Plastiki, the plastic bottle boat, to set sail
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 20, 2010 at 5:22 amFrom the San Francisco Chronicle:
“The Plastiki, a boat with a hull built of 12,500 plastic bottles, was set to sail from a Sausalito yacht harbor this morning on a risky and adventurous voyage across the Pacific.
The purpose, said expedition leader David de Rothschild, is to draw attention to the health of the oceans and to demonstrate the value of recycled plastic bottles. De Rothschild and his crew of five hope to sail to Australia, a voyage of about 11,000 nautical miles. … “
Continue reading this article from the San Francisco Chronicle by clicking here.
Water crimped to Klamath farmers; federal plan aims to protect threatened salmon in the Klamath River
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 20, 2010 at 5:19 amFrom the Eureka Times-Standard:
“The federal government has ordered significantly reduced water deliveries to Upper Klamath Basin farms this year, responding to concerns over drought and potential harm to protected salmon in the Klamath River.
Farms in the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Klamath Irrigation Project will get only 30 percent to 40 percent of the water they are allocated in average years, while remaining water will be sent down the river to keep coho salmon from being harmed. The action comes after the National Marine Fisheries Service determined that the bureau’s intended water deliveries would jeopardize coho and prompted the change in operations.
The crisis is likely to strain relations forged among tribes, fishermen, farmers and conservationists who in February signed parallel agreements to tear our four dams on the Klamath and embark on a $1 billion restoration effort. The legislation to put those plans in place is still being written. … “
Continue reading this article from the Eureka Times-Standard by clicking here.
Cities decry Water Agency’s proposed 10% rate hike
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 20, 2010 at 5:17 amFrom the Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
“Santa Rosa and Petaluma, hard hit by sweeping budget reductions, are calling on the Sonoma County Water Agency to make some cuts of its own instead of passing on rate increases of 9 to 10 percent.
The cities are especially unhappy because they have laid off hundreds of workers and curtailed services, and now face the prospect of telling residents they have to pay higher water bills.
“We are all making cuts to programs and staff and benefits,” said Santa Rosa Mayor Susan Gorin. “It is important for the Water Agency to look to reduce their costs as well.”
It also rankles cities that at the same time the Water Agency is proposing the increase, it wants city residents to cut back on water use as they did during the water shortage last summer.
“When local governments like the cities and the county are facing a lot of layoffs and no increases, it is very hard for us as contractors to justify a rate increase, especially if they are planning on delivering less water,” said Petaluma Mayor Pam Torliatt. … “
Continue reading this article from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat by clicking here.
Anthony Peak: Snowpack, water in good shape
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 20, 2010 at 5:15 amFrom the Colusa Sun-Herald:
“Snowpack measurements taken at Anthony Peak in the Mendocino National Forest show that precipitation this winter is slightly above average.
The average snowpack measured at the end of February was 70.4 inches, with water content measuring 25.7 inches, forest officials reported on Thursday. Those measurements are 113 percent of the average snowpack and 105 percent of average water content, according to the report.
The historic average for this time of year is 61.8 inches of snow pack and 24.7 inches of water content. … “
Continue reading this article from the Colusa Sun-Herald by clicking here.
In Napa, a new path to using less water
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 20, 2010 at 5:12 amFrom the San Francisco Chronicle:
“On close inspection, one thing stands out amid the vines at Dominus: You’d be hard-pressed to find thin black water hoses running down the rows.
Irrigation tubing is so ubiquitous in California that the lack is disconcerting. Yet that was always the plan laid out by proprietor Christian Moueix in 1981, when he agreed to make wine from the Yountville site.
“My first sentence was, I will need 20 years to make a good wine,” Moueix recalls. “My second sentence was, I will make a wine without irrigation or acidification, or I won’t make my wine. For us it’s just common sense.”
Yountville isn’t the most arduous place to farm, but one of its historic vineyards, the Napanook site now owned by Dominus, provides a contrarian blip amid California’s pervasive water use. As water worries mount, the lessons from this slice of Napa are worth acknowledging. … “
Continue reading this article from the San Francisco Chronicle by clicking here.
Santa Clara Valley: Keep pumping fee for water supply funding, says editorial
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 20, 2010 at 5:10 amFrom the Silicon Valley Mercury News:
“The Santa Clara Valley Water District is in a bind. A court ruling on a lawsuit by well owners has placed a major source of the district’s revenue, a groundwater fee, in serious question. So the public agency now is asking the well owners for permission to continue charging them the fee, which brings in $70 million a year — a quarter of the district’s budget.
They might well say no, but that would be a mistake. It’s our water supply they’re toying with. Keeping the system strong is important not only for residents but for the region’s economy: Nothing, not even high taxes, will drive companies away as surely as uncertainty about the water supply.
The water district maintains that supply, among other responsibilities. It provides water to the utilities and private companies that sell it to consumers. About half of that water comes from wells — but two thirds of the well water is put into the ground by the water district, drawing on reservoirs and imported supplies. This is the basis for the fee, which owners call the pump tax. Other water districts have similar fees, some significantly higher. … “
Continue reading this article from the Silicon Valley Mercury News by clicking here.
Clamicide: Scientists prepare to eradicate larger areas of Asian clam infestation this summer
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 20, 2010 at 5:07 amFrom the Tahoe Daily Tribune:
“SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Clams beware — the scientists are out to get you; consider the Fourth of July your judgment day.
