Friday’s top of the scroll: Placer water agency concerned about impact of Delta plan: More water to flush Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta could mean less for Placer County
Posted by: Maven on January 27, 2012 at 5:41 amGreetings! I’ve updated the site a little earlier than usual as I’m headed downtown to UCLA’s Future of Water in Southern California where I’ll be tweeting live from the conference all day. You can follow my tweets here: https://twitter.com/#!/Aquafornia If you’re attending, find me and say hi! And now this from the Auburn Journal:
“The Delta Plan is raising serious concerns with the Placer County Water Agency.
Board members have asked staff to submit agency concerns over the potential impacts on Placer County’s water supplies from plans to solve downstream water issues involving the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.
The water agency will be lodging its concerns in comments on a draft environmental impact report for the proposed Delta Plan and has been active on several fronts in bringing attention to perceived problems.
Water agency leaders focused much of their concern at a board meeting earlier this month on language in the fifth revision of the plan calling for “a more natural flow regime” in the delta. They fear it could dramatically impact areas upstream of the Delta, including Placer County. … “
Continue reading from the Auburn Journal by clicking here.
Water conservation, recycling and California’s future
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 11:31 pmFrom Bilingual News:
“Conservation is the largest, least expensive and most environmentally sound source of new water, and water is being wasted in every sector of California’s economy, according to the Pacific Institute of Oakland. “We’ve found that California can cut its urban water use by a third through efficient technology, simple changes in policy and improved public education,” said Dr. Peter H. Gleick, President of the Pacific Institute. “What this means is that we can avoid new, expensive and environmentally destructive water projects and still meet California’s future needs—even if California’s population and economy grow as expected.”
There appears to be much room for improvement.
Outdoor water use accounts for 42 percent of urban use in California; this includes lawns, large landscapes, parks, golf courses and cemeteries, and a portion of commercial and industrial water use. But regional use varies significantly. … “
Continue reading from Bilingual News by clicking here.
The Delta Caucus and current Delta initiatives
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 11:29 pmFrom the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation:
“The five county Farm Bureaus of the Delta (Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano and Yolo) have been working together since 2008, when we formed the Farm Bureau Delta Caucus to better leverage our limited resources to uphold core Farm Bureau values and policies. The caucus has been tracking and commenting on issues of importance to agriculture in the Delta.
In 2009, the California Legislature passed monumental legislation containing requirements that led to the formation of the Delta Stewardship Council (DSC) and a water bond, which has not yet appeared on the ballot. The Delta Caucus is committed to working with other interested parties and to enlighten others on the broader impacts that will likely result from regulations dealing with Delta issues. … “
Continue reading from the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation by clicking here.
Delta Stewardship Council appoints new lead scientist; Dr. Peter Goodwin is internationally recognized expert in ecohydraulics
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 11:27 pmFrom the Delta Stewardship Council, this press release:
“Dr. Peter Goodwin, an internationally-recognized expert in ecohydraulics (the impact of management on aquatic ecosystems), ecosystem restoration, and enhancement of river, wetland and estuarine systems is the new Lead Scientist for the Delta Science Program.
In making the two-year appointment, DSC Chair Phil Isenberg said, “With his broad understanding of water-related science and engineering, and his background as a former CALFED Independent Science Board member, Peter will provide crucial knowledge and scientific leadership for the Delta Stewardship Program and the Delta Plan.”
“I look forward to helping build the scientific community and to search for the common truths on the many critical issues that face the Delta,” Dr. Goodwin said. “The development of the Delta Plan is clearly a project of critical importance to California that is helping set standards of how science can inform the making of policy.” … “
Continue reading this press release from the Delta Stewardship Council by clicking here.
Next congressman could be caught in the middle, says the Tracy Press
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 11:25 pmFrom the Tracy Press, this editorial:
“It looks like Tracy’s next congressman will have to pick a side in the Central Valley’s version of North versus South.
The North is San Joaquin County and above, and the South is the West Side of Stanislaus County and below.
The North relies on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to provide its $1 billion-a-year agriculture industry with its literal lifeblood — water. That means the idea of a peripheral canal to pump water around the Delta is an economic nonstarter. … “
Continue reading this editorial from the Tracy Press by clicking here.
