The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) intends to fund a project aimed at addressing sediment accumulation and infrastructure damage in the Los Banos Dam Area. This initiative is a response to the severe impacts of the 2023 winter storms, which caused significant sediment buildup and structural issues in the region.
The 2023 winter storms brought unprecedented rainfall to California, leading to excessive runoff that overwhelmed various water control structures in the Los Banos Dam Area. This resulted in the accumulation of sediment in drainage basins and culverts, as well as erosion and damage to access roads. These issues have compromised the functionality of the water management infrastructure, posing risks to both the environment and local communities.
Proposed Project Details
The proposed project focuses on three key sites within the Los Banos Dam Area:
- Canyon Road Crossing: Located at coordinates 37.00378, -120.90985, this site experienced significant sediment accumulation, leading to impaired water flow and increased flood risk.
- Los Banos Dam Access Road Culvert: Situated at 37.00322, -120.91157, the culvert suffered from sediment blockage and structural damage, hindering access and water conveyance.
- Los Banos Dam Spillway: Extending from 36.99330, -120.93031 to 36.99382, -120.92809, the spillway area faced erosion and sediment deposition, affecting its capacity to manage overflow during high water events.
The project entails the removal of accumulated sediment from drainage basins, culverts, and other water utilities, as well as necessary repairs to these structures and their connected access roads. All repairs will be conducted in-kind and within the previously damaged footprints to restore the original functionality of the infrastructure.
Environmental Considerations
FEMA has conducted a thorough review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Executive Orders 11988 and 11990, which pertain to floodplain management and protection of wetlands. The agency determined that the only practicable alternative is to proceed with the proposed sediment removal and repairs, despite the project’s location within a Special Flood Hazard Area (Flood Zone D). The work will also take place in wetlands, but it is expected to have minimal impact on wetland values. FEMA’s decision complies with the National Flood Insurance Program requirements and aims to mitigate future flood risks by restoring the functionality of the water control structures.
Public Participation
The public is encouraged to participate in the review process for this proposed project. The official public notice was posted on March 25, 2025, and the comment period will remain open for a minimum of 15 days, ending no earlier than April 9, 2025. Community members can review the full notice on the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) website or view it at designated public locations. Those wishing to submit feedback can do so by emailing FEMA at [email protected] with the subject line “Los Banos Dam Area Sediment Removal and Repairs – Public Comment.” Comments may also be mailed to:
FEMA Region IX, Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation
1111 Broadway, Suite 1200, Oakland, CA 94607.
Submissions should include the commenter’s name and contact information, their comments or concerns, and a reference to the project (Los Banos Dam Sediment Removal & Repair Project). All input received will be considered by FEMA before making a final decision on the project’s environmental and funding approvals.
