Petition by Yuba County Water Agency Requesting Approval of a Temporary Urgency Change under Water Rights Permits 15026, 15027, and 15030 in Yuba and Nevada Cou
Summary
SCH Number
2026050461
Public Agency
Yuba County Water Agency
Document Title
Petition by Yuba County Water Agency Requesting Approval of a Temporary Urgency Change under Water Rights Permits 15026, 15027, and 15030 in Yuba and Nevada Cou
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/12/2026
Document Description
Petition by Yuba County Water Agency requesting approval of a Temporary Urgency Change under water rights permits 15026, 15027, and 15030 in Yuba and Nevada Counties; 2026 temporary changes to minimum instream flow requirements in the lower Yuba River. Due to emergency conditions resulting in unavailability of the New Colgate Powerhouse and penstock, the project would implement Schedule 2 instream flows and manage New Bullards Bar Reservoir releases through the low level outlet to reduce the release of spillway water to the lower Yuba River. The project is intended to improve downstream water temperatures and protect ESA and CESA listed fish species while maintaining reservoir storage and release capacity during 2026 operations.
Title Cont: Nevada Counties (Applications 5632, 15204, and 15574): 2028 Temporary Changes to Minimum Instream Flow Requirement, In the Lower Yuba River
Contact Information
Name
Jacob Vander Meulen
Agency Name
Yuba County Water Agency
Job Title
Environmental Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Jessica Nichols
Agency Name
Yuba County Water Agency
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Unincorporated Yuba and Nevada County
Counties
Nevada, Yuba
Regions
Unincorporated
Waterways
lower Yuba River
Other Location Info
Project will occur in Yuba and Nevada counties beginning at New Bullards Bar Reservoir and affects instream flows and water temperatures in lower Yuba River.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Emergency Project
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 21080(b)(4); 15269(b)(c)
Reasons for Exemption
This project is an action to prevent or mitigate the New Colgate Powerhouse Failure emergency. The project involves the operation of existing structures, facilities, and mechanical equipment (15301). The project involves the action of the State Water Resources Control Board as a regulatory agency to enhance conditions for special-status fish species in the lower Yuba River (15307 & 15308).
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301, 15307, 15308
Reasons for Exemption
The Project involves the operation of existing structures, facilities, and mechanical equipment (15301). The project involves the action of the State Water Resources Control Board as a regulatory agency to enhance conditions for special-status fish species in the lower Yuba River (15307 & 15308).
County Clerks
Nevada, Yuba
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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