Biological Opinions - Bureau of Reclamation

measuring and managing pumping rate or bypass conditions set forth in this document or
in the water right or special use permit.
All pump intakes will be screened in accordance with NMFS Southwest Region “Fish
Screening Criteria for Salmonids” (NMFS 1997).
Stockwater ponds and wells will be located at least 100 feet from the edge of the active
channel and are not likely to cause stranding of juvenile salmonids during flood events.
7. Tailwater Collection Ponds
a. Project Description
Tailwater is created in flood irrigation operations as unabsorbed irrigation water flows back into
the stream. Restoration projects to address tailwater input will construct tailwater capture
systems to intercept tailwater before it enters streams. Water held in capture systems, such as a
pond, can be reused for future irrigation purposes, therefore reducing the need for additional
stream diversions.
b. Minimization Measures
Tailwater collection ponds that do not incorporate return channels to the creek will be
located at least 100 feet from the edge of the active channel and are not likely to cause
stranding of juvenile salmonids during flood events.
8. Water Storage Tanks
a. Project Description
Water storage tanks could either be filled through rainwater catchment or by surface or
groundwater flow. Under this programmatic, all water storage tank projects will be required to
enter into a forbearance agreement for at least 10 years, which will provide temporal and
quantitative assurances for pumping activities that result in less water withdrawal during summer
low flow period. The low flow threshold, measured in cubic feet per second (cfs) season of
diversion and season of storage, will be determined in collaboration with CDFW and NOAA RC
on a site by site basis. Water storage capacity for the water diversion forbearance period must be
of sufficient capacity to provide for all water needs during that time period. For example, if the
no-pump period is 105 days (August to November), the diverters must have enough storage to
cover any domestic, irrigation, or livestock needs during that time.
b. Minimization Measures
All pump intakes will be properly screened in accordance with NMFS (1996, 1997) fish
screen criteria.
Water conservation projects that include water storage tanks and a Forbearance Agreement for
the purpose of storing winter and early spring water for summer and fall use, require registration
of water use pursuant to California Water Code § 1228.3, and require consultation with CDFW.
Diversions to fill storage facilities during the winter and spring months shall be made pursuant to
a Small Domestic Use Appropriation filed with the State Water Resources Control Board.
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