “average, single-dry, and multiple-dry water years.” In predicting 20-year water demands, urban water agencies must rely on “data from the state, regional, or local service agency population projections.” Thus, for example, to the extent that El Dorado County anticipates large population increases in its adopted general plan, EDCWA and water suppliers in the County are required to identify water sources necessary to serve such planned development, and are not in a position to refuse to comply with that legal obligation as a means of reducing the “growth-inducing” effects of obtaining new water supplies. Under California Water Code sections 10910 and 10912, as amended in 2001 (also known as Senate Bill [SB] 610), an urban water supplier must consult with the county and cities within the supplier’s service area when those entities propose development projects of a certain magnitude (e.g., residential projects with more than 500 dwelling units or a retail or business establishment employing more than 1,000 persons or having more than 250,000 square feet). The water supplier must respond to these requests either by identifying the water sources available to serve such development or by identifying the plans it would follow to obtain new water supplies for such developments. In the latter instance, such plans may include information concerning: (1) the estimated total costs, and the proposed method of financing the costs, associated with acquiring additional water supplies; (2) all federal, state, and local permits, approvals, or entitlements that are anticipated to be required in order to acquire and develop the additional supplies; and (3) the estimated time frames within which the supplier expects to be able to acquire additional water supplies. (Cal. Water Code, § 10911, subd. (a).) Urban water suppliers are also subject to 2001 state legislation commonly known as the “Kuehl Bill” (SB 221), after its author State Senator Sheila Kuehl. (See Cal. Gov. Code, § 66473.7.) That bill does not change the duty to serve, but is intended to ensure that actual “wet water” will be ready when the demand for water for residential development actually arises. SB 221 requires any city or county considering the approval of a proposed subdivision map for more than 500 units to consult with the relevant water supply agency to determine whether adequate water is available for the proposed subdivision, as well as for “existing and planned future uses” (including agriculture) over the next 20 years, under “normal, single-dry, and multiple-dry year” scenarios. This legal scheme, like the Urban Water Management Planning Act, requires urban water suppliers to constantly take the steps that will be necessary to accommodate the growth planned for the next 20 years by the county and cities within the supplier’s service area. There is also legal force behind EDWPA’s secondary objective of obtaining the benefits of California water law policies protecting areas in which water originates and honoring

3.0-4 Chapter 3.0 Project Description seniority in water rights. As explained in Chapter 1.0 (Introduction), the State of California has taken steps to assure that the areas in which water originates will have an adequate supply for their reasonable, beneficial use when those areas’ water needs require its use. This policy is evidenced by Water Code § 10500, et seq., which provide for the reservation of priority applications for future development and that the priority of state-filed applications may not be released, nor may such applications be assigned such that the county of origin is deprived of water covered by the application necessary for its development. The waters of the American River applied for under EDWPA’s applications originate within El Dorado County, and EDWPA’s member agencies may assert these statutory protections to provide for future consumptive needs within the County. Though the American River and its tributaries are considered fully appropriated during a portion of the year, EDWPA’s applications are consistent with the SWRCB’s Declaration of Fully Appropriated Stream Systems, which states that “petitions for assignment of existing state filings . . . together with accompanying applications, which implement Water Code section 10500 et seq., and which propose appropriation of water from stream systems identified in the Declaration as fully appropriated, should be accepted for filing.” (In re Matter of Fully Appropriated Systems in California (1998) Order WR 98-08, § 4.4.) Notably, in prior decisions as to the waters of the American River, the SWRCB has recognized the paramount rights of EDWPA’s member agencies and other local interests through its conditioning of the water rights of both the City and USBR. (In the Matter of Applications 12140, et al. by the City of Sacramento and other applicants, to appropriate waters of the American River and its tributaries. (1958) D-893.) This secondary objective of gaining a 1927 seniority date for the proposed ultimate diversion of up to 40,000 AFA is particularly important in light of ongoing regulatory challenges facing the lower American River, the , the Sacramento- Delta, and the San Joaquin River. Under settled legal principles, junior water right holders may have to adjust their diversions and practices to ensure that all necessary and mandatory environmental standards can be maintained while at the same time allowing their diversions. Since El Dorado County interests had the foresight in the 1950s to ensure that the State Water Rights Board, in granting water rights on the American River to the City of Sacramento and USBR, conditioned those rights on the need for those junior appropriators to make future accommodations to water demand in El Dorado County as that demand increased over time, EDWPA and its members believe that they cannot be fairly asked to bear the kinds of burdens and limitations that should be borne by junior water right holders.

3.0-5 Chapter 3.0 Project Description

3.3 Project Location and Boundaries The proposed project is located on the South Fork and North Fork of the American River and their tributaries in El Dorado County (see Figure 3.3-1). Numerous existing facilities, reservoirs, waterways and service areas are relied upon by the proposed project. Folsom is located in Sacramento County, and Folsom Reservoir is located in Sacramento, El Dorado and Placer Counties. The White Rock Powerhouse Penstock, Folsom Reservoir diversions, and the potential future American River Pump Station diversion and conveyance facilities are located in the western portion of El Dorado County. The proposed project service area is illustrated in Figure 3.3-1. Detailed discussions of the various environmental settings, characteristics and features of the natural and man-made landscapes are provided in resource specific chapters contained with in the EIR. A thorough description of each resource setting is presented in those corresponding chapters and is not replicated here. 3.3.1 Local Area Water diverted under the proposed project will originate in the UARP, including the American River basin; the Rubicon River (tributary to the Middle and North Fork American Rivers) and Silver Creek (tributary to the South Fork American River). 3.3.1.1 Rubicon River The Rubicon River originates near Clyde Lake in the . Upstream of UARP’s Rubicon Reservoir, the major tributary on the Rubicon River is Phipps Creek. From its headwaters, the Rubicon River flows generally north to Rubicon Reservoir, then northwest to the mouth of the Little Rubicon River, and to Placer County Water Agency’s 209,000 acre-foot Hell Hole Reservoir. The Rubicon River flows westerly from the Hell Hole Reservoir until it joins the Middle Fork American River, then to the North Fork American River near Auburn. This confluence forms the main stem of the American River. Besides the main stem of Rubicon River on which Rubicon Dam is located, UARP facilities are located on three tributaries to the Rubicon River: Little Rubicon River (Buck Island Dam), Gerle Creek (Loon Lake Reservoir and Gerle Creek ), and the South Fork Rubicon River (Robbs Peak Dam). The Little Rubicon River headwaters originate near Highland Lake in the Desolation Wilderness. Highland Creek is the major tributary to the Little Rubicon and generally flows north to Rockbound Lake and then to Buck Island Reservoir. Upstream of Buck Island Reservoir lies the natural Rockbound and Highland lakes. From Buck Island Reservoir, the Little Rubicon flows generally northwesterly to its mouth at the Rubicon River.

