Copper Basin Valve Replacement and Access Road Improvements Project (California Endangered Species Act Incidental Take Permit No. 2081(b)-2025-066-06 (ITP))
4 Documents in Project
Summary
SCH Number
2022120316
Lead Agency
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Document Title
Copper Basin Valve Replacement and Access Road Improvements Project (California Endangered Species Act Incidental Take Permit No. 2081(b)-2025-066-06 (ITP))
Document Type
NOD - Notice of Determination
Received
Posted
8/11/2026
Document Description
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has issued an ITP
(No. 2081(b)- 2025-066-06), pursuant to Section 2081(b) of the Fish and Game Code to The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
The Project will rehabilitate the emergency slide gate valve and replace the discharge valve within the Copper Basin Dam valve house; install new conduit and electrical components; install new concrete pads; replace the ladder on the dam face; install a new catwalk and stairs; remove and reconstruct two concrete weirs. The Project will also improve the existing 1.66-mile, existing dirt access road that runs around the perimeter of Copper Basin Reservoir.
The Project will result in temporary, indirect impacts to 2.38 square kilometers of Desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsonii) habitat. The project is expected to result in incidental take of Desert bighorn sheep, which is/are designated as a fully protected species in Fish and Game Code section 4700, subdivision (b). Section 4700 of the Fish and Game Code prohibits the take of fully protected mammals specified in Fish and Game Code section 4700, subdivision (b). However, for qualifying projects, CDFW may authorize the take of any such species by permit pursuant to the conditions set forth in Fish and Game Code section 2081.15, subdivisions (a), (b), (c), and (d)The California Endangered Species Act (CESA) ITP referenced above is issued by CDFW pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 2081.15. and authorizes incidental take of Desert bighorn sheep that may occur as a result of Project implementation.
Contact Information
Name
Jennifer Harriger
Agency Name
The Metropolitan Water District of So. CA
Job Title
Environmental Planning
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Kim Freeburn
Agency Name
Fish and Wildlife, Region 6
Job Title
Environmental Program Manager
Contact Types
Responsible Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Whipple Mountains
Counties
Riverside
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
The Copper Basin Valve Replacement and Access Road Improvements (Project) is located at Copper Basin Reservoir in the Whipple Mountains of the Colorado Desert. The Project is approximately 5 miles west of Parker Dam and the California Arizona border.
Notice of Determination
Approving Agency
Fish and Wildlife, Region 6
Approving Agency Role
Responsible Agency
Approved On
County Clerk
Riverside
Final Environmental Document Available at
The Metropolitan Water District of So. CA
700 North Alameda Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Determinations
(1) The project will have a significant impact on the environment
No
(2a) An Environmental Impact Report was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA
No
(2b) A Mitigated or a Negative Declaration was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA
Yes
(2c) An other document type was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA
No
(3) Mitigated measures were made a condition of the approval of the project
Yes
(4) A mitigation reporting or monitoring plan was adopted for this project
Yes
(5) A Statement of Overriding Considerations was adopted for this project
No
(6) Findings were made pursuant to the provisions of CEQA
No
Attachments
Notice of Determination
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