LOWER ELKHORN BASIN LEVEE SETBACK PROJECTFebruary 2017

Yolo Bypass

Sacramento Bypass

Lower Elkhorn Basin

Sacramento River

Sacramento Weir

Lower Elkhorn Basin Levee Setback Project

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MULTI-BENEFIT FLOOD SOLUTIONS FOR THE YOLO BYPASSThe proposed Lower Elkhorn Basin Levee Setback (LEBLS) project is the first multi-benefit flood management project to be developed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) in the Yolo Bypass, as part of the Central Valley Flood Protection Plan (CVFPP). The proposed project will continue the process of improving public safety by upgrading a critically important component of the aging Sacramento River flood management system, by beginning to provide additional capacity and resiliency to the Yolo Bypass, while enhancing the regional ecosystem and supporting sustainable agriculture.

LEBLS represents an important first step toward implementation of a systemwide approach to flood manage-ment in the Sacramento Valley. LEBLS' primary feature is a new, 7-mile long setback levee that is intended to increase the flood carrying capacity of both the Yolo Bypass and Sacramento Bypass, thereby enabling future improvements to other flood structures, such as the Fremont Weir and Sacramento Weir, in order to convey more floodwater from the Sacramento and American Rivers into the Yolo Bypass. Diverting additional flood flows into the Yolo Bypass reduces the flood stage of the Sacramento River and contributes to decreased flood risk for the communities in the lower Sacramento River basin, including the cities of Sacramento, West Sacramento, and Woodland.

LEBLS is more than just a levee setback project. Though a primary goal of LEBLS is to help improve flood system resiliency, LEBLS also offers and incorporates other important and significant opportunities for aquatic and terrestrial habitat improvement, continued agricultural production, recreation and other benefits. The multi-benefit nature of the LEBLS project has been achieved through open communication among numerous agencies and local interests over a sustained period of time, and this collaboration has contributed to broad support for implementation of the LEBLS project.

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Lower Elkhorn Basin Levee Setback Project

Central Valley Flood Protection Act of 2008–SB 5

2012 2017 CVFPP Update

BWFS/CVFSCS/RFMP

Yolo Bypass

LEBLS Project

A NEW APPROACH TO FLOOD MANAGEMENTThe proposed LEBLS project embodies DWR’s new approach to major flood system improvement projects. Guided by the overarching Central Valley Flood Protection Plan (CVFPP), the project is also informed by the state-led Basin Wide Feasibility Study (BWFS), locally-developed flood plans, and a Central Valley Flood System Conservation Strategy (CVFSCS) specifically developed to integrate ecosystem improvements with major flood system projects. By drawing information from these four sources and ongo-ing input from stakeholders, DWR developed a project that will reduce flood risk, improve ecosystems and address difficult land use issues important to local stakeholders.

Many previous and ongoing plans and studies informed LEBLS development. This began in 2007, when the California legislature passed the Central Valley Flood Protection Act (SB 5), directing DWR to prepare the 2012 CVFPP. The CVFPP (updated in 2017) was developed with stakeholders and local, State and federal agencies working together to recommend high-level solutions for the flood management system, including ecosystem needs and emerging information regard-ing climate change.

The 2012 CVFPP also directed DWR to develop a Sacramento River BWFS. The BWFS refined the scale and locations of CVFPP systemwide improvements, and incorporated ecosystem improvement information from the CVFSCS and information from the locally-led regional flood management plan (RFMP).

LEBLS supports the Governor’s California Water Action Plan (CWAP), the State's roadmap for managing California’s water to meet human and ecological needs in a time of growing demand and dwindling supply. The proposed LEBLS project is consistent with several CWAP actions for flood protection, ecosystem restoration, and increasing operational and regulatory efficiency.

Lower Elkhorn Basin Levee Setback Project

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SYSTEM VIEW OF THE YOLO BYPASSThe Yolo Bypass is a complex tapestry of agriculture, flood management, and ecosystem facilities and interests. Any improvements in the Yolo Bypass must consider long-term vision, current operational constraints, and planned projects. Figure 1 shows many of the improvements under consideration for the Yolo Bypass over the next 15-20 years. Developing an understanding of how the Yolo Bypass functions as a system helps identify multi-benefit opportunities and provides context on how each project could affect the entire system. Consideration of projects that have multiple benefits helps build the support and alignment needed to imple-ment individual projects. As part of a broad, outcome-based vision for the Yolo Bypass, each proposed project would assist with building a resilient and sustainable water management system.