3.0-6 5 13N 15E 33 14N 15E 3 13N 15E 2 13N 15E 6 13N 16E Loon Lake 4 13N 15E 5 13N 16E Reservoir PROJECT AREA POD, PORD #(8) 7 13N 16E 8 13N 16E 913N16E Gerle Creek (E 7041663, N 2131387) 7 13N 15E Reservoir 8 13N 15E Buck Island MAP POD, PORD #(9) 16 13N 16E (E 7018163, N 2117587) Reservoir 14 13N 14E 13 13N 14E 18 13N 15E 15 13N 14E POD, PORD #(7) El Dorado Water & Power Authority (E 7057064, N 2132587) Rubicon R u b Supplemental Water Rights Project i co Reservoir n 24 13N 09E 22 13N 14E 23 13N 09E 23 13N 11E R 19 13N 10E i N n v o 20 13N 10E ico e rt ub POD #(6) r h F 21 13N 10E R El Dorado County, CA ork r rk A ve Fo (E 7067563, N 2126887) merican R i th Sou 30 13N 12E 28 13N 11E 27 13N 11E 26 13N 11E 25 13N 11E 27 13N 14E 26 13N 09E 25 13N 09E 30 13N 10E 29 13N 10E 28 13N 10E PLACER Robbs Peak COUNTY Future 35 13N 09E 36 13N 09E 31 13N 10E 32 13N 10E 31 13N 12E 32 13N 12E 33 13N 12E Reservoir 33 13N 11E 34 13N 11E 35 13N 11E 36 13N 11E 34 13N 14E 32 13N 09E Greenwood 33 13N 10E 34 13N 10E 35 13N 10E 36 13N 10E 31 13N 11E 32 13N 11E Auburn Lake POD, PORD #(10) Proposed Point Lake WTP 35 13N 14E (E 7019763, N 2111087) Trails WTP GF of Diversion 6 12N 12E 4 12N 12E 312N12E 2 12N 14E 1 12N 08E 6 12N 09E 512N11E 412N11E 312N11E 212N11E 112N11E 5 12N 09E 4 12N 10E 3 12N 10E 2 12N 10E 1 12N 10E 612N11E 4 12N 09E Water Treatment 3 12N 09E 2 12N 09E ek re .! 6 12N 10E 5 12N 10E C 1 12N 09E t Plant Georgetown ilo P 912N11E 10 12N 11E 11 12N 12E 12 12N 12E 11 12N 14E 12 12N 08E 7 12N 09E 8 12N 09E 9 12N 09E 10 12N 09E 11 12N 09E 8 12N 10E 12 12N 11E 8 12N 12E 9 12N 12E 10 12N 12E 7 12N 13E 8 12N 13E 9 12N 13E 11 12N 08E 12 12N 09E 7 12N 10E 9 12N 10E 10 12N 10E 11 12N 10E 12 12N 10E 712N11E 11 12N 11E Stumpy 10 12N 13E Places of Use Eldorado Meadows Union Valley American River Future Point Greenwood Reservoir Reservoir Service Area A§E 15 12N 13E Pump Station of Diversion 15 12N 09E 14 12N 09E 17 12N 10E 16 12N 12E 14 12N 12E 13 12N 12E 18 12N 13E 16 12N 14E 15 12N 14E 14 12N 14E 14 12N 08E 13 12N 09E 18 12N 10E 16 12N 10E 15 12N 10E 14 12N 10E 13 12N 10E 17 12N 13E 16 12N 13E POD, PORD #(2) EID Service Area 16 12N 09E (E 7005362, N 2081086) (E 6829990, N 2082743) 17 12N 14E National GDPUD Service Area

22 12N 09E 23 12N 09E 19 12N 14E 21 12N 14E 22 12N 14E 23 12N 14E 24 12N 08E 24 12N 09E 19 12N 10E 20 12N 10E 21 12N 10E 22 12N 10E 23 12N 10E 24 12N 10E 19 12N 11E 23 12N 08E 21 12N 09E Favorable Areas * 20 12N 14E EID Ice House 27 12N 09E 26 12N 09E Forest 27 12N 14E 26 12N 14E 25 12N 09E 30 12N 10E 29 12N 10E 28 12N 10E 27 12N 10E 26 12N 10E 25 12N 10E 30 12N 14E 29 12N 14E 28 12N 14E 26 12N 08E 28 12N 09E GDPUD Garden Valley Reservoir 25 12N 08E 30 12N 09E 29 12N 09E POD #(1) reek lver C 31 12N 14E (E 7028762, N 2065986) SMUD UARP Facility 34 12N 09E 35 12N 09E 36 12N 09E 31 12N 10E 32 12N 10E Si 35 12N 14E 35 12N 08E 36 12N 08E 31 12N 09E 32 12N 09E 33 12N 09E 33 12N 10E 34 12N 10E 35 12N 10E 36 12N 10E 31 12N 11E Brush Creek 33 12N 13E 34 12N 13E 36 12N 13E 34 12N 08E 36 12N 14E Reservoir 35 12N 13E Junction Tunnel Pilot Hill POD, PORD #(5) 511N13E Reservoir Penstock 111N09E 411N13E 511N15E 111N08E 611N09E 511N09E 411N09E 311N09E 211N09E 611N10E 511N10E 611N12E 311N08E 211N08E 411N10E 311N10E 111N10E 611N11E 411N11E 311N11E 111N11E (E 6954288, N 2060364) 111N14E 411N08E 211N10E 211N11E POD, PORD #(3) 611N15E ?kE (E 7000761, N 2075786) Point of Diversion or 12 11N 11E 711N12E Camino # 11 11N 11E 711N15E 811N15E 11 11N 09E 12 11N 09E 711N10E 11 11N 08E 12 11N 08E 711N09E 811N09E 911N09E 10 11N 09E 811N10E 10 11N 11E Point of Rediversion** 911N08E 10 11N 08E 911N10E 12 11N 10E 711N11E 811N11E 911N11E 811N08E 10 11N 10E 11 11N 10E Reservoir White Rock Powerhouse 10 11N 12E 11 11N 12E 12 11N 12E 711N13E POD, PORD #(4) UARP Reservoir (E 6978523, N 2066789) 14 11N 09E 13 11N 09E 18 11N 10E 17 11N 11E 16 11N 11E Penstock Proposed 14 11N 08E 13 11N 08E 18 11N 09E 17 11N 09E 16 11N 09E 15 11N 09E 17 11N 10E 16 11N 10E 15 11N 12E 14 11N 12E Public Land Survey System 16 11N 08E 15 11N 08E 15 11N 10E 13 11N 10E 18 11N 11E 18 11N 12E 16 11N 12E 17 11N 08E Lotus 14 11N 10E Principal Meridian - Mt. Diablo Meridian Coloma Kelsey PointofRediversion (E 6907359, N 2042780) 22 11N 10E 23 11N 10E 24 11N 10E 19 11N 12E Parcel Boundary 22 11N 09E 23 11N 09E 24 11N 09E 19 11N 10E 20 11N 10E 21 11N 10E 19 11N 11E 20 11N 11E 21 11N 11E 23 11N 11E 24 11N 11E 23 11N 12E 24 11N 12E 22 11N 08E 23 11N 08E 24 11N 08E 19 11N 09E 20 11N 09E 21 11N 09E 22 11N 11E 20 11N 12E 21 11N 12E 22 11N 12E 20 11N 08E 21 11N 08E I½ Chili Bar erican River rk Am USFS Land 25 11N 11E h Fo Reservoir Slab Creek Sout 30 11N 09E 29 11N 11E 29 11N 15E 28 11N 15E 27 11N 08E 26 11N 08E 25 11N 08E 28 11N 09E 27 11N 09E 26 11N 09E 25 11N 09E 30 11N 10E 29 11N 10E 28 11N 10E 28 11N 11E 26 11N 12E 25 11N 12E 28 11N 08E 29 11N 09E 25 11N 11E 27 11N 12E 30 11N 13E 29 11N 13E 25 11N 13E 30 11N 08E 29 11N 08E Reservoir Silver 27 11N 10E For Folsom Reservoir 26 11N 10E k A 25 11N 10E 31 11N 11E 26 11N 11E PORD #(15) m er 36 11N 10E (E 6932661, N 2046185) ica PORD #(16) 36 11N 14E n 34 11N 13E 36 11N 13E 31 11N 15E 32 11N 15E 33 11N 08E 32 11N 09E 33 11N 09E 34 11N 09E 35 11N 09E 36 11N 09E 31 11N 10E 32 11N 10E 33 11N 10E 34 11N 10E 35 11N 10E 31 11N 12E 33 11N 12E 34 11N 12E 35 11N 12E 36 11N 12E 31 11N 13E 32 11N 13E 33 11N 13E R 32 11N 11E 33 11N 11E 34 11N 11E 35 11N 11E 36 11N 11E 32 11N 12E iv 31 11N 08E 32 11N 08E (E 6821553, N 2030695) 31 11N 09E Pollock Pines er

