The sale and transfer of up to 4,000 AF of District water from Lake Yosemite to the San Luis Water District
Summary
SCH Number
2025100494
Public Agency
Merced Irrigation District
Document Title
The sale and transfer of up to 4,000 AF of District water from Lake Yosemite to the San Luis Water District
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/10/2025
Document Description
The United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) is interested and has contacted MID staff regarding a proposal to purchase up to 4,000 AF of MID water for the benefit of the East Bear Creek Unit of the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge), located west of MID within the Merced Groundwater Basin. The USBR has proposed the purchase of MID water generally between November 1, 2025 and February 28, 2026, as water may be available during that timeframe.
To help facilitate transfer logistics, including conveyance of the transferred water, the USBR has requested SLWD engage with MID. SLWD would serve as the party executing water transfer and any associated agreements with MID. All water transferred will be passed through to the USBR and the Refuge by SLWD. SLWD will work with USBR separately to obtain incremental portions of water for its agricultural customers in western Merced County in exchange for its participation in this purchase and sale.
MID water will be made available to SLWD during the timeframe indicated above, when available, up to 4,000 AF. The transfer water will be measured at the MID Bear Creek West Boundary recorder. The water made available by MID will come from MID pre-1914 water rights, re-assignment of diversion points, including re-operation activities associated with Lake Yosemite, as well as Crocker Dam. The proposed request is similar to purchase and sale agreements approved by MID with USBR and SLWD for the benefit of the National Wildlife Refuge, also located in the Merced Groundwater Basin, in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Contact Information
Name
Bryan Kelly
Agency Name
Merced Irrigation District
Job Title
Deputy General Manager, Water Resources
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Merced
Regions
Countywide
Other Location Info
Merced County
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1 - Existing Facilities (CEQA Guidelines §15301), and Class 4 - Minor Alterations to Land (CEQA Guidelines §15304)
Reasons for Exemption
This sale is contemplated as less than a (1) year agreement. This transfer is exempt from the requirement to prepare either a negative declaration or environmental impact report pursuant to applicable provisions of state law including the general exemption provided for under the CEQA Guidelines §15061, the categorical exemptions set forth in CEQA Guidelines §15301 (Class 1) and 15304 (Class 4), and the statutory exemptions set forth in CEQA Guidelines §15282(u), and is not barred by any exception to CEQA exemptions.
The transfer involves the operation of existing facilities involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the proposed action, which is categorically exempt from CEQA.
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Sections §15282(u)
Reasons for Exemption
This sale is contemplated as less than a (1) year agreement. This transfer is exempt from the requirement to prepare either a negative declaration or environmental impact report pursuant to applicable provisions of state law including the general exemption provided for under the CEQA Guidelines §15061, the categorical exemptions set forth in CEQA Guidelines §§15301 (Class 1) and 15304 (Class 4), and the statutory exemptions set forth in CEQA Guidelines §15282(u), and is not barred by any exception to CEQA exemptions.
The transfer involves the operation of existing facilities involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the proposed action, which is categorically exempt from CEQA.
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Sections §15601
Reasons for Exemption
This sale is contemplated as less than a (1) year agreement. This transfer is exempt from the requirement to prepare either a negative declaration or environmental impact report pursuant to applicable provisions of state law including the general exemption provided for under the CEQA Guidelines §15061, the categorical exemptions set forth in CEQA Guidelines §15301 (Class 1) and 15304 (Class 4), and the statutory exemptions set forth in CEQA Guidelines §15282(u), and is not barred by any exception to CEQA exemptions.
The transfer involves the operation of existing facilities involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the proposed action, which is categorically exempt from CEQA.
County Clerk
Merced
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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