HomeMy WebLinkAbout _ 9.11(g)--SRSC Drought Protection Program and Reso
CITY OF REDDING
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
Recommendation
Authorize the following actions relative to the Sacramento River Settlement Contractors (SRSC)
Corporation Drought Protection Program Agreement (Agreement):
(1) Adopt Resolution authorizing the City of Redding to adopt responsible agency finding
and statement of overriding considerations under the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) for the Agreement and authorize the City of Redding to enter the
Agreement;
(2) Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Agreement with the SRSC and
receive $2,388,010 in funds;
(3) Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Indemnity Agreement with
Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District; and
(4) Find that the action is exempt from review under CEQA Guidelines, per Section 15061 –
Common Sense Exemption.
Fiscal Impact
If the City of Redding (City) executes the proposed Corporation Drought Protection Program
(DPP) Agreement (Agreement), the City’s Water Utility will receive approximately $2.24
million, plus any subsequent funds accrued from interest or remaining DPP funds. These funds
will be allocated to drought-resiliency projects to address potential surface water loss and
improve the resilience of the City’s water system and long-term water delivery capabilities.
Alternative Action
The City Council may choose to decline the execution of this agreement and provide alternative
direction to staff.
Background/Analysis
MEETING DATE: July 15, 2025
ITEM NO. 9.11(g)
FROM:
***APPROVED BY***
mwebb@cityofredding.org
btippin@cityofredding.org
SUBJECT: 9.11(g)--Consider Resolution and enter into the Sacramento River Settlement
Contractors Drought Protection Program.
Michael Webb, Public Works
Director
Report to Redding City Council July 8, 2025
Re: 9.11(g)--SRSC Drought Protection Program and Reso Page 2
In January 2025, after several years of negotiating with the United States Bureau of Reclamation
(Reclamation), the Sacramento River Settlement Contractor (SRSC), of which the City’s Water
Utility is a member, executed the 20-year DPP Agreement with Reclamation. The DPP is a water
reduction and infrastructure improvement agreement that implements a voluntary water
conservation and water acquisition program over the next two decades in response to drought
conditions at Shasta Lake. Among other items, the SRSC agreed to further reduce allocations by
an additional 25 percent of contract totals under specified severe drought conditions in exchange
for compensation. Previously the maximum contract reduction was 25 percent in “Shasta
Critical” drought years, and, under the DPP the new maximum contract reduction will be 50
percent in “Shasta Critical” drought years. Shasta Critical occurs when Shasta Lake levels are
low, limiting the amount of water supply for use downstream. A majority (over 50 percent) of
the compensation must be used for water supply reliability projects, and other contractual and
operational commitments.
The DPP is needed to avoid repeating the devastating effects of 2022 when the Settlement
Contractors received an 18 percent water supply from Reclamation. This resulted in 370,000
acres of farm land fallowed in the Sacramento Valley and little water for communities, fish and
wildlife. The DPP provides improved certainty for water deliveries for all these purposes in
future droughts, as well as funding for improving water supply infrastructure to help water
management in all year types.
Settlement Contractors that do not execute the DPP will not be eligible for funding opportunities
under the DPP and may be subject to greater water supply reductions and impacts. Staff strongly
believes the DPP to be the most effective and least impactful path forward through the updated
Long-Term Operations of the Central Valley Project.
Consequently, the City must execute the proposed agreement with the SRSC in order to obtain
the DPP funding. Funding amounts are based on the proportionate share of each agency’s water
allocation from its SRSC Contracts.
The agreements have been approved as to form by the City Attorney.
Environmental Review
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance was a prerequisite to successful
completion of the DPP Agreement and the SRSC signatories’ receipt of benefits thereunder, and
Glen Colusa Irrigation District served as lead agency provided a benefit to all SRSC signatories
to the DPP Agreement.
Staff has determined that the action is exempt from review under the CEQA Guidelines, per
Section 15061 – Common Sense Exemption. CEQA applies only to projects which have the
potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Execution of the agreement would
not provide approval for any project or environmental disturbance activity. The agreement would
only allow the transfer of DPP funding to the City’s Water Utility. The action has been reviewed
and it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the action may have a significant
effect on the environment; therefore, the activity is not subject to further review under CEQA.
Any future project funded by this action will undergo a stand-alone environmental review.
Council Priorities/City Manager Goals
Report to Redding City Council July 8, 2025
Re: 9.11(g)--SRSC Drought Protection Program and Reso Page 3
• Government of the 21st Century – “Be relevant and proactive to the opportunities and
challenges of today’s residents and workforce. Anticipate the future to make better
decisions today.”
Attachments
^Resolution
^DPP Memo and Indemnity Agreement
^Mitigation Monitoring & Reporting Program
Executed DPPA USBR_SRSC
DPP Outline
DPP FAQ
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDDING
(1) ADOPTING RESPONSIBLE AGENCY FINDINGS AND STATEMENT OF
OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS UNDER CEQA FOR THE DROUGHT
PROTECTION AGREEMENT; (2) APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF
REDDING TO ENTER THE DROUGHT PROTECTION AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, the Drought Protection Program Agreement (“proposed project” or
“Agreement”) is an agreement between the Sacramento River Settlement Contractors Nonprofit
Mutual Benefit Corporation, individual Sacramento River Settlement Contractors (SRSC), and the
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) to forego a larger percentage of their contracted supply
in specified drought years. In addition, the SRSC would receive funding from Reclamation to
engage in drought-resiliency projects to address potential water loss and improve the resilience of
the SRSC’s water system and long-term water delivery capabilities; and
WHEREAS, the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District (GCID), as the lead agency under the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) prepared an Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
for the Project; and
WHEREAS, on December 30, 2024, GCID certified the final EIR for the Project, adopted
findings of fact and a statement of overriding considerations for approval of the Project, and
approved the Project; and
WHEREAS, the City of Redding (City) holds a Sacramento River Settlement Contract
and has proposed to approve and enter the Agreement and is therefore a responsible agency under
CEQA with discretionary approval authority over its obligations under the Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the City, as a responsible agency, must take feasible measures to avoid or
mitigate the direct or indirect environmental effects of those parts of the project which it decides
to carry out, finance, or approve (CEQA Guidelines, Section 15096(g)(1)); and
WHEREAS, the City, as a responsible agency, must also make findings and adopt
overriding considerations for environmental impacts that will result from the parts of the project
that it approves (CEQA Guidelines, Section 15096(h)).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
1. The recitals stated above are true, correct, and are adopted herein.
2. T he City Council approves the Drought Protection Water Program
Agreement between the Sacramento River Settlement Contractors
Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation, individual Sacramento River
Settlement Contractors, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
3. The City Manager or his designee is authorized to enter into the Drought
Protection Program Agreement and any related documents on behalf of the
City.
4. The City, as a responsible agency under CEQA, has reviewed and
considered the EIR and has reached its own independent decision to
approve the Drought Protection Water Program Agreement.
5. The City adopts all mitigation measures identified in the EIR with respect
to its obligations under the Agreement.
6. The City finds that there are no additional feasible alternatives or feasible
mitigation measures within its powers that would substantially lessen or
avoid any significant effect the project would have on the environment.
7. The City adopts the Responsible Agency Findings of Fact and Statement
of Overriding Considerations for the Drought Protection Program
Agreement, and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing resolution was introduced at a regular meeting
of the City Council of the City of Redding on the 15th day of July, 2025 , and was duly
adopted at said meeting by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
__________________________________
JACK MUNNS, Mayor
ATTEST: FORM APPROVED:
_____________________________ __________________________________
SHARLENE TIPTON, City Clerk CHRISTIAN M. CURTIS, City Attorney
MEMO
To: SRSC Contractor
From: Thaddeus Bettner
Date: February 6, 2025
Subject: DPP Participating Contractor Instructions
Reference is made to that certain Agreement Between the United States Bureau of
Reclamation, the Sacramento River Settlement Contractors (SRSC), a California
Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation, and Individual Sacramento River
Settlement Contractors for the Establishment of a Drought Protection Program
(“DPP Agreement”), dated January 10, 2025 (Contract No. 25-WC-20-6345). The
DPP Agreement is linked here (Signed DPPA USBR_SRSC.pdf).
In furtherance of the SRSC’s coordination role under the DPP, the SRSC re quires
that any Sacramento River Settlement Contractor (Contractor) that signs the DPP
Agreement provides the information described in this memo. All information
should be completed before returning to the SRSC. Please check each box when
completed.
Contractor Information
☐Contractor Name:
☐Contractor Signatory (Print):
☐ Contact Information
o Name (if different than Contractor Name):
o Phone number: _
o Email address: _
o Member of the SRSC: YES / NO (circle one)
☐ Contract #:
☐ Total Contract Amount (AF):_
☐ Exhibit “A” Payment Amount**:
(**Note Per SRSC Resolution 2025-02, any accrued interest will be paid to
Contractor after a final reconciliation on or about July 31, 2025. Exhibit A may
be amended by the SRSC in accordance with the DPP Agreement.)
www.sacvalleywater.org
tbettner@waterecology.net
Payment Information – Please see attached form letter for providing banking
information.
☐ Completed Banking Instructions Form AND
☐ A valid and signed IRS Form W-9 is attached
Infrastructure Information
Per the DPP Agreement, the majority of the funding provided for the program
must be spent on “drought resiliency projects” (defined on page 6, starting with
line 120 of the DPP Agreement). The majority requirement may be accounted for
by all participants collectively and/or by each contractor individually. The SRSC is
gathering information from all participating contractors and will develop a
database to track the meeting of this requirement. Therefore, please provide the
following information and additional follow-up will occur as needed.
☐ Did you complete any infrastructure improvements since August 16, 2022
that would be considered “drought resiliency projects”?
☐ YES ☐ NO (check one)
o If YES, briefly describe:
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
o If YES, do you have records/documentation of cost?
☐ YES ☐ NO (check one)
☐ Do you have any plans for future infrastructure improvements that would
be considered “drought resiliency projects”?
