Public Review Documents

What: Notice of Availability of Final Program EIR; Notice of In-person and Virtual Public Hearing and Board Meeting on the Final EIR and Engineer’s Report for the Pipeline Maintenance Program (PMP)

Notice of Availability of Final Program EIR: Notice of In-person and Virtual Public Hearing and Board Meeting on the Final EIR and Engineer’s Report for the Pipeline Maintenance Program (PMP)

Topic:  PMP Final Program Environmental Impact Report and Engineer’s Report

Who:   Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water)

When:  Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 1:00 p.m.

Where: Valley Water Headquarters Building Boardroom

 5700 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA

 and by Zoom Teleconference at https://valleywater.zoom.us/j/84454515597

Why: The Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water), as the lead agency for the proposed Project, has completed a Final Program EIR to evaluate environmental impacts. The Final EIR was prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the State CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., § 15000 et seq.).  

To review or download the Final Environmental Impact Report see links below:

• Final Program Environmental Impact Report (Vol.1)
• Final Program Environmental Impact Report (Vol.2)

The proposed work of improvement is described in the Pipeline Maintenance Program Engineer’s Report. 

• PMP Engineer’s Report

The Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) owns, operates, and maintains over 150 miles of raw, treated, and recycled water conveyance pipelines throughout Santa Clara County and within small portions of San Benito and Merced Counties. Valley Water first approved the PMP in 2007, recognizing the need to centralize and document the inspections and preventative and corrective maintenance procedures that the engineering and maintenance staff had historically implemented on the raw, treated, and recycled water pipeline facilities (that are covered under the PMP) on a routine basis. The PMP is primarily a process and procedural manual that provides long-term guidance for the implementation of pipeline inspection and maintenance work and has been successfully implemented over the last 15 years; however, maintenance processes, tracking systems, and the regulatory and physical environment have changed over this timeframe.

Valley Water has determined that an update to the PMP would allow for capturing these changes and expanding the program to include the 10-Year Pipeline Inspection & Rehabilitation Program and align it with other facility maintenance activities, which would increase the utility and effectiveness of the PMP. The 10-YR Pipeline Inspection & Rehabilitation Program involves planning for the condition assessment, design, and construction activities required for renewal of Valley Water’s large diameter pipelines and tunnels. 

The 2024 PMP is therefore the update to the 2007 PMP. The PMP work includes updating the environmental documents, program budget, and creating projects to inspect and rehabilitate the pipelines that Valley Water owns or maintains to ensure the delivery of clean and safe water to Valley Water customers.  

The Final Program EIR identified significant direct and cumulative environmental impacts related to aesthetics, biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, noise and vibration, and tribal cultural resources. Most of these impacts would be reduced to less than significant levels with the implementation of mitigation measures. Impacts on noise would remain significant and unavoidable, despite efforts to mitigate them with feasible mitigation measures. None of the Project components are proposed on hazardous waste sites listed under Government Code § 65962.5.  

The Final Program EIR may be viewed at https://www.valleywater.org/project-updates/public-review-documents. The Final Program EIR is also available for in-person review at the Valley Water headquarters located at: 5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118.                        

At the April 22, 2025, public hearing and Board meeting, public comments will be accepted on the Final Program EIR and Project. The Board will then consider certifying the Final Program EIR and approving the proposed Project or an alternative. For more information about the public hearing and Board meeting, please visit the Board meetings webpage at: https://scvwd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

Program Description
The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a projection of Valley Water’s capital funding requirements for planned capital projects. The purpose of the CIP is to document planned Valley Water projects and help integrate Valley Water work with the larger community by aligning Valley Water planning with other local agency planning efforts.

The CIP Draft Fiscal Years (FY) 2026-30 Five-Year Plan, approved by Valley Water’s Board of Directors on March 11, 2025, projects funding requirements between fiscal years 2025/26 through 2029/30 and includes 76 projects totaling $10.27 billion, which includes prior expenditures in the amount of $2.43 billion. Approximately 13 percent of this amount, $1.3 billion, is anticipated to be funded by outside sources through reimbursements and cost-sharing partnerships. The program includes water supply, flood protection, water resources stewardship, buildings and grounds and information technology projects.

Projects in the CIP will improve, repair, replace, or construct infrastructure. There are 43 water supply projects ($7.90 billion), 14 projects to increase flood protection ($2.06 billion), 12 environmental restoration, enhancement and mitigation projects ($148 million), 3 projects to repair or maintain Valley Water buildings and grounds ($96 million), and 4 projects to upgrade or expand existing information technology ($70 million).

Public Review
Valley Water (Santa Clara Valley Water District) Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Draft Five-Year Plan for the Fiscal Years 2026–2030 was authorized by the Valley Water Board of Directors (Board) for release to the cities and county for review on March 11, 2025. It includes a description, schedule, and map for each of the capital improvements Valley Water plans to undertake over the next five years, a financial analysis and a method of financing such improvements.

A public hearing regarding the CIP is scheduled on April 8, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., in the chambers of the Board at 5700 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, California. The hearing will continue at the subsequent Board meeting, currently scheduled for April 22, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., the subsequent Special Budget Hearings scheduled for April 23, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., and if needed, April 24, 2025, and conclude at the Board Meeting scheduled for May 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. The CIP is available for review online in the link below. A chapter-by-chapter breakdown can be viewed on the Capital Improvement Program web page.