State-proposed eradication plan hides real problems for salmon, other fish, says the Golden Gate Salmon Association
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 11:24 pmFrom the Golden Gate Salmon Association:
” The Golden Gate Salmon Association (GGSA) submitted formal comments to the California Fish and Game Commission proposing an alternate common sense approach to address the striped bass predation problem. The Commission is currently considering a proposal from the Department of Fish and Game to greatly increase fishing of striped bass in an effort to decrease or eradicate them. The Department made the proposal after being sued over its management of the striped bass fishery by a group of San Joaquin Valley growers calling themselves Coalition for a Sustainable Delta.
The growers brought the lawsuit to deflect attention from their overuse of delta water and the steep decline they’ve sent salmon, smelt and other native fish into. The growers annually siphon huge quantities of subsidized water from the delta for their agricultural operations in the San Joaquin Valley. The loss of this water to the delta and bay estuary has badly damaged state and federal endangered salmon and smelt runs as well as commercially valuable fall run salmon in the past decade. … “
Continue reading from IndyBay.org by clicking here.
Coho salmon face lofty recovery goals; Siskiyou County calls rates ‘unfair, unrealistic’
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 10:52 pmFrom the Record Searchlight:
“Federal fisheries biologists say threatened coho salmon need to return to the Scott River in Siskiyou County at rates more than four times higher than ever recorded.
The federal fisheries goals, released this month in a draft plan that calls for sweeping coho habitat restoration efforts in two states, have drawn condemnation from Siskiyou County officials and the leaders of the county’s resources conservation groups.
They say the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s coho recovery models create “unfair and unrealistic” standards that could be used to place even more restrictions on farmers’ irrigation use in a region already embroiled in a bitter dispute with regulators and environmental groups over the state- and federally protected fish. … “
Continue reading from the Record Searchlight by clicking here.
Recycling wastewater: Sonoma County Water Agency begins filling newly-constructed recycled water reservoir
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 10:50 pmFrom Sonoma News:
“State environmental experts agree water conservation is one of the most important issues facing California. In response, communities across the state, including Sonoma Valley, are turning rivers of raw sewage into clean water suitable for agricultural irrigation, fighting fires and even industrial air conditioners, among other potential uses.
“The water is actually certified organic,” said Brian Anderson, operations coordinator at the Sonoma Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant on Eighth Street East, which is overseen by the Sonoma County Water Agency.
Last Thursday, Jan. 19, officials at the plant turned the valve for the first time to begin filling the newly constructed 37-million-gallon, or 113-acre-foot, recycled water reservoir. The reservoir will rise at a rate of 500,000 gallons a day, meaning it will take 74 days to fill completely. The reservoir, which took six months and $3.5 million to complete, is the second in the Valley. The recycled water reservoir on Ramal Road has been servicing agriculture producers for 19 years, who pay $25 for an acre-foot of water, which measures out to about 326,000 gallons. … “
Continue reading from Sonoma News by clicking here.
Commentary on Point Reyes oyster conflict: Is Feinstein’s focus really on science?
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 10:46 pmFrom the Marin Independent Journal, this commentary by Huey Johnson, president of the
Resource Renewal Institute and former resources secretary of the state of California:
“The Point Reyes oyster conflict has accomplished at least one result of positive national environmental importance: Related research by the University of California has exposed and could solve a disastrous hurdle for U.S. environmental legislation.
It is the practice of legislators’ corrupt use of science. The formula is to call an environmental project’s scientific work inferior, state that the public needs “good science,” and then do one or more scientific studies to review that which has already been done. Faking a need for a better research effort is nothing but a smoke screen to avert a vote and to provide time to manipulate legislation. The tactic has actually been used in Congress 900 times. … “
Continue reading from the Marin Independent Journal by clicking here.
Tahoe open for business
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 10:44 pmFrom Fox Reno:
“A robust and moisture laden jet stream slammed Tahoe resorts this past weekend, dumping up to six feet of snow in 72 hours in the higher elevations. Peak wind gusts during the storm reached 132 mph on Slide Mountain near the Mt. Rose ski area.
The heavy snowfall has enabled regional ski areas to open new runs and fire up more chairlifts. By this weekend, nearly all of our regional ski areas (Alpine and Nordic) will be open for business. It’s about time.
Lake Tahoe’s water level rose 2 inches in 24 hours during the heavy rain event. Just for perspective, consider that one tenth of an inch of Tahoe’s surface represents 1,400,000 tons of water. … “
Continue reading from Fox Reno by clicking here.
Lake Tahoe boating fees rise after ‘good year’ for stopping invasive species
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 10:44 pmFrom the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza:
“Boaters will need to open their wallets a little bit wider before launching at Lake Tahoe this summer.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s Governing Board approved fee increases for mandatory aquatic invasive species inspections Wednesday.