This summer Tahoe scientists will continue to eradicate portions of the Asian clam population in Lake Tahoe by putting rubber tarps over areas of their nesting grounds. As proven by tests last summer, the tarps suffocate the clams and can kill off small populations. After the Fourth of July, scientists will test the method on larger areas — two half-acre plots near Lakeside Marina and Marla Bay.
“We don’t have a day nailed down yet; we need to make sure we are operating in a manner that works for the water purveyors,” said Ted Thayer, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Aquatic Invasive Species Program manager.
The thumbnail-size clams were discovered in small groups in 2002. Since then, they have grown in population and cover many areas along Tahoe’s southeast shore. … “
Continue reading this article from the Tahoe Daily Tribune by clicking here.
Commentary: Have the rains solved the local water shortage?
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 20, 2010 at 5:01 amFrom the Santa Cruz Sentinel, this commentary by Ron Duncan, manager for the Soquel Creek Water District:
“After a long, rainy winter, the recent sunshine has been a welcome friend. So with rainfall being on par with normal this year, does this mean the water shortage issues in Santa Cruz County are over?
The answer is a clear “no” for those served by water agencies that rely on groundwater and for people relying on private groundwater wells. The fact is long-term conservation is still very much needed in a large portion of our county.
Unlike the city of Santa Cruz, which relies almost exclusively on surface water like the San Lorenzo River, most of the county depends on groundwater from natural underground aquifers that are in a state of “overdraft.”
The overdraft is due to pumping more water from the aquifers than is being recharged from the rains. Since about 85 percent of the water used in the county comes from aquifers, most of which are overdrafted, the region is facing a gradual and long-term water shortage. … “
Continue reading this commentary by clicking here.
Ventura County: Builders predict more problems; Panelists expect stormwater limits to return
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 20, 2010 at 4:59 amFrom the Ventura County Star:
“Builders and developers got what they wanted last week when water regulators agreed to revisit the stormwater runoff permit issued last year for Ventura County, a permit the development industry claims would cripple business.
But at a housing and development conference in Camarillo on Friday, the general consensus was that the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board will issue a new permit that’s very similar to the old one. Regulators are committed to reducing runoff because it sends polluted water to the ocean and speeds up erosion of hillsides and streams.
“California had a flood-control culture for many years,” said Mark Grey, director of environmental affairs for the Building Industry Association of Southern California. “Now we have a sustainability culture.” … “
Continue reading this article from the Ventura County Star by clicking here.
Southern California: Water workshops for arid lands (free!)
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 20, 2010 at 4:57 amThe LA Creek Freak has information on a series of free workshops for Do-It-Yourselfers on how you can upgrade your property to be sustainable and water-efficient. Rainwater harvesting, water smart landscapes, and green roofs & walls will be covered.
Click here for more information from the LA Creek Freak.
Baca sponsors legislation requesting water resources feasibility study for Soboba Band
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 20, 2010 at 4:53 amFrom the website of Congressman Joe Baca:
“Today, Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) introduced legislation to direct the Secretary of the Army to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of carrying out a project to address the water resource development and management needs of the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians Reservation. The legislation authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to appropriate $1.7 million to complete the feasibility study.
“Proper use and management of our water resources is becoming increasingly critical to the quality of life in the Inland Empire,” said Rep. Baca. “I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation, which directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out a long overdue feasibility study on the Soboba Reservation. Especially in these times of continued drought, protecting the water resources of our tribal communities is essential to their future growth and economic well-being.”
In 2008, Congress enacted the Soboba Settlement Act, which included funding for the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians, to settle water-related claims against the United States. But before the Soboba community can begin construction on new water related structures and systems, they need a feasibility study to ensure the construction can be carried out safely and in a cost-effective manner. … “
Continue reading this press release from Congressman Joe Baca by clicking here.
Helix Water District: Water budgets proposed for big lots
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 20, 2010 at 4:51 amFrom the San Diego Union Tribune:
“LA MESA — Customers of the Helix Water District who live on large lots could be placed on a water budget if officials get their way.
Instead of a simply paying higher prices for using more water, customers who live on lots larger than half an acre would be put on a water budget at the beginning of a season or a billing period. The amount would depend on a variety of factors, including the size of their property and the number of people in their household.
Customers would pay higher rates when they exceeded their allotted amount. Those on smaller lots would remain on the district’s three-tiered rate structure, paying more when they exceeded certain usage levels.
The Helix board voted unanimously Wednesday to develop the new rate structure. Helix General Manager Mark Weston said an analysis of the plan would take about a year before it would be implemented. … “
Continue reading this article from the San Diego Union Tribune by clicking here.
Group to protest applications to draw water from rural Nevada
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 20, 2010 at 4:49 amFrom the Las Vegas Sun:
“A group composed of ranchers, miners, environmentalists and others intends to lodge objections to the newly filed 146 applications of the Southern Nevada Water Authority to draw water from rural counties to populous Las Vegas.
Abby Johnson of the Great Basin Water Network, which won a decision in the Nevada Supreme Court over the water authority, says it will file its protests to the applications that seek 250,000 acre-feet of water from several counties in eastern Nevada.