During the dates, times and location mentioned above, any representative of the cities or county where Valley Water operates, or any person interested in Valley Water’s activities in constructing capital improvements, may, in person or by representative, appear and submit evidence concerning the subject of said CIP.

Following the public hearings, the Valley Water Board of Directors will adopt a resolution to approve the Capital Improvement Program FY 2026-2030 Five-Year Plan.

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Draft Fiscal Year 2026-30 Five-Year Plan  

Notice of preparation of a Draft Program Environmental Impact Report and Scoping Meeting

Project Title: Water Treatment Plant Master Plan Implementation Project

Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) has prepared a Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the Water Treatment Plant Master Plan Implementation Project (Proposed Project) to fulfill its roles under CEQA Guidelines Section 15375.

The Proposed Project includes improvements to Valley Water’s three existing water treatment plants (WTPs) major process areas over the next 30 years - Penitencia Water Treatment Plant (PWTP); Rinconada Water Treatment Plant (RWTP); and Santa Teresa Water Treatment Plant (STWP). Some existing facilities must be decommissioned and demolished to create space for construction of new facilities, and the limited space would likely only accommodate up to two large projects to be under construction on the site simultaneously. Construction of proposed improvements at the WTPs would involve several general types of activities: demolition or rehabilitation of some existing facilities and site clearing; earthwork (grading, excavation, sheet pile driving, and groundwater dewatering); and facility construction. Some upgraded or new facilities may be larger than existing facilities. Project construction would occur intermittently throughout the 30-plus year planning period. Construction activities would typically occur between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, consistent with applicable local work hours and local noise ordinances of each City’s jurisdiction.

• The NOP can be found HERE.

A scoping meeting will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on March 20, 2025, at 5750, Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118, or online via Zoom at: https://valleywater.zoom.us/j/82938379985

For additional information, please contact:

Elise Latedjou-Durand, Senior Environmental Planner
Santa Clara Valley Water District
5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118
(408) 630-3205.

• Aquatic Pesticide Application Plan
• Notice of Intent

What: Revised Notice of Availability of Draft EIR; Notice of In-person and Virtual Public Information Meeting to Solicit Comments on the Draft EIR

When: October 4, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00 pm.

Where: Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, Hiram Morgan Hill Room, 17000 Monterey Hwy, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Zoom link: https://valleywater.zoom.us/j/87331718480

Webinar ID : 873 3171 8480, Call in #: +16699009128, ID: 87331718480#

Why: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water), as the lead agency for the proposed Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project (Project), has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to evaluate environmental impacts of the Project. To review or download the following:

• Draft Environmental Impact Report (Vol. 1) , click here .
• Draft EIR Appendices (Vol. 2) , click here .
• Individual chapters , click here .
• Individual appendices, click here
• Notice of Completion , click here
• Revised Notice of Availability , click here

The proposed Project is located at Anderson Reservoir and areas along Coyote Creek in Santa Clara County, California. Anderson Reservoir is Valley Water’s largest water storage facility, but due to seismic restrictions has not been able to operate to full capacity since 2009.

The Project involves retrofitting and upgrading Anderson Dam and its associated facilities to meet public safety requirements by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Department of Water Resources Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD). Specifically, the Project will correct dam safety deficiencies that were identified between 2008 and 2016. The Project would allow Valley Water to maximize water supply and related benefits, while avoiding and minimizing environmental impacts. The Project also includes decommissioning the hydroelectric facility at the dam, implementing Conservation Measures along Coyote Creek to avoid and minimize adverse impacts, and conducting habitat and species monitoring during construction.

Upon completion of the dam seismic retrofit, Anderson Reservoir will return to its original storage capacity. For post-construction operations, the Project includes: implementing of Fish and Aquatic Habitat Collaborative Effort Phase 1 reservoir releases (flow measures) at the retrofitted Anderson Dam facility, continuing maintenance of the dam once the retrofit has been completed, operations and maintenance of Conservation Measures, and implementing an adaptive management program to monitor and adaptively manage reservoir releases and Conservation Measures to assure that they achieve their objectives.

The Draft EIR identified significant environmental impacts for the following resource topics: aesthetics, air quality, biological resources (wildlife and terrestrial resources), cultural resources, hydrology, geology and soils, groundwater, water supply, water quality, greenhouse gases, hazards and hazardous materials, noise and vibration, public services, recreation, transportation, tribal cultural resources, and wildfire. Many of these impacts were determined to be less than significant after implementing proposed mitigation measures. However, significant impacts would remain significant and unavoidable for the following resource topics: aesthetics, air quality, biological resources (wildlife), hydrology, water quality, and noise. The Project would not be located on a hazardous waste site listed under Government Code Section 65962.5.

Public Review: Valley Water has released the Draft EIR on the Project for public review beginning on September 1, 2023 and ending on November 8, 2023. The Draft EIR is also available for in-person review during normal business hours at:

• Valley Water, 5750 Almaden Expressway, San José, CA 95118
• City Clerk of the City of Morgan Hill, 17575 Peak Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
• City of Morgan Hill Library, 660 West Main Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Contact: Written comments on the Draft EIR should be submitted electronically or by mail by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8 , 2023. Written comments can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to:

Tiffany Chao, Senior Environmental Planner Santa Clara Valley Water District 5750 Almaden Expressway, San José, CA 95118.