☐ YES ☐ NO (check one)
o If YES, briefly describe:
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
☐ Do you have near term plans for infrastructure improvements in 2025-26?
☐ YES ☐ NO (check one)
o If YES, briefly describe:
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
www.sacvalleywater.org
tbettner@waterecology.net
Environmental Compliance
Future projects undertaken pursuant to this DPP Agreement and the funding
provided must comply with all applicable state and federal requirements. The
SRSC may assist each contractor with compliance, but each contractor assumes its
own responsibility. Contractor acknowledges and agrees to the following:
☐Contractor has reviewed and understands the attached Mitigation
Measures Summary (check box)
☐Contractor has reviewed and understands requirements contained in the
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (link here SRSC-Final-EIR.pdf) adopted
by Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District (GCID), the Bureau of Reclamation
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) (link here Finding of No
Significant Impact.pdf.pdf), and the Fish and Wildlife Service Biological
Opinion (link here FWS DPPA BiOp.pdf ) (check box)
☐Contractor has reviewed the attached request from GCID regarding
indemnification agreements and has responded to GCID. (check box)
After receipt of this information, the SRSC will prepare a signature page pursuant
to the Contractor and signatory and arrange for signature with Contractor. The
Agreement must be signed by Contractor before funds can be distributed.
The undersigned warrants and represents that it has executed the DPP
Agreement on behalf of the Contractor and that the information provided herein
is true and correct.
City of Redding
By: _______________________________________________
Name: ____________________________________________
Its: _________________________________________
Please email complete package of information to tbettner@waterecology.net and
williams@mbkengineers.com.
Banking Instructions Form
Sacramento River Settlement Contractors
A nonprofit mutual benefit corporation
c/o Thaddeus L Bettner, P.E.
Executive Director
PO Box 150
Willows, CA 95988
Email: tbettner@waterecology.net; williams@mbkengineers.com
RE: DPP Participating Contractor Payment Instructions
Dear Mr. Bettner,
Reference is made to that certain Agreement Between the United States Bureau of
Reclamation, the Sacramento River Settlement Contractors, a California Nonprofit
Mutual Benefit Corporation, and Individual Sacramento River Settlement
Contractors for the Establishment of a Drought Protection Program (“DPP
Agreement”), dated January 10, 2025 (Contract No. 25-WC-20-6345). The
undersigned Sacramento River Settlement Contractor (“Contractor”) will execute
and deliver a counterpart copy of the DPP Agreement to the Sacramento River
Settlement Contractors, a California nonprofit mutual benefit corporation
(“Corporation”) together with submission of these instructions.
Pursuant to Article 11(c), Contractor hereby elects to receive any payments
pursuant to the DPP Agreement via:
•Wire Transfer - Contractor must attach wire transfer instructions from the
receiving financial institution
•Automated Clearing House (ACH or direct deposit) – Contractor must attach
ACH instructions from the receiving financial institution or a copy of a
cancelled check
•Paper check received via USPS – will be addressed per the attached W-9
The Contractor acknowledges and agrees that a signed Internal Revenue Service
(“IRS”) Form W-9 is required for the Corporation to disburse funds from the DPP
Agreement to the Contractor, and as such, the Contractor has enclosed a valid and
signed IRS Form W-9.
Banking Instructions Form
The Contractor swears, under the penalty of perjury, that the enclosed banking
and wire instructions and IRS Form W-9 are true and correct. The Contractor
agrees that the Corporation may, in its sole discretion, independently verify the
accuracy and validity of the Contractor’s identity and banking and wire
instructions. The Contractor further agrees that receipt of payment from the
Corporation in the amount provided for in the DPP Agreement through the
means above satisfies the Corporation’s obligations to the Contractor in the DPP
Agreement, however, in addition, the Contractor will receive an additional
payment for any accrued interest from the date the Corporation received
payment from Reclamation to the date that funds are distributed to Contractor.
Said interest payment shall occur on or after July 31, 2025 following a final
reconciliation by the Corporation.
These instructions are also attached to the February 6, 2025, SRSC DPP
Participating Contractor Instructions Memorandum. This DPP Participating
Contractor Banking Instruction is executed by the undersigned as of the date set
forth above.
City of Redding
By: __________________________________________
Name: _______________________________________
Its: ___________________________________
Mitigation Measures Summary: Sacramento River Settlement
Contractors Drought Protection Program Agreement
Introduction
Each Sacramento River Settlement Contractor (Contractor) is responsible for following the Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) as part of the Drought Protection Program Agreement.
These measures help reduce environmental impacts and ensure compliance with state and federal
laws. The full MMRP document is available on the State Clearinghouse (SCH) website under SCH
Number 2024050834 or at this link: https://files.ceqanet.opr.ca.gov/300312-
3/attachment/9IQHS7YsxwvscnbsI2qVrsOz0lDgBPivgaes1ZJfInjOi5apFKw1qyE3XYwYwbN_nQk6lpM6j
_CMV8oP0. This summary outlines the main themes of the mitigation measures.
Key Mitigation Topics
1. Protecting Air and Water Quality
• Reduce Dust: Water down construction sites, cover loose materials, and set speed limits on
dirt roads.
• Limit Equipment Idling: Keep engine idling to a minimum (2-minute limit).
• Prevent Water Contamination: Use best practices to keep chemicals, fuel spills, and
sediments out of irrigation canals and drainage ditches.
• Control Erosion: Use sandbags, cover exposed soil, and follow stormwater pollution rules.
• Follow Well Regulations: Follow Groundwater Sustainability Plans and the Sustainable
Groundwater Management Act for any new well construction and for well operations
associated with the Drought Protection Program Agreement.
2. Safeguarding Wildlife and Habitat
• Avoid Sensitive Areas: Keep projects away from forests, wetlands, and protected habitats.
• Protect Wildlife: Before starting work, conduct surveys for potentially present special status
species (like giant garter snake [GGS]), use wildlife-safe fencing, avoid nighttime construction
when possible, and implement measures to reduce noise and light pollution near sensitive
habitats.
• Protect Nests: Check for nesting birds before construction and create buffer zones if needed.
• Maintain Water for Wildlife: In certain more important GGS habitat areas, keep water levels
in canals at least 2 feet deep for wildlife, where possible.
• Manage Vegetation: Minimize clearing of native plants and replant disturbed areas to
restore habitat.
3.Preventing Erosion and Conserving Farmland
•Implement Discing Practices: Only disc croplands when vegetation is short to reduce soil
loss and protect habitat.
•Avoid Erosion-Prone Areas: Keep projects away from unstable soils and steep slopes unless
a professional approves.
•Use Safe Land Areas: Do not build on active cleanup sites or mineral-rich zones.
4. Protecting Cultural and Historic Sites
•Check for Artifacts: Before digging, check if the area has historical or Tribal artifacts.
•Stop Work if Found: If any artifacts or human remains are discovered, stop work and notify
the proper authorities.
5. Managing Noise and Construction Impacts
•Inform Neighbors: Let nearby residents know about loud construction work in advance.
•Limit Noise Impacts: Keep equipment well maintained and avoid working near historic
buildings.
•Use Safe Equipment Practices: Follow all safety guidelines when using heavy machinery.
6. Following Utility Rules
•Check for Utility Lines: Before digging, check for underground utilities and notify utility
companies. Conduct utility surveys as needed.
Your Responsibility
Each Contractor must:
•Follow all mitigation measures described in the MMRP and ensure that any contractors hired
for projects also comply with the MMRP.
•Keep records of compliance and report them to the SRSC Corporation (ATT: Thad Bettner,
tbettner@waterecology.net) and Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District (ATT: Jeff Sutton,
jsutton@gcid.net).
Cover Document for GCID-Individual SRSC Indemnification Agreements
Recently, the SRS Contractors executed the 20-year Drought Protection Program (DPP) Agreement with
Reclamation, under which they agreed to reduce diversions up to an additional 25% of Contract Totals under
specified severe drought conditions in exchange for compensation, of which a majority (over 50%) must be
used for water supply reliability projects, and other contractual and operational commitments.
On December 30, 2024, GCID, as lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA),
certified the Final Environmental Impact Report (the “DPP Final EIR”) for the DPP Agreement, adopted
Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerations, adopted the required Mitigation Monitoring and
Reporting Program (“MMRP”), and approved the DPP Agreement. Thereafter, SRS Contractors that are public
agencies similarly considered the DPP Final EIR, adopted findings, the MMRP, and approved the DPP
Agreement as responsible agencies under CEQA.
CEQA compliance was a prerequisite to successful completion of the DPP Agreement and the SRS
Contractor signatories’ receipt of benefits thereunder, and GCID’s serving as lead agency provided a benefit to
all SRS Contractor signatories to the DPP Agreement.
Under the DPP Agreement, the parties acknowledge that the SRSC Corporation will coordinate
activities among its members and other Sacramento River settlement contractors and distribute funding under
the DPP Agreement to the SRS Contractor signatories.
On January 23, 2025, the SRSC Corporation Board approved the execution of an agreement with GCID
that provides for the indemnification and defense of GCID from any litigation related to GCID’s certification of
the DPP Final EIR, and confirms that the Corporation will pay the costs and expenses of the MMRP
requirements that are not specifically applicable to GCID or the other SRS Contractor signatories. That
agreement, however, does not provide any indemnification for actions specifically taken by SRS Contractor
signatories under the DPP Agreement.
Under Article 7(d) of the DPP Agreement, the individual SRS Contractor signatories agreed to comply
with any mitigation, monitoring and reporting requirements contained in the DPP Final EIR that are applicable
to the SRS Contractor and associated with the Contractor’s performance under the DPP Agreement. Similarly,
SRS Contractors that are public agencies separately agreed to implement the MMRP pursuant to their individual
CEQA actions taken as responsible agencies.
Despite these commitments, if an individual SRS Contractor signatory is subsequently challenged by
third parties regarding their performance of their specific obligations under the DPP Agreement and the DPP
Final EIR, including any actions or projects undertaken thereto, it is possible that GCID could be named as a
defendant or otherwise implicated in any such challenge due to GCID’s position as the CEQA lead agency for
the DPP Agreement.