310N08E 2 10N 08E 1 10N 08E 5 10N 10E 4 10N 10E White Rock 310N12E 2 10N 12E 1 10N 12E 3 10N 13E 3 10N 09E 2 10N 09E 1 10N 09E 6 10N 10E 610N11E 410N11E 310N11E 210N11E 110N11E 6 10N 12E 5 10N 12E 4 10N 12E 6 10N 13E 5 10N 13E A 5 10N 08E 4 10N 08E 3 10N 10E l 510N11E d Powerhouse er Camino C r 12 10N 08E 710N11E ee 11 10N 08E k 10 10N 08E 8 10N 10E 9 10N 10E 10 10N 10E 12 10N 10E 810N12E 910N12E 10 10N 12E 11 10N 12E 12 10N 12E 10 10N 13E 12 10N 09E 7 10N 10E 11 10N 10E 910N11E 10 10N 11E 11 10N 11E 12 10N 11E 7 10N 12E 7 10N 13E 8 10N 13E 9 10N 13E *Favorable areas are areas where the density of 7 10N 08E 8 10N 08E 9 10N 08E Rescue El Dorado 7 10N 09E Placerville 810N11E potential development and/or proximity to the existing systems may be "favorable" to providing Hills WTP Sly Park Folsom 13 10N 12E Reservoir water service in the future. Boundaries are 15 10N 08E 18 10N 10E 17 10N 10E 16 10N 10E 15 10N 10E 14 10N 10E 13 10N 10E 18 10N 12E 17 10N 12E 16 10N 12E 15 10N 12E 14 10N 12E 14 10N 08E 18 10N 09E 17 10N 09E 14 10N 09E 13 10N 09E 16 10N 11E 15 10N 11E 14 10N 11E 13 10N 11E 18 10N 13E 16 10N 13E Reservoir 16 10N 08E 18 10N 11E 17 10N 13E 13 10N 08E 17 10N 11E consistent with the 2007 Water Resources 17 10N 08E Development and Management Plan with the ek exception of the elimination of Pine Hill Preserve Cre 23 10N 12E 24 10N 12E 22 10N 08E 23 10N 08E 19 10N 10E 20 10N 10E 21 10N 10E 22 10N 10E 23 10N 10E 24 10N 10E Weber 19 10N 12E 20 10N 12E 21 10N 12E 22 10N 12E 19 10N 09E 20 10N 09E 21 10N 09E 22 10N 09E 23 10N 09E 24 10N 09E 22 10N 11E 23 10N 11E 24 10N 11E 19 10N 13E 20 10N 13E 21 10N 13E 20 10N 08E 21 10N 08E 19 10N 11E 21 10N 11E Recovery area in the El Dorado Hills and the 24 10N 08E addition of known proposed development and updates 20 10N 11E 26 10N 08E to the district service areas. 27 10N 08E 27 10N 10E 26 10N 10E 26 10N 12E 26 10N 09E 25 10N 09E 30 10N 10E I½ 25 10N 10E 30 10N 11E 29 10N 11E 28 10N 11E 27 10N 11E 26 10N 11E 25 10N 11E 30 10N 12E 29 10N 12E 28 10N 12E 27 10N 12E 25 10N 12E 29 10N 09E 28 10N 09E 27 10N 09E 28 10N 08E 30 10N 09E **Coordinates for Points of Diversion and Points 25 10N 08E 29 10N 10E 28 10N 10E Diamond Springs Camp Creek of Rediversion are in California State Plane, Cameron Park Zone II, NAD 83, feet Bass 33 10N 10E 34 10N 10E 35 10N 10E 32 10N 12E 33 10N 12E 34 10N 12E 33 10N 09E 34 10N 09E 35 10N 09E 36 10N 09E 31 10N 10E 32 10N 10E 36 10N 10E 31 10N 11E 32 10N 11E 33 10N 11E 34 10N 11E 35 10N 11E 36 10N 11E 31 10N 12E 35 10N 12E 36 10N 12E 33 10N 08E 34 10N 08E 35 10N 08E 36 10N 08E Lake 32 10N 09E El Dorado Hills 31 10N 09E Shingle Springs I, Michael J. Preszler, of 805 Douglas Blvd. Eldorado Suite 144, Roseville, California do herby certify 3 09N 12E 1 09N 09E 609N10E 5 09N 10E 4 09N 10E 3 09N 10E 209N10E 509N11E 409N11E 309N11E 209N11E 109N11E 6 09N 12E 509N12E 4 09N 12E 5 09N 09E 4 09N 09E 3 09N 09E 2 09N 09E 1 09N 10E 609N11E that this map was prepared by me on March 4 09N 08E 3 09N 08E 2 09N 08E 1 09N 08E 6 09N 09E 25, 2009 from geospatially referenced data provided by the County of El Dorado and that it correctly

12 09N 09E 7 09N 10E 8 09N 10E 9 09N 10E 10 09N 10E 11 09N 10E 809N11E 909N11E 10 09N 11E 11 09N 11E 12 09N 11E 709N12E 8 09N 12E 909N12E 10 09N 12E National represents the project described in the accompanying 9 09N 09E 10 09N 09E 11 09N 09E 12 09N 10E 709N11E 10 09N 08E 11 09N 08E 12 09N 08E 7 09N 09E 8 09N 09E application and shows the location of the rivers and streams in the immediate vicinity. r ive 13 09N 09E 18 09N 10E 17 09N 10E 16 09N 10E 15 09N 10E 14 09N 10E 18 09N 11E 17 09N 11E R 15 09N 11E 16 09N 09E 15 09N 09E 14 09N 09E 13 09N 10E es 15 09N 08E 14 09N 08E 13 09N 08E 18 09N 09E 17 09N 09E n 16 09N 11E um os Forest C ______rk 23 09N 11E iver Fo es R h mn rt 22 09N 11E su 23 09N 09E 24 09N 09E 19 09N 10E 20 09N 10E 21 09N 10E 22 09N 10E 23 09N 10E 24 09N 10E 19 09N 11E o Co 19 09N 12E 19 09N 09E 20 09N 09E 21 09N 09E 22 09N 09E N rk Michael J. Preszler, California Civil Engineer 23 09N 08E 24 09N 08E Fo 24 09N 11E le k 20 09N 11E d Certificate No. C55133 exp 6/30/2010 e id e r M

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n 30 09N 13E o y 27 09N 11E 26 09N 11E 27 09N 09E 26 09N 09E 25 09N 09E 30 09N 10E 28 09N 10E 27 09N 10E 26 09N 10E 28 09N 11E 25 09N 11E 30 09N 12E 25 09N 12E 30 09N 09E 29 09N 09E 28 09N 09E n 26 09N 08E 25 09N 08E a

C

g 29 09N 10E i ELDORADO B 36 09N 08E k ee 31 09N 13E COUNTY ´ r C 35 09N 09E 31 09N 10E 32 09N 10E 33 09N 10E 34 09N 10E 35 09N 10E 32 09N 11E 33 09N 11E 34 09N 11E 35 09N 11E 35 09N 12E 36 09N 12E r 32 09N 09E 33 09N 09E 34 09N 09E 35 09N 08E ee 31 09N 09E D 01.53