1 Lower Elkhorn Setback

2 Sacramento Bypass Levee Setback

3 Bryte Landfill Remediation

4Small Community Feasibility Studies: Clarksburg, Knights Landing, Rio Vista, Yolo (pending competitive grant process)

5Lower Elkhorn Conservation Strategy Implementation

6Deep Water Ship Channel Design, Permitting, and Real Estate

7Sacramento Weir Extension Design, Permitting, and Real Estate

8Upper Elkhorn Design, Permitting, and Real Estate

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Small Actions in Lower Yolo Bypass- Degrade Prospect Island Levee- Build Prospect Island Cross Levee- Step Levee Modification- Degrade Lower Egbert Levees- In-place Improvements

10 Deep Water Ship Channel Construction

11 Sacramento Weir Extension

12Sacramento Bypass Conservation Strategy Implementation

13 Upper Elkhorn Setback

14Upper Elkhorn Conservation Strategy Implementation

15 Fremont Weir Extension

16Westside Yolo Bypass Setbacks and Levee Raises - Willow Slough/Putah Creek

17Lower Westside Yolo Bypass Levee Setback and Fix-in-Place Improvements

18Lower Westside Yolo Bypass Conservation Strategy Implementation

19Westside Yolo Bypass Conservation Strategy Implementation - Willow Slough/Putah Creek

20 Agricultural Crossing Improvements

21 Wallace Weir Improvements

22Improve Existing Fremont Weir Adult Fish Passage

23 Lisbon Weir Modifications

24 Fish Passage and Floodplain Inundation NotchMid-Term BiOp

Projects

Near-Term 2009 BiOp Projects

Phase 2 and 3 (2023-2032)

Phase 1 (2015-2022)

Figure 1. Potential Yolo Bypass/Cache Slough Flood & Ecosystem Improvements — Ongoing Local, State and Federal Planning Efforts

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Lower Elkhorn Basin Levee Setback Project

LEBLS PROJECT If fully funded and approved, the proposed LEBLS project provides multiple benefits with minimal adverse hydraulic impacts in the Yolo Bypass. This project is supported by a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Project elements also have strong alignment and support among State, local, and federal entities, including the Yolo Bypass Partnership.

LEBLS includes the design, permitting, and construction of 7 miles of setback levees to improve flood system capacity in the Yolo and Sacramento bypasses and provide opportunities for ecosystem improvements while supporting continued agricul-tural land uses in the bypasses. Setback levees would improve the efficiency of the existing Sacramento Weir, provide part of the channel capacity required for future expansion of Fremont Weir, and enhance ecosystem function in the bypasses.

The proposed LEBLS project would contribute to:

• Improved public safety for 780,000 people in Sacramento, West Sacramento, and Woodland by increasing bypass capacity and reducing flood stage in the Sacramento River and Yolo Bypass.

• Protection of approximately $53 billion in assets at risk of flooding.• Economic stability for the region, by maintaining agriculture in the Yolo Bypass.• Increased floodplain, riparian, and native grassland upland habitat, in coordination with programs overseen

by the Yolo Habitat Conservancy.• Increased recreational opportunities by building links to the Fazio Wildlife Area and creation of direct

habitat connectivity with the Sacramento Bypass Wildlife Area and Knaggs Ranch.• Reduced stranding of migrating fish in the Yolo Bypass.• Grading and drainage improvements.• Enhanced recreational activities like wildlife viewing, in coordination with Yolo County's Regional Trails. • Increased system resiliency – a benefit to public safety and ecosystems. • Providing opportunities for future flood management, ecosystem improvement and local enhancement

projects.

Lower Elkhorn Basin Levee Setback Project

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LEBLS PROPOSED PROJECT ACTIONS AND BENEFITSDWR worked with a broad spectrum of stakeholders to develop features that address flood management, agricul-tural sustainability, and ecosystem improvement. Each feature of the proposed project is being carefully planned to address multiple needs and provide lasting benefit to this working landscape. Table 1 and Figure 2 illustrate the potential multi-benefit features of this project.

Table 1. Potential LEBLS Flood and Ecosystem Benefits

Potential

Management Actions

Flood Management Benefit Ecosystem Benefit

1 Set back levees in

Sacramento Bypass and Yolo Bypass

Increase Capacity & Lower Flood Stages Inundated Floodplain Expands flood capacity in bypasses, reduces stages in Sacramento River and Yolo Bypass, and increases public safety for urban, small, and rural communities.

Creates approximately 900+ acres of new inundated floodplain essential for waterfowl and fish rearing.

2 Maintain Agriculture

Ag Sustainability & Floodway Maintenance Wildlife Friendly Agriculture Agricultural practices are beneficial to the economy and help maintain the floodway.

