Incidental Take Permits (ITPs)
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) issued an incidental take permit (ITP) for construction of the Sites Reservoir Project on October 22, 2024, and an ITP for operations of the Project on October 24, 2024. Key components of the Construction and Operations ITP’s are discussed below.
Species Covered and Permit Term of Construction ITP: The Authority received incidental take coverage in compliance with the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) for all species and associated habitats requested in the ITP application. This includes Giant garter snake, Swainson’s hawk, and Tricolored blackbird, as well as Crotch’s bumble bee (candidate species). The Construction ITP is effective upon issuance and, unless renewed by CDFW, will expire on December 31, 2034.
Species Covered and Permit Term of Operations ITP: The Authority received incidental take coverage in compliance with CESA for all species requested in the Operations ITP application and 2024 Supplemental application. This includes the Winter-run Chinook Salmon, Spring-run Chinook Salmon, Delta Smelt, Longfin Smelt, and White Sturgeon (candidate species). The Operations ITP is effective upon issuance and, unless renewed by CDFW, will expire on December 31, 2039.