208N10E SACRAMENTO 6 08N 09E 5 08N 09E 4 08N 09E 3 08N 09E 2 08N 09E 6 08N 10E 5 08N 10E 4 08N 10E 3 08N 10E 508N11E 408N11E 308N11E 208N11E 2 08N 08E 1 08N 08E Miles COUNTY ?kE 1:95,040

7 08N 09E 8 08N 09E 9 08N 09E 10 08N 09E 7 08N 10E 8 08N 10E 1 inch equals 1.5 miles 9 08N 10E 10 08N 10E 11 08N 10E 12 08N 08E when printed to scale on a 24" x 40" sheet

18 08N 09E 17 08N 09E 16 08N 09E 15 08N 09E 17 08N 10E 16 08N 10E 15 08N 10E 14 08N 10E 13 08N 08E

19 08N 09E 20 08N 09E 21 08N 09E 22 08N 09E 23 08N 09E 21 08N 10E 22 08N 10E 24 08N 08E AMADOR COUNTY 30 08N 09E 29 08N 09E 28 08N 09E 27 08N 09E 26 08N 09E 28 08N 10E

Source: El Dorado County, 2006, 31 08N 09E 32 08N 09E 33 08N 09E N:\GISProjects\100003954_EDWAPA\Base_Map_Meeting_20081120.mxd Chapter 3.0 Project Description

3.3.1.2 Silver Creek The Silver Creek headwaters originate in the Desolation Wilderness at the confluence of Tells, Big Silver, and Jones Fork Silver creeks at Union Valley Reservoir. From the reservoir, Silver Creek flows generally southwesterly to its terminus at the South Fork American River. Major tributaries of Silver Creek downstream of Union Valley Reservoir include South Fork Silver Creek, Little Silver, Onion, Jaybird , and Round Tent Canyon creeks. Three UARP facilities occur along the main stem of Silver Creek: Union Valley, Junction, and Camino dams. One UARP facility, Ice House Dam, is located on South Fork Silver Creek, a tributary to Silver Creek. The South Fork Silver Creek headwaters also originate in the Desolation Wilderness and flow generally westerly and northerly to Silver Creek Junction reservoir. Major tributaries of the South Fork Silver Creek include Lyons and Peavine creeks and Big Hill Canyon. No reservoirs occur on the South Fork Silver Creek upstream of Ice House dam. 3.3.1.3 South Fork of the American River The South Fork American River headwaters originate in the Crystal Range and flow generally westerly to its terminus at the American River at Folsom Reservoir. Major tributaries of the South Fork American River above Slab Creek Dam include Pyramid, Strawberry, Alder, Silver, Brush, and Slab creeks and the Silver Fork American River. Downstream of Slab Creek Dam, Rock and Iowa Canyon creeks are the primary tributaries. UARP facilities are located on Brush Creek and in the Silver Creek watershed. The headwaters of Brush Creek originate near Little Sugar Pine Mountain and then flow generally southwesterly to the South Fork American River at Slab Creek Reservoir. No reservoirs occur on Brush Creek upstream of Brush Creek Reservoir. 3.3.1.4 Folsom Reservoir Folsom Reservoir lies at the confluence of the north and south forks of the American River in Placer, El Dorado, and Sacramento counties. Designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), it has a capacity of 977,000 acre-feet (AF) and an average annual unimpaired inflow of 2.7 million AF from its watershed. The authorizing legislation for the construction of , P.L. 81-356 directed USBR to operate the dam for flood control, provide for storage and delivery of water, generate power and provide water quality control benefits in the Delta. The dam was completed in 1955 as part of USBR’s Folsom-Auburn Unit of its larger (CVP). Today, Folsom Dam and Reservoir are operated not only for flood control and to meet CVP water delivery obligations, but also to satisfy instream flow and water temperature needs in the lower American River and Delta. Much of its original operational mandate was expanded with the passing of the Central Valley Project

3.0-8 Chapter 3.0 Project Description

Improvement Act (CVPIA) in 1992, which included other resource uses as having equal priority with water supply, flood control and hydropower generation. In the upper American River watershed, flood-producing runoff occurs primarily during the October through April period and is usually most extreme during November through March. Snowmelt runoff by itself usually does not result in flood-producing flows, but it is usually adequate to fill the reservoir’s empty space. Approximately 40 percent of the American River flow results from snowmelt. The USBR relies, in part, on its Water Control Manual to operate the reservoir during the flood control season. It includes the encroachment curve for Folsom Reservoir – a flood control diagram that dictates the empty space requirements that must be met during the flood season. At present, a variable 400-670 thousand acre feet (TAF) flood diagram is maintained for the reservoir. 3.3.1.5 EID Service Area The existing EID service area, shown in Figure 3.3-1, is where the district provides surface water to approximately 140,000 acres. Its service area covers approximately 30 percent of western El Dorado County. EID’s larger sphere of influence, about 347,000 acres, spans from El Dorado Hills in the west to Pollock Pines in the east, and from the Cosumnes River on the south to the South Fork American River on the north. Elevations in the primary EID service area range from 500 feet msl in the west to over 4,000 feet msl in the east. EID provides treated water to the communities of Pollock Pines, Camino, Diamond Springs, El Dorado, Shingle Springs, Cameron Park, and El Dorado Hills. It also provides both wholesale and retail water service within the City of Placerville. Water made available under the proposed project is not likely to directly serve all of the EID service area. However, since the additional water acquired under this project could make other existing supplies available within most of the EID services area, the whole service area and Favorable Areas are considered in this EIR. 3.3.1.6 GDPUD Service Area The existing GDPUD service area is shown in Figure 3.3-1, where the district provides surface water to approximately 30,000 acres within its service area, of which about 1,200 acres are in irrigated lands. Its service area encompasses approximately 75,000 acres. GDPUD’s sphere of influence, about 173,000 acres, extends from the Middle and North Fork American River upstream of Folsom Reservoir and the Rubicon River to the north, to the South Fork American River, to the south. Its service area continues east as far as Stumpy Meadows Reservoir on Pilot Creek. Elevations in the GDPUD service area range from between 800 feet msl in the southwest, to about 3,500 feet msl in the northeast. Water made available under the proposed project is not intended to directly serve all of the GDPUD service area. Since the additional water acquired under this

3.0-9 Chapter 3.0 Project Description project could make other existing supplies available within most of the GDPUD service area, the whole service area is considered in this EIR. 3.3.1.7 Favorable Areas A portion of the water sought under the proposed project is intended to be used within certain areas in close proximity to the EID and GDPUD service area boundaries, and/or where facilities exist, or where the planned land use allows for higher density development in the future. This category represents, in part, areas of the County where future development may be provided water service by EID, GDPUD or others. This area is referred to as “Favorable Areas” in the El Dorado County Water Agency 2007 Water Resources Development and Management Plan and is delineated on Figure 3.3-1. 3.3.2 Regional Area The regional context of the project represents that portion of the American River basin downstream of Folsom Reservoir and includes the lower American River, both the upper and lower Sacramento River including their upper basin reservoirs (e.g., Shasta, Trinity and Whiskeytown), various control points along the Sacramento River, Oroville Reservoir (of the SWP), and the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (Delta) (see Figure 3.3-2). 3.3.2.1 Lake Natoma and the Lower American River Lake Natoma is a reservoir situated downstream of Folsom Dam and forms behind . This reservoir is operated as a re-regulating reservoir that accommodates the diurnal flow fluctuations caused by operating the Folsom Power Plant. The capacity of Lake Natoma is approximately 9,000 AF. The American River is the second largest tributary to the Sacramento River, a critical component of the Delta system that provides drinking water to two thirds of the state and irrigation water to half of California’s agriculture industry. The lower American River is that portion of the American River below Nimbus Dam to the confluence with the Sacramento River. This reach, owing largely to its proximity to the greater Sacramento metropolitan area, has undergone significant channel and embankment alterations since the completion of Folsom and Nimbus dams in the mid-1950s. The lower American River is a particularly valuable asset within the Sacramento region, providing important fish and wildlife habitat, a high-quality water source, a critical floodway, and a regional recreational parkway. The lower American River has been federally and state designated as a “Wild and Scenic River.”

