James Bypass Basins Storage and Recharge
3 Documents in Project
Summary
SCH Number
2022100611
Public Agency
California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Central Valley Fresno Region 5
(RWQCB)
Document Title
James Bypass Basins Storage and Recharge
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/24/2025
Document Description
This Clean Water Act (CWA) section 401 Water Quality Certification action and Order (Order) is issued at the request of James Irrigation District (hereinafter Permittee) for the Project. This Order is for the purpose described in application and supplemental information submitted by the Permittee.
Contact Information
Name
Ernesto P. Garcia
Agency Name
Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board - Central Valley Fresno Region 5
Job Title
Water Resource Control Engineer
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
San Joaquin
Counties
Fresno
Regions
Unincorporated
Parcel #
030-12-16ST
Township
15s
Range
17e
Section
34
Base
MDB&M
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15269 (b) and (c) – Emergency Projects
Reasons for Exemption
Project entails the construction of a check structure on the existing James Bypass auxiliary channel (easterly) near existing recharge/regulation Basin No. 3. As the Project is downstream of the existing James Weir, the proposed check structure will provide a point of control on the auxiliary channel as well as allowing the control of the water surface to enable an increase in flow into Basin No. 3. The check structure will allow water to pond for recharge in the auxiliary channel that does not presently occur. The proposed check structure will allow smaller and shorter duration flood flows to be quickly captured and recharged. The Project’s purpose is to capture, store, and recharge flood waters.
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
Drought Executive Order N-7-22; Action 13
Reasons for Exemption
Drought Executive Order N-7-22 acknowledges a drought emergency, and with respect to certain groundwater recharge projects, Action 13 of the Executive Order suspends CEQA review “for any (a) actions taken by state agencies, (b) actions taken by a local agency where the Department of Water Resources concurs that local action is required, and (c) permits necessary to carry out actions under (a) or (b).” Per a letter of 18 April 2023, the Department of Water Resources determined the Project is consistent with the requirements of the Executive Order’s Action 13. A copy of the Department of Water Resources letter can be viewed here:
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
Public Resources Code, section 21080(b)(4)
Reasons for Exemption
Public Resources Code, section 21080(b)(4) – Specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency.
County Clerk
Fresno