Accordingly, GCID, with the SRSC Corporation Board’s support, and in consideration of GCID acting
as the CEQA lead agency for the benefit of all the SRS Contractors, is seeking the individual SRS Contractor
signatories’ approval and execution of the attached indemnification agreement. For SRS Contractors that are
not public agencies, these agreements will provide independent responsibility for your own actions/inactions in
regard to the duties required by your execution of the DPP, and specifically providing that GCID will not be
held legally responsible for your actions/inactions during the term of the DPP Agreement. For SRS Contractors
that are public agencies, the indemnity agreement has additional terms to reflect the unique roles of lead and
responsible agencies under CEQA and provide for reciprocal commitments to indemnify during the term of the
DPP Agreement.
1
AGREEMENT REGARDING INDEMNITY FOR DROUGHT
PROTECTION PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District (“GCID”) and (“Contractor”)
each have executed the AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES BUREAU OF
RECLAMATION, THE SACRAMENTO RIVER SETTLEMENT CONTRACTORS, A
CALIFORNIA NONPROFIT MUTUAL BENEFIT CORPORATION, AND INDIVIDUAL
SACRAMENTO RIVER SETTLEMENT CONTRACTORS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT
OF A DROUGHT PROTECTION PROGRAM¸ (the “DPP Agreement”) dated January 10,
2025;
WHEREAS, on December 30, 2024, Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District, as lead agency
under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), certified the Final Environmental
Impact Report (the “DPP Final EIR”) for the Drought Protection Program Agreement Between
the Sacramento River Settlement Contractors Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation (SRSC
Corporation), Individual Sacramento River Settlement Contractors, and the U.S. Bureau of
Reclamation (SCH Number 2024050834), adopted Findings of Fact and a Statement of
Overriding Considerations, adopted a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP),
and approved the DPP Agreement;
WHEREAS, Contractor, as a responsible agency under CEQA, certified the DPP Final
EIR, adopted Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerations, adopted a MMRP,
and approved the Project and authorized execution of the DPP Agreement;
WHEREAS, CEQA compliance was a prerequisite to successful completion of the DPP
Agreement and GCID’s and Contractor’s receipt of benefits thereunder.
THEREFORE, GCID and Contractor agree as follows:
1.Mutual Commitment to Enforce MMRP. In furtherance of its obligations under Article
7(d) of the DPP Agreement:
a.Contractor agrees to comply with any mitigation, monitoring and reporting
requirements contained in the DPP Final EIR, as certified by GCID, that are
applicable to the Contractor and associated with the Contractor’s water reductions
described in Articles 3 and 4 thereto, and the Contractor’s Drought Resiliency
Projects described in Article 7(a)(ii) thereto; and
b.GCID agrees to comply with any mitigation, monitoring and reporting
requirements contained in the DPP Final EIR, as certified by GCID, that are
applicable to GCID and associated with GCID’s water reductions described in
Articles 3 and 4 thereto, and GCID’s Drought Resiliency Projects described in
Article 7(a)(ii) thereto.
City of Redding
2
2.Mutual Indemnity.
a.By Contractor: Contractor will fully indemnify, defend and hold harmless GCID
and its Directors, agents, employees, and contractors, from any and all losses,
damages, liabilities, claims, demands, and expenses, including attorney’s fees,
arising out of or related to GCID’s role as lead agency for the DPP Final EIR and
resulting from any actions taken or projects implemented by the Contractor under
the DPP Agreement, including, Contractor’s obligations with respect to applicable
mitigation measures adopted as part of the DPP Final EIR certification and DPP
Agreement approval, and the Contractor agrees it will be solely responsible for all
costs, claims (including a claim for specific performance), damages, expenses,
judgments, regulatory requirements, fines, or other financial obligations arising
from the Contractor’s actions, or inaction (as it may apply to Contractor’s
obligations to comply with mitigation measures specifically applicable to
Contractor) and Contractor’s projects undertaken pursuant to the DPP Agreement.
GCID may retain its own legal counsel in any such action, with all of GCID’s
litigation costs including any attorney’s fees and expert witness fees reimbursed
by the Contractor. GCID and its counsel shall report and consult with the
Contractor regarding the defense of any such action. GCID shall not enter into
any settlement or other voluntary resolution of any such action without approval
of the Contractor, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.
b.By GCID: GCID will fully indemnify, defend and hold harmless Contractor and
its Directors, agents, employees, and contractors, from any and all losses,
damages, liabilities, claims, demands, and expenses, including attorney’s fees,
arising out of or related to Contractor’s role as responsible agency for the DPP
Final EIR and resulting from any actions taken or projects implemented by GCID
under the DPP Agreement, including, GCID’s obligations with respect to
applicable mitigation measures adopted as part of the DPP Final EIR certification
and DPP Agreement approval that are not otherwise required to be performed by
the SRSC Corporation pursuant to the “Agreement Regarding CEQA Indemnity
For Drought Protection Program” executed by GCID and the SRSC Corporation,
and GCID agrees it will be solely responsible for all costs, claims (including a
claim for specific performance), damages, expenses, judgments, regulatory
requirements, fines, or other financial obligations arising from GCID’s actions, or
inaction (as it may apply to GCID’s obligations to comply with mitigation
measures specifically applicable to GCID) and GCID’s projects undertaken
pursuant to the DPP Agreement. Contractor may retain its own legal counsel in
any such action, with all of Contractor’s litigation costs including any attorney’s
fees and expert witness fees reimbursed by GCID. Contractor and its counsel
shall report and consult with GCID regarding the defense of any such action.
Contractor shall not enter into any settlement or other voluntary resolution of any
such action without approval of the GCID, such approval not to be unreasonably
withheld.
3
3.Further CEQA Actions.
a.The Contractor agrees that GCID will have no responsibility, financial obligation,
or other duties regarding any further CEQA compliance or documentation for
DPP Agreement actions taken by the Contractor, beyond the obligations identified
in the DPP Final EIR’s MMRP specific to GCID. Any required supplemental
CEQA documentation for such Contractor actions is the responsibility of the
Contractor and any responsible agencies considering discretionary approvals for
Contractor’s related actions taken under the DPP Agreement.
b.GCID agrees that Contractor will have no responsibility, financial obligation, or
other duties regarding any further CEQA compliance or documentation for DPP
Agreement actions taken by GCID, beyond the obligations identified in the DPP
Final EIR’s MMRP specific to Contractor. Any required supplemental CEQA
documentation for such GCID actions is the responsibility of GCID and any
responsible agencies considering discretionary approvals for GCID’s related
actions taken under the DPP Agreement.
4.Any person executing this Agreement on behalf of any party hereby personally represents
and warrants to the other parties that he/she/they has the authority to execute this
Agreement on behalf of, and to fully bind, such party.
5.This Agreement will terminate upon the earlier of: (1) completion of the anticipated 20-
year term of the DPP Agreement; (2) early termination of the DPP Agreement; or (3) any
action resulting in the decertification, in whole or in part, of the DPP Final EIR, but only,
if applicable, after the exhaustion of any appeals of any such decertification.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have entered into this Agreement as set forth above.
GLENN-COLUSA IRRIGATION
DISTRICT
By: __________________________
Name: ________________________
Its: ___________________________
Date:__________________________
CITY OF REDDING
By: __________________________
Name: ________________________
Its: ___________________________
Date: _________________________
December 2024
State Clearinghouse Number: 2024050834
Drought Protection Program Agreement Between the Sacramento River Settlement
Contractors Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation, Individual Sacramento River
Settlement Contractors, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Project
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Prepared for the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District
December 2024
State Clearinghouse Number: 2024050834
Drought Protection Program Agreement Between the Sacramento River Settlement
Contractors Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation, Individual Sacramento River
Settlement Contractors, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Project
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Prepared for
Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District
P.O. Box 150
Willows, California 95988
Prepared by
Anchor QEA
33 New Montgomery Street, Suite 1210
San Francisco, California 94105
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program i December 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................1
2 Monitoring Program ................................................................................................................. 2
TABLE
Table 1 Mitigation and Monitoring Program ............................................................................................. 3
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program ii December 2024
ABBREVIATIONS
BMP best management practice
CCR California Code of Regulations
CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CESA California Endangered Species Act
CHRIS California Historical Resources Information System
CNDDB California Natural Diversity Database
CNPS California Native Plant Society
EIR Environmental Impact Report
ESA Endangered Species Act
FEIR Final Environmental Impact Report
GCID Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District
GGS giant garter snake
GSP Groundwater Sustainability Plan
HCP Habitat Conservation Plan
IDP Inadvertent Discovery Plan
MMRP Mitigation and Monitoring Reporting Program
mph mile per hour
MRZ mineral resource zone
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
OHP Office of Historic Preservation
Reclamation U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board
SGMA Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
SRSC Sacramento River Settlement Contractors
SRSCNC Sacramento River Settlement Contractors Nonprofit Mutual Benefit
Corporation
SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
USGS U.S. Geological Survey
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 1 December 2024
1 Introduction
On December 30, 2024, the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District (GCID), in compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA; California Public Resources Code, Division 13, Section 21000 et
seq.) and CEQA Guidelines (14 California Code of Regulations [CCR] 15000 et seq.) certified a Final
Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) to support the approval of the Drought Protection Program
Agreement1 (project or Agreement) between the Sacramento River Settlement Contractors Nonprofit
Mutual Benefit Corporation (SRSCNC), individual Sacramento River Settlement Contractors (SRSC),
and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation). Under the project, the SRSCNC and individual
members of the SRSC will enter into an Agreement with Reclamation to forego a larger percentage
of their contract supply in specified drought years under two phases. In addition, the SRSC will
engage in drought-resiliency projects to address potential water loss and strengthen the resilience of
the SRSC’s water system and long-term water delivery capabilities. The project would occur within
the SRSC service areas in eight counties: Shasta, Tehama, Glenn, Butte, Sutter, Colusa, Yolo, and
Sacramento.
