(Grass Valley, CA March 31, 2021) – The Nevada Irrigation District (NID) today announced it is soliciting public comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Hemphill Diversion Structure. The public review and comment period for the DEIR will extend for 45 days starting April 1, 2021 and ending May 17, 2021.

The Hemphill Diversion Structure is located in Placer County, just east of the City of Lincoln, within Auburn Ravine. The structure diverts water from Auburn Ravine into the Hemphill Canal, located south of the ravine for delivery to NID customers. It has been operated by NID since its purchase in 1933.

The Hemphill Diversion has been subject to damage during high flow events, on-going maintenance, and is currently in need of additional repairs. Additionally, the diversion has historically presented an impediment to the passage of migrating fish species that spawn in Auburn Ravine upstream of the diversion. NID is considering three alternatives to eliminate this impediment while still maintaining water deliveries to its customers. Each alternative is designed to allow fish to migrate past the Hemphill Diversion Structure site and will require the removal of the existing diversion structure. NID has not yet identified a preferred alternative. 

For more information about the project or to review the DEIR available April 1, 2021, please go to the NID Website by following this link.

Comments and questions regarding the DEIR may be directed to Kris Stepanian by email at stepaniank@nidwater.com or mailed to the address shown below:

Nevada Irrigation District c/o: Kris Stepanian

1036 Main Street Grass Valley, CA 95945

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, printed hard copies will not be available to the public. However, the Draft EIR can be viewed and/or downloaded on the NID Website at https://nidwater.specialdistrict.org/hemphill-diversion-structure-documents.