For additional information, please contact Tiffany Chao at (408) 630-3107 .

What: Notice of Availability of Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR); notice of public hearing and Board meeting to certify the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project Final Environmental Impact Report

Topic:  Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project (Project) Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR)  and Engineer’s Report 

What:   Notice of Availability of Final EIR; Notice of In-person and Virtual Public Hearing and Board Meeting on the Final EIR and Engineer’s Report for the Project    

When:  February 25, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.

Where: HQ. Bldg. Boardroom, 5700 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118 (in-person) and https://valleywater.zoom.us/j/84454515597 (Zoom link)

Why: The Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water), as the lead agency for the proposed Project, has completed a Final EIR to evaluate environmental impacts of the Project. The Final EIR was prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the State CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., § 15000 et seq.).  

To review or download the Final Environmental Impact Report see links below: 

• Final Environmental Impact Report Part 1 (Vol. 1)
• Final Environmental Impact Report Part 2 (Vol. 2)
• Final Environmental Impact Report Appendices (Vol. 3)
• Individual chapters
• Individual appendices
• Notice of Completion
• Notice of Availability
• Notice of Determination

The proposed work of improvement is described in the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project Engineer’s Report.  

• Engineer's Report

The proposed Project is located at Anderson Reservoir and areas along Coyote Creek in Santa Clara County, California. Anderson Reservoir is Valley Water’s largest water storage facility, but due to seismic restrictions has not been able to operate to full capacity since 2009.  

The Project involves retrofitting and upgrading Anderson Dam and its associated facilities to meet public safety requirements by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and California Department of Water Resources Division of Safety of Dams. Specifically, the Project would correct dam safety deficiencies that were identified between 2008 and 2016. The Project would allow Valley Water to maximize water supply and related benefits, while avoiding and minimizing environmental impacts. The Project also includes decommissioning the hydroelectric facility at the dam, implementing Conservation Measures along Coyote Creek to avoid and minimize adverse impacts, and conducting habitat and species monitoring during construction.  

Upon completion of the dam seismic retrofit, Anderson Reservoir would return to its original storage capacity. For post-construction operations, the Project includes: implementing of Fish and Aquatic Habitat Collaborative Effort (FAHCE) reservoir releases (flow measures) at the retrofitted Anderson Dam facility, continuing maintenance of the dam once the retrofit has been completed, operations and maintenance of Conservation Measures, and implementing an adaptive management program to monitor and adaptively manage reservoir releases and Conservation Measures to assure that they achieve their objectives.  

The Final EIR identified significant environmental impacts related to: aesthetics, air quality, biological resources (wildlife and terrestrial resources), cultural resources, energy, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology, groundwater resources, water supply, water quality, noise and vibration, public services, recreation, transportation, tribal cultural resources, and wildfire. Significant impacts on cultural resources, energy, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, groundwater resources, water supply, public services, recreation, transportation, tribal cultural resources, and wildfire would be reduced to less than significant levels with the implementation of mitigation measures. Certain project impacts on aesthetics, air quality, biological resources (wildlife and terrestrial resources), hydrology, water quality, and noise would remain significant and unavoidable. None of the Project components are proposed on hazardous waste sites listed under Government Code § 65962.5.  

The Final EIR may be viewed at https://www.valleywater.org/project-updates/publicreview-documents. The Final EIR is also available for in-person review at the Valley Water headquarters located at: 5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118.  

At the February 25, 2025, public hearing and Board meeting, public comments will be accepted on the Final EIR and Project. The Board will then consider certifying the Final EIR and approving the proposed Project or an alternative. For more information about the public hearing and Board meeting, please visit the Board meetings webpage at: https://scvwd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.  

What: Notice of Availability of Partially Recirculated Draft Environmental Impact Report

Why: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water), as the lead agency for the proposed Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project (Project), has prepared a Partially Recirculated Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to evaluate environmental impacts of the proposed changes to the Project. To review or download the following:

• Partially Recirculated Draft Environmental Impact Report click here
• Updated Appendices for the Partially Recirculated Draft Environmental Impact Report click here
• Partially Recirculated Draft Environmental Impact Report (complete) click here
• Notice of Availability click here
• Notice of Completion click here

The proposed Project is located at Anderson Reservoir and areas along Coyote Creek in Santa Clara County, California. Anderson Reservoir is Valley Water’s largest water storage facility, but due to restrictions has not been able to operate to full capacity since 2009. 

The Project involves retrofitting and upgrading Anderson Dam and its associated facilities to meet public safety requirements by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Department of Water Resources Division of Safety of Dams. Specifically, the Project would correct dam safety deficiencies that were identified between 2008 and 2016. The Project would allow Valley Water to maximize water supply and related benefits, while avoiding and minimizing environmental impacts. The Project also includes decommissioning the hydroelectric facility at the dam, implementing Conservation Measures along Coyote Creek to avoid and minimize adverse impacts, and conducting habitat and species monitoring during construction. Upon completion of the dam seismic retrofit, Anderson Reservoir would return to its original storage capacity. For post-construction operations, the Project includes: implementing Fish and Aquatic Habitat Collaborative Effort Phase 1 reservoir releases (flow measures) at the retrofitted Anderson Dam facility, continuing maintenance of the dam once the retrofit has been completed, operations and maintenance of Conservation Measures, and implementing an adaptive management program to monitor and adaptively manage reservoir releases and Conservation Measures to assure that they achieve their objectives. 

The Draft EIR for the Project was circulated for public review between September 1 and November 8, 2023. After circulation of the Draft EIR, Valley Water met with the Project Board of Consultants (BOC), which reviews the Project and makes recommendations to FERC, to discuss updated design plans and construction sequencing. In response to that meeting and BOC recommendations, Valley Water now proposes to make certain construction changes to the seismic retrofit component, such as extending daily work hours, adding some weekend days, and beginning work on certain Project components sooner. These proposed changes would allow Valley Water to construct planned Project components within the planned construction timeline before the wet season each year to improve its ability to complete the Project on schedule. Valley Water is also introducing a revision to Best Management Practice AQ-1 (Use Dust Control Measures), updating estimates for average and maximum daily workers, adding two noise sensitive receptors, and making minor editorial clarifications.

These Project changes necessitated revisions to portions of the aesthetics, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and noise and vibration sections of the Draft EIR, which are reflected in the Partially Recirculated Draft EIR. In addition, two appendices to the Draft EIR—Appendix E for air quality and greenhouse gases and Appendix M for noise and vibration—have been revised in the Partially Recirculated Draft EIR to reflect the Project changes, as well as to provide additional technical documentation of the EIR impact analyses.

Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15088.5(f)(2), if the Draft EIR revision is limited to a few chapters or portions of the Draft EIR, the lead agency need only recirculate the chapters or portions that have been modified. The changes to the Project being recirculated would not substantially change the information, analysis, or significance conclusions in the remaining sections of the Draft EIR. Therefore, those sections are not included in the Partially Recirculated Draft EIR. Pursuant to Section 15088.5(f)(2) of the CEQA Guidelines, Valley Water directs that reviewers of this Partially Recirculated Draft EIR limit their comments to those that relate to the sections of the Partially Recirculated Draft EIR that have been revised and recirculated. 

The Partially Recirculated Draft EIR discloses certain significant Project impacts on aesthetics, air quality, greenhouse gases, and noise and vibration, but does not change the significance conclusions for these impacts as compared to the Draft EIR. There would continue to be significant and unavoidable impacts associated with air quality and noise and vibration as a result of the Project. Significant impacts to aesthetic resources and greenhouse gas emissions discussed in the Partially Recirculated Draft EIR would be mitigated to less than significant levels, similar to the Draft EIR. The Project would not be located on a hazardous waste site listed under Government Code Section 65962.5. 

Public Review: Valley Water has released the Partially Recirculated Draft EIR on the Project for public review beginning on August 5, 2024, and ending on September 20, 2024. The Partially Recirculated Draft EIR and supporting appendices may be reviewed at https://www.valleywater.org/public-review-documents. The Partially Recirculated Draft EIR and two recirculated appendices are also available for in-person review during normal business hours at:  

• Valley Water, 5750 Almaden Expressway, San José, CA 95118
• City Clerk of the City of Morgan Hill, 17575 Peak Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
• City of Morgan Hill Library, 660 West Main Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Again, pursuant to Section 15088.5(f)(2) of the CEQA Guidelines, Valley Water directs that reviewers of this Partially Recirculated Draft EIR limit their comments to those that relate to the sections of the Draft EIR that have been revised and recirculated.  Written comments received in response to the Partially Recirculated Draft EIR, along with prior comments received on the Draft EIR, will be addressed in the Final EIR. 

Contact: Written comments on the Partially Recirculated Draft EIR should be submitted electronically or by mail by 5:00 p.m. on September 20, 2024. Written comments can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to:  

Santa Clara Valley Water District 
Attention: Tiffany Chao, Senior Water Resources Specialist  
5750 Almaden Expressway 
San Jose, CA 95118 

For additional information, please contact Tiffany Chao at (408) 630-3107.

Full Notice of Availability

Delta Conveyance Project Valley Water Responsible Agency Notice of Determination for Environmental Impact Report (EIR)

Project Title: Delta Conveyance Project

Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water), as the responsible agency for the Delta Conveyance Project, has prepared a Notice of Determination to fulfill its roles under CEQA Guidelines Section 15381 because it seeks to fund the Pre-construction Work (Project) for the Delta Conveyance Project. Valley Water NOD and all related lead agency documents, are available for download at the following links below:

• NOD Document

On December 21, 2023, DWR certified the Final EIR for, and approved the DCP. The DCP consists of the construction, operation, and maintenance of new SWP water diversion and conveyance facilities in the Delta that would be operated in coordination with existing SWP facilities. 

The DCP includes the following key components and actions:

• Two intake facilities along the Sacramento River in the north Delta near the community of Hood with on-bank intake structures that would include fish screens.
• A concrete-lined tunnel, and associated vertical tunnel shafts, to convey flow from the intakes about 45 miles to the south of the Bethany Reservoir Pumping Plant and Surge Basin at a location south of the existing SWP Clifton Court Forebay.
• A Bethany Reservoir Pumping Plant to lift the water from inside the tunnel below ground into the Bethany Reservoir Aqueduct for conveyance to the Bethany Reservoir Discharge Structure and into the existing Bethany Reservoir.
• Other ancillary facilities to support construction and operation of the conveyance facilities including, but not limited to, access roads, concrete batch plants, fuel stations, and power transmission and/or distribution lines.
• Efforts to identify geotechnical, hydrogeologic, agronomic, and other field conditions that will guide appropriate construction methods and monitoring programs for final engineering design and construction data collection and field work investigations, including ground-disturbing geotechnical work, water quality and hydrogeologic investigations, agronomic testing, the installation of monitoring equipment, construction test projects, pre-construction design work, and engineering work (Pre-Construction Work).
• DWR’s Final EIR, Findings, Statement of Overriding Considerations, MMRP, and NOD can be found at the official DWR website at: https://www.deltaconveyanceproject.com/planning-processes/california-environmental-quality-act/final-eir/final-eir-document

Elise Latedjou-Durand, Senior Environmental Planner

Santa Clara Valley Water District

5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118

For additional information, please contact Elise Latedjou-Durand at (408) 630-3205.

What: Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Report

Why: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water), as the lead agency for the proposed Design Level Geotechnical Investigations for the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project (Project), has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to evaluate environmental impacts of the Proposed Project. The EIR is available for review or download by clicking the links below:

• Draft Environmental Impact Report Main Body
• Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendices (Appendix A-J)
• Notice of Completion
• Notice of Availability

Project Location: The Proposed Project is located within, adjacent to, and in the vicinity of the existing Pacheco Reservoir, along a corridor east of Pacheco Reservoir to Fifield Road, and along State Route 152 (SR-152) from Kaiser-Aetna Road to the site entrance located, approximately one mile east of Kaiser-Aetna Road on the north side of SR-152. Pacheco Reservoir is located along North Fork Pacheco Creek and upstream of the North Fork Dam, roughly equidistant between the cities of Gilroy and Los Banos. The existing reservoir is located approximately one-half mile north of SR-152 in southeastern Santa Clara County, California

Proposed Project: To assist with the design and construction of Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project, up to 149 subsurface exploratory borings (to include 119 initial borings and 30 supplemental borings are proposed to obtain essential information on subsurface geologic and geotechnical conditions. In addition, a total of 32 test pits are proposed as part of the Project to explore a potential borrow area for dam core zone material for the design and construction of the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project. The Project also proposes two types of linear surface geotechnical investigations within the Project study area to include seismic refraction and electrical resistivity. One 1,520 foot long electrical resistivity survey would be performed across the valley bottom within the upstream portion of the proposed dam. In addition, 19 seismic-refraction lines totaling approximately 16,890 linear feet are proposed at multiple locations.

The Draft EIR identified significant environmental impacts for the following resource topics: biological resources, cultural resources, hazards and hazardous materials, noise, transportation, tribal cultural resources, and wildfire. All significant impacts were determined to be reduced to less than significant with implementation of proposed mitigation measures.

Public Review: Valley Water has released the Draft EIR on the Project for public review beginning on March 11, 2025, and ending on April 25, 2025. The Draft EIR and supporting appendices may be reviewed at https://www.valleywater.org/public-review-documents. The Draft EIR and appendices are also available for in-person review during normal business hours at: 

• Valley Water, 5750 Almaden Expressway, San José, CA 95118
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library reference desk located at 150 E San Fernando Street, San Jose, CA 95112
• Gilroy Library reference desk located at 350 W. Sixth Street, Gilroy, CA 95020

Contact: Written comments on the Draft EIR should be submitted electronically or by mail by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025. Written comments can be emailed to [email protected], or mailed to 5750 Almaden Expressway, San José, CA 95118.

For additional information , please contact Todd Sexauer, Senior Environmental Planner, at (408) 630-3149 or by email at [email protected]. 

• Notice of Preparation

The environmental review for the Canal Maintenance Program has begun! In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the State CEQA Guidelines, the Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water)—the CEQA Lead Agency—has prepared a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in connection with Valley Water’s proposed Canal Maintenance Program. The NOP provides a brief description of the project, including the canals and canal maintenance activities, and the potential environmental effects of the project. The NOP is available for public review and can be accessed online: https://www.valleywater.org/public-review-documents

The NOP initiates the CEQA process and EIR scoping period through which Valley Water will refine the scope of issues and environmental information that should be included in the Draft EIR. The Draft EIR will evaluate the possible environmental impacts of the project and identify mitigation measures and project alternatives that avoid, minimize, or reduce the project’s adverse environmental effects.

Valley Water is seeking input from public agencies, members of the public, and other interested parties on the scope of issues and content of the environmental information that should be included in the Draft EIR.

How To Provide Comments: Comments should be submitted by mail or via email at the earliest possible date, but no later than Monday, February 12, 2024.