Great Basin wasn’t operating in 1989 when the water authority filed its first applications for water in rural Nevada. But it was the lead plaintiff in the suit to overturn the decision of the state engineer’s office to allocate 40,000 acre-feet of water from Spring Valley. … “
Read more from the Las Vegas Sun by clicking here.
Governor Schwarzenegger appoints four members to Delta Stewardship Council
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 4:26 pmFrom the Office of the Governor:
“Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the appointments of Francis Randall “Randy” Fiorini, Philip Isenberg, Henry “Hank” Nordhoff and Richard Roos-Collins to the Delta Stewardship Council.
“The Delta Stewardship Council was established as part of last year’s groundbreaking legislation to reform, restore and rebuild California’s vital water system. This council will work collaboratively to develop a plan to achieve the co-equal goals of restoring the Delta ecosystem and ensuring water supply reliability,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “Each of these individuals possesses the qualities, experiences and unique perspectives that are necessary to help the council meet these goals and implement the most comprehensive effort in decades to save and restore California’s Delta and secure our water supply for the future.”
Fiorini, 56, of Turlock, has been managing partner of Fiorini Ranch since 1975 and managing partner of FarmCo since 2001. Previously, he was president of Fiorini Family Vineyards from 2002 to 2008 and owner of Farm Data from 1984 to 2000. Fiorini is past president and board member of the Association of California Water Agencies, past board president and director of Turlock Irrigation District Division #5, and past president and board member of the California Farm Water Coalition. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in fruit science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $40,669. Fiorini is a Republican.
Isenberg, 71, of Sacramento, has served as president of Isenberg/O’Haren Government Relations since 2005. From 1977 to 2004, he was counsel for Miller, Owens and Trost, Attorneys at Law. Previously, Isenberg served as a member of the California State Assembly representing the 9th District from 1992 to 1996 and the 10th District from 1982 to 1992. From 1975 to 1982, he was mayor of the city of Sacramento. Isenberg served as chair of the California Marine Life Protection Act Blue Ribbon Task Force from 2004 to 2006 and served as chair of the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force from 2007 to 2008. He is also a member of the Sacramento Valley Conservancy Advisory Board. Isenberg earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of California, Berkeley Boalt Hall School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in social science and government from California State University, Sacramento. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $40,669. Isenberg is a Democrat.
Nordhoff, 68, of Del Mar, was president and chief executive officer of Gen-Probe Incorporated from 1994 until his retirement in 2009. Currently, he serves as chairman. From 1992 to 1994, Nordhoff served as president and chief executive officer of TargeTech and, from 1988 to 1992, he was president and chief executive officer of American Biogenetic Sciences. From 1986 to 1988, Nordhoff was vice president of mergers and acquisition for Sterling Drug Company and from 1970 to 1986, he worked for Pfizer Inc. in the U.S., Europe and Asia. His last position at Pfizer was director of licensing and business development. Nordhoff earned a Master of Business Administration degree in international business and finance from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in international relations and political economy from Johns Hopkins University. Nordhoff served in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1967. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $40,669. Nordhoff is a Republican.
Roos-Collins, 56, of Berkeley, has been director of legal services for the Natural Heritage Institute Since 1991. Previously, he served as deputy attorney general of the public rights division for the California Department of Justice from 1989 to 1991. From 1986 to 1989, Roos-Collins was attorney-advisor for the Office of the General Counsel at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. He is co-chair of the Agricultural Water Management Council and a member of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan Steering Committee. Roos-Collins is also director of the Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council and founding director of the Hydropower Reform Coalition. He earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Harvard Law School and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Princeton University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $40,669. Roos-Collins is a Democrat.
The Delta Stewardship Council was created in SBX7 1 by Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), which established the framework to achieve the co-equal goals of providing a more reliable water supply to California and restoring and enhancing the Delta ecosystem.
As created in the bill, the Delta Stewardship Council consists of seven members, four appointed by the Governor, one appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and one appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly. The Chairperson of the Delta Protection Commission is a permanent member of the Council.
The Council is tasked with:
* Developing a Delta Plan to guide state and local actions in the Delta in a manner that furthers the co-equal goals of Delta restoration and water supply reliability;
* Developing performance measures for the assessment and tracking of progress and changes to the health of the Delta ecosystem, fisheries, and water supply reliability;
* Determining if a state or local agency’s project in the Delta is consistent with the Delta Plan and the co-equal goals, and acting as the appellate body in the event of a claim that such a project is inconsistent with the goals; and
* Determining the consistency of the Bay-Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) with the co-equal goals.”
Science justifies California water limits
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 2:23 pm
From Reuters News:
“Federal limits on water that can be pumped out of a major river delta for California farmers are scientifically justified, a much-anticipated report said on Friday, a finding hailed by environmentalists in the state’s epic water wars.
But the National Academy of Sciences stopped short of handing a decisive victory to environmental interests over agricultural interests. The academy said further study was required and that threats to Chinook salmon, delta smelt and other endangered fish were not entirely caused by the pumping.
“The Academy of Sciences report clearly validates the biological opinions,” Ann Hayden, a senior water resource analyst for the Environmental Defense Fund, said of regulations devised under court order by federal wildlife biologists and issued in late 2008.
“It’s time to stop pitting the economic interests of farmers against fishermen and move forward to find solutions,” Hayden said. “We have pushed the Bay-Delta system to the brink of collapse and saving it — and the jobs that depend on it — is going to require increased cooperation among all interests.” … “
Continue reading this article from Reuters by clicking here.
Legal Planet blog: Delta NRC committee issues initial report
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 2:19 pmFrom the Legal Planet blog:
“The National Research Council’s Committee on Sustainable Water and Environmental Management in the California Bay-Delta released its first report this morning (also available through the National Academies Press web site, with registration). On a quick review of the summary, the conclusions are unsurprising — the Committee finds that the provisions of the Biological Opinions for protecting Delta smelt and winter-run chinook salmon are scientifically justified and conceptually sound, but that there is a great deal of uncertainty about the precise triggers for pumping restrictions. Seems to me we already knew exactly that, but there’s no harm in having yet another authoritative voice say so.
The report makes several useful contributions to the ongoing management debate.
First:
The committee concludes that reversing or even slowing the declines of the listed species cannot be accomplished immediately. Even the best-targeted methods of reversing the fish declines will need time to take effect amid changing environmental conditions such as multi-year droughts and continued pressures on the system from other human-caused stresses. Especially for fishes whose populations are very low already, the effects of any actions will be difficult to detect at first, and detecting them will be made more difficult by the effects of other environmental changes and uncertainties inherent in sampling small populations.
Again, this was already well known among those working on the Delta ecosystem, but the big water users seem to have managed to obscure it in the public discussion with their loud and repeated complaints that it has not been proven that export restrictions are helping the fish. Inevitably, when a population has been allowed to dwindle to the extent these fish species have, recovery cannot be immediate, and even detecting positive effects will be difficult and may take considerable time. It is unreasonable to demand, and the ESA wisely does not require, that benefits be immediate or obvious. … “
Find out what else the Legal Planet blog thinks about the NAS report by clicking here.
Statement of the Coalition for Sustainable Delta on the NRC Bay-Delta report
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 1:14 pmFrom the Coalition for a Sustainable Delta, this press release:
“The newly released findings of the National Research Council underscore the lack of sound science underlying the severe water supply curtailments imposed by the Biological Opinions and highlight the importance of “other stressors” in the decline of native fish species. The NRC found that while there is a conceptual justification for federal regulatory agencies to curtail pumping operations, there is limited scientific justification for how, when and to what extent those curtailments are imposed.
The lack of justification for levels of export reductions imposed on the state and federal water projects goes directly to the heart of the concerns and serious questions raised by farm and urban water users over the past two years. The report also concludes that the effects of non-export related “other stressors” such as contaminants and invasive species are in some cases “not only potentially very important, but also under-characterized.”
“The report raises serious questions and concerns for residents, farms and businesses in California that the impacts imposed by federal and state regulators may be far greater than they need to be,” said Michael Boccadoro, spokesperson for the Coalition. “Clearly, regulators will need to make sure they are not harming the economy and putting people out of work unnecessarily. This report underscores the need for federal and state agencies to justify their harsh actions to deny water for the residents, businesses and farms going forward.”
The Coalition looks forward to the NRC Committee’s ongoing work to fully consider alternative actions that will reduce the severe water supply curtailments imposed under the current Biops and their efforts to fully explore the myriad of other stressors which are having a significant and growing impact on the estuary and native endangered fishes. Equally important¸ the NRC’s findings underscore the urgency for California and Federal regulators to use their broad existing authority to tackle the immediate impacts of other stressors, such as toxic wastewater discharges and invasive predatory species, that we know are having a huge impact on the salmon and delta smelt.”
Center for Biological Diversity: Report finds Delta water pumping restrictions to protect fish “scientifically justified”
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 1:08 pmFrom the Center for Biological Diversity, this press release:
“SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.— The National Academy of Sciences today released a peer-review report that validates recent federal “biological opinions” and federal actions, particularly seasonal reductions in water pumping, to protect endangered fish species in the San Francisco Bay-Delta.
“The Academy of Sciences report confirms that the best available scientific information demonstrates that unsustainable water diversions are a major factor driving salmon and other native fish in the Delta to extinction, and that restrictions on excessive pumping mandated by the Endangered Species Act are justified and necessary,” said Jeff Miller, conservation advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity. “It is past time to restore sufficient flows to ensure the health of the Bay-Delta ecosystem.”
In 2008 and 2009, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service issued biological opinions under the Endangered Species Act that required reduced water diversions from the Delta to prevent the extinction of delta smelt, Central Valley chinook salmon and steelhead, and green sturgeon. To keep the record amounts of subsidized water flowing, agricultural interests filed litigation, lobbied Congress, spread disinformation about the economic impacts of the restrictions, and attempted to downplay the effects of massive water diversions. Despite the biological opinions undergoing five peer reviews to ensure that they were based on the best available science, Senator Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., pushed for additional review, and Congress and the Interior Department asked the National Academy of Sciences to provide a further scientific evaluation of the actions in the biological opinions.
“With the smallest return of fall-run salmon ever recorded in the Sacramento River, it is now more clear than ever that we need to restore and maintain flows to the Delta,” said Miller. “The National Academy of Sciences report confirms that freshwater flows are essential to endangered fish, the fishing jobs dependent upon healthy salmon runs, and the whole ecosystem.” … “
Continue reading this press release from the Center for Biological Diversity by clicking here.