Wildlife friendly agriculture in the floodway could provide habitat for many species including birds, fish, and snakes.

3 Degrading the Existing Levee

Flood Conveyance and Levee Construction Habitat Creation Opportunity

Degrading the existing levee is needed for flood flow conveyance. Fill material from degraded levee is needed for the construction of the new setback levee.

The toe of the existing levee terminates at the edge of Tule Canal. Degrading the levee provides the opportunity for wetland and riparian habitat creation.

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Maintain Area for Expansion of East Side of Tule Canal

Corridor

Levee Maintenance and Ag Sustainability Expanded Corridor Using the existing levee footprint to expand the Tule Canal corridor and creates a dedicated corridor for habitat while maintaining agriculture operations and levee maintenance practices in the new setback area.

Expanding the east side of Tule Canal corridor creates opportunities to expand wetland and riparian habitat, increase the value as a wildlife corridor, and reduce maintenance.

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Establish Native Grasslands on New Levee Slopes and

Seepage Berm

Levee Erosion Protection GGS & Swainson's Hawk Habitat

Deep-rooted native grasslands protect levee slopes from erosion. Once established, native grassland would reduce long-term management needs.

Native grasslands provide upland habitat for GGS and foraging habitat for Swainson's Hawk and other raptor species.

6 Irrigation/ Drainage Improvements

Interior Drainage & Operational Efficiencies GGS Habitat

Consolidation of the interior drainage can reduce the number of pump stations in the basin and collect all drainage into one large drainage canal.

The improved interior drainage canal east of the proposed county road could be constructed to include habitat features to benefit GGS.

7 Preserve portions

of the existing levee

Levee Erosion Protection High Ground Refugia

Preserving portions of the existing levee helps reduce the impact of wind/wave erosion on the new setback levee.

Preserving portions of the existing levee would provide high ground refugia for wildlife, including GGS during flood events.

8 Establish Riparian Vegetation

Levee Erosion Protection Establish Riparian Habitat Establishing a riparian buffer within the footprint of the degraded levee can reduce the impact of wind/wave erosion on the new setback levee.

Establishing additional riparian habitat in portions of the footprint would be beneficial to sensitive species in the project area, including VELB, LBVI, YBVU, SWHA and other nesting raptors. Far beyond mitigation, this habitat could be used to offset O&M.

9 Preserve &

Enhance Existing Riparian Vegetation

Levee Erosion Protection Preserve Existing Riparian Habitat Existing riparian vegetation can help reduce the effects of wind/wave erosion.

Preserving existing riparian vegetation maintains valuable nesting habitat for birds including Swainson's hawks and other raptor species. Enhancing riparian habitat would provide functional lift through removal of non-native invasive species and increasing habitat complexity, where feasible.

10 Connectivity to Existing Habitat

Areas

Long-term O&M Efficiencies Habitat Connectivity

Connectivity corridors create opportunities for more efficient maintenance practices and better long-term flood system management.

Expanding habitat along the Tule Canal increases its value as an important wildlife corridor. Expanded inundated floodplain habitat adjacent to existing preserved habitat provides the potential for increased aquatic primary and secondary productivity to benefit fish and wildlife species.

GGS = Giant Garter Snake, LBVI = Least Bell's Vireo, SWHA = Swainson's Hawk, VELB = Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle, YBCU = Yellow-billed Cuckoo

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Lower Elkhorn Basin Levee Setback Project

Figure 2. LEBLS Potential Multi-benefit Project Element Locations

Lower Elkhorn Basin Levee Setback Project

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LEBLS SCHEDULE AND MILESTONESThe proposed project timeline (Figure 3) illustrates major tasks that need to be completed. The proposed project has been carefully scoped so that it could be completed within the given timeframe, if approved.

A project that intends to make changes to federal levees must be evaluated by USACE, for both environmental and engineering considerations, and receive 408 permission. This involves District, Division, and Headquarters-level reviews at USACE. DWR is also requesting a Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 permit from USACE for the project. Navigating the 408/404 process for this project requires a substantial amount of coordination and alignment between DWR and USACE regulatory, planning and legal review. Due to pre-project coordina-tion between DWR and USACE leadership, the 408 process has been potentially shortened by one year.

LEBLS FUNDINGTotal Phase 1 project cost in the Yolo Bypass is approximately $715 million (see Figure 1 for Phase 1 projects). The proposed LEBLS project is the first step in implementing Phase 1 and its total cost is approximately $385 million. Of this, an estimated $200 million is currently available from Proposition 1E for implementation of LEBLS. The difference (about $185 million) would have to come from other funding sources or federal cost shares. Legislation requires Prop 1E funds to be spent or committed to specific projects by 2020. Therefore, it is important to secure additional funding promptly to meet the LEBLS schedule. Efforts are underway to secure additional funds.