CEQA (PRC Section 21081.6) requires a Lead or Responsible Agency to adopt a Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) when approving or carrying out a project. The purpose
of this program is to ensure that when an environmental document, either an Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) or a negative declaration, identifies measures to reduce potential adverse environmental
impacts to less-than-significant levels, that those measures are implemented as detailed in the
environmental document. As lead agency for the EIR, GCID is responsible for implementation of this
MMRP.
The EIR prepared for the project addresses the potential environmental impacts and, where
appropriate, recommends measures to mitigate these impacts. As such, this MMRP is required to
ensure that adopted mitigation measures are successfully implemented and a monitoring strategy
was prepared for each mitigation measure. Once GCID adopts the MMRP, the individual SRSC
members signing the Agreement would be required to comply with these mitigation measures as
enforceable conditions of the Agreement. Individual SRSC members must document their
compliance with all applicable mitigation measures and provide proof of compliance to the SRSCNC,
which shall maintain a record of compliance that is available for inspection and verification by GCID.
Therefore, in accordance with the aforementioned requirements, this document lists each mitigation
measure, describes the methods for implementation, and identifies the responsible party or parties.
1 Prior to its approval, the Drought Protection Program Agreement was previously known as the Water Reduction Program
Agreement.
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 2 December 2024
2 Monitoring Program
This MMRP was prepared and is accompanied by the associated reporting forms used to verify
compliance with individual mitigation measures. This MMRP identifies each mitigation measure by
discipline, the entity or organization responsible for implementation, and the monitoring phase
required for each measure. Certain inspections and reports may require preparation by qualified
individuals; these are specified as needed.
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 3 December 2024
Table 1
Mitigation and Monitoring Program
Mitigation Measures
Measure Responsible Party and Implementation Timing and Monitoring
MM-AGR-1: Site Drought-Resiliency Projects Outside of Forest
Lands. Drought-resiliency projects will not be sited in forest lands.
The SRSC member implementing the drought-
resiliency project shall review all proposed
drought-resiliency project locations to ensure that
none are sited in forest lands.
During planning for drought-
resiliency projects.
MM-AIR-1: Construction Truck Idling Requirements. During
construction of drought resiliency projects, SRSC contractors will
require construction contractors to minimize heavy-duty
construction equipment idling time to 2 minutes where feasible.
Currently, the In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Rule restricts
construction equipment idling to 5 minutes. This measure would
further reduce the time allowance for idling to 2 minutes to reduce
emissions. Exceptions include equipment that needs to idle to
perform work, vehicles being serviced, or vehicles in a queue waiting
for work consistent with the In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Rule.
This measure shall be incorporated into any
applicable construction contracts initiated by an
individual SRSC for a drought-resiliency project.
Prior to commencement of and
during all drought-resiliency
project construction events.
MM-AIR-2: Dust Reduction Measures.
During drought-resiliency project construction in non-
Agreement Years, the following dust control measures will be
implemented as applicable to the drought-resiliency project:
‒ Active construction areas will be watered at least twice daily.
‒ Haul trucks will maintain at least two feet of freeboard.
‒ Trucks hauling soil, sand, and other loose materials will be
covered.
‒ Non-toxic binders (e.g., latex acrylic copolymer) will be
applied to exposed areas after cut-and-fill operations and
hydroseed area.
‒ Inactive storage piles will be covered.
During Agreement Years, a 20-mph speed limit for vehicles
driving on unpaved roads or farmland devoid of crops will be
established and enforced. Speed limits will be posted and
workers will be notified in writing of restrictions. In addition, the
This measure shall be incorporated into any
applicable construction contracts initiated by an
individual SRSC for a drought-resiliency project.
Prior to commencement of
drought-resiliency project
construction in non-Agreement
Years and during all Agreement
Years, as specified in the
measure.
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Mitigation Measures
Measure Responsible Party and Implementation Timing and Monitoring
following measures will be implemented as applicable to the
drought-resiliency project:
‒ Haul trucks will maintain at least 2 feet of freeboard.
‒ Trucks hauling soil, sand, and other loose materials will be
covered.
‒ Non-toxic binders (e.g., latex acrylic copolymer) will be
applied to exposed areas after cut-and-fill operations and
hydroseed area.
‒ Inactive storage piles will be covered.
MM-BIO-1: Conduct Desktop Special Status Wildlife Species,
Plant Species, and Aquatic Resources Evaluation for Drought-
Resiliency Projects. Prior to implementing a drought-resiliency
project that involves grading, vegetation removal, or other form of
construction in irrigation and drainage canals or upland areas
outside of established agricultural croplands with a history of
discing, planting, and maintenance, a qualified biologist will conduct
a desktop evaluation of the site using digital web-based aerial
photography. The purpose of the desktop evaluation will be to
determine the potential for special status wildlife and plant species
habitat or aquatic resources subject to regulation by the USACE,
RWQCB, or CDFW to occur on site. A qualified biologist will also
perform a review of the USFWS Information for Planning and
Consultation, CNDDB, CNPS, and Calflora databases to identify
known records or potential for special status plant or wildlife species
to occur in the project vicinity. If through this assessment, the
biologist determines that potential habitat for special status wildlife
or plants or jurisdictional aquatic resources exist, then site-specific
survey(s) will be conducted per MM-BIO-2, MM-BIO-3, MM-BIO-4,
MM-BIO-5, and MM-BIO-6, as applicable.
If a drought-resiliency project involves grading,
vegetation removal, or other form of construction
in irrigation and drainage canals or upland areas
outside of established agricultural croplands with
a history of discing, planting, and maintenance,
the SRSC implementing the project shall complete
a desktop special status wildlife species, plant
species, and aquatic resources evaluation.
During planning for and prior to
construction of drought-
resiliency projects.
MM-BIO-2: Conduct Special Status Plant Species Surveys and
Avoidance for Drought-Resiliency Projects. If the drought-
resiliency project site survey indicates that the project site contains
suitable habitat for special-status plant species, surveys using
USFWS, CDFW, and California Native Plant Society protocols will be
If a drought-resiliency project site contains
suitable habitat for special-status plant species,
the SRSC implementing the project shall ensure
that surveys by a qualified biologist are conducted
During planning for, prior to
construction of, and after
completing construction for
drought-resiliency projects.
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conducted by a qualified biologist. If present, special-status plant
species will be flagged for avoidance. If avoidance is not possible,
USFWS and/or CDFW will be consulted to determine the appropriate
approach for minimizing impacts to special-status plant species and
compensating for unavoidable impacts, and the project proponents
will implement all necessary minimization and compensation
measures.
and that if present, special-status plant species are
flagged for avoidance by the qualified biologist.
If avoidance is not possible, the SRSC
implementing the project shall consult with
USFWS and/or CDFW regarding the appropriate
approach for minimizing impacts to special status
plant species and compensating for unavoidable
impacts.
The SRSC implementing the project shall
implement all necessary minimization and
compensation measures as applicable or required
for drought-resiliency projects undertaken as part
of the Agreement.
MM-BIO-3: Conduct Special Status Wildlife Species Surveys and
Avoidance for Drought-Resiliency Projects. If the drought-
resiliency project site survey indicates that the project site provides
habitat for special-status wildlife, site-specific pre-construction
surveys using USFWS and/or CDFW protocols will be conducted by a
qualified biologist. If special-status wildlife species are actively using
an area within the site, work shall not be permitted to occur within
100 feet until the animals have left on their own or, if necessary, are
relocated in accordance with MM-BIO-5. Setback areas will be
flagged. A qualified biologist shall be present during construction to
monitor construction activities.
If a drought-resiliency project site contains
suitable habitat for special status wildlife species,
the SRSC implementing the project shall ensure
that surveys by a qualified biologist are
conducted. If wildlife is actively using the area, the
SRSC shall verify the work area is flagged with
setbacks until the animals have left on their own
or are relocated in accordance with mitigation
measure MM-BIO-5.
Avoidance requirements in accordance with
measure shall be incorporated into any applicable
construction contracts initiated by an individual
SRSC for a drought-resiliency project.
During planning for, prior to
construction of, and during
construction of drought-
resiliency projects.
MM-BIO-4: Conduct Nesting Bird Species Surveys and
Avoidance for Drought-Resiliency Projects. If the drought-
resiliency project site survey indicates that the project site provides
habitat for nesting birds that may be affected by construction and
construction would occur between March 1 and September 15, pre-
construction nesting bird surveys (two site visits at least one week
apart) will be conducted by a qualified biologist within 14 days prior
If the drought-resiliency project site contains
suitable habitat for nesting birds that may be
affected by construction, the SRSC implementing
the project shall ensure pre-construction nesting
bird surveys are completed by a qualified
biologist. If an active nest is found, the SRSC shall
ensure an appropriate buffer zone is established
During planning for, within
14 days prior to commencement
of construction activities for, and
during construction of drought-
resiliency projects.
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to construction to detect the presence of nesting birds. If an active
nest is found, then the qualified biologist will establish an
appropriate buffer (minimum 100 feet for non-raptors and 250 feet
for raptors) based on site-specific factors such as the topography,
the type of work to be performed, natural visual and/or auditory
barriers between the nest and proposed work area, and the species.
If work must be performed within the established buffer zone, a
qualified biologist should monitor the nest prior to work activities to
determine baseline nesting behaviors. Work shall be permitted to
occur within the buffer zone with a qualified biologist present to
monitor the work for signs of disturbance, to adjust (increase) the
buffer size as needed, and to exercise stop work authority if nest
disturbance is observed. No further work may occur within the
buffer zone until nesting birds have fledged from nests on their own.
Setback areas will be flagged.
by a qualified biologist. If work must occur within
the buffer zone, the SRSC shall ensure that a
qualified biologist monitors the nest prior to
construction, is present during all construction
activities within the buffer zone, and flags all
setback areas.
Avoidance requirements in accordance with
measure shall be incorporated into any applicable
construction contracts initiated by an individual
SRSC for a drought-resiliency project.