Westlands Water District statement on the NAS Report
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 1:04 pmFrom Business Wire, this press release from Westlands Water District:
“FRESNO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Upon this morning’s release of the National Academy of Science’s scientific assessment of the biological opinions concerning operations of the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project, Westlands Water District general manager Thomas Birmingham issues the following statement:
“No scientific study has demonstrated that pumping in the south delta is the most important or the only factor accounting for the delta-smelt population decline.”
Everyone involved in the debate over California’s water crisis will be looking for aspects of this report that support their side. But the members of the panel are not umpires – calling fouls and strikes. They are scientists who have given a fair-minded assessment of the state of the science on these critical issues and there is very little in this report that we would disagree with.
The panelists focused their review on the two critical areas of concern with the biological opinions: the impacts they are having on public water supplies and the areas of the government’s regulations where the science is weak. That is exactly what concerns us most as well. And like the members of the panel, we want less of both.
We agree as well that high levels of pumping can affect the mortality of fish. But as the panel points out, there is still “substantial uncertainty” of how much pumping is safe and wether the mortality of the fish at the pumps really has any effect on their overall abundance. The report points out, for example, that the evidence suggests the smelt have moved to the north, where they now reside in Cache Slough, far away from the pumps. The loss of the few smelt that do find their way into the pumps, therefore, may have nothing to do with that larger population. … “
Continue reading this press release at Business Wire by clicking here.
Academy of Sciences report validates biological opinions to save salmon, other fish
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 10:16 amFrom the Environmental Defense Fund, this press release:
“(San Francisco–March 19, 2010) Environmental Defense Fund praised the Academy of Sciences for issuing a report today validating the biological opinions that led to management actions last year to save salmon and other endangered fish, which reduced water deliveries to some farmers in the Central Valley.
“The Academy of Sciences report clearly validates the biological opinions,” said Ann Hayden, EDF Senior Water Resource Analyst and a member of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan steering committee. “It’s time to stop pitting the economic interests of farmers against fishermen and move forward to find solutions. We have pushed the Bay-Delta system to brink of collapse, and saving it—and the jobs that depend on it—is going to require increased cooperation among all interests.”
###
Environmental Defense Fund, a leading national nonprofit organization, represents more than 700,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense Fund has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. For more information, visit www.edf.org.“
National Academies deliver mixed message on California Delta dilemma
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 10:10 amFrom the New York Times:
“A highly anticipated study of water diversions in California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta has found federal efforts to protect endangered fish “scientifically justified” but added that problems facing delta smelt and chinook salmon are not entirely caused by thirsty farms south of the estuary.
With release of the study today, the National Academy of Sciences stepped into a battle over a pair of federal biological opinions that limit water for farmers to protect the fish. But what many had hoped would clear up controversy over water restrictions has been greeted as another mixed analysis of the region’s overlapping environmental stressors.
The National Academies’ National Research Council said the diversions ordered under the bi-ops from the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service are sound, but the timing of methods to protect fish from pumps on the south end of the delta — the water source for many farmers in the San Joaquin Valley — is “less well-supported” by science. … ”
Continue reading this article from the New York Times by clicking here.
Statement of California Secretary for Natural Resources Lester Snow on the NAS report
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 10:07 amFrom Earthtimes, this statement by California Natural Resources Agency’s director Lester Snow:
“SACRAMENTO, CA — 03/19/10 — Secretary for California Natural Resources Lester Snow today issued the following statement on the National Research Council’s report, “A Scientific Assessment of Alternatives for Reducing Water Management Effects on Threatened and Endangered Fishes in California’s Bay Delta.”
“We appreciate the work of the National Research Council in its report released today. The Council has reaffirmed how complex and long standing the issues are that involve the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. We agree that there is no easy solution — no single fix — that can balance the complex and competing needs of restoring the Delta’s ecosystem and its ability to function as California’s water supply hub.
“That said, while the report generally found that the conceptual basis for the regulatory actions of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service are scientifically justified, it also noted that the scientific support for specific flow targets were less certain. We believe this points to the need for further work and flexibility in the implementation of the regulations and potential modification of the federal Biological Opinions. … “
Continue reading Lester Snow’s statement by clicking here.
Senator Cogdill: California is rain rich, water poor
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 10:05 amFrom the Fresno Bee, this commentary by Senator Cogdill:
“For much of this year, the state was shrouded in gray skies and pounded with heavy rain storms. You might think it paints a sunny picture for the state’s water supply, but the truth is we’re still headed toward a gloomy water outlook.
Recent figures from the Department of Water Resources show that even with the state’s overall precipitation slightly above average for this time of year, due to three consecutive dry years, the state’s water storage is only at 80%.
You’re probably scratching your head wondering how the state could be rain rich but still water poor. There are a number of reasons, but the main culprit is the state’s inability to properly manage its water resources, much like its lack of discipline in managing its finances.
The state’s budget lacks a rainy day reserve, and so does our water supply system. In wet years, California lacks the capability of preserving this precious resource for the leaner, dry years, in above- and below-ground storage. For instance, in 2005, enough water to supply 13 million families for a year was lost to sea because there was nowhere to store it. … “
Continue reading Senator Cogdill’s commentary by clicking here.
Friday’s top of the scroll: NAS report backs biological opinions but still needs further study; also finds other ’stressors’ have hurt delta fish
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 7:37 amFrom the Fresno Bee:
“Controversial cuts in water for San Joaquin Valley farms appear to be scientifically justified but still need further study, scientists have concluded in a highly anticipated report to be issued today.
