Construction Biological and Conference Opinion
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a biological and conference opinion for construction of the Sites Reservoir Project on July 16, 2025. The biological and conference opinion was completed under Section 7 of the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) with the Bureau of Reclamation as the lead federal agency. The biological opinion identifies the effects of the construction of the Sites Reservoir Project on 8 federally-listed endangered or threatened species. The conference opinion identifies the effects of the construction of the Project on 3 species proposed for listing under the Federal ESA. The measures related to these 3 species take effect if the species are listed.
Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) issued a Master Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement for the construction of the Sites Reservoir Project on July 7, 2025. The Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement identifies the effects of the construction on fish and wildlife resources associated with waters in the construction footprint. The Agreement became effective when issued and expires in July 2035 unless extended.
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 ITPs 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.