Project Description

The study area includes the Salton Sea, its tributaries, and the playa and surrounding areas suitable for restoration. Salton Sea is a shallow, saline, terminal lake sustained by agricultural discharge from the Imperial Valley.

The lake provides significant habitat for birds, an estimated 400 species rely upon the lake, as well as habitat for several state and federally listed species. The sea is naturally receding due to evaporation causing an increase in salinity and increasing the concentration of pollutants.

The project was authorized by the Resolution of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, 114th Congress, 2nd Session (April 28, 2016).

Feasibility Phase

We are in the feasibility study phase and initiating the formulation of a project for ecosystem restoration. Initial work includes the coordination and preparation of the study scope, while recognizing and incorporating the many previous efforts completed by other entities and stakeholders. The Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement (FCSA) between the Department of the Army, Los Angeles District and the non-Federal Sponsors, the California Department of Water Resources and the Salton Sea Authority was signed December 16th, 2022. The study held it's Vertical Team Kickoff meeting on March 1st, 2023 and a study scoping charrette from March 28-30, 2023. These scoping efforts will provide the basis of the information on study scope, schedule, and costs for the feasibility study efforts used to develop the Project Management Plan.

For further information, please contact the Corps at the following address:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District
Susie Ming, PE Project Manager
Phone: (213) 452-3789
E-mail: CESPL-Imperial-Streams-Salton-Sea@usace.army.mil

CA Department of Water Resources
James Newcomb, PMP Assistant Deputy Director
Phone: (916) 835-6679

Salton Sea Authority
G. Patrick Dowd, Executive Director/General Manager
Phone: (760) 238-7777