The National Research Council determined two federal agencies had a “sound conceptual basis” for their actions protecting Chinook salmon, delta smelt and other endangered fish. The conclusion undercuts a common farmer criticism.
But the 65-page report — the first of two the council is expected to produce — also may give some ammunition to those skeptical of pumping restrictions imposed by the Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service.
Notably, the scientists determined that predators, pollution and other “stressors” accounted for some of the fish lost in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. That supports a complaint from farmers who say they’ve been held solely responsible for the fish losses, costing them water.
“Based on the evidence the committee has reviewed, the committee agreed that the adverse effects of all the other stressors on the [protected] fishes are potentially large,” the study’s summary conclusion states. … “
Continue reading from the Fresno Bee by clicking here.
From Mike Taugher at the Contra Costa County Times:
” … The National Research Council’s review was prompted by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who in September asked for it at the request of San Joaquin Valley farmers hurt by three dry years and the effect of new rules to prevent fish from going extinct.
The report, which was obtained by Bay Area News Group late Thursday, appears unlikely to do immediately what farmers were hoping for — ease regulatory restrictions and increase water supplies.
However, it does allow that factors other than water pumping could be having a large effect on dwindling fish populations, and the panel plans to look more thoroughly at those factors in a second report next year.
Of the new requirements, most were determined to be sound and justified, at least in concept. But the rationale behind some of the specifics in the regulations should be developed more thoroughly, the report says.
The report does not support assertions that the new regulations are not working because fish populations have not rebounded since they were put in place.
“The committee concludes that reversing or even slowing the declines of the listed species cannot be accomplished immediately. … “
Continue reading this story at the Contra Costa Times by clicking here.
From the Los Angeles Times:
” … The protections, imposed under the federal Endangered Species Act, have recently grown stricter, compounding water shortages stemming from the state’s three-year drought.
Central Valley farm interests, some politicians and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which imports water from the delta, have sharply criticized the curbs as overly strict and unfounded.
But in its 64-page report, a committee of more than a dozen experts from around the U.S. found otherwise.
The panel acknowledged that the pumps that draw huge amounts of water from the delta and send it south are not the only factors hurting the delta environment. They called for more monitoring and studies and emphasized that “reversing or even slowing the declines of the listed species cannot be accomplished immediately.”
The committee also conceded that there was “substantial uncertainty” about where to set a key trigger for the pumping limits, which change according to delta flows, the location of the fish and other conditions.
But the experts repeatedly said that despite such reservations, the federal actions were “scientifically justified.” … “
Read more from the Los Angeles Times by clicking here.
Links for National Academies of Science report
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 7:36 amCutting to the chase for those of you on RSS:
You can download a copy of the National Academies of Science report here, courtesy of Water Wired.
More links and some commentary from Water Wired by clicking here.
Hey! Check out this nifty widget the NAS sent me (yes, me! Turns out someone at The National Academies reads Aquafornia :)!):
Secretary Salazar’s statement on National Academy of Sciences review of California Bay Delta water issues
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 7:30 amFrom YubaNet.com, this statement from Ken Salazar:
“WASHINGTON, D.C. Mar. 19, 2010 – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar released the following statement on the National Academy of Sciences’ scientific review of key questions on California Bay Delta water issues:
“I would like to thank the National Academy of Sciences for its first report, released today, regarding key questions relating to the California Bay Delta.
“In November 2009 the Department of the Interior and the Department of Commerce asked for an independent scientific review evaluating the status of the California Bay Delta, specifically as to how to protect this precious, complicated and unique ecosystem while also providing a reliable water supply for Californians. … “
Read more of Ken Salazar’s statement by clicking here.
National Academies of Science Report: Most federal actions to protect endangered fishes in California’s Bay-Delta ’scientifically justified,’ but additional clarification needed
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 7:26 amCLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REPORT (COURTESY OF WATER WIRED)
From the National Academies of Sciences, this media statement:
“WASHINGTON — Most of the actions proposed by two federal agencies to reduce water diversions in the California Bay-Delta in order to protect endangered and threatened fish species are “scientifically justified,” but the basis for the specific environmental triggers that would indicate when water diversions should be reduced is less well-supported by scientific analyses, says a new report from the National Research Council that was requested by Congress and the U.S. Department of the Interior.
The California Bay-Delta region receives its fresh water from the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers and their tributaries, and the delta’s water ultimately flows into the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Tidal mixing from the Pacific Ocean also occurs, resulting in a brackish water ecosystem in many regions of the delta. In addition, pumping stations divert water from the delta, primarily for Central Valley agriculture and southern California metropolitan areas. The effects of an increasing population and the operation of the engineered water-control system have substantially altered the delta ecosystem, including its fish species.
In 2008 and 2009 respectively, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued biological opinions under the Endangered Species Act that contained “Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives” requiring actions to reduce the adverse effects of water diversions on delta smelt, Chinook salmon, Central Valley steelhead, and green sturgeon. Those actions included restrictions in diverting water during certain periods, depending on environmental conditions. Congress and the Interior Department asked the Research Council to provide a scientific evaluation of the actions in the biological opinions.