EIS/EIR = Environmental Impact Statement/ReportHQ = U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Headquarters, Washington D.C.NEPA/CEQA = National Environmental Policy Act/California Environmental Quality ActNOI/NOP/NOD = Notice of Intent/Preparation/DeterminationROD = Record of DecisionSPK = U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District

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Anticipated Project Schedule

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

408Request

40830%

Design

CVFPBApproval

100%Design

408Permit

NOI/NOP

CEQANEPA

Scoping

EIR/EIS

PublicDraft

EIRNOD

FinalEIS

StatePermits

Const.Begins

Key Milestones

CEQA/NEPA and Permitting

USACEHQ

ReviewBegins

Lower Elkhorn Basin Levee Setback ProjectKey Milestones and Permitting Activities

ROD &Fed

Permits

40865%

Design

DesignDesign

Impact Analysis

&Agency Review

BidProcessStarts

Prop 1E Fundsare required to be committedprior to 6/2020

Figure 3. LEBLS Timeline

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Lower Elkhorn Basin Levee Setback Project

LEBLS ENGAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION DWR is working closely with a broad spectrum of stakeholders to develop a comprehensive understanding of the Yolo Bypass working landscape and develop multi-benefit project features that support the overall vision for the Yolo Bypass. Frequent engagement and collaboration with stakeholders have been hallmarks of the project since the beginning. It is also very important to acknowledge the roles and responsibilities of each of the collaborative agencies, the contribution needed from each entity for successful outcomes, and take deliberate action to align agencies and stakeholders for successful implementation. DWR is working with the following agencies and groups to plan and develop LEBLS and other projects in the Yolo Bypass.

AgenciesCentral Valley Flood Protection Board – The CVFPB works with property owners and State and federal agencies to provide the highest level of flood protection possible to California’s Central Valley, while also considering environmental and habitat concerns. Any modification to the federal/State flood control system, encroachment, or project on or near the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers or major tributaries must be approved by the CVFPB. DWR conducted early collaboration meetings with the CVFPB during initial LEBLS planning.

DWR is working to:

• Provide CVFPB with information necessary to obtain permits and permissions.• Provide regular status updates on the LEBLS project.• Support the CVFPB in disseminating information to the public and stakeholders.

USACE – DWR is partnering with USACE on the NEPA/CEQA, CWA 404 permit, and 408 permission for the LEBLS project. There is an opportunity to obtain federal funding for reimbursement for LEBLS work deemed to be in the federal interest. DWR also conducted early coordination meetings with USACE and the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA) on the American River Common Features General Reevaluation Report (ARCF GRR), to ensure LEBLS is consistent with features identified in related studies.

DWR is working to:

• Support regular meetings with USACE district leadership.• Conduct meetings with USACE regulatory staff to secure 408

permission and CWA Section 404 permits. • Take an active role in the ARCF GRR and Sacramento River GRR

planning studies.• Complete State-led project-level feasibility studies.• Implement the August 14, 2015 DWR-USACE Memorandum of

Understanding (MOU).

Biological Opinion (BiOps) Teams – The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) each issued Reasonable and Prudent Alternative actions (RPAs) to DWR and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation intended to reduce impacts created by operating the State Water Project and Central Valley Project. The RPAs require modifications to the Yolo Bypass to support migration of anadro-mous (e.g., salmonid and sturgeon) and non-anadromous (e.g., Delta smelt) fish. BiOp actions could overlap with the footprint for DWR flood system improvements.

DWR is working to:

• Integrate efforts by leveraging overlapping activities, such as field surveys and environmental documentation.

Building trusted relationships and working together with landowners,

NGO’s, local, state and federal agencies is a

necessary component for success in the Yolo Bypass.

Lower Elkhorn Basin Levee Setback Project

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• Coordinate communications and engagement, project schedules, project features, and permitting strategy.

• Meet with Fish Restoration Program Agreement and NMFS BiOp teams to explore alignment opportunities.

Fish and Wildlife Agencies – The USFWS, NMFS, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) missions include protecting species and supporting healthy ecosystems by managing, conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the public.

DWR is working with these agencies to:

• Identify project features that can enhance environmental benefits for fish and wildlife and support implementation of such features.

• Build relationships with refuge managers and regulatory staff on permitting strategies that support long-term system operations and maintenance (O&M).

• Identify permit needs and mitigation requirements.

