Sierra water suppliers collaborate with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory on Martis Valley Groundwater Model and Management Plan effort
Posted by: Maven on February 4, 2012 at 7:15 amFrom YubaNet.com:
“The Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD), Northstar Community Services District (NSCSD) and Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) continue its partnership in developing a groundwater management plan and groundwater model for the Martis Valley basin. This effort recently gained further technical resources with the addition of a Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) study of climate change impacts to recharge and groundwater quality in the Martis Valley.
Previous studies have indicated that some water in the Martis Valley groundwater basin may be in excess of 1,000 years old. And in the case of groundwater, older seems better as the age of water indicates how fast it is moving, how it is being replenished in the basin, and the outlook for long-term sustainable supplies. The LLNL water aging study will help further the ongