The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District has released its final Environmental Impact Statement and draft Chief’s Report for the Delta Islands and Levees Feasibility Study for public review and comment.
The documents outline the study’s recommended plan to implement ecosystem restoration opportunities within the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta through beneficial reuse of dredged material from the Stockton Deep Water Ship Channel.
The recommended plan proposes to restore 340 acres of intertidal marsh at Big Break, a historical marsh area previously converted into farmland until a levee break in 1928 inundated the island. Since then, Big Break has remained unvegetated open water.
A record of decision will be signed after the review period concludes to outline the selected alternative, its environmental effects and appropriate minimization measures.
This will also formally complete the National Environmental Policy Act process for the study. Congressional authorization and funding would be required to move forward with design and construction.