Date: 12/17/2003
Update re: Technical Advisory Committee to the Mojave Water Agency Agenda

Notice of Preparation (NOP) by the Mojave Water Agency (MWA), of a Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for the Regional Water Management Plan (RWMP) Update.

The MWA has received comments from interested persons and agencies. While the comment period, as delineated below, has ended, the Technical Advisory Committee of the MWA will hold a hearing to address the comments they received. The hearing is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2004 at 9 a.m. A complete agenda package can be down-loaded by accessing the following link: http://www.mojavewater.org/agendas.htm. Scroll down and click on the Jan 7, 2004 - Technical Advisory Committee link.

The Mohave Water Agency has issued a:

Date:       October 22, 2003
To:           Responsible and Trustee Agencies and Interested Parties
Subject:    Notice of Preparation of a Program Environmental Impact Report for the Mojave Water Agency
                 Regional WaterManagement Plan Update

"Comment":Three public scoping meetings have been held to receive public comments and suggestions on the project. There is still time, ( November 24, 2003 is the deadline ), for the MWA to receive your comments at the address below.

This Notice of Preparation (NOP) has been prepared to notify agencies and interested parties that the Mojave Water Agency (MWA), as the lead agency pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), is beginning preparation of a Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for the Regional Water Management Plan (RWMP) Update. The RWMP Update replaces the previous RWMP completed in 1994. The RWMP Update evaluates water demand and supplies throughout the service area and proposes projects and management actions to meet future water supply needs.

The MWA is soliciting the views of interested persons and agencies as to the scope and content of the environmental information to be studied in the PEIR. In accordance with CEQA, agencies are requested to review the project description provided in this NOP and provide comments on environmental issues related to the statutory responsibilities of the agency. The PEIR will be used by the MWA when considering approval of the RWMP Update.

In accordance with the time limits mandated by CEQA, comments to the NOP must be received by MWA no later than 30 days after receipt of this notice. We request that comments to this NOP be received no later than November 24, 2003. Please send your comments to the address shown below. Please include a return address and contact name with your comments.

Mojave Water Agency RWMP Update Program EIR
Norman Caouette,
Assistant General Manager
Mojave Water Agency
22450 Headquarters Drive
Apple Valley, CA 92307

Telephone: (760) 946-7009

The PEIR will analyze the overall effects of implementing the RWMP Update program of actions and projects as well as consider the potential effects of implementing the specific types of projects and actions. The PEIR will consider the effects of the RWMP Update implementation with and without construction and operation of new water treatment plant and with and without other projects considered optional such as storm water detention. The RWMP and the PEIR will identify potential water supply and environmental impacts from possible water transfers, exchanges and banking with entities from outside the MWA, and storage programs with agencies inside the MWA. The PEIR will also evaluate the No Project Alternative as required by CEQA.

DISCUSSION OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS

The PEIR will assess physical changes to the environment that would likely occur from the implementation of the RWMP Update. The PEIR will address the overall effects of the RWMP Update on water resources and water supply and associated effects on land use and biological resources. It will also address potential impacts associated with implementation of the identified projects. Since many of the projects are only conceptual at this time, the analysis will be conducted at a program level of detail. The PEIR will include setting descriptions and a discussion of potential impacts from physical changes for each resource category included in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. The PEIR will also identify mitigation measures that would assist in minimizing potential impacts. Much of the impact analysis will focus on potential construction and operational impacts resulting from the projects. The following sections summarize potential impacts associated with implementing projects.

Aesthetics
Construction activities could temporarily affect local aesthetics. Once completed, recharge basins, pipeline, and treatment facilities could affect scenic viewsheds. The PEIR will identify designated scenic vistas and evaluate potential effects to local and long-range views of identified projects. The PEIR will develop mitigation measures to reduce the level of impact where possible.

Agriculture Resources
Agricultural operations could decrease in the region as urban demands increase. The RWMP Update evaluates the potential future agricultural demand within the region. The PEIR will identify the projected decreases in agriculture and will compare this with local and state development plans.