MM-BIO-5: Implement General Biological Resources Protection
Measures during Drought-Resiliency Project Construction. The
construction contractor and operations personnel shall implement
the following general biological resources protection measures
during drought-resiliency project construction:
Limit construction and operations activities to daylight hours to
the extent feasible. If nighttime activities are unavoidable, then
workers shall direct all lights for nighttime lighting into the work
area and shall minimize the lighting of natural habitat areas
adjacent to the work area. Light glare shields shall be used to
reduce the extent of illumination into sensitive habitats. If the
work area is located near surface waters, the lighting shall be
shielded such that it does not shine directly into the water.
Vegetation clearing will be limited to only those areas necessary
for construction.
Any excavated and stockpiled soils will be placed outside of
designated special status species habitat.
Dispose of cleared vegetation and soils at a location that will
not create habitat for special status wildlife species.
The SRSC implementing a drought-resiliency
project shall ensure that the general biological
resources protection measures are implemented
in constructing drought-resiliency projects.
The general biological resources protection
measures shall be incorporated into any
applicable construction contracts initiated by an
individual SRSC for a drought-resiliency project.
During planning for and prior to
construction of drought-
resiliency projects.
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Dispose of food-related and other garbage in wildlife-proof
containers and remove the garbage from the project area daily
during construction. Vehicles carrying trash will be required to
have loads covered and secured to prevent trash and debris
from falling onto roads and adjacent properties.
Store all construction-related vehicles and equipment in the
designated staging areas. These areas shall not contain native
or sensitive vegetation communities and shall not support
sensitive plant or wildlife species.
Construction-related vehicles and equipment will not exceed a
20 mile-per-hour speed limit at the construction site, staging
areas, or on unpaved roads.
The qualified biologist will provide the contractor with worker
environmental awareness training.
Prior to the initiation of work each day, the contractor will
inspect construction pipes, culverts, or similar features;
construction equipment; or construction debris left overnight in
areas that may be occupied by special-status species that could
occupy such structures prior to being used for construction.
Avoid wildlife entrapment by completely covering or providing
escape ramps for all excavated steep-walled holes or trenches
more than 1 foot deep at the end of each construction work
day. The qualified biologist shall inspect open trenches and
holes and shall remove or release any trapped wildlife found in
the trenches or holes prior to filling by the construction
contractors.
Capture and relocation of trapped or injured wildlife listed under
ESA or CESA can only be performed by personnel with appropriate
state and/or federal permits. Any sightings and any incidental take
(mortality) shall be reported to CDFW via email within one working
day of the discovery. Notification shall include the date, time, and
location (U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute quadrangle
and/or similar map at a scale that will allow others to find the
location in the field) of the incident or of the discovery of an
individual special-status species that is dead or injured (type of
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injury shall be included). For each special-status species
encountered, the biologist shall submit a completed CNDDB field
survey form (or equivalent) to CDFW no more than 90 days after
completing the last field visit to the project site.
MM-BIO-6: Implement GGS Avoidance Measures for Drought-
Resiliency Projects. If the need for a drought-resiliency project site
survey is identified as part of MM-BIO-1, and the initial assessment
indicates that that the project site provides habitat for GGS,
avoidance measures must be implemented to avoid GGS during
construction. Construction activities within GGS habitat will be
restricted to between May 1 and October 1, to the extent feasible. If
work must be conducted within GGS habitat between October 2 and
April 30, two GGS pre-construction surveys will be conducted in any
area within 200 feet of GGS aquatic habitat by a qualified biologist.
The first survey will occur within 15 days prior to onset of
construction and the second will occur within 24 hours prior to the
onset of construction. The information collected from the first pre-
construction survey will serve primarily to alert the biologist and
construction crews of the general level of GGS activity at the site and
borrow area, and the second survey will serve to minimize potential
for take of GGS. If GGS is found in the project area, then to avoid
direct impacts on GGS, the following measures will be implemented
during construction of the drought-resiliency project:
Temporary fencing will be installed to exclude GGS from the
work area. The design of the fence will be approved by the
CDFW prior to installation.
Fence installation will be supervised by a qualified biologist.
The qualified biologist will provide the contractor with worker
environmental awareness training, including instructing the
contractor on how to inspect the exclusion fence.
Prior to the initiation of work each day, the contractor will
inspect the exclusion fence to ensure it is functional for the
intended purpose.
The SRSC implementing the project shall ensure
that the GGS avoidance measures are
implemented in constructing drought-resiliency
projects.
Avoidance requirements in accordance with this
measure shall be incorporated into any applicable
construction contracts initiated by an individual
SRSC for a drought-resiliency project.
During planning for and prior to
construction of drought-
resiliency projects.
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Measure Responsible Party and Implementation Timing and Monitoring
If GGS is observed within the temporary fencing around the
construction site, the contractor will stop work and allow the species
to leave the site of its own volition or the snake will be captured by a
qualified biologist with appropriate collecting/handling permits and
relocated to the nearest suitable habitat beyond the influence of the
project work area. “Take” of a state or federal special status species
is prohibited without appropriate permits from the USFWS and
CDFW.
MM-BIO-7: Obtain Incidental Take Authorization for Take of
Listed Species from Drought-Resiliency Project Impacts. If
species avoidance is not expected to be possible through
implementation of MM-BIO-1, MM-BIO-3, MM-BIO-4, MM-BIO-5, or
MM-BIO-6, USFWS and/or CDFW will be consulted to determine the
appropriate approach for minimizing impacts to special-status
wildlife species and compensating for potential incidental take.
Impacts will be compensated for through purchase of mitigation
credits at an approved conservation bank and/or on or offsite
restoration and enhancement. Incidental take authorization will be
obtained for take of listed species resulting from construction of a
drought-resiliency project.
The SRSC implementing the project shall ensure
that incidental take authorization is obtained if
special status species avoidance is not possible for
constructing drought-resiliency projects.
Prior to the commencement of
construction activities for
drought-resiliency projects.
MM-BIO-8: Compensate for Permanent Loss of Special Status
Wildlife Species Habitat from Drought-Resiliency Projects. If it is
determined through implementation of MM-BIO-1 and MM-BIO-3
that a drought-resiliency project site includes high-quality foraging
or breeding habitat for special status wildlife species and there will
be a permanent loss of such habitat resulting from construction,
impacts will be compensated for through onsite and/or offsite
restoration, enhancement, and/or purchase of mitigation credits at
an approved conservation bank. Based on the findings of MM-BIO-
3, the qualified biologist will prepare a plan that outlines proposed
compensatory mitigation and coordinate with USFWS and CDFW.
Compensatory lands will be of similar or better quality than habitat
lost, preferably located in the vicinity of the drought-resiliency
project site, and be permanently preserved through a conservation
The SRSC implementing the project shall ensure
that compensatory mitigation is provided for
permanent loss of special status species habitat
from construction of drought-resiliency projects.
After implementation of
mitigation measures MM-BIO-1
and MM-BIO-3 for drought-
resiliency project sites that
include high-quality foraging or
breeding habitat for special
status wildlife species and
where there will be a permanent
loss of such habitat resulting
from construction.
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easement. The plan will identify conservation actions to ensure that
the compensatory lands are managed to provide for the continued
existence of the species. The plan will also identify an approach for
funding assurance for the long-term management of the conserved
land, as relevant.
MM-BIO-9: Tree Replanting Requirements for Drought-
Resiliency Projects. Avoid native tree removal where practicable
through adjustments to the alignment of ditches, pipelines, or other
construction features. If protected or heritage native tree removal is
not avoidable, local county requirements for replacement would be
prescribed at the ratio specified in their general plan. Replanting
ratios vary between counties. For trees known to be used by nesting
raptors, preservation efforts shall be pursued to the maximum
extent possible. Nest tree losses in HCP covered areas could be
subject to replacement at 15:1 such as in the Natomas Basin HCP.
The SRSC implementing the project shall ensure
that trees are replanted in accordance with this
measure to compensate for any tree removal
required for construction or operation of drought-
resiliency projects.
During drought-resiliency
project planning and prior to
any tree removal associated
with a drought-resiliency
project.
MM-BIO-10: Timing Requirements for Discing in Fallow Fields
During Agreement Years. If discing occurs in idled croplands
during an Agreement Year, the following will be adhered to:
Between February 15 and September 15, discing will occur
when vegetation is on average 12 inches or less in height.
Between September 15 and February 15, discing may occur
without vegetation height restriction.
During Agreement Years, all SRSC members idling
croplands shall ensure that the timing
requirements stated in this measure are complied
with when discing croplands fallowed under the
Agreement.
Prior to discing croplands idled
as a result of the Agreement.
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MM-BIO-11: Maintain Minimum Water Depth in Irrigation and
Drainage Canals in Key Areas During Agreement Years. Certain
croplands abut or are immediately adjacent to areas with known
important GGS populations that may be in or connected to areas
with specific management plans for GGS either for mitigation or as
wildlife refuges. Croplands abutting or immediately adjacent to the
following areas are considered important GGS populations:
Butte Creek between Upper Butte Basin and Gray Lodge Wildlife
areas
Colusa Basin drainage canal between Delevan and Colusa
National Wildlife Refuges
Gilsizer Slough
Colusa Drainage Canal
Land side of the Toe Drain along the Sutter Bypass
Willow Slough and Willow Slough Bypass in Yolo County
Hunters and Logan Creeks between Sacramento and Delevan
National Wildlife Refuges
Lands in the Natomas Basin
To the extent practicable, irrigation and drainage canal water depths
in areas that are considered important GGS populations will be
similar to years when the Agreement is not in effect or, where
information on baseline water depths is limited, at least 2 feet deep.
During Agreement Years and to the extent
practicable, all SRSC members idling croplands
shall ensure that any croplands abutting or
immediately adjacent to the areas specified in this
measure maintain irrigation and drainage canal
water depths of at least 2 feet deep.
Prior to cropland idling during
Agreement Years.
