U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Launches NEPA and Permitting Process for Salton Sea Management Program Phase I: 10-Year Plan
Salton Sea Management Program Update – March 23, 2021
Also: Recruiting for Program Manager
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District (Corps) released a Public Notice today that initiates the Corps’ National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process for authorizing projects proposed by the Salton Sea Management Program Phase I: 10-year Plan. The Public Notice provides information on how to submit written comments, and may be viewed in both English and Spanish language versions at the website:
The Corps Public Notice describes the draft project description as addressing the 29,800 acres of habitat and dust suppression projects identified in the SSMP Phase I: 10-year Plan, including several proposed projects such as the North Lake Demonstration Project, a larger North Lake concept, the Desert Shores Channel Restoration Project, the Audubon Wetland Restoration Project, as well as a Watershed Plan component, and Dust Suppression Action Plan projects. At least 14,900 acres of SSMP 10-year Plan projects would be aquatic habitat restoration projects that convert exposed lakebed to either pond habitat suitable for fish and wildlife or to wetland habitats. Dust suppression projects would address fugitive dust emissions but may also have habitat benefits. Many of the projects under consideration would require Federal agency authorizations, including permits from the Corps.
The Corps is the lead Federal agency for the NEPA review process related to its permitting authority under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The Corps invited other Federal agencies to participate as cooperating agencies in the preparation of an environmental assessment. To provide comments or request additional information, please follow the link above to the Corps public notice for further instructions.
Last fall, the SSMP team hosted three public workshops and a 30-day written comment period to solicit input to inform a revised project description, which was in turn submitted to the Corps to initiate the NEPA process. Any prior comments received during the State’s public review, along with the current updated draft project description can be found at the SSMP website at https://saltonsea.ca.gov/planning/ssmp-draft-description-project/.
The Corps anticipates releasing its draft NEPA document for public review and comment this summer.
Recruiting Program Manager
The California Natural Resources Agency is seeking a Program Manager II, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Salton Sea Management Program to be located in Riverside County.
The final filing date for the position is March 25, 2021.
Find details about the position at https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=225860.
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