From the Army Corps of Engineers:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District, is providing an update on the schedule and environmental review process for proposed updates to the Water Control Manuals (WCM) for New Bullards Bar and Oroville reservoirs.
Following the February 2026 public scoping meeting, comprehensive hydrologic and engineering evaluations and additional environmental analysis were conducted and the Sacramento District has determined that the proposed Water Control Manual updates qualify for a Categorical Exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). As a result, a formal NEPA Environmental Assessment will not be prepared, and there will not be a formal NEPA public review and comment period.
The WCM Updates for New Bullards Bar and Oroville dams are currently planned for completion in 2027. The updates integrate Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) methodologies into the projects’ day-to-day operating procedures. FIRO utilizes modern, high-resolution weather forecasting and runoff modeling to inform water management decisions, allowing reservoir operators to temporarily retain water within authorized discretionary space during periods of prolonged dry or drought conditions, and the potential to pre-release water prior to upcoming storms, while maintaining all authorized flood risk management and dam safety standards.
While there will not be a formal NEPA document for public review, the public will still have an opportunity to learn more about the WCM Updates at a public meeting tentatively planned for November 2026. The Sacramento District remains committed to meaningful and transparent public engagement throughout this process.
Additional information – including WCM Update fact sheets for both projects – is now available on the New Bullards Bar and Oroville WCM Updates website. Additional information on the upcoming public meeting will be available soon after the date and location are finalized.
The Sacramento District appreciates the continued participation and interest of the public, Tribes, agencies and stakeholders as we work through this process.
You can find more information, including NBB /ORO Water Control Manual Fact Sheets on our :
https://www.spk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Water-Control/New-Bullards-Bar-Oroville-Dams-Water-Control-Manual-Update/
FACT SHEETS