MM-BIO-12: Conduct Aquatic Resources Surveys and Avoidance
for Drought-Resiliency Projects
If the drought-resiliency project site survey identified in MM-BIO-1
indicates that the project site contains potentially jurisdictional
aquatic resources, including wetlands, other waters, and riparian
habitat, that may be affected by construction, an aquatic resources
delineation to identify and delineate wetlands and other waters shall
be conducted. Wetlands and waters identified on site will be flagged
as environmentally sensitive areas and avoided to the extent
practicable. Permanent impacts to jurisdictional aquatic resources
will be mitigated per MM-BIO-13.
The SRSC implementing the project shall ensure
that aquatic resources surveys and avoidance
measures are implemented for drought-resiliency
projects.
During planning for and prior to
construction of drought-
resiliency projects.
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MM-BIO-13: Obtain Required Permits and Implement Wetland
Mitigation for Drought-Resiliency Projects. If impacts to wetlands
and waters cannot be avoided, then required permits, potentially
including permits from the USACE, RWQCB, and CDFW would be
obtained and complied with per MM-BIO-13. Mitigation for project-
related permanent impacts to jurisdictional wetlands or other waters
will be provided at a minimum 1:1 ratio through onsite and/or
offsite restoration, enhancement, and/or purchase of mitigation
credits at an approved bank.
The SRSC implementing the project shall ensure
that required USACE, RWQCB, and CDFW permits
are obtained and that mitigation for permanent
impacts to waters and wetlands is provided at a
minimum 1:1 ratio for drought-resiliency projects.
This measure shall be incorporated into any
applicable construction contracts initiated by any
SRSC for a proposed drought-resiliency project.
Prior to construction of, during
construction of, and after
construction of drought-
resiliency projects.
MM-HYD-1: Implement Erosion and Spill Control Measures for
Drought-Resiliency Projects. To ensure that contaminants are not
accidentally introduced into irrigation ditches and canals, the
following measures will be implemented during construction of
drought-resiliency projects:
Use of BMPs (e.g., filter fabric or sandbags) to prevent
pollutants from entering drainage channels
Equipment be inspected daily for leaks or spills
Materials for cleanup of spills be available on site
Flammable materials be stored in appropriate containers
Spill prevention kits be in close proximity when using hazardous
materials
Spills and leaks be cleaned up immediately and disposed of in
accordance with local, state, and federal regulations
Vehicles and equipment be kept clean
Construction personnel to be appropriately trained in spill
prevention, hazardous material control, and cleanup of
accidental spills
For drought-resiliency projects involving over an acre of land
disturbance, a NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit will
be obtained and a construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Plan (SWPPP) will be prepared.
This measure and all listed BMPs shall be
incorporated into any applicable construction
contracts initiated by a SRSC member for any
drought-resiliency project and enforced by the
SRSC. Implementation of the measures and listed
BMPs shall be documented by the SRSC
implementing the project.
Prior to commencement of and
during construction of drought-
resiliency projects.
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MM-HYD-2: Install and Operate Groundwater Wells in
Accordance with Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) and
the SGMA for all Groundwater Pumping Activities undertaken
under the Agreement. The installation of any new groundwater
wells and the operation of existing and new groundwater wells will
be in accordance with targets and requirements set by applicable
GSPs managed by Groundwater Sustainability Agencies in the
project area, as well as the requirements set forth by SGMA,
including the submittal of annual reports regardless of
determination status following adoption of a GSP or alternative.
The implementing SRSC shall ensure that any
installation and operation of new wells, and
operation of existing wells, is in accordance with
GSPs and SGMA.
During planning for any new
groundwater wells; ongoing for
continued compliance for
existing groundwater wells.
MM-CUL-1: Conduct CHRIS Review and Desktop Evaluation for
Drought-Resiliency Projects. Prior to the start of any drought-
resiliency project, a qualified historian/archaeologist will request
information regarding cultural resources already recorded in CHRIS
to determine whether a drought-resiliency project may be located in
an area where cultural resources are recorded. If through this review,
a cultural resource is identified within resiliency project area or the
historian/archaeologist determines through desktop review that the
specific project area has potential to contain cultural resources, then
implementation of MM-CUL-2 will be required.
The SRSC implementing the project shall verify that
a CHRIS review and desktop evaluation has been
completed for the drought-resiliency projects by a
qualified historian/archaeologist. If a cultural
resource is identified or it is determined that the
project area has the potential to contain cultural
resources, the SRSC shall ensure implementation of
mitigation measure MM-CUL-2.
During planning for and prior to
the construction of any
drought-resiliency project.
MM-CUL-2: Conduct Pre-Construction Surveys and Establish
Buffers for Drought-Resiliency Projects. If determined required by
the qualified historian/archaeologist in MM-CUL-1, a site-specific
pre-construction field survey will be conducted by a qualified
historian/archeologist prior to the start of construction activities. The
pre-construction survey will be designed to identify historic
structures, archaeological sites, and potential Tribal cultural
resources that may be present at the specific location of the
drought-resiliency project that is to be implemented. Reports would
be made available to the Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) and
Native American Tribes that have requested consultation (if any),
and these entities would be afforded an opportunity to comment
prior to the start of construction. Any historical or archaeological
If a qualified historian/archeologist determines
that a site-specific pre-construction survey is
required prior to the start of construction of a
drought-resiliency project, the implementing SRSC
shall ensure that a site-specific pre-construction
survey is conducted. Reports on historic
structures, archeological sites, and potential Tribal
cultural resources that may be present a specific
drought-resiliency project site shall be made
available to OHP and Native American Tribes that
have requested consultation and any resource
shall be recorded and flagged with a 30-foot
buffer (or appropriate).
Prior to the start of construction
for drought-resiliency projects.
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 14 December 2024
Mitigation Measures
Measure Responsible Party and Implementation Timing and Monitoring
resources identified during the survey would be recorded and
flagged with a 30-foot buffer (or based on topography and access
points to protect the find, as determined appropriate by the
qualified historian/archeologist).
This measure shall be written in applicable
contracts for drought-resiliency projects.
MM-CUL-3: Develop and Implement Applicable Monitoring and
Mitigation for Drought-Resiliency Project Impacts. If the pre-
construction survey conducted in MM-CUL-2 identifies any historic
or archaeological resources and a Tribe(s) has requested
consultation, then that Tribe(s) will be notified. If historic structures,
archaeological sites, and potential Tribal cultural resources are
identified and flagged, but impacts cannot be avoided or adequately
minimized, then OHP and Tribes that have requested consultation (if
any) will be provided a project-specific monitoring and mitigation
plan. Impacts will be mitigated through implementation of this plan,
with mitigation expected to include but not be limited to
monitoring, resource investigation, documentation, recovery, or
preservation as well as interpretive measures.
If historic or archaeological resources are
identified in a project area and a Tribe(s) has
requested consultation, the SRSC implementing
the project shall confirm that requesting Tribe(s)
are properly notified; that resources are identified
and flagged and impacts are minimized and
avoided; or, if needed, a project-specific
monitoring and mitigation plan is developed and
shared with requesting Tribe(s). This measure shall
be written in applicable contracts for drought-
resiliency projects.
Prior to the start of construction
for drought-resiliency projects.
MM-CUL-4: Develop Inadvertent Discovery Plan (IDP) to be
Implemented if Prehistoric or Historical Archaeological
Resources Are Encountered during Drought-Resiliency Project
Construction. A qualified archaeologist will develop an IDP for the
proposed project to be provided to onsite personnel involved in
drought-resiliency projects that involve excavation below depths
routinely disced or disturbed through routine agricultural
operations. The IDP will include steps to be taken in the event that
cultural resources, any artifact, or an unusual amount of bone, shell,
or non-native stone are identified during construction. Work will
immediately stop and activities will be relocated to another area
beyond 10 meters (30 feet) of the discovery. In the case of potential
human remains, the find must be reported to local law enforcement.
The IDP will specify steps to notify and consult with the OHP and
Tribes. If the resources are found to be significant, they would be
avoided or if avoidance is not possible, mitigated in accordance with
MM-CUL-3.
For drought-resiliency projects that involve
excavation below depths routinely disced or
disturbed, the SRSC implementing the project
shall ensure an IDP is prepared by a qualified
archaeologist and that it is implemented if
prehistoric or historical archaeological resources
are encountered during construction.
Plans for all drought-resiliency projects that
involve excavation shall include the IDP to be
provided to onsite personnel, this measure shall
be written in applicable contracts.
Prior to the start of construction
for drought-resiliency projects.
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 15 December 2024
Mitigation Measures
Measure Responsible Party and Implementation Timing and Monitoring
MM-GEO-1: Needed Implementation of Geotechnical
Recommendations for Drought-Resiliency Projects.
Recommendations from geotechnical assessments or reports for
specific project elements would be implemented as needed,
including use of materials and construction techniques specifically
addressing potential seismic and geologic hazards.
The SRSC implementing the project shall ensure
that geotechnical assessments or reports are
consulted or prepared to verify the need for
specific project elements, if any, to ensure seismic
and geological hazards requirements are included
in the final drought-resiliency project design.
During planning for drought-
resiliency projects.
MM-GEO-2: Unstable Area Buffer for Drought-Resiliency
Projects. Within a 50-foot-wide buffer around unstable areas
regardless of percent slope, no drought-resiliency project
construction would occur without approval from an earth
sciences/physical sciences professional.
The SRSC implementing the project shall engage
an earth sciences/physical sciences professional to
determine the need for and, if needed, establish a
50-foot buffer around any unstable areas
regardless of percent slope. If needed, the
implementing SRSC shall ensure this requirement
is included in final drought-resiliency project
plans.
Prior to construction of any
drought-resiliency project that
includes unstable areas as
determined by an earth
sciences/physical sciences
professional.
MM-GEO-3: Adhere to Applicable Seismic Design Parameters
for Drought-Resiliency Projects. Drought-resiliency projects would
adhere to all applicable seismic design parameters.
The SRSC implementing the project shall ensure
that a drought-resiliency project is compliant with
all applicable seismic design parameters and that
these parameters are included in final drought-
resiliency project plans.