3.0-10 Spring Creek Tunnel

Trinity Shasta Reservoir Reservoir

Keswick Reservoir Clear Creek Tunnel ACID Diversion Dam

Red Bluff Thermalito Diversion Dam Afterbay

Black Butte Lake Lake Oroville Bullards Bar Hyatt Reservoir Stony Gorge Powerplant Reservoir

Camp Far West Reservoir East Park Reservoir Folsom Reservoir Lake Berryessa Lake Natoma

Barker Slough Camanche Pumping Plant Reservoir Pardee Reservoir Cordelia Pumping Plant New Hogan Reservoir Cherry Eleanor Lake Lake Tracey Hetch Hetchy Pumping Plant Reservoir educt Aqu chy Contra Costa Het New Don Pedro Clifton tch Canal Court He Reservoir D McClure Forebay e lt a Lake

M

e Eastman Banks n d Lake Pumping Plant o Mendota t a Pool Hensley C Millerton a Lake Pacheco n Lake al Conduit Pine Flat Reservoir

C al ifo rn San Luis ia A Reservoir q u Lake e and O'Neill d u Kaweah Forebay c t/ S a n L u is C a n a l Lake Tulare Success Las Perillas Lake n.mxd o i Pumping Plant Lake Isabella gional_Locat e ° 0 12.5 25 50 PA\R Miles

DWA 1 inch equals 50 miles _E

0003954 Central Valley Project Regional Overview Projects\10

IS El Dorado Water & Power Authority 100003954 Supplemental Water Rights Project N:\G Chapter 3.0 Project Description

Downstream of Nimbus Dam to around River Bend Park, the American River is mostly unrestricted by levees, but is bordered on both the north and south by suburban development. Natural bluffs and terraces in this reach of the river also provide natural morphological controls. From the River Bend Park area to the confluence with the Sacramento River, the lower American River is less constrained by natural features, and has been confined instead by levees, resulting in a slower moving, deeper reach with less meandering. 3.3.2.2 Lower Sacramento River The lower Sacramento River is defined as that portion of the river from the mouth of the American River down to the Delta. Sacramento River flows at the City of Sacramento are greatly influenced by the large facilities located in the upper regions of the watershed, particularly Shasta Reservoir; Keswick Reservoir; Whiskeytown Reservoir (which regulates imported water from the Trinity River system); and diversions such as the Corning, Tehama-Colusa, and Glenn-Colusa . The historical average annual flow for the Sacramento River at Freeport is approximately 16.7 million acre feet (MAF). The Feather and American rivers are the two largest tributaries of the Sacramento River. Two other inflows that contribute to the Sacramento River are the Cross Channel, which transfers water from the Sacramento River across the Delta and the Colusa Basin Drain, which drain the agricultural land in the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District. During the flood season, Sacramento River overflows spill over the series of weirs upstream of Wilkins Slough and flow into the Butte Sink. These flows are then carried by the Sutter Bypass back into the Sacramento River at Verona. Floodflows may also bypass the Sacramento River at Verona by spilling over the Fremont Weir and into the Yolo Bypass. Overflows occur at this point when the Sacramento River flows exceed 55,000 cfs. Sacramento River overflows may also enter the Yolo Bypass just north of Sacramento by spilling over the Sacramento Weir. 3.3.2.3 Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (or, Bay-Delta or, simply Delta) lies at the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. The Delta boundary extends north along the Sacramento River terminating just south of the American River, south along the San Joaquin River terminating just north of the , east to the City of Stockton, and west to Suisun Bay. Runoff from Central Valley streams account for approximately 95 percent of the inflows to the Delta. The Delta receives flows directly from the Sacramento, San Joaquin, Mokelumne, Cosumnes, and Calaveras rivers. These rivers and their tributaries drain

3.0-12 Chapter 3.0 Project Description more than 40 percent of California. Annual inflows to the Delta averaged approximately 27.8 MAF during the period from 1980 to 1991. Hydraulic conditions in the Delta are influenced by a number of factors such as inflows (controlled and uncontrolled) from tributary streams, tidal influences from the Pacific Ocean, operation of CVP and SWP Delta export facilities, and water diversions within the Delta. The Delta is at mean sea level, and consequently, tides significantly influence both the level and direction of flows through its many channels and sloughs. Tidal water level variations can vary from one foot on the San Joaquin River near Interstate 5 to more than five feet at the outlet of the Delta, near the City of Pittsburg. The direction of flow at these two points also changes dramatically with the tides. On the San Joaquin River at Venice Island, flows range from 47,000 cfs downstream during low tide to 58,000 cfs upstream during high tide. Near the City of Pittsburg, flows can vary from 340,000 cfs downstream to 330,000 cfs upstream. The tidal currents carry with them large volumes of seawater back and forth through the Delta with each tide cycle. The mixing zone of saltwater and freshwater can shift two to six miles depending on the tides, and may reach far into the Delta during periods of low inflow. Thus, the inflow of the tributaries into the Delta is essential in maintaining water quality in the Delta. The average annual Delta outflow to Suisun Bay (for the period 1980-1991) is approximately 21 MAF. Delta inflows rely significantly on runoff from Central Valley streams, and accordingly, also depend on the operations of water facilities on these streams. As noted previously, releases from a variety of CVP (e.g., Shasta, Folsom, New Melones, and Millerton) and SWP reservoirs (e.g. Oroville Reservoir) control, to a large extent, how much and when freshwater enters the Delta. 3.4 Proposed Project Elements As noted previously, the proposed project relies on certain UARP facilities which are necessary in order to develop a supplemental water supply for EDWPA as outlined in the El Dorado-SMUD Cooperation Agreement (El Dorado-SMUD Cooperation Agreement, September 2005). EDWPA will ultimately hold the new water rights, when approved by the SWRCB. Subsequent agreements between EDWPA and El Dorado County water purveyors, including EID and GDPUD, or others, will be developed that will allow the use of water under the water rights within the EID and GDPUD service areas for retail delivery to their customer bases. 3.4.1 Proposed Diversion Locations Two points of water withdrawal (or rediversion) for use are proposed; the White Rock Powerhouse Penstock and Folsom Reservoir. The White Rock Powerhouse Penstock was

3.0-13 Chapter 3.0 Project Description first licensed in 1957 and is owned and operated by SMUD. Folsom Reservoir, as noted previously is operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Water diverted at the White Rock Powerhouse Penstock or at, or near, the existing EID intake facility on Folsom Reservoir (Figure 3.3-1) would be used to supply the EID service area and/or Favorable Areas located in the vicinity of the EID service area. Water diverted to the GDPUD service area, or Favorable Areas located in its vicinity, would be made possible through an exchange agreement with an upstream water right holder (such as Placer County Water Agency) which would allow water to be diverted at the existing American River Pump Station. More detailed discussion on this exchange is provided later in Chapter 3.4.5 EDWPA Exchange. The water exchange is not part of the proposed project water right petitions. However, diversion related environmental impacts and place of use analysis are addressed in this EIR. 3.4.2 Project Operation Operation of the proposed project relies on continued operation of the UARP. All water made available for diversion originates from the UARP. As described in the El Dorado – SMUD Cooperation Agreement, SMUD will deliver water from the UARP to, and store water for, EDWPA. SMUD will make deliveries of water to EDWPA up to 40,000 AFA to be made up of water from direct diversion, and releases from storage (both seasonal and annual carry-over) from UARP sources and facilities. 3.4.2.1 Upper American River Project The UARP is owned and operated by SMUD and consists of 11 reservoirs and 8 powerhouses, generating electricity to meet about 20 percent of SMUD’s customer demand located primarily in Sacramento County. The UARP operates to store water seasonally utilizing a combined 400,000 acre-feet gross capacity of the three storage reservoirs; Loon Lake Reservoir, Ice House, and Union Valley. The UARP is operated generally to provide electricity during peak load situations. It is also operated to ensure reliability of the electric transmission system within SMUD’s control area. From a water management perspective, operation of the UARP follows an annual cycle of reservoir filling and release that coincides with the natural patterns of rain and snowmelt runoff characteristic of the . While the UARP includes 11 reservoirs, each is used in a different way to manage the water for power production. Loon Lake Reservoir, Ice House, and Union Valley reservoirs, accounting for 94 percent of total UARP gross storage capacity, operate primarily as long-term storage reservoirs, capturing as much of the winter/spring rain and snowmelt runoff as practicable, consistent with various regulatory constraints. The two uppermost reservoirs (Rubicon and Buck Island) provide limited storage and are operated primarily as run-of-river to capture and divert water from the Rubicon River and the Highland Creek drainages.

3.0-14 Chapter 3.0 Project Description

Typically, from about mid-summer to winter, the water surface elevations of the three primary storage reservoirs are gradually lowered to generate electricity and provide adequate storage space to capture winter/spring runoff and minimize the frequency and amount of spillage. During this period, the UARP is operated in a peaking mode, essentially following the daily electricity demand cycle. Water is released from one or more of the storage reservoirs and is passed through the reservoirs as it makes its way through the series of downstream powerhouses (see Figure 3.4-1). In winter, as rainstorms and snowmelt begin to increase streamflow in the basin, the process is reversed, with more water stored than released through the powerhouses. Thus, from winter to early summer, the surface water elevations of the storage reservoirs gradually increase. 3.4.2.1 Project Water Deliveries by SMUD SMUD will operate the UARP to deliver and store water to meet EDWPA delivery demands as described in the El Dorado-SMUD Cooperation Agreement. Under the terms of the Cooperation Agreement, SMUD would continue to operate the UARP pursuant to its FERC operational license, while also meeting water deliveries called for by EDWPA. Project deliveries include water made available from up to 15,000 acre-feet of carry-over storage. This water is to be used during times of hydrologic drought to meet water demands. Refer to the Cooperation Agreement for the proposed project operational constraints included in the El Dorado-SMUD Cooperation Agreement (see Appendix B). 3.4.5 GDPUD Exchange As noted previously, the proposed project is designed to provide water supply benefit to the western slopes of El Dorado County and the two principal water purveyors in this area: EID and GDPUD. EDWPA, however, as the intended permittee would facilitate all water acquired under this proposed project on behalf of these two water purveyors. While EID’s proposed points of diversion and delivery mechanisms are straightforward in the sense that EID possesses primary control over both diversion locations identified in the proposed project, GDPUD’s situation differs. Owing to GDPUD’s geographic location on the “divide,” it does not currently have direct access to Folsom Reservoir. To serve water in the GDPUD service area, it would be necessary for GDPUD to enter into an exchange agreement with another purveyor. This is because, without a diversion from Folsom Reservoir capable of serving the GDPUD service area, the water made available by the proposed project would be inaccessible. An exchange, however, would provide that accessibility.

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Figure 3.4-1 Profile of the American River system, Rubicon Reservoir to the Chili Bar Project

Source: SMUD, 2005; PG&E, 2005, as modified by staff.

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In considering and pursuing an exchange of this sort, several factors are important. These typically include: an available and reliable exchange supply that meets one’s objectives, the necessary infrastructure (or shared capacity) to divert and convey any exchanged water, acceptable terms within an exchange agreement (e.g., diversion rate, seasonal timing, etc.), and the identification and willingness of a water purveyor (or purveyors) to enter into an exchange agreement. Under such an exchange, GDPUD would acquire a water supply capable of being diverted at a location more conducive to its needs (e.g., in closer proximity to its service area) in exchange for water made available under this current project (i.e., new water rights) at a location or locations defined by the project (i.e., Folsom Reservoir). While it is not the intent of this EIR to presuppose a consummated agreement between GDPUD and PCWA, several factors make it at least a reasonable assumption given the history of such an agreement and the best available information today. The American River Pump Station on the North Fork American River near the old Auburn coffer dam in Knickerbocker Canyon was completed by PCWA in 2007. It now provides PCWA with a permanent diversion and pumping structure from which to pump water out of the North Fork. This project was completed after many years of relying on seasonal temporary pumps under USBR oversight. With the American River Pump Station, a completed diversion (intake) and permanent pumping infrastructure now exists. The American River Pump Station project also included closing the by-pass tunnel, restoring the channel in the area of the old coffer dam to its original condition, and constructing an under-river caisson which is stubbed at the eastern bank of the river (the location where GDPUD could take control of any water diverted at the intake to the pump station). Design of the American River Pump Station included, at the time, the assumption that GDPUD would share, in part, in its capacity needs; in fact, a vacant pumping bay currently is being reserved just for that purpose. All environmental reviews and permitting associated with the American River Pump Station including CEQA, NEPA, and Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance were completed by PCWA in 2003. From both a feasibility and plausibility perspective, providing GDPUD with a new water supply via the American River Pump Station appears reasonable. If an exchange agreement were pursued between GDPUD and PCWA, several future actions would still be necessary in order for GDPUD to begin taking water from this location. These requirements can be grouped into two categories: 1) infrastructure needs, and 2) required approvals and permits. From an infrastructure perspective, GDPUD would need to install a pump, construct a pipeline from the terminus of the under-river caisson up out of the canyon, construct new

3.0-17 Chapter 3.0 Project Description conveyance from this point to either an existing or future water treatment plant along with any necessary booster pumps to meet hydraulic grade requirements, and install the appropriate utility services to operate any booster stations. These construction elements would represent a separate project under CEQA and, accordingly, require future additional CEQA documentation as a project-specific undertaking by GDPUD. Any exchange agreement focusing on the water entitlements would, by definition, also require additional approvals. As Folsom Reservoir represents the likely location where PCWA would take its exchanged water from GDPUD, the most likely diversion location is the existing urban water supply intake at Folsom Dam. This 84-inch pipeline is the primary intake to the Folsom Pumping Plant which conveys water drawn from the reservoir in two directions: south along the 42-inch Natoma Pipeline to the City of Folsom, Folsom State Prison, Aerojet and others and, north along the 84-inch North Fork Pipeline. This latter pipeline bifurcates at the Hinkle Y with a portion going to the City of Roseville and the other portion going to the San Juan Water District (and retail family), including its retail area in Placer County, the Sacramento Suburban Water District (via the Cooperative Transmission Pipeline), and PCWA. The exchanged water, as a non-federal entitlement from Folsom Reservoir, would require a long-term Warren Act contract from the USBR along with the requisite NEPA and federal ESA documentation. This assumes that PCWA would take the exchanged water (or acquired new water) from GDPUD at Folsom Dam. An advantage to PCWA would be that, by taking water at Folsom Dam, PCWA would have the benefit of coldwater pool modulation vis-à-vis the temperature control device (TCD) currently operating on the urban water intake on the dam. PCWA also is in the process of establishing a downstream diversion beyond the lower American River on the Sacramento River as part of the Sacramento River Water Reliability Study (SRWRS). Although PCWA, its local cost sharing partners (the Cities of Sacramento and Roseville and the Sacramento Suburban Water District), and their federal partner USBR have temporarily put that effort on hold because the recent economic slow-down has delayed the projected date by which the water from such a facility would be required by new development, the Sacramento River diversion contemplated by the SRWRS remains a key piece of PCWA’s long-term supply system. This Sacramento River diversion is described in PCWA’s 2006 Integrated Water Resources Plan, its 2005 Urban Water Management Plan, and in Water Supply Assessments prepared by PCWA pursuant to SB 610 for major land use projects such as the Placer Vineyards Specific Plan and Regional University Specific Plan approved by the Placer County Board of Supervisors in 2007 and 2008 respectively. While any diversions voluntarily moved to a downstream location would benefit the lower American River, such a condition for PCWA would require a third-party