Air Quality
Construction and operation of the proposed facilities could result in emissions of pollutants. The PEIR will estimate the amount of new pollutant emissions associated with the projects and will develop mitigation measures to reduce the level of impact where possible. Decreases in farming will reduce pollutant emissions.

Biological Resources
The RWMP Update includes measures to improve riparian habitat qualify. Implementation of the Update would constitute an overall beneficial effect. Construction and operation of the proposed facilities could potentially affect biological resources including sensitive species and habitats. The PEIR will identify sensitive species and habitats in the region and will assess potential affects of the proposed projects. The PEIR will develop mitigation measures to reduce the level of impact where possible. In addition, the Bureau of Land Management's West Mojave Plan will be evaluated to identify potential impacts from proposed projects.

Cultural Resources
Excavation activities could uncover previously unknown archaeological or paleontological resources. In addition, some projects could affect historic resources. The PEIR will assess potential affects of the proposed projects on cultural resources and will develop mitigation measures to reduce the level of impact where possible.

Hydrology/Water Quality
The proposed projects have been designed to augment the groundwater in the region and would result in an overall beneficial effect. However, recharge projects could alter groundwater qualify locally. The proposed projects could impede surface water storm flows. In addition, construction activities could expose soils to storm water erosion. The PEIR will assess potential effects of the proposed projects on local hydrology and water qualify and will develop mitigation measures to reduce the level of impact where possible.

Geology and Soils
The Mojave Desert region is seismically active. Construction of recharge basins would be subject to potential seismic hazards including ground shaking and surface rupture, hi addition, recharge capacity is reliant on favorable geologic conditions. In addition, construction activities could expose soils to storm water erosion. The PEIR will evaluate geologic hazards in the region and will develop mitigation measures to reduce potential effects from the proposed projects.

Land Use/Planning
Development of the projects would require coordination with and/or approval from local planning agencies. The PEIR will evaluate existing land uses to assess compatibility with proposed projects. In addition, the Bureau of Land Management's West Mojave Plan will be evaluated to identify potential conflicts with BLM's proposed projects.

Noise
Construction activities and operation of proposed projects could generate noise. The PEIR will evaluate the potential for noise to impact sensitive land uses and biological resources and will develop mitigation measures to reduce potential effects of the proposed projects.

Public Services and Utilities
The RWMP Update would provide for reliable water service within the service area. Construction and operation of the proposed projects could affect local public services and utilities. The PEIR will evaluate potential impacts to regional public services and will develop mitigation measures to reduce potential effects of the proposed projects.

Transportation/Traffic
Construction and operation of the proposed project could affect traffic and regional transportation plans. The PEIR will evaluate the potential for the projects to affect traffic and will develop mitigation measures to reduce potential effects from the proposed projects.

Population/Housing
Implementation of the RWMP Update would help stabilize and enhance regional water supplies and thereby support growth identified in local general plans and regional resource management plans. The PEIR will compile growth projections from regional and local sources and will describe growth inducement potential.

Recreation
Construction and operation of the proposed project could affect recreation facilities, such as parks, golf courses, etc. The PEER will evaluate the potential for the projects to affect recreation and will develop mitigation measures to reduce potential effects from the projects.

Frequently asked questions:

Q.: What is The Morongo Basin Pipeline?

Q.: How can I learn more about the Morongo Basin Pipeline?

Q.: What is the Mojave Water Agency?

A.: The Mojave Water Agency is one of 29 state water contractors with access to supplemental water from the California Aqueduct. According to state law, the MWA is charged with the responsibility to "do any and every act necessary to be done so that sufficient water may be available for any present or future beneficial use of the lands and inhabitants" within its jurisdiction.

Q.: How can I learn more about the Mojave Water Agency?

A.: The Mojave Water Agency is happy to help any member of the public to learn more about the Agency. Call (760) 240-9201 during business hours, or visit our web site at: http://www.MojaveWater.org.

Disclaimer:The information contained in this page ( with the exception of "comment") was taken from documents received at The Morongo Basin Water Symposium held in Joshua Tree on October 29, 2003, and at the Yucca Valley public scoping meeting on November 6, 2003. Every effort has been made toward accuracy as presented in those papers.