Santa Clara Valley Water District
Attn: Kelly White, Environmental Planner
5750 Almaden Expressway, B-1244
San Jose, CA 95118
Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: CMP Scoping Comments

Public Scoping Meeting: Valley Water will hold a public scoping meeting at 5:30p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2024. Participants may attend in-person (Santa Clara Valley Water District, 5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118), via Zoom (https://valleywater.zoom.us/j/85129173252) or phone (1-669-444-9171). Webinar ID: 851 2917 3252

Project Description: Santa Clara Valley Water District is proposing a project to continue to implement two long-term management plans (LTMPs) for the Rancho Cañada de Pala Preserve.

The purpose of the LTMPs is to ensure the preserve is monitored, maintained, and managed in a manner that preserves its conservation values. The LTMPs consist of biological resource management and monitoring, livestock grazing management, non-native plant species management, infrastructure and facilities maintenance, routine road maintenance activities, and site improvements for the preserve.

The LTMPs include construction of site improvements (e.g., bank repairs and retaining wall rehabilitations) as needed to further improve existing conditions and facilitate
long-term management of the preserve.

Activities associated with the future site improvements could involve minor grading, excavation and fill, vegetation trimming, construction site isolation and staging, removal and replacement of degraded infrastructure.

Typical equipment that may be used for future site improvements may include dump trucks, excavators, portable water tanks, power tools and hand crews and other construction equipment as needed.

• Notice of Intent (NOI)
• Notice of Determination
• Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration
• Appendix A - Areas 1 and 2
• Appendix B - Area 3
• Appendix C - Biological Site Assessment
• Appendix D - Tribal Cultural Resources

Contact:

Santa Clara Valley Water District
Attention: Tiffany Chao
5700 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118

For further information please contact Tiffany Chao at (408) 630-3107, or by email at [email protected].

In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) statute and guidelines, Valley Water prepared an Initial Study of the project’s environmental impacts. Based on the initial study, Valley Water has determined that the project would not result in significant impacts and that a Mitigated Negative Declaration is the appropriate level of CEQA review.

The Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (Draft IS/MND) will be available for public review and comment until 5 p.m. on Jan. 23, 2025.

The report is available online at valleywater.org/vasona-pump-station-upgrade-project. Hard copies are available for public review at:

• Valley Water Headquarters Building, 5700 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118
• Los Gatos Public Library, 100 Villa Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030

The comment period closes at 5 p.m. on Jan. 23, 2024. All comments should be directed to:

Santa Clara Valley Water District
Attn: Kelly White, Environmental Planner
5750 Almaden Expressway, B-1244
San Jose, CA 95118
Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: Draft IS/MND Comments

For additional information, please contact Kelly White at 408-630-2840.

Valley Water’s Board of Directors is anticipated to adopt the Final IS/MND and approve the project in 2025.

• Notice of Intent (NOI) to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration
• Draft IS/MND

Coyote Creek Flood Protection Project Final Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse No. 2023110513)

Coyote Creek Flood Protection Project Final Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse No. 2023110513)

WHAT: Notice of public meeting to certify the Final Environmental Impact Report

WHEN: March 11, 2025, 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: HQ. Bldg. Boardroom, 5700 Almaden Expressway, San José, CA 95118-3686 (In-Person) or https://valleywater.zoom.us/j/84454515597 (Zoom Meeting).

Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water), as the lead agency for the Coyote Creek Flood Protection Project (Project), has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to evaluate environmental impacts of the Project (State Clearinghouse No. 2023110513).

On March 11, 2025, the Board certified the Final EIR and approved the Project. The EIR and Notice of Determination are available for download at the following links below:

• Final EIR
• Final EIR Chapters
• Attachment 1 to the Final EIR
• EIR Appendices 
• Notice of Determination

The Project will construct and maintain a series of flood risk reduction improvements to reduce the risk of flooding in urban areas along approximately 9 miles of Coyote Creek in the City of San José (City), Santa Clara County, California. The improvements would be implemented along Reaches 4 through 8 of Coyote Creek from the Montague Expressway to Tully Road in the City.

Flood risk reduction improvements identified for the project primarily consist of floodwalls, passive barriers, and berms that would be constructed along and adjacent to Coyote Creek. The project also includes the construction of headwalls and wingwalls along the Charcot Avenue Bridge crossing and reinforcement of the bridge structure, and installation of flap gates within the City’s stormwater conveyance system to prevent backflows during flooding events. The project meets the following specific objectives:

• Reduce the risk of flooding to homes, schools, businesses, and transportation infrastructure along Coyote Creek between Montague Expressway and Tully Road from a flood event equivalent to the February 21, 2017, flood (approximately a 20-year flood event);
• Complete the project before the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project Stage 2 Diversion is in operation (estimated in 2028);
• Design the project to prevent increases in erosion and degradation of Coyote Creek;
• Maintain access and minimize impacts to existing and planned recreation facilities; and,
• Minimize the need for future operations and maintenance activities.

The Final EIR identified significant environmental impacts for the following resource topics: air quality; biological resources; cultural resources; geology, soils, and seismicity; hazards and hazardous materials; vibration; transportation and traffic; tribal cultural resources; and utilities and service systems. Many of these impacts were determined to be less than significant after implementing mitigation measures. However, significant impacts would remain significant and unavoidable for noise.