3.0-18 Chapter 3.0 Project Description arrangement since the proposed SRWRS facility is upstream of the American River confluence. However, were PCWA to serve as the exchange partner with GDPUD, its Middle Fork Project (MFP) water rights would likely be the entitlement that would be exchanged at the American River Pump Station requiring SWRCB approval. While PCWA represents the most likely purveyor with which GDPUD could potentially enter into an exchange agreement, PCWA is not the only potential exchange partner. GDPUD could decide, depending on various factors, that another arrangement would better suit its immediate or long-term needs. This could involve reliance on the American River Pump Station and/or include an arrangement that would use another water entitlement other than PCWA’s MFP water rights. Were GDPUD to establish a new direct diversion on Folsom Reservoir or opt to exercise an “up-county” diversion from the Rubicon or Middle Fork, such conditions would obviate the need for an exchange; however, either location would result in a completely new set of issues and represents a completely new and independent project. 3.4.6 Facility Requirements Although the proposed project does not include any new facility infrastructure in order to take water, new division and conveyance facilities will be necessary to distribute the additional 40,000 AFA of water. The potential new facilities have not been designed as their required parameters and ultimate design will be partially based on the outcome of the proposed water rights application process. Additionally, it is not considered prudent to expend resources prior to acquiring water right permits for the specific design of facility infrastructure. Although the various facility requirements have not been determined, the distribution system would consist of: 3.4.6.1 The diversion and pumping station at White Rock Powerhouse Water would be diverted at an existing blind flange which may need to be modified, located near the inlet of the White Rock Powerhouse Penstock. From this location, water would be conveyed a short distance to a new pump station. Water would be pumped southward toward Placerville in a 48-inch diameter steel pipeline for about 37,000 feet, conveying 100-200 cfs of water to the planned Bray Water Treatment Plant. From this new treatment plant, water would be conveyed in a transmission main and then distributed into the existing gravity potable water system. The final location and sizes of the facilities used to convey water from the White Rock Penstock location would be determined based on projected operations and site specific design constraints which are not known at this time.

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3.4.6.2 The diversion and pumping station at Folsom Reservoir EID is currently pursuing the Intake and Pump Station (FLIPS) with temperature control function which will allow withdrawal of existing and new water supplies from Folsom Reservoir while minimizing impact to, and preserving, the cold water pool at the bottom of the reservoir for downstream listed temperature sensitive fish species. These facilities consist of a structure capable of drawing water from three separate elevations within the warm upper reaches of the reservoir. The FLIPS purpose is to allow EID to selectively withdraw water from different elevations in the reservoir based on water temperature. The FLIPS will allow EID to select the temperature of the drinking water that EID uses, thereby preserving the cold water pool in the reservoir for controlled releases by the USBR. The FLIPS will replace EID’s existing raw water pumping facilities, which will be demolished and the site restored to its natural state. 3.4.6.3 Additional pump stations There will likely be the need to locate additional pump stations throughout the water service areas of EID, GDPUD, or within the Favorable Areas. These facilities would be located along the future proposed conveyance facilities. While any new pump stations are expected to range in size from 400 square feet to 1,200 square feet, the equipment requirements would be determined based on projected use and operation within the water service area. This information has not been developed at this time. 3.4.6.4 The diversion and American River Pump Station As previously discussed under Chapter 3.4.5 (GDPUD Exchange), water could be taken at the existing American River Pump Station located on the North Fork of the American River. The final design, including the pump station required, and the size and location of conveyance facilities would be determined based on projected operations and site specific design constraints. This information is not known at this time. Much of the design features and operational provisions would depend on how the facility agreements between GDPUD and PCWA would be structured. 3.4.6.5 Water treatment facilities Use of the water from each of the diversion locations would require water treatment facilities, both existing and potential new facilities. Water treatment facilities could either be developed through expansion of existing water treatment plants or development of new treatment plants. Expanded or new water treatment plants would include buildings, storage facilities, process tanks, filtering equipment, and chlorine disinfecting equipment and maintenance buildings, to name but a few. Equipment would be determined based on operations and project use. The specificity of such information is not known at this time.

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As noted previously, the discussion of the potential resource impacts associated with these required distribution facilities of the proposed project is made at the program level. EDWPA as lead agency acknowledges that site-specific environmental evaluations of these facilities and operations will be necessary to assure compliance with CEQA before EID, GDPUD, or any other agency may approve the final design and construction of any new water distribution system. 3.5 Intended Uses of the EIR According to CEQA Guidelines Section 15124(d) (1), the project description should contain “[a] statement briefly describing the intended uses of the EIR” which includes, “to the extent the information is known to the lead agency:” (A) A list of the agencies that are expected to use the EIR in their decision- making; (B) A list of permits and other approvals required to implement the project; (C) A list of related environmental review and consultation requirements required by federal, State, or local laws, regulations, or policies. Chapter 3.5.1 provides a list of the agencies and entities that will use this EIR in their consideration of approvals for this project. Chapter 3.5.2 provides a list of the various federal state, regional and local permits and other discretionary approvals that may apply to the project, and sets out the consultation requirements. 3.5.1 Agencies That Will Rely on this EIR This EIR has been prepared in accordance with CEQA as an informational document to be used by responsible state, regional and local agencies in documenting and considering the environmental implications of this project. The state and local agencies that will use the EIR include: 1. The El Dorado Water & Power Authority (EDWPA) and its Board of Directors; 2. El Dorado County Water Agency (EDCWA) 3. El Dorado County (EDC) 4. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB); 5. The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (CVRWQCB) 6. The El Dorado Irrigation District (EID); 7. The Georgetown Divide Public Utility District (GDPUD) 8. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD);

3.0-21 Chapter 3.0 Project Description

9. The Placer County Water Agency (PCWA); 10. The California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG); and 11. The California Department of Parks & Recreation (CDPR). In addition, the following federal agencies may consider this EIR as part of the relevant information considered in their respective decision-making processes; 1. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); 2. The United States Army Corp of Engineers (Corps); 3. The United States Fish & Wildlife Service; 4. The United State Bureau of Reclamation (USBR); and 5. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). While EDWPA is the CEQA Lead Agency as previously noted, other state, regional, and local agencies, owing to their regulatory approval requirements in providing EDWPA with the necessary permits and/or approvals to proceed with the implementation of the proposed project, are deemed Responsible and Trustee agencies under CEQA. A Responsible Agency is a public agency that proposes to carry out or approve a project for which a separate Lead Agency is preparing or has prepared an EIR. For the purposes of CEQA, a Responsible Agency includes any public agency subject to CEQA other than the Lead Agency that has discretionary approval power over the proposed project. The following discussion identifies those agencies that will rely on this EIR to support their independent discretionary approval(s) on specific aspects of the proposed project. 3.5.1.1 EDWPA – Lead Agency As Lead Agency under CEQA, EDWPA has the principal responsibility for carrying out or approving the project. In order to approve the project, EDWPA must certify that this EIR has been completed in compliance with CEQA reflecting its independent judgment and analysis. After completing the final EIR and, in conjunction with making findings under § 15091 of the CEQA Guidelines, EDWPA may decide whether to approve or implement the proposed project. This decision is publicly conveyed in a Notice of Determination issued within five working days after EDWPA would decide to carry out the project or any of the potentially feasible alternatives addressed in this EIR. 3.5.1.2 SWRCB – Responsible Agency The mandate of the SWRCB is to establish and maintain a stable system of water rights in California to best develop, conserve and utilize in the public interest the water resources of the State while protecting vested rights, water quality and the environment.