During planning for any
drought-resiliency project.
MM-HAZ-1: Soil Testing in Accordance with Disposal Site
Requirements. To address potential impacts to people and the
environment from management of potentially contaminated soils,
any excavated soils that would not be reused on site would be
tested in accordance with disposal site requirements.
For drought-resiliency projects that will not reuse
excavated soils on site, the SRSC implementing
the project shall require that applicable
construction contracts and plans include a
requirement to test excavated spoils in
accordance with disposal site requirements.
During planning for any
drought-resiliency project.
MM-HAZ-2: Spill Kits. All heavy construction equipment vehicles
would maintain spill kits with oil-absorbent material and tarps to
contain minor releases.
For drought-resiliency projects that involve use of
heavy construction equipment vehicles, the SRSC
implementing the project shall require that plans
and contracts include a requirement to maintain
spill kits with oil-absorbent material and tarps at
all times to contain minor releases.
During planning for any
drought-resiliency project.
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 16 December 2024
Mitigation Measures
Measure Responsible Party and Implementation Timing and Monitoring
MM-HAZ-3: Site Drought-Resiliency Projects Away from Active
Cleanup Sites. Drought-resiliency projects will be sited away from
active cleanup sites.
The SRSC implementing the project shall ensure
that a drought-resiliency project is sited away
from active cleanup sites.
During planning for any
drought-resiliency project.
MM-MIN-1: Avoid Siting Drought-Resiliency Projects in Mineral
Resource Zones. Site drought-resiliency projects away from areas
mapped as MRZ to the extent practicable.
The SRSC implementing the project shall ensure
that a drought-resiliency project is not sited in
areas mapped as MRZ to the extent practicable.
During planning for any
drought-resiliency project.
MM-NOI-1: Notification Requirements to Off-site Noise-
sensitive Receptors for Drought-Resiliency Projects. Written
notification of project activities would be provided to all off-site
noise-sensitive receptors (e.g., residential land uses) located within
500 feet of drought-resiliency project locations. Notification would
include anticipated dates and hours during which activities are
anticipated to occur and contact information of the project
representative, including a daytime telephone number.
The SRSC implementing the project shall ensure
written notification of drought-resiliency project
activities is provided to all off-site noise-sensitive
receptors located within 500 feet of a drought-
resiliency project site.
Prior to commencement of
drought-resiliency project
construction activities.
MM-NOI-2: Power Equipment Use and Maintenance
Requirements for Drought-Resiliency Projects. All powered heavy
equipment and power tools will be used and maintained according
to manufacturer specifications. All diesel- and gasoline-powered
equipment will be properly maintained and equipped with noise-
reduction intake and exhaust mufflers and engine shrouds, in
accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations.
Plans for all drought-resiliency projects shall
include this requirement in all construction
contracts that include the use of power equipment
and power tools.
During planning for drought-
resiliency projects and during
drought-resiliency project
construction activities.
MM-NOI-3: Heavy Equipment Must Operate at Least 25 Feet
from Neighboring Structures for Drought-Resiliency Projects.
Drought-resiliency projects involving the use of heavy equipment
(such as a large bulldozer) will be sited to occur at least 25 feet from
neighboring historical buildings and structures that are extremely
susceptible to vibration damage.
If a project is sited near historic buildings or
structures that are extremely susceptible to
vibration damage, and the drought-resiliency
project would use heavy equipment, the
implementing SRSC shall review final project plans
to ensure that the project is not sited within
25 feet of those historic buildings or structures.
During planning for drought-
resiliency projects.
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 17 December 2024
Mitigation Measures
Measure Responsible Party and Implementation Timing and Monitoring
MM-UTI-1: Notify Utility Companies of Drought-Resiliency
Projects. Prior to construction of the drought-resiliency projects,
utility companies will be contacted to determine whether the
potential for utility line crossing or conflict exists. Notice of
construction of the drought-resiliency projects will be provided to
utility providers to request additional information on the location, if
any, of private cables or utilities.
The SRSC implementing the project shall notify all
relevant utility companies in the vicinity of project
activities to determine possible construction
conflicts. The implementing SRSC shall verify this
measure is included in final drought-resiliency
project plans.
Prior to construction of a
drought-resiliency project.
MM-UTI-2: Conduct Utility Surveys and Coordinate with Utility
Companies for Drought-Resiliency Projects if Needed. During
the design phase for each of the drought-resiliency projects and if
coordination with utility companies reveals the potential for utility
lines to be in the project area, site specific utilities surveys will be
completed to locate, understand, and avoid conflicts with existing
utilities. In addition, all overhead and buried utility lines will be
demarcated and avoided unless modifications are required.
Modifications will be coordinated with the utility company.
The SRSC implementing the project shall conduct
utility surveys to locate, understand, and avoid
conflicts with existing utilities and coordinate with
utility companies for modifications, as necessary.
This measure shall be incorporated into any
applicable design and engineering contracts for all
proposed drought-resiliency projects undertaken
under the Agreement.
During planning for drought-
resiliency projects.
December 19th, 2024
A Plan for Critically Dry Years
The Drought Protection Program (DPP) is a water reduction and infrastructure improvement agreement
between the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the Sacramento River Settlement Contractors
(Settlement Contractors) and implements a voluntary water conservation and water acquisition program
over the next two decades in response to drought conditions at Shasta Lake.
Temporary Program as Part of Long-Term Operations
(LTO) for the Central Valley Project
Goal
The DPP is a series of
actions and investments that
will lead to improved surface
water reliability in future
years to benefit our farms,
communities, economy and
environment.
Drought Protection Program Outline
OUTLINE
Com
m
u
n
i
t
i
e
s
Fa r m i n g
Fish, Bird s , W i l d l ife
Balancing Water Needs
for Multiple Benefits
2December 19th, 2024OUTLINE
Drought Protection Program OUTLINE
Why We Need the DPP
The DPP is needed to avoid repeating the devastating effects of 2022 when the
Settlement Contractors received an 18% water supply from Reclamation. This
resulted in 370,000 acres of farm land fallowed in the Sacramento Valley and little
water for communities, fish and wildlife. The DPP provides improved certainty for
water deliveries for all these purposes in future droughts, as well as funding for
improving water supply infrastructure to help water management in all year types.
Unpredictable water years (e.g., 2022) can lead to decisions by state and federal
agencies and courts that can result in reductions to water supply that have
devastating effects on the Sacramento Valley.
Avoiding a
Repeat of
2022
•18% delivered to farms,
wildlife refuges
• 370,000 acres fallowed
• $1.3 billion hit to
regional economy
• Low salmon survival rates
• Communities
implemented water
conservation measures
3December 19th, 2024OUTLINE
Drought Protection Program OUTLINE
When Does This Occur?
The DPP’s water supply action is triggered only when hydrologic conditions at
Shasta Lake hit specified critically dry year criteria over the next 20 years.
These specified hydrologic conditions would have occurred seven times in the
last 100 years (7% of the time). With the more recent drought periods we have
experienced, this would have occurred in three of the last 10 years (2014, 2021,
2022). Previous to 2014, it would not have occurred since the early 1990s.
In these defined years between now and 2045, Settlement Contract supplies
would be reduced to as low as 50%. Contract performance would be similar to
2014, 2015, 2021 and 2022 with flexibilities to allow the Settlement Contractors
to best use their reduced contract supplies including shifting contract amounts
between months to best meet demands.
DPP
Water Supply
Actions
Conditions would have
been triggered seven times
in the last 100 years.
“Phase One Program Year” shall mean when all the following conditions are
satisfied by April 15 in any Year during Phase One:
1. Forecasted end-of-April Shasta Lake storage is less than 3.0 million acre-feet;
2. Forecasted end-of-September, for the current year, Shasta Lake storage is less than 2.0 million acre-feet;
3. Combined actual and forecasted natural inflow to Shasta Lake from October 1, of the prior year, through April 30, for the current year, is less than 2.5 million acre-feet; and
4. Reclamation forecasts a Critical Year under the Settlement Contracts.
*Note: for Phase 2, only the 3rd and 4th points above would apply.
4December 19th, 2024OUTLINE
Drought Protection Program OUTLINE
How Does it Work?
The DPP has two, ten-year phases, while the parties commit to implement these
actions and working collaboratively on the holistic Winter-Run Action Plan (WRAP)
to help recover salmon.
* The water supply actions result in “Program Water”
• Phase 1: (2025-2035): the Settlement Contractors would reduce
contract supply by up to 500,000 acre-feet during years the hydrologic
conditions triggers are met.
• Phase 2: (2035-2045): the Settlement Contractors would reduce
contract supply by up to 100,000 acre-feet during years the hydrologic
conditions triggers are met.
Program
Water
Defined
As listed in this document,
“Program Water”
represents the total
amount of water reduced
from Settlement Contract
totals when the water
supply action is triggered.
Program Water
• The water supply action is a temporary added reduction in contract supply (in
addition to the existing contract reductions under the Settlement Contracts for the
specific year type).
• The “Program Water” is deemed equivalent to a reasonable and beneficial use
of water, however, the water supply action does not reflect any change to the
underlying water rights. The current Settlement Contracts will remain in place
under the DPP.
• As the DPP is implemented and Shasta Lake is operated to meet 2.0 million acre-
feet of storage at the end of September, the Settlement Contractors will receive at
least 50% of total contract supply.
• The Settlement Contractors will coordinate their diversions with Reclamation to
ensure an adequate flow release schedule from Shasta Lake to meet their needs.
• If hydrologic conditions triggers are met during Phase 1 that would call for
reductions that exceed a cumulative of 500,000 acre-feet of Program Water
(but no more than 50% reductions in any given year), any further reductions
are contingent upon completing WRAP milestones or otherwise agreed to by
Reclamation and the SRSC Corporation.
Protects
Water Rights
Settlement Contractors will
receive at least 50% of total
contract supply.
Members to be
compensated for water
reductions.
