MOU Signed on Desert Shores Project; SSMP Team to Provide Update at August 19 Water Board Workshop

Salton Sea Management Program Update – August 18, 2020

MOU Signed on Desert Shores Project

The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) and the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (ICAPCD) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) documenting their intent to coordinate and collaborate on the Desert Shores Channel Restoration Project.

The project aims to improve air quality by refilling channels located between residences on the Salton Sea shoreline in the disadvantaged community of Desert Shores. ICAPCD will lead efforts to plan the project. It will also lead outreach and communication efforts, in coordination with CNRA.

Under the MOU, CNRA will analyze and document the project’s public benefits as part of a National Environmental Policy Act environmental analysis for the Salton Sea Management Program (SSMP) Phase 1: 10-Year Plan and as required for funding under the SSMP.

If CNRA determines the project is not eligible for funding under the SSMP, CNRA will assist the ICAPCD in identifying potential alternative funding sources, if requested by the ICAPCD.

The MOU is available on the state’s Salton Sea website.

SSMP Team to Provide Update at August 19 Water Board Workshop

The SSMP team will provide an update on the status of program implementation at an August 19 workshop of the State Water Resources Control Board. The annual workshop, originally scheduled for March 18 in El Centro, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The August 19 workshop will be held virtually with remote participation from the state team. Additional details and information on how interested parties can virtually participate in the workshop can be found on the State Water Board website.

CNRA posted its 2020 Annual Report on the Salton Sea Management Program in February. The report provides a summary of recent and planned activities by the SSMP to address air quality and ecological threats at the sea. It also summarizes planning activities, partnerships and community engagement efforts.

A recent letter with additional activities since the report’s release can be found on the SSMP website.

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