The average boater will pay an additional $10 or $11 for a year of boating on Lake Tahoe under the new rate structure, said Dennis Zabaglo, TRPA’s watercraft program manager. … “
Continue reading from the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza by clicking here.
Sacramento: Commission wants guarantee before it OK’s rate hikes
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 10:43 pmFrom Capital Public Radio:
“The City of Sacramento is asking the Utility Rate Advisory Commission to recommend an increase in water and sewage rates.
The city admits it has used previous rate increases intended for infrastructure upkeep…to pay operational costs instead. The Commission is asking for accountability proposals from the Department of Utilities before recommending a 19 percent increase over three years. … “
Continue reading from Capital Public Radio by clicking here.
Tuolomne Utilities District water ditch plan advances
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 10:42 pmFrom the Union Democrat:
“Tuolumne Utilities District has moved one step closer to hammering out a comprehensive plan for managing its 57 miles of open ditches, used for water delivery.
The TUD board, senior staff members and a handful of area residents attended a public workshop Wednesday morning to hash out the details of the ongoing Ditch Sustainability Project plan.
The district hired Stantec, a Modesto-based planning and engineering firm, to study options for capital improvement projects to prevent leaks and to manage water flows through the ditches, which provide drinking water to the majority of TUD customers. The consultant began work in September and was hired using $500,000 in grants from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and the Environmental Protection Agency. … “
Continue reading from the Union Democrat by clicking here.
Desal opponents plan November ballot measure: Petition for city charter change calls for voter OK of water project
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 10:39 pmFrom the Santa Cruz Sentinel:
“Opponents of a proposed seawater desalination plant have submitted a preliminary petition notice to the city that would ask voters whether they want the opportunity to approve the controversial project in a future election.
City Attorney John Barisone has until Feb. 6 to reply to the notice filed by Rick Longinotti, a founder of Santa Cruz Desal Alternatives. The petition proposes a change in the city’s charter that would ensure Santa Cruz “does not approve, permit or fund a desalination plant without voter approval.” … “
Continue reading from the Santa Cruz Sentinel by clicking here.
Santa Cruz facing ‘critically dry’ year; low rainfall makes December second driest on record
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 10:39 pmFrom the Santa Cruz Sentinel:
“With only 10 inches of rain so far this wet season, Santa Cruz water officials have declared it a “critically dry” year as stream flow in the San Lorenzo River, a main supply source for the city’s 92,000 customers, was 85 percent below average in December.
“Critically dry” is the most severe on a four-point scale used by the city to classify its water supply condition, as measured by discharge on the river. But the city will not declare a drought unless the dry conditions persist for another year, said Toby Goddard, water conservation manager. … “
Continue reading from the Santa Cruz Sentinel by clicking here.
Time is now for Cal Am’s desal plan, says the Monterey County Herald
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 10:38 pmFrom the Monterey County Herald:
“If California American Water goes it alone to build a desalination plant of its own near Marina or anywhere else, it should be required to make the project similar to the long-discussed regional desalination project that also involved Monterey County and the Marina water district—and to get a move on.
With the possible exception of downsizing, dramatic changes in design and approach would almost certainly draw out the approval process and require another full environmental impact report—which, for practical purposes, could mean another environmental impact report after that.
A Cal Am official told a Public Utilities Commission judge this week that the company hopes to simply modify the PUC’s existing approval of the seemingly defunct regional project to expedite the process. Cal Am wanted 90 days to come back with a new plan, but was told to return by March 1. That is a positive sign from the PUC, because Cal Am faces a state order to start reducing the use of Carmel River water, the Peninsula’s primary supply, by 2016. The need to find or create an alternate suppy becomes more urgent with each passing day. … “
Continue reading from the Monterey County Herald by clicking here.
University of La Verne eyed as regional center for water research, industry
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 10:37 pmFrom the Daily Breeze:
“Local officials, in seeking solutions to make the region’s water supply more reliable, are eyeing the University of La Verne as a linchpin for research and growth for new, locally based water industries.
The university held its annual Water Technology Conference on Thursday, and dozens of speakers from water agencies, politics and academia gathered there to discuss new ways of dealing with the problem.
The conference, officials said, is a first step as ULV positions itself as a potential national research center for water technology innovation and a model for economic development.