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The State Water Board is the only agency with authority to administer water rights in California. The SWRCB itself prepares and participates in the preparation of CEQA documentation related to water rights filings. It requires that applicants provide sufficient information to allow it to determine that there is water available for the proposed project (through a Water Availability Analysis); demonstrate that the proposed project would not deprive anyone who has a higher priority water right of the use of water under that right; illustrate that a proposed project will not harm public trust resources (such as fish, recreation, and navigation uses) where it is likely feasible to protect those resources; confirm that a proposed project is in the public interest; and provide adequate information so that it can consider the impacts of a project on water quality and the environment as required by CEQA. In accomplishing the latter, it will coordinate with various agencies (e.g., CDFG and DWR) to provide additional input on other resource-specific issues. The SWRCB will use this prepared EIR as the CEQA basis upon which it will make its determination whether to issue the requested new consumptive water right permits, based on the requested assignment of portions of SFAs 5644 and 5645. 3.5.1.3 Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (CVRQCB) will issue, if necessary, permits including a 401 Water Quality Certification for the proposed project. It will rely on the prepared and completed EIR as the environmental review document upon which to issue this permit. 3.5.1.4 EID – Responsible Agency EID represents an identified beneficiary of this new water right and, as such, will enter into an agreement with EDWPA for the actual delivery and use of their water allocations under this new water right when completed. This future agreement would constitute a discretionary action on the part of the EID Board of Directors who would make their own independent findings on the conclusions presented in the EIR in order to support its decision and meet its obligations under CEQA. 3.5.1.5 GDPUD – Responsible Agency GDPUD represents a potential beneficiary of this new water right and, as such, could enter into an agreement with EDWPA for the actual delivery and use of their water allocations under this new water right when completed. Any such future agreement would constitute a discretionary action on the part of the GDPUD Board of Directors who would make their own independent findings on the conclusions presented in the EIR in order to support its decision and meet its obligations under CEQA.

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3.5.1.6 SMUD – Responsible Agency An amendment to SMUD’s Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license for the UARP may be required to initiate water diversion from the White Rock Powerhouse point of diversion. This EIR provides information on the environmental impacts of the proposed UARP operation that could be used in any future FERC preceding where upon SMUD would request such an amendment. 3.5.1.7 PCWA – Responsible Agency PCWA, by virtue of its ownership, operation, and holding of its MFP water right, represents a likely key party in any exchange agreement with GDPUD. Any exchange agreement that could include both a facilities sharing agreement and an operational delivery agreement (i.e., the water exchange portion) would be subject to CEQA and necessitate support by an environmental document. This EIR is intended to provide PCWA with the hydrological analysis necessary to support such an exchange agreement. Accordingly, PCWA can rely on this EIR as its CEQA basis to enter into such an agreement. This EIR, as noted previously, does not, however, provide the necessary project-level facilities evaluation that would be necessary to enter into a facilities sharing/operational agreement between GDPUD, and PCWA. Such facilities have not yet been identified and/or designed. 3.5.1.8 CDFG – Trustee Agency A Trustee Agency is a State agency having jurisdiction by law over natural resources held in trust for the people of the State of California and potentially affected by a project. The California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) maintain native fish, wildlife, plant species and natural communities for their intrinsic and ecological value and their benefits to people of California. CDFG consults with Lead and Responsible Agencies and provides the requisite biological expertise to review and comment upon environmental documents and impacts arising from project activities under CEQA. The California Endangered Species Act (CESA) allows CDFG to authorize project proponents to take State-listed threatened, endangered, or candidate species if certain conditions are met. The permitting program administers the incidental take provisions of CESA to ensure regulatory compliance and statewide consistency. The Lake and Streambed Alteration Program determines whether an agreement is needed for an activity that will substantially modify a river, stream or lake. If CDFG determines that the activity may substantially adversely affect fish and/or wildlife resources, a Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement will be prepared. The Agreement includes reasonable conditions necessary to protect those resources and must comply with CEQA.

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3.5.1.9 CDPR – Trustee Agency The California Department of Parks & Recreation provides for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Environmental compliance within CDPR includes both the review and preparation of necessary environmental documents under CEQA. With Folsom Reservoir and its surrounding environs including the Folsom State Recreation Area as part of the local project setting and, including lands upon which implementation of the proposed project would support, CDPR represents a Trustee Agency for this project. 3.5.2 Required Permits and Approvals and Consultation Requirements EDWPA, as Lead Agency, will use this EIR to determine the potentially significant adverse environmental effects of acquiring 40,000 AFA of new consumptive water, and determine and develop appropriate mitigation measures to offset, reduce or otherwise avoid the potentially adverse impacts of such an acquisition. Prior to delivery of project water, EDWPA will be required to obtain permits and approvals from State and federal agencies. Since no construction activities are proposed as part of this project, no facility-oriented approvals (e.g., Streambed Alteration Agreement, Permit to Operate, Encroachment Permit, Clean Water Act 404, etc.) will be necessary at this time. However, once the new water right permits have been granted, future work required in any streambed will require additional permits or approvals from the CDFG. Finally, once the new water right permits have been granted, a long-term Warren Act contract with the USBR will be required to access water directly from Folsom Reservoir. The USBR, while subject to its own environmental review documentation requirements for Warren Act contracts under NEPA and the federal Endangered Species Act, could, however, use much of the hydrological information contained in this EIR to prepare their environmental compliance documentation. Warren Act contracts, as well as the supporting Endangered Species Act documents (i.e., Biological Assessment and USFWS-issued Concurrence Letter or Biological Opinion); require the identification of an intended service area or Place of Use. Currently, no Middle Fork Project water is permitted for use within El Dorado County. Therefore, if MFP water rights water is used as the exchanged component for GDPUD, the authorized Place of Use (POU) of PCWA’s MFP water rights would have to be amended (i.e., expanded) to also cover those portions of El Dorado County where this water would be used. This would require a separate and distinct SWRCB action through a Petition for Change in Place of Use submitted by PCWA. For the hydrological

3.0-25 Chapter 3.0 Project Description component that the SWRCB would require evaluation of as part of any such Petition, information contained in this EIR for the instream hydrologic analysis both within the American River basin and throughout the CVP/SWP would support such a petition. Any future new construction activities would have to be examined closely and individually to determine the type of permit or approval required as well as any terms and conditions and/or provisions attached to those approval documents. A short but not exclusive listing of possible construction related federal and State permits is provided below:  Plan of Development Permit (Bureau of Land Management);  ROW Grant (Bureau of Land Management) for easements on BLM-managed lands;  Temporary Use Permit for short-term activities (less than 3-years) on BLM- managed lands;  Special Use Permit, Easement or Lease (USFS) for easements on USFS-managed lands;  National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit (Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board);  General Stormwater Permit (Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board);  Water Quality Certification (Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board);  Encroachment Permit (CALTRANS) – crossing of State Highways;  Traffic Control Plans (CALTRANS);  Easement/Encroachment Permit (California Department of Parks & Recreation) – cross of State Park lands; and,  Central Valley Flood Protection Board – permission to encroach on waterways within designated floodways.  Local Air Pollution Control District permit

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