In addition to the digital copies available for download (see above), the Final EIR is available for in-person review at the Valley Water main campus located at: 5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118. 

For additional information, please contact Andrew Martin at (408) 630-2160 or via email at: [email protected].

What:           Public Hearing on Engineer’s Report and CEQA Exemption Determination

When:          Tuesday, November 22, 2022, 1:00 p.m.

Where:         Valley Water Headquarters Building Boardroom, 5700 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA

Or by Zoom Teleconference at https://valleywater.zoom.us/j/84454515597

Valley Water invites you to a Public Hearing regarding the Coyote Pumping Plant Adjustable Speed Drive Replacement Project (Project). The proposed work of improvement is described in the Engineer’s Report for the Project. The Engineer’s Report is available for public inspection prior to the meeting in the Clerk of the Board’s Office or online at https://valleywater.org/public-review-documents and will be available at the meeting. 

A copy of this Notice has been posted outside Valley Water’s offices at 5700 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118.

The scope of work for the Project includes the rehabilitation of existing pump motors, and the replacement of associated mechanical, electrical and instrumentation equipment. This includes, the replacement of existing adjustable speed drives (ASD), pump vibration monitoring equipment, hydraulically operated pump discharge valves, power distribution equipment, and obsolete PLC and RTU hardware and pumps control panels at the Coyote Pumping Plant (District 1).Completion of this project will modernize and extend the useful life of major equipment, and allow for reliable and efficient operation.

At the time and place fixed for the public hearing, the Board of Directors will receive comments on the Engineer’s Report and the CEQA exemption determination for the Project and consider approving the Project’s CEQA exemption determination in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act. After considering the comments on the Engineer’s Report, the Board will decide whether or not to proceed with the Project.

This meeting is being held in accordance with the Brown Act. The 1:00 PM, November 22, 2022, public hearing will be held during a Board Meeting and is accessible for public in-person participation at the time, date, and location shown above, or by public virtual participation at the Zoom link above.  Document(s) associated with this hearing are available for public inspection prior to the meeting in the Clerk of the Board’s Office or online at www.valleywater.org, and will be available at the meeting. 

For more information, contact Katrina Jessop at (408) 630-2288 and/or Brandon Ponce at (408) 630-2787.

Important Notices:

Valley Water, in complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), requests individuals who require special accommodations to access and/or participate in Valley Water Board meetings to please contact the Clerk of the Board's office at (408) 630-2711, at least 3 business days before the scheduled Valley Water Board meeting to ensure that Valley Water may assist you. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate persons with disabilities.

WHAT:  Notice of Availability of Final EIR; notice of public meeting to certify the Final Program Environmental Impact Report

WHEN:  August 8, 2023, 1:00 p.m.

WHERE:  HQ. Bldg. Boardroom, 5700 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118-3686 (In-Person) or https://valleywater.zoom.us/j/84454515597 (Zoom Meeting).

Valley Water has completed a Final Program EIR for the FAHCE Project, which is located in Santa Clara County. The Final Program EIR was prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the State CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., § 15000 et seq.).

Project Description:

The proposed FAHCE project implements a Fish Habitat Restoration Plan, and includes restoration measures specified in a 2003 FAHCE Settlement Agreement intended to resolve a water rights complaint filed with the State Water Resources Control Board. The proposed project includes both flow measures (reservoir re-operations rule curves) and non-flow measures such as fish barrier remediation, and measures to increase spawning and rearing habitat.

Project Objectives:

• Restore and maintain a healthy steelhead population in the Stevens Creek watershed through measures specified in the Settlement Agreement.
• Restore and maintain healthy steelhead and Chinook salmon populations in the Guadalupe River watershed through measures specified in the Settlement Agreement.
• Maintain flexible and reliable groundwater recharge to support current and future water supply and water deliveries in a practical, cost-effective, and environmentally sensitive manner so that sufficient water is available for any present or future beneficial use.
• To help attain the Settlement Agreement’s overall management objective to restore and maintain healthy steelhead trout and salmon populations in the Guadalupe River, Stevens Creek, and Coyote Creek watersheds; to adaptively manage all specific FAHCE Settlement Agreement flow and non-flow measures in all three watersheds; and to effectively mitigate adverse fisheries and habitat impacts that may result from Valley Water’s ongoing water supply facilities and operations.

The Final Program EIR identified significant environmental impacts related to: terrestrial biological resources, cultural resources, tribal cultural resources, paleontological resources, and noise. Significant impacts of non-flow measures on special-status species, and on riparian and other sensitive natural communities, and paleontological resources would be reduced to less than significant levels with the
implementation of mitigation measures. The proposed project non-flow measure impacts on cultural resources, tribal cultural resources, and noise would remain significant and unavoidable. None of the non-flow measures are proposed on hazardous waste sites listed under Government Code § 65962.5.

The Final Program EIR may be viewed at https://www.valleywater.org/project-updates/publicreview-documents. The Final Program EIR is also available for in-person review at the Valley Water headquarters located at: 5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118.