Stakeholders are looking at the potential for this to spur economic growth within the surrounding area. … “
Continue reading from the Daily Breeze by clicking here.
Lake Arrowhead water test results reassuring
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 10:30 pmFrom the Mountain News:
“The results of water samples tested by a down-the-mountain agency indicate only negligible traces of medications and other nonregulated chemicals, suggesting that fears about pharmaceuticals in Lake Arrowhead water could be misplaced.
The tests, conducted in June by the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA), found for the second straight year that concentrations of a list of chemical compounds fall well short of posing health threats, said Mark Norton, SAWPA’s water resources and planning manager.
The results, and how Norton interprets them, could have a bearing on whether the Lake Arrowhead Community Services District (LACSD) will one day implement a program of indirect potable reuse (IPR). … “
Continue reading from the Mountain News by clicking here.
Carlsbad Desalination Project negotiations, due diligence proceeding on schedule
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 10:27 pmFrom the San Diego County Water Authority, this press release:
“San Diego County Water Authority staff reported today they are making significant progress toward finalizing a draft agreement for purchasing water from the Carlsbad Desalination Project. Contingent on the successful completion of negotiations with Poseidon Resources, the project’s private developer, staff told the Water Authority’s Board of Directors they expect to bring the draft water purchase agreement to the board for consideration this summer.
“We’re entering the home stretch of taking all the necessary steps to ensure we’re protecting the interests of the Water Authority, our member agencies and our ratepayers in determining the proposed commercial terms for purchasing water from Poseidon,” Director of Water Resources Ken Weinberg said. “We’re close to knowing exactly what capital improvements we will need to make to our water distribution and treatment system to take water from the project. Financial and project due diligence activities are also moving forward. These activities will ensure our board knows the total costs that need to be reflected in the final draft water purchase agreement, as well as successful construction and operation of the desalination facilities, prior to the board’s final consideration and vote on the project.” … “
Continue reading from the San Diego County Water Authority by clicking here.
MORE COVERAGE: Draft Carlsbad desal agreement to be ready by spring, says Water Authority, from the North County Times
Discussion of Salton Sea restoration funding source to continue
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 10:26 pmFrom the Imperial Valley Press:
“More discussion has to take place to see whether Imperial County is willing to give up some of its property taxes to go toward Salton Sea restoration.
The Salton Sea Authority went over the totals that an infrastructure finance district is anticipated to raise for sea restoration projects. Some have now questioned whether Imperial County can take a multi-million dollar blow in future property tax money.
An infrastructure finance district is a defined area where a portion of property tax would go to pay for improvements to public property. The authority is looking at implementing a finance district that would cover an area where a 5,000 acre development has been proposed. … “
Continue reading from the Imperial Valley Press by clicking here.
The development being discussed is Travertine Point, a development that includes a resort area, a cultural preserve, and residential neighborhoods of assorted densities but “predominantly single family,” plus a marina with slips, retail, and restaurants. You can find out more about Travertine Point from KCET by clicking here.
Prompted by scarcity, Colorado River basin states examine their lifeline
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 10:25 pmFrom Circle of Blue Water News (hat tip to the Water Sisweb):
“The worst drought in the 105-year historical record of the Colorado River has opened a new era of water scarcity that is prompting state and federal water managers to evaluate never before considered options for increasing water supply and reducing demand.
The new ideas for managing the seven-state river basin, which supplies water to 30 million residents and thousands of farms, have attracted increasing attention from agricultural users and other big water interests, particularly in the upper basin states that counted on receiving more water under the region’s near-century-old water use agreement.
In Las Vegas last month, at the annual meeting of the Colorado River Water Users Association—the only organization bringing together stakeholders from each of the seven basin states—opponents and supporters made their views known during a speech by Doug Kenney, the director of the Western Water Policy Program at the University of Colorado-Boulder. … “
Continue reading from the Circle of Blue Water News by clicking here.
Thursday’s top of the scroll: The Peripheral Canal – How much water? At what cost? Who pays?
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 8:43 am
From Bilingual News Weekly:
“Nearly two-thirds of California residents and the majority of agriculture get their water from the Delta and its tributaries, which surround Stockton in an intricate pattern of levees, rivers and farms. But the Delta faces multifaceted environmental problems, which have led to a crisis for fisheries, wildlife and water quality.
The peripheral canal has been touted as the solution to the Delta’s problems, but it’s questionable whether it can provide reliable water and protect the ecosystem.