5December 19th, 2024OUTLINE
Drought Protection Program OUTLINE
Ac
r
e
-
F
e
e
t
o
f
W
a
t
e
r
30%13%19%22%9%7%
16% Critical
Drought
Protection
Program
100,000
Acre-Feet
Up to
500,000
Acre-Feet100,000
Acre-Feet
100,000
Acre-Feet
Wet
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
500,000
Above
Normal
Below
Normal
Shasta
Critical
Dry
Healthy Rivers and Landscapes
100 Years
Frequency
Note: Existing Shasta Critical Year reductions from 100% to 75% supply are not shown here.
Shasta
Critical
+DPP Triggers
Water for the Environment
Funding Summary
Reclamation will provide $250 million to the Sacramento River Settlement Contractor
non-profit Corporation which will then disburse that funding to the SRS contractors
based on contract amounts (assuming all contractors sign the agreement.) The
$250 million in funding will be provided in January 2025 to the non-profit corporation
which will then distribute to contractors after they have signed the agreement. More
than half of the funds will need to be spent on water supply projects.
Reclamation
to make
$125 Million
Investment
for Drought
Resiliency
• Improve and expand
conjunctive management
• Pipe or line open canals
• Expand recirculation systems
• Upgrade irrigation systems
• Infrastructure improvements
• Automation of gates
and canals
6December 19th, 2024OUTLINE
Drought Protection Program OUTLINE
When Program Water Years are Defined
On March 15, Reclamation will provide an initial forecast based on a 90% exceedance level to the Settlement Contractors
to define whether the conditions trigger a water supply action, including the initial quantity of “Program Water.” This
information will be updated by April 15 with Reclamation identifying the final amount of “Program Water.” This timing
ensures operational certainty for growers as planting decisions are made.
By July 15, Reclamation will provide an updated forecast (based on 90% exceedance level) for the end of September Shasta
Lake storage. If the forecast is greater than 2.0 million acre-feet, the “Program Water” that creates storage above 2.0 maf will
be available to the Settlement Contractors for their use. If Shasta Lake end of September storage is forecasted to be less than
2.0 maf, Reclamation and the Settlement Contractors will meet and confer on operations for the remainder of the water year.
Creating Higher Carryover Storage
During the temporary period of the DPP, Reclamation intends to operate Shasta Lake with higher carryover storage as a way to
conserve water for extended drought years (see graph below).
The carryover storage is to designed to temporarily allow federal and state agencies to manage temperatures in the river for
Winter-run Chinook salmon while a broader Winter-run Action Plan (WRAP) is developed and we learn what is working best for
salmon. Following implementation of the WRAP, evaluations will be undertaken to determine the best approach to carryover
storage for temperature management and water supplies.
Oct
Sh
a
s
t
a
S
t
o
r
a
g
e
(
1
,
0
0
0
a
c
r
e
-
f
e
e
t
)
Jan Apr Jul Oct Jan Apr Jul Oct Jan Apr Jul
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
4,000
4,500
Year 1 (2013)Year 2 (2014)Year 3 (2015)
Reclamation
Operations
+HRL keep end of
September storage
>2maf
Prior Year Actions
+ DPP keep September
storage >2maf
Prior Years Actions
create access to TCD
upper gates for
temperature
management
Modern Water
Stewardship Historical
Higher Shasta Carryover Storage for
Temperature Management
7December 19th, 2024OUTLINE
Drought Protection Program OUTLINE
The Need for Resiliency
Through the agreement, drought resiliency projects are expected to be constructed and implemented during Phase 1
to strengthen the resilience of the Settlement Contractors’ water system and long-term water delivery capabilities.
Approximately $125 million from the Inflation Reduction Act will be dedicated to construct the following types of drought
resiliency projects:
• Improving and expanding conjunctive management of surface water and groundwater
• Piping or lining open canals
• Expanding recirculation systems
• Upgrading irrigation systems
• Water delivery infrastructure improvements
• Automation of gates and canals
It is anticipated that with implementing drought resiliency projects, the impact of taking land out of production as a means
to meet water reductions should reduce over time.
How Will the Program Affect Districts, Companies and Growers
Each participating Settlement Contractor will take their own, and possibly different actions to meet the water supply
reductions, perhaps including:
• Reducing deliveries to growers
• Cropland idling
• Shifting from higher-water-intensive crops to lower-water-using crops
• Implementing conservation measures
• Rely on groundwater substitution in accordance with SGMA
Please consult your district/company general manager for individual questions on the program and related questions on
funding, taxes and crop insurance.
Settlement Contractors that do not execute the DPP will not be eligible for funding opportunities under the Program and may
be subject to greater water supply reductions and impacts.
We strongly believe the DPP to be the most effective and least impactful path forward through the updated Long-Term Operations
of the Central Valley Project. We urge you to discuss with your representatives, consultants, or others to make your decision for
participation in the DPP.
Thad Bettner / Sacramento River Settlement Contractors
tbettner@waterecology.net sacvalleywater.org
Sacramento River Settlement Contractors
Drought Protection Program Agreement FAQ
The Sacramento River Settlement Contractors (SRSC) and the Bureau of Reclamation
signed an agreement for a Drought Protection Program (DPP) for the Sacramento
River.
What is the Drought Protection Program?
The DPP supports the new plan for the Long-Term Operation of the Central Valley
Project. The DPP is designed to help increase predictability for water supplies to
Sacramento River Settlement Contractors and create a more reliable Central Valley
Project response to multi-year droughts. A significant component of the DPP is funding
for drought resiliency projects that will improve water supply reliability in future
years to benefit farms, communities, the economy, and the environment.
What is the goal of the Drought Protection Program?
The goal is to ensure stability and resilience in our water system and avoid repeating
the devastating impact we saw in 2022 to the west side of the Sacramento Valley,
where there was only an 18% water supply to farms, wildlife refuges and cities, and
disadvantaged communities. As a result, 370,000 acres were fallowed, the regional
economy took a $1.3B hit, bird and snake habitat was impacted and we saw the lowest
salmon survival rates in decades.
What triggers the Drought Protection Program?
The DPP will be implemented in specific critically dry years with low carryover storage
and less than 2.5 million acre-feet of inflow between October 1st to April 10th in to Lake
Shasta. The DPP’s water supply action is triggered only when hydrologic conditions at
Shasta Lake hit specified critically dry year criteria over the next 20 years.
How are landowners impacted by the DPP?
Sacramento River Settlement Contract supplies will be reduced up to an additional
500,000 acre-feet collectively over the current contract reduction in these specified
critically dry years, with water suppliers receiving funding intended to mitigate this new
water supply shortage and for investment in drought resiliency projects.
What funding did the Sacramento Settlement Contractors receive?
The US Bureau of Reclamation provided $250 million that will be disbursed to individual
Sacramento River Settlement Contractors that participate in the program.
More than half of the $250 million will be spent on drought resiliency projects.
Did the Sacramento Settlement Contractors receive any State of California
funding for the DPP?
No.
What drought resiliency projects are tied to the funding from the Bureau of
Reclamation?
More than $125 million will be dedicated to:
• Improving and expanding conjunctive management of surface water and
groundwater
• Piping or lining open canals
• Expanding recirculation systems
• Upgrading irrigation systems
• Water delivery infrastructure improvements
• Automation of gates and canals
How does the DPP fit into other water actions?
The DPP is a component of water operations along the Sacramento River specifically
designed to address resilience to drought, both for water users and the environment.
The DPP depends in part on the success of the Winter-Run Action Plan that is being
developed and coordinated through a collaboration of five state and federal agencies
with the SRSC. The DPP is independent of the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes
Program, though it allows for coordination between the two programs in different types
of water years.
What projects are anticipated to make up for the loss of water from Shasta?
Funding will be focused within the Sacramento River Settlement Contractors’ service
area to implement projects related to water use efficiency and irrigation systems
improvements. The water suppliers may use the funding to install new groundwater
wells, however, those wells would need to comply with all statutory requirements and
are specifically required to comply with the rules and requirements of the Sustainable
Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and follow local Groundwater Sustainability
Plans (GSP).
Drought Protection Program
July 15, 2025
Michael Webb, Director of Public Works
Drought Protection Program
(DPP)
Agreement between U.S. Bureau of
Reclamation (USBR) and the Sacramento River
Settlement Contractors (SRSC)
o Water Reduction in Drought Years
o Infrastructure Funding
Goal
•Improved surface water reliability
•Higher carryover storage in Shasta Lake
Key Takeaway Items
•20 yr. agreement
with the USBR and
the SRSC
•Funding for
infrastructure
DPP is a series of actions
and investments that will
lead to improved surface
water reliability in future
years to benefit the City.
Background
SRSC includes 135 Settlement Contractors
totaling 2.1M acre-feet (AF) of water managed
through the Central Valley Project (CVP)
o City of Redding –21,000 AF
o ACID –125,000 AF
o Bella Vista WD is not a SRSC (24,500 AF*)
Total DPP funding is $250M to SRSC. Funding to
go toward:
o Drought resiliency infrastructure
o Sacramento River projects including Salmon
habitat
*Subject to Shortage Provisions
Why the need for the DPP
Avoid a repeat of 2022 when the SRSC/City of
Redding received 18% of its water allocation.
New DPP
o 50% maximum reduction (drought years)
o $2.4M funding for drought resiliency projects
o 20 year agreement, supplements the existing
contract. Renegotiate contract in 20 years
(end of DPP).
Conclusion
Minimizes the reduction to future water
allocation during drought years and provides
funding for future drought resiliency projects.
Funding for Projects
City as part of the Enterprise Anderson Groundwater
Sustainability Agency (EAGSA) has an abundant groundwater
aquifer to utilize. No long term impacts due to use.
Conclusion
Funding will be used to bolster groundwater production. In a
future drought when surface water is reduced, groundwater
can supplement water supply.
$2.4M in funding shall be used for drought
resiliency infrastructure per the DPP
agreement.Potential City Projects:
o New well south of the Airport
o Existing well rehabilitation/treatment
Thank You!