McMullin On-Farm Flood Capture Expansion Project
Project Background
The McMullin On-Farm Flood Capture Expansion Project is the second phase of an existing on-farm flood capture and recharge project completed in early 2019 (Phase 1). Phase 1 has capacity to divert 150 cubic feet per second (cfs) of flood and storm water flow at the James Bypass onto approximately 5,000 acres of farmland to improve groundwater conditions through recharge. The goal of the Expansion Project is to increase conveyance capacity and expand groundwater recharge to 40,400 acres. The Project is identified in MAGSA’s Groundwater Sustainability Plan and is a key element in a vision developed by MAGSA to achieve groundwater sustainability under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.
Phase 1 Videos
Projects like this start rebuilding the aquifer and allow more farmland to stay in production. Additional structures and conveyance like we have here [at the McMullin Project are] critical to reaching resilience in the San Joaquin Valley.
Don Cameron, MAGSA Board President & Terranova Ranch Inc. General Manager
McMullin Expansion Project Overview
The McMullin On-Farm Flood Capture Expansion Project involves the construction of a canal and structures to:
- Extend the existing Phase 1 canal
- Increase the conveyance from the James Bypass from 150 cfs to 450 cfs
The Expansion Project will increase the potential farmland acreage for receiving flood and storm water flows for on-farm recharge to an estimated 40,400 acres.
Read an in-depth blog post on the features of the McMullin Expansion Project:
Read a Quench CA case study on the importance of legislative support for the McMullin Expansion Project:
McMullin Expansion Project Map
Updated 11/7/2022
Grant Awards
MAGSA is committed to pursuing grant funding for its projects to benefit local stakeholders. The following grants have been awarded to this project and its participating agencies to date:
- $5 MILLION – CA Department of Water Resources Prop 1E (Phase 1)
- $10 MILLION – State Water Resources Control Board Prop 1 Stormwater Grant
- $7 MILLION – NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program
Environmental Review
MAGSA, through its contractor Tetra Tech, is preparing the required environmental analysis and documentation for the On-Farm Flood Capture Expansion Project while providing several opportunities for the public to be involved in the environmental review and construction of these projects.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA):
The Expansion Project was approved on July 8, 2022 pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). A final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND), Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting Program (MMRP), and Notice of Determination can be found below.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA):
A draft National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document is expected to be available for public review and comment this year.
Public Scoping Meeting:
The McMullin On-Farm Flood Capture Expansion project was described in more detail at a public scoping meeting on June 30 at 6 pm on Zoom. Members of the public were given the opportunity to comment on the proposed project at the event. Members of the public were also encouraged to provide comments through email, mail, or hand deliveries to the MAGSA office through July 30, 2021. Learn more about the McMullin On-Farm Flood Capture Expansion project by watching the public scoping meeting webinar recording or viewing the presentation slides below.