For its study, the committee that wrote the report reviewed an action in the FWS alternative to protect delta smelt by limiting how much water is pumped from the delta to reduce reverse flows in the Old and Middle rivers, two branches of the San Joaquin River. The committee concluded that in winter, high reverse river flows from high levels of pumping probably adversely affect smelt. Therefore, reducing the high reverse flows to decrease mortality of smelt is scientifically justified. However, the data do not permit confident identification of when to limit reverse flows of the rivers or a confident assessment of the benefits fish receive by reducing reverse flows, the committee found. As a result, the implementation of this action needs to be accompanied by careful monitoring, adaptive management, and additional analyses.
Costa and Cardoza deny health bill for water vote swap
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 7:18 amFrom KMJ Talk Radio:
“As the big health care reform vote in the house inches closer — accusations are flying against two valley lawmakers accused of taking part in a deal to secure water in exchange for a ‘yes’ vote.
Congressmen Jim Costa has adamantly denied a deal to bring water to Valley farmers in exchange for the ‘aye’ vote on the house version of the bill. A spokesman for Dennis Cardoza also made a denial.
But after Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced the Valley’s water allocation ahead of schedule this week — speculation began brewing that some sort of deal was made by the two valley reps. … “
Click here for KMJ’s coverage, which has audio from Costa and others, and links to relevant videos.
From Investors Business Daily:
“Blue Dog Democrats Costa, who represents California’s 20th Congressional District (Fresno), and Cardoza, who represents the 18th (Stockton to Modesto), are both listed as “undecided” in the upcoming vote on health care reform, whether it be on the Senate bill itself or the “deem and pass” resolution known as the Slaughter rule, after Rules Committee Chairman Louise Slaughter.
The rule subverts the Constitution by allowing the bill to pass without members actually having to vote on it. Interior’s announcement gives Costa and Cardoza something to assuage the wrath of angry constituents just in time for any vote. They chose what was behind door number one.
This isn’t the first time. To get them out of the “undecided” column in last December’s House vote, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic leadership promised $500 million for a new University of California-Merced Medical School. Costa and Cardoza then voted “aye.” … “
Read more from Investors Business Daily by clicking here.
Costa and Cardoza answered back in this coverage from the Sacramento Bee:
” … California Republicans are peddling the story that Cardoza and Costa will support the bill in exchange for the Interior Department’s announcement earlier this week that San Joaquin Valley irrigation deliveries would be increased.
“I’m guessing those events are closely linked,” Fox News Channel talker Sean Hannity declared Wednesday night, while the screen text asked beneath a picture of Costa and Cardoza, “Were (California) congressmen bribed with water provision?”
Bribery is a specific crime. It is a felony, distinct from the traditional horse trading and favor-granting that lubricates legislation. Fox presented no evidence of criminal behavior.
Costa and Cardoza, in any event, discounted any connection between their health care votes and the Interior Department’s having advanced its planned water delivery announcement by two weeks. Costa noted that California lawmakers had asked the Interior Department to speed up its water decisions in mid-February.
“This is the season of not telling the truth,” Cardoza said.
Read the full text of this article from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
There’s no pleasing Sean Hannity, says Alex Breitler:
More commentary from Alex Breitler by clicking here.
Westlands pilot project targets San Joaquin Valley salt water pollution
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 7:05 amFrom the Central Valley Business Times:
“A pilot project that hopes to find a way to desalinate agricultural water runoff in the San Joaquin Valley in a cost-effective manner is being funded by the Westlands Water District.
The project will design and build a demonstration water treatment facility that converts high salinity drainage water into fresh water for irrigation and financially valuable CO2 negative products derived from the waste salts.
New Sky LLC, of Boulder, Colo., has developed the salt conversion technology.
The first phase of the project is projected to break ground in the Central Valley in the second half of 2010. When fully deployed, the $3.2 million project will desalinate approximately 240,000 gallons of drainage water per day and convert approximately five tons of waste brine salts into carbon neutral and carbon negative chemicals such as acid, caustic soda and solid carbonates like limestone and soda ash. In addition, the project will trap approximately 2.8 tons of CO2 daily. … “
Continue reading this article from the Central Valley Business Times by clicking here.
Westlands Water District funds water treatment pilot project utilizing New Sky Energy’s salt/CO2 conversion process
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 7:03 amFrom Marketwire via Yahoo Finance:
“BOULDER, CO–(Marketwire – 03/18/10) – Westlands Water District and Ag-Water New Sky, LLC, (AGNS) announced today they will develop an integrated drainage water treatment facility in California’s Central Valley. The project combines conventional desalination technology with award winning salt conversion technology developed by New Sky Energy of Boulder, Colorado. The project will design and build a demonstration water treatment facility that converts high salinity drainage water into fresh water for irrigation and financially valuable CO2 negative products derived from the waste salts.
The first phase of the project is projected to break ground in the Central Valley in the second half of 2010. When fully deployed, the $3.2 million project will desalinate approximately 240,000 gallons of drainage water per day and convert approximately five tons of waste brine salts into carbon neutral and carbon negative chemicals such as acid, caustic soda and solid carbonates like limestone and soda ash. In addition, the project will trap approximately 2.8 tons of CO2 daily.
“Westlands is the largest agricultural water district in the country, and all of our farmers are dealing with urgent water-supply issues,” said Tom Birmingham, WWD’s Executive Director. “New Sky Energy’s salt conversion technology is a top priority for our district and we are extremely excited about the prospects for cost-effective water treatment they may create.”