The Bay-Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) has spent more than $150 million planning for some form of peripheral canal or tunnel-conveyance system, which would route water around the Delta rather than restoring it. The BDCP is funded by 23 South-of-Delta contractors who receive water from state and federal projects. … “
Continue reading from Bilingual News Weekly by clicking here.
Picture of white egret in the Delta by Big Stock Photos.
Governor Brown endorses Bay Delta Conservation Plan
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 8:31 amFrom the Independent Voter Network:
“Gov. Brown strongly endorsed and supported the Bay Delta Conservation Plan in his State of the State address. He says it will ensure water for 25 million Californians and agriculture, as well as protecting the Delta ecosystem and its abundant fish and wildlife. These often are contradictory goals. If water stays in the Delta, then it doesn’t get sent to farmers or to that thirsty 800 lb. gorilla called southern California. But if too much water is sent, then the Delta, with its commercial and recreational fishing, hugely fertile farmland, bird watching, boating, and hiking would suffer.
In endorsing the plan, Gov. Brown appeared to be favoring a peripheral canal, surely one of the most contentious proposals for water in California. It’s been that way for decades, ever since the idea was first floated. A peripheral canal would shunt water from the Sacramento River, around or through the Delta. It would either be a canal or a tunnel. Currently fresh water is fed through the Delta, which has changed the mix of the water from fluctuating-salinity to freshwater, confusing species and changing the ecosystem. … “
Continue reading from the Independent Voter Network by clicking here.
Presentation from yesterday’s Bay-Delta Conservation Plan meeting now available online
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 8:30 amAnd speaking of the Bay-Delta Conservation Plan, the powerpoint from yesterday’s BDCP public meeting is now available online by clicking here. The presentation gives a basic overview of the BDCP plan documents.
Chronicles of the Hydraulic Brotherhood blog: Who needs a cost-benefit analysis? Not Southern California
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 8:28 amFrom Lloyd Carter at the Chronicles of the Hydraulic Brotherhood blog:
“When Assembly Member Alyson Huber of El Dorado Hills failed to get an economic feasibility analysis bill on the controversial proposed peripheral canal out of committee recently, she was probably unaware that a similar challenge had been made to the finances of the State Water Project in 1960 by the late George “Elfie” Ballis, a legendary figure in Central California water and farmworker politics.
Huber’s bill (AB 550) would have required express approval of the Legislature for any “conveyance facility, an honest cost-benefit analysis of a peripheral canal or tunnel around the Delta” (which proponents claim would help the Delta) and prohibit any diminishing or negative impact on Delta water supplies, water rights, or water users. It failed to clear the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife on a 7-5 vote. But the vote was not along party lines. It was based on geography. North State legislators, including committee chairman Jared Huffman voted for it. The Southern California Committee members voted against it. … “
Continue reading from the Chronicles of the Hydraulic Brotherhood blog by clicking here.
San Francisco’s green ethos goes only so far, says the Sacramento Bee
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 8:26 amFrom the Sacramento Bee, this editorial:
“Gee, do you think San Francisco could get any more hysterical about proposed alternatives to the city getting its water from a submerged and majestic canyon in Yosemite National Park?
Even the esteemed San Francisco Chronicle has joined the epidemic of panic, blaming such ideas on “fringe environmentalists” in a Sunday editorial.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein and the general manager of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission believe that a U.S. Department of the Interior investigation of water use – requested by Rep. Dan Lungren, R-Gold River – is tantamount to dismantling the water system that includes the dam and reservoir in the Hetch Hetchy Valley. … “
Continue reading this editorial from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
Commentary: Sinking the water bond
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 8:23 amFrom NBC Southern California’s political blog, this commentary:
“So, Governor Jerry Brown is thinking about postponing the $11 billion water bond scheduled for the November ballot.
His reasoning is simple enough: If the water bond is taken off the list of ballot issues, perhaps the voters will be more willing to support his temporary tax hike package.
Postponing the water bond makes a lot of sense for another reason: the state is drowning in bond payments from previous commitments.
As of October 2010, Californians were paying interest on $90 billion worth of bonds, with another $53 billion yet to be purchased. … “
Continue reading this commentary by clicking here.
California Water Blog pays tribute to Alex Hildebrand
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 8:21 amFrom the California Water Blog:
“One of the best minds of the Delta and its most devoted advocate has left us. Alex Hildebrand passed away Monday at the venerable age of 98.
