Środowisko i energia · 11/08/2004

Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Oxnard Plain Groundwater Recharge Project, Santa Clara River, Ventura County, CA

The primary goal of the project is to increase the amount of water recharged into the Oxnard Plain aquifers to achieve a long-term balance between recharge and extractions. The benefits of additional recharge are a continued reduction in seawater intrusion, development of local water supplies to reduce the need for imported water, and increased flexibility and reliability in meeting future water demands through the conjunctive use of surface and groundwater supplies. United Water Conservation District (UWCD) manages groundwater and delivers water to cities and agricultural users in the Oxnard Plain region of Ventura County. One of UWCD's many responsibilities is recharge of the Oxnard Plain groundwater basins. To accomplish this recharge, the Freeman Diversion and related facilities were constructed in 1991 and are now used to divert 375 cfs from the Santa Clara River. The river water supply diverted by UWCD through these facilities is used for groundwater recharge and agricultural irrigation. Groundwater recharge is accomplished through the use of various UWCD-owned and operated facilities that include: the Freeman Diversion, lined and unlined canals, pipelines, desilting basins,