Notice of Exemption - Approval of Agreements with CDFW to Provide Recycled Water to the San Jacinto Wildlife Area

Notice is hereby given on December 15, 2021, the Eastern Municipal Water District (District) approved the execution of two agreements with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife relating to the supply of recycled water to the San Jacinto Wildlife Area. First, the District approved the execution of the December 2021 Amendment (Amendment) to the Agreement Between State of California, Department of Fish and Wildlife and Eastern Municipal Water District for the San Jacinto Wildlife Area Reclaimed Water Supply Project (1987 Agreement). The Amendment extends the term of the 1987 Agreement by two (2) months and updates the recycled water rate to reflect the rates set forth in the District’s Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Fees, and Charges. The Amendment makes no other material changes to the 1987 Agreement. 

Second, the District approved the execution of the Recycled Water Use Contract (2022 Agreement). The 2022 Agreement replaces the 1987 Agreement and allows the District to continue supplying recycled water to the San Jacinto Wildlife Area in amounts equal to those provided under the 1987 Agreement. The 2022 Agreement, which will remain in effect until December 31, 2036, will not result in any changes in water deliveries or otherwise modify any material terms of service included in the 1987 Agreement. 

The District has determined that execution of the Amendment and 2022 Agreement are exempt from CEQA on the following grounds (see full document).