Alex cared deeply for the land and the water of the South Delta, living his life and tending his farm in sync with the rise and fall of the waters. With his long life and sharp mind, Alex became the chronicler of change in the Delta and the Central Valley. If you wanted to know how things work in the Delta and why things changed, your source of wisdom was Alex. If you needed new ideas for how to manage this change, Alex was your best source. His knowledge and understanding were without peer. And he was always a gracious gentleman.
The staff, faculty, and colleagues of the Center for Watershed Sciences at UC Davis wish to express our sympathies to the family of Alex Hildebrand. All of us, to an individual, admired and respected him greatly.
Thank you Alex.
Jeff Mount, Jay Lund, Ellen Hanak, Peter Moyle”
Rest in peace, Alex Hildebrand.
Webcast link for today’s Delta Stewardship Council meeting
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 8:17 amHere is the webcast link for today’s Delta Stewardship Council meeting, scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM.
State Water Resources Contol Board issues notice in next phase of Bay-Delta Plan review
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 8:15 amThat would be the Bay-Delta Plan, not to be confused with the Bay-Delta Conservation Plan or the Delta Plan. Clear as mud? Thought so … Here’s more from ACWA’s Water News:
“The State Water Resources Control Board is seeking input and information to evaluate potential changes to Delta outflow and inflow requirements as part of its review of the 2006 Water Quality Control Plan for the Bay-Delta. … “
Continue reading from ACWA’s Water News by clicking here.
ACWA submits comments on striped bass regulations
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 8:14 amFrom ACWA’s Water News:
“ACWA submitted comments today supporting proposed changes to fishing regulations for striped bass.
In a letter to the California Fish and Game Commission, ACWA said changes proposed to current striped bass fishing regulations reflect a well-reasoned approach that provides a balance between reducing a Delta stressor and maintaining a viable sport fishery in the Delta. … “
Continue reading from ACWA’s Water News by clicking here.
Still haven’t registered for Water 101?
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 8:13 amFrom the Water Education Foundation:
This Feb. 23-24 workshop is a chance to learn the basics of California water and much more – straight from the leaders at the forefront of today’s water world. Don’t miss this amazing educational opportunity!
Top speakers include:
- Attorneys Scott Morris and Tom Berliner, discussing California’s water rights system and governing laws
- Dennis O’Connor with the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water, discussing working with and understanding the state Legislature
- Lester Snow, former director of the California Department of Water Resources, presenting an overview on Delta issues and Delta water quality
And many more!
On the second day, participants will be provided with a governance primer for water district directors that will include the roles and responsibilities of a director, and the legal requirements of board members. Discussions will be led by attorneys Valerie Kincaid and Paul Barkiewicz. Tom Philp with Metropolitan Water District of Southern California will round out the afternoon with a discussion on understanding the news media.
Registration is $250. This includes all educational materials, coffee breaks, lunch on February 23 and a graduation certificate upon completion of the day-and-a-half course. Scholarships are available on a case-by-case basis. Contact Diana Farmer at dfarmer@watereducation.org to learn more.
Click here to view the complete agenda and register securely online.
Legal Analysis: Federal District Court rules that EPA has only an oversight role in approving a state’s 303(d) listings
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 8:02 amFrom Somach Simmons & Dunn, this environmental law & policy alert:
“On December 16, 2011, the District Court for the Northern District of California held that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) appropriately exercised its oversight authority in approving the State of California’s (State) listing of Redwood Creek as an impaired water body under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) (33 U.S.C. § 1313(d)). (Barnum Timber Co. v. United States Environmental Protection Agency (Case No. C08-01988) 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 145155.)
Barnum Timber Company (Barnum), owner of forestland in the Redwood Creek watershed challenged the EPA’s approval of the State’s listing and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for sediment and temperature in Redwood Creek. Barnum brought suit under the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. § 701 et seq.) arguing that, in its approval capacity, the EPA was required to review the legal adequacy of the State’s determinations of impairment. Barnum argued that in failing to review the weight of the evidence, EPA acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner.
EPA argued that its role is one of oversight, leaving to the states the responsibility to identify the waters for the list. … “
For more legal analysis from Somach Simmons & Dunn, click here.
Calistoga lawsuits: Reynolds defends right to keep suing city
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 7:54 amFrom the Weekly Calistogan:
“San Diego resident Grant Reynolds insists he has the right to challenge Calistoga’s use of tax revenue designated for flood control projects to pay for a new water storage tank.
