The Hemphill Diversion Structure is located on Auburn Ravine northeast of the City of Lincoln in Placer County.  The structure diverts water from Auburn Ravine into the Hemphill Canal located south of the ravine for delivery to NID raw water customers.  The Hemphill Diversion Structure is an approximately 8-foot tall concrete structure that has been utilized, reconstructed, and maintained by the District since its purchase of the facility in 1933. 

Auburn Ravine is identified as a salmon and steelhead habitat and the Hemphill Diversion Structure has been identified as a barrier within Auburn Ravine.  With this Project's completion, it will open up approximately 6 miles of habitat to migrating and resident fish.

The Project will remove the existing diversion structure and construct a roughen-rock ramp fish passage in its place to allow for fish passage.  Improvements to the Hemphill Canal will include a fish screen to prevent fish entrapment while maintaining water deliveries to NID raw water customers.  The 100% Design and Technical Specifications (Drafts) are now available for review, see the link below.

On May 11, 2022, the District's Board of Directors awarded the construction contract to Westcon Construction Corporation.  Construction of the project is now underway.

The District received a Certificate of Authorization from the Placer County Conservation Program (PCCP) on July 21, 2022.  The District has also received the 1602 Streambed Alteration Agreement, the 401 Water Quality Certification, and the Placer County Conservation Program Permits (PCCP).

The Hemphill Diversion Fish Passage Project was awarded a California Wildlife Conservation Board, Proposition 68 Grant of $1,500,000 on February 24, 2022.  The District thanks all those who have shown support for this important fish passage restoration project.