“This project opens up an entirely new path to cost-effective water treatment in the Central Valley,” said Dr. Deane Little, founder of New Sky Energy. “By converting drainage water into fresh water and clean chemicals we can help solve freshwater shortages and drainage water pollution while creating clean tech jobs at the same time. We are excited to be putting our clean technology to work for California farmers and helping to transform waste into revenues.” … “
Continue reading this article from Yahoo Finance by clicking here.
Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District takes on Fresno City Council resolution
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 7:00 amFrom the Fresno Bee’s News Blog:
“At the time, it seemed innocuous: Another one of those resolutions that carry no weight — many times introduced by an elected official seeking higher office — and are quickly forgotten and relegated to history’s dust bin.
Not this one.
On Jan. 28, the Fresno City Council approved a resolution objecting to increases in the discharge limits of the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. The increases shouldn’t go forward, the resolution said, until there is a scientific finding that they won’t harm endangered delta fish and effective ammonia-removal equipment is installed at the plant.
The Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District — which oversees the plant — protested the resolution in a letter to the council, and then sent a representative to speak against it.
But the district is not conceding defeat. … “
Continue reading this article at the Fresno Bee News Blog by clicking here.
Farm groups laud new water delivery forecast
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 6:57 amFrom the Capital Press:
“Irrigators and farm groups this week praised the federal Bureau of Reclamation for increasing its forecast of water deliveries to Central Valley farms this year, saying the new estimate could improve farmers’ situations this year as well as next year.
Citing a near-average precipitation year and healthy storage, the Bureau of Reclamation said on March 16 that irrigators north of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta can now expect 50 percent of contracted allocations, while those south of the Delta can expect 25 percent. Both regions were raised from a forecast of 5 percent in February.
The U.S. Interior Department, which manages the Bureau, has said it would further boost deliveries by up to 10 percentage points through a list of actions to boost efficiency. … “
Continue reading this article from the Capital Press by clicking here.
Statement By Thomas W. Birmingham from Westlands on Department of the Interior Allocation Announcement
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 6:55 amFrom California Ag Network, this press release from Westlands Water District:
“Fresno, Calif., (March 19, 2010) – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced an increased allocation of water for south-of-Delta Central Valley Project agricultural water service contractors to 25 percent of their contract. Westlands Water District is very grateful to Secretary Salazar, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation Mike Connor and the other members of the Obama Administration who have been working to bring this relief to the people who live and work on the westside of the San Joaquin Valley. The availability of these additional supplies will enable many farmers to put some of their lands back into production, creating jobs and helping to restore the economic health of the San Joaquin Valley.
We hope the allocation will increase further in the months ahead, and we are encouraged by Secretary Salazar’s announcement that Reclamation will accelerate its analysis of potential increases to the allocation. We realize that Secretary Salazar and his colleagues face a difficult task in balancing Reclamation’s responsibility to deliver water to the farms and cities served by the Project and their responsibility to protect species under the Endangered Species Act. Secretary Salazar’s personal involvement in these issues demonstrates his genuine interest in helping find a solution to this crisis.
Westlands also thanks Senator Dianne Feinstein for her continued efforts on behalf of westside farmers. Her leadership and the strong, consistent support from Representative Dennis Cardoza, Representative Jim Costa, and the other members of the valley delegation, were critically important to securing these additional supplies. … “
Continue reading this press release by clicking here.
California Water Update: A mostly adequate year
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 6:53 amFrom KQED’s Climate Watch:
“Almost everywhere you look this week, California is dry. By which we mean the state is experiencing the first truly warm, rainless week since a series of Pacific storms blew through the state in mid-January.
Hydrologists for the state Department of Water Resources and the federal California-Nevada River Forecast Center expect the warm temperatures to trigger the first significant surge of snowmelt for the season. With slightly above-average snowpacks in the Sierra Nevada, that should help continue to raise reservoir levels. Our 2009-2010 rainy season is likely to go down in water history as adequate–short of hopes for a wet year but an improvement on the past three winters, which were much drier than average. … “
Read more from KQED’s Climate Watch by clicking here.
Appetite for extinction: Critics say bill to eliminate striped bass regulations is red herring
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 19, 2010 at 6:46 amFrom the Sacramento News & Review, this news/commentary by Alistair Bland:
“Sometimes, you’ve got to be cruel to be kind. Take Bakersfield Republican Assemblywoman Jean Fuller. She believes chinook salmon in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta are threatened with extinction mainly because striped bass are eating them. So she’s introduced legislation that would eliminate all regulations, protection and habitat improvement for striped bass, in order to knock the nonnative species into regional extinction and save the salmon.
But critics of Fuller’s legislation, including biologists and fishing groups, note that “stripers” and chinook salmon have thrived side by side for much of the 20th century. They claim the enormous pumps in the Delta that deliver water to farmers in the San Joaquin Valley are the primary cause of the salmon’s decline, and say Assembly Bill 2336 is merely a red herring designed to distract the public from that.
John Beuttler, conservation director with the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, considers the bill merely a political tactic.
“This attack is simply another way to misdirect the government away from the real impacts associated with the development and export of the Delta water supplies,” Beuttler wrote in a statement dated March 8. … “
Continue reading this article from the Sacramento News & Review by clicking here.
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