In court documents filed this week, Reynolds denied claims by the city that he does not have the legal standing to file suit since he is not a Napa County resident and that he waited too long to bring his claim to court.
Reynolds says that the city should not have used $2.7 million collected under the 1998 ballot question that imposed a half-cent sales tax in Napa County to build flood control projects in Napa and “watershed improvements” in other areas, including Calistoga. … “
Continue reading from the Weekly Calistogan by clicking here.
South Tahoe Public Utility District considers new water rates
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 7:45 amFrom the Tahoe Daily Tribune:
“Metered South Tahoe Public Utility District customers who use little or no water could see a jump in their quarterly bills under new rates being considered by district directors.
The STPUD Board of Di rectors heard a presentation on several possible options for metered water rates during a Tuesday workshop at the district’s office.
Each of the options for metered rates includes 35 percent based on consumption and 65 percent made up of fixed costs at the district. Con sump tion makes up about half of the current metered rate.
Water meter installation has been undertaken in a patchwork fashion at the South Shore and has created situations where side-by-side houses are being billed differently depending on whether or not their meters are being read. … “
Continue reading from the Tahoe Daily Tribune by clicking here.
Help Lincoln become the region’s wastewater solution, says editorial
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 7:41 amFrom the Lincoln News Messenger, this editorial -?:
“We need to keep a dialogue going with county supervisors. Having our Lincoln wastewater treatment plant handle the region’s sewage is a huge deal to Lincoln. To the tune of at least $12 million.
Thanks to Lincoln city engineer Bruce Burnworth’s efforts, Lincoln would get $12 million paid back through the state revolving loan from our city’s treatment plant costs of a decade ago. That’s if the county decides to hook into our facility.
“The county would finance their participation if the board of supervisors goes ahead with the project through a state revolving fund loan,” said Jenine Windeshausen, Placer County’s treasurer/tax collector, on Monday. “The county can use proceeds from that loan to purchase capacity in the Lincoln treatment plant. I’ve heard $12 million, $14 million. That’s subject to negotiation.” … “
Continue reading from the Lincoln News Messenger by clicking here.
Santa Cruz officials: December was 2nd-driest in history
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 7:37 amFrom KSBW:
“We are halfway through the winter and just 10 inches of rain has fallen on Santa Cruz.
California just had its second-driest December in history and Santa Cruz’s total winter rainfall is six inches below average, according to a report released Wednesday by the City of Santa Cruz Water Department.
“Notably, almost no rain fell from the third week of November through the third week of January,” the department’s conservation manager, Toby Goddard, said. … “
Continue reading from KSBW by clicking here.
There is a solution now for Monterey water needs, says commentary
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 7:26 amFrom the Salinas Californian, this commentary by Nader Agha, managing partner of The People’s Moss Landing Water Desal Project:
“It is a matter of fact that the Marina Regional Desalination Project was doomed from the beginning, and it is now clear that the project is defunct per Cal Am’s recent announcement. I don’t like saying so, but I have been saying that this project is “dead in the water” for the past year and a half for all the reasons noted.
In addition, I believe it is terribly wrong, after all this time, that the ratepayers have seen no solution to the water dilemma, especially after footing the bill and paying millions of dollars. Why, when there has been a realistic and affordable solution all along?
The People’s Moss Landing Water Desal Project is on the site of†the former National Refractories and Minerals Plant. Way back in 2002, this site was declared to be a “best apparent site for a desal plant” by a report prepared for The Water Division of the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC). … “
Continue reading this commentary at the Salinas Californian by clicking here.
Efforts to bring clean water to Tulare County
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 7:23 amFrom KFSN:
“The effort to bring healthy water to Valley towns moved forward Wednesday after federal officials heard directly from residents about the ongoing problem.
Members of the Environmental Protection Agency toured parts of the Valley, in hopes of getting a closer look at just how bad people’s drinking water is.
The water coming out of the faucet may look clean, but Seville resident Rebecca Quintana says it’s filled with unhealthy levels of nitrates and bacteria.
Rebecca Quintana said, “We don’t have that luxury of just turning on the water and being able to drink or cook.” … “
Continue reading from KFSN by clicking here, or watch the newscast below.
Empty rain basins remain in southern San Joaquin Valley
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 7:19 amFrom KFSN:
“This year’s rainfall is a stark contrast from last year’s totals.
Farmers will need at least a half-dozen more storms like this last one to get through this winter without having to irrigate. At the Tulare Irrigation District, officials are closely monitoring this year’s rainfalls.