Lower Sacramento/Delta North RFMP (FloodProtect) – The FloodProtect coalition represents local interests in the Yolo Bypass and developed the regional long-term vision for sustainable, integrated flood management through a collaborative process with stakeholders.

DWR works with FloodProtect by:

• Integrating FloodProtect perspectives, knowledge, and expertise into BWFS analysis and LEBLS design.• Conducting regular planning and project progress meetings.

Local Government and Reclamation Districts – Local agencies have authority and responsibility regard-ing land use policies and requirements that promote public safety, preserve and enhance the local economy and provide for an orderly governmental process. They are also responsible for addressing local drainage and pumping plant O&M issues. DWR’s success in implementing regional projects can be achieved by working with local governments and reclamation districts by understanding and responding to their needs and interests. DWR conducted early coordination meetings with the Yolo County Board of Supervisors during initial LEBLS planning.

DWR works with those stakeholders through:

• Periodic meetings with city and county officials to update them on project activities and receive their input on project plans.

• Coordination with Reclamation Districts on design and maintenance.

• Establishment of trust in working relationships for ease and efficiency in communication and mutual understanding during resolution of complex issues.

Coordinating GroupsLandowners, Agricultural Interests, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) – Landowners, agricultural interests and NGOs possess knowledge about specific properties and the region where those properties are located. Based on their on-the-ground experience, they have practical knowledge of operational needs, physical constraints and legacy issues, and offer multiple perspectives on maintaining and

If approved, the proposed LEBLS project would include

features that enhance environmental benefits for

fish and wildlife.

Local agencies have intimate working

knowledge of the areas critical to achieving DWR’s

flood and ecosystem management goals in the

Yolo Bypass.

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Lower Elkhorn Basin Levee Setback Project

enhancing agriculture and agriculture’s contribution to a healthy ecosystem. Working together, they provide the knowledge and means necessary to establish wildlife-friendly agricultural practices that would help meet common objectives. DWR conducted early coordination meetings with the Yolo County Board of Supervisors during initial LEBLS planning.

DWR works with those stakeholders through:

• Periodic meetings with NGOs.• Frequent engagement with landowners and the agricultural community.• Establishment of long-term working relationships for sharing information and developing solutions for

flood management, agriculture and ecosystem improvements.

Tribes and Tribal Organizations – Many areas in the flood system, including the Yolo Bypass, may include areas of traditional and cultural affiliation for numerous Tribes. DWR is coordinating extensively with the Tribes who have requested to be engaged in the tribal consultation process and with tribal organizations who have a recognized cultural affiliation in the affected area, seeking information that can inform project planning and design. Interested Tribes and tribal organizations are providing information and participating in field activities. If the project is approved, DWR and these Tribal entities will continue working together to ensure tribal cultural resources are protected.

Yolo Bypass/Cache Slough Partnership – The Partnership was chartered in 2016 to guide 15 local, State, and federal agencies through an integrated program for improving flood conveyance, aquatic and terrestrial habitat, water quality and supply, agriculture, and recreation in the bypass. The Partnership provides a forum for discussion, prioritization, and resolution of policy issues.

Partnership guiding principles include:

• Public benefit projects should improve flood system resiliency.• Successful planning addresses specific concerns of each party and those that they represent.• Public benefits are inherent in the integration of flood management, habitat restoration, and economic

sustainability efforts.• Partner agencies’ expertise are valuable and should be actively sought out through effective stakeholder

outreach.• Each party is committed to understanding the opportunities and constraints of one another’s indepen-

dent authorities and regulatory responsibilities.• DWR participates as an integral member of the Partnership.

PAVING THE WAY FOR FUTURE PROJECTSThe 2012 CVPPP provided a high-level framework for improving flood management and several other planning efforts have advanced this effort toward implementation. If approved, the LEBLS project would be the first multi-benefit flood management project in the Yolo Bypass that improves public safety and ecosystem conditions, and maintains agricultural land uses, while reflecting the values of the surrounding landscape.

For Further Information Please Contact:David Pesavento at David.Pesavento@water.ca.gov

http://water.ca.gov/floodmgmt/reduce/l-elkhorn.cfm

Edmund G. Brown Jr.GovernorState of California

John LairdSecretaryCalifornia Natural Resources Agency

William CroyleActing DirectorCalifornia Department of Water Resources

Gary BardiniDeputy Director

Department of Water Resources1416 9th Street

Sacramento, CA 95814

For more information about Integrated Water Management in California, visit us at:

water.ca.gov

The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area’s approximately 16,600 acres are a haven for fish, waterfowl, shorebirds and wading birds, neotropical migratory birds, raptors, invertebrates, snakes, turtles, toads, and bats.