For additional information or a CD copy of the Draft EIR, please contact Mr. Ryan Heacock at (408) 265-2600 or email at [email protected]

Project Description: The project would include acquisition of easements and or installing/constructing one new path at the Santa Clara Conduit (SCC) Vault Site 8; and or installation/construction of gravel collars, driveways, gates, signs; and/or implementation of new travel routes near some of the 37 vaults on the existing PC and SCC conduits, as specified in the draft IS/MND.

Valley Water would obtain easements from private landowners near ten (10) vault locations and construct one new gravel path to provide all-weather access from the existing driveway at State Route 152 to SCC Vault Site 8. Valley Water also proposes implementation of 23 new off-road travel routes for more efficient travel and access to the vaults.

New gravel collars would be installed around the top (ground level) of 20 existing vaults to allow for safe access by maintenance personnel. The gravel collars would generally measure 32 feet by 32 feet or smaller.

Valley Water would construct five new driveways to provide access from public roads to the vault locations. Valley Water would construct one new sign. Sixteen new gates would also be constructed at 12 separate site locations near public roads to provide controlled access to vaults.

These improvements (obtaining easements and new construction) will allow new operational methods of pipeline and vault access and maintenance in areas where existing access is currently limited. The use of Valley Water all-terrain vehicles would reduce or minimize the impacts from larger vehicles during periods of wet or limiting conditions.

• Notice of Intent (NOI)

• Mitigated Negative Declaration

• Mitigated Negative Declaration Appendices

• Final Mitigated Negative Declaration

• Notice of Public Hearing Scheduled for February 8, 2022

• Notice of Determination

Project Review: The Draft IS/MND will be posted electronically for review on the Valley Water’s website at https://www.valleywater.org/public-review-documents. The NOI will also be posted at the County of Santa Clara Clerk Recorder Office, the County of San Benito County Clerk Recorder Office, and the State Clearinghouse. Due to the current shelter in place order, hard copies of the Draft IS/MND will not be available for public review.

The public comment period on the Draft IS/MND will run for 30 days upon Valley Water electronic posting of the document beginning Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. During this public review period, Valley Water will accept written hard copy and electronic comments on the project.

Comments on the Draft MND should be submitted via US mail or electronically. The public comment period closes at 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 8, 2021.

Download the Engineer's Report

Contact: Valley Water
Attention: Michael F. Coleman, AICP
5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118

For further information please contact Michael F. Coleman at (408) 630-3096, or by email at [email protected]

WHAT: Public hearing on Engineer’s Report and CEQA Exemption Determination

WHEN: Tuesday, June 23, 2020 - Item is time certain at 6:00 p.m. 

WHERE: Teleconference Zoom

The proposed work of improvement is described in the Anderson Dam Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Order Compliance Project Engineer’s Report. 

• Download the Engineer's Report

The objective of the Anderson Dam Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Order Compliance Project is being proposed to comply with an order from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which requires Valley Water’s immediate implementation of risk reduction measures to protect the public from risk of dam failure due to seismic activity, and development and implementation of necessary avoidance, minimization and mitigation measures. The proposed project would (a) allow Valley Water a way to safely, reliably and expeditiously draw down Anderson Reservoir (Reservoir) and maintain the Reservoir at a required lower elevation; (b) minimize risks associated with exceeding the restricted Reservoir level and an undersized outlet structure by constructing a new, low-level outlet; (c) prioritize the interim downstream protection of residents and property; and (d) minimize the public health and safety and environmental impacts of reservoir drawdown.

At the time and place fixed for the public hearing, the Board of Directors will receive comments on the Engineer’s Report and the CEQA exemption determination for the Project and consider approving the Project’s CEQA exemption determination in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act. After considering the comments on the Engineer’s Report, the Board will decide whether or not to proceed with the Project. 

For more information about this hearing or this Project, contact Yogesh Prashar at (408) 630-2323 and/or Bal Ganjoo at (408) 630-3117.

IMPORTANT NOTICES 
This meeting is being held in accordance with the Brown Act as currently in effect under the State Emergency Services Act, the Governor’s Emergency Declaration related to COVID-19, and the Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20 issued on March 17, 2020 that allows attendance by members of the Board of Directors, District staff, and the public to participate and conduct the meeting by teleconference, videoconference, or both. 

Members of the public wishing to address the Board during a video conferenced meeting on this item listed on the agenda, should use the “Raise Hand” or “Chat” tools located in Zoom meeting link listed on the agenda. Speakers will be acknowledged by the Board Chair in the order requests are received and granted speaking access to address the Board. 

Santa Clara Valley Water District (District), in complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), requests individuals who require special accommodations to access and/or participate in District 

Board meetings to please contact the Clerk of the Board’s office at (408) 630-2711, at least 3 business days before the scheduled District Board meeting to ensure that the District may assist you. 

• Final MND
• Engineer's Report

The project area is located at the Penitencia Water Treatment Plant (3959 Whitman Way, San Jose).

The scope of work for the Project includes improvements to the following components of the Penitencia Water Treatment Plant’s existing residuals management system (RMS): washwater handling and treatment, sludge handling and dewatering, and sedimentation basin sludge withdrawal. The primary goal of the project is to address age, capacity, efficiency, and reliability issues with the plant’s existing RMS to ensure that the plant efficiently and reliably provides potable water to retailers in Valley Water’s service area while meeting applicable regulatory standards.