Water recharge basins at the Tulare Irrigation District remain empty, even after last weekend’s rain storm. … “
Continue reading from KFSN by clicking here, or watch below:
Aquafornia's Information Desk
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| 29 | 30 | 31 | ||||
Click here for full-sized calendar
Aquafornia's Photos on Flickr
Aquafornia's Mission
Aquafornia's mission is to educate readers about the complex and often controversial issues surrounding water in California.
Aquafornia is affiliated with the Water Education Foundation, an impartial, nonprofit organization, whose mission is to create a better understanding of water resources and foster public understanding and resolution of water resource issues through facilitation, education and outreach.
E-mail Newsletter
To receive email announcements from the Water Education Foundation, sign up here.
Web Resources
Agriculture
Climate Change & Water
Conservation
Current Conditions
Delta & SF Bay Resources
- Bay Delta Developments
- Bay Institute
- Bay-Delta Conservation Plan
- Delta Atlas
- Delta Protection Commission
- Delta Stewardship Council
- Delta Vision Foundation
- Delta WaterMaster
- Discover the Delta Foundation
- Restore the Delta
- San Francisco Bay and Delta (Access USGS)
- San Francisco Baykeeper
- San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science website
- San Francisco Estuary Partnership
Employment & Water
Environmental Organizations
Fishing Blogs/Organizations
Investing & Water
Landscaping
Legal Blogs
Legislative Committees - State & Federal
- California State Assembly Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife
- California State Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Water
- House Natural Resource Committee, Water & Power Subcommittee
- New State Water Legislation Mandates (KMTG)
- Senate Commitee on Environment & Public Works, Water and Wildlife Subcommittee
- The California Channel
Los Angeles River
Maven's Other Websites
News
Public Policy Organizations
Regional Water Associations
Salton Sea
Stormwater & Flood Control
Water Agencies
- ACWA – Association of California Water Agencies
- Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency
- Contra Costa Water District
- East Bay Municipal Utility District
- Imperial Irrigation District
- Kern County Water Agency
- Long Beach Water Department
- Los Angeles Department of Water & Power
- Metropolitan Water District
- Municipal Water District of Orange County
- San Diego County Water Authority
- Santa Clara Valley Water District
- Sonoma County Water Agencies
- South San Joaquin Irrigation District
- State Water Contractors
- West Basin Municipal Water District
- Westlands Water District
Water Agencies - State & Federal
Water Blogs
- ACWA's Voices in Water blog
- Aguanomics
- Alex Breitler's Blog
- American Water Resources Assn. Blog
- Barry Nelson at the NRDC Switchboard
- Bay Delta Blog
- California Water Blog
- California Water Wars blog
- Chance of Rain
- Chronicles of the Hydraulic Brotherhood
- Delta National Park Blog
- EDF's On The Waterfront
- Greed, Green & Grains
- Green Roots Blog (PCL)
- GrokSurf's San Diego blog
- Inkstain – jfleck
- Klam Blog
- L. A. Creek Freak
- On the Public Record
- Peter Gleick’s City Brights blog
- Restore the Delta's blog
- Southern California Water Committee Blog
- Spouting Off – Mark Gold of Heal the Bay
- State of the Planet Blog
- The California Spigot
- Thirsty in Suburbia
- Tom Philp's Blog
- Valley Economy Blog
- Water Cooler Blog
- Water Librarian's Blog
- Water SISWEB
- Waterblogged (Shawn McKinnon)
- Watering the Desert
- WaterWired
Water Information
News Article Archives
- Agriculture
- Aquafornia News & Exclusives
- Central Valley Project
- Climate change & water supply
- Conservation
- Delta Issues
- Desalination
- Development & Population
- Drinking Water & Bottled Water
- Drought Tolerant Landscaping
- Drought, Weather & Snowpack
- Energy & Water
- Events
- Flood Control/Stormwater
- General Water Issues
- Groundwater
- History
- Indian Water Rights
- Infrastructure
- Innovative Ideas
- International Water Issues
- Invasive Plants & Species
- Investing in water
- Legislation – State & Federal
- Levees
- National water news
- Oceans & Beaches
- People in the News
- Politics of Water
- Recycled Water
- Regional Water Issues
- San Joaquin River Restoration
- State Water Project (DWR)
- Storage and supply
- Transfers
- Uncategorized
- Water Agency News
- Water Banking
- Water Quality
- Water Rights
- Weird & Wacky Water News
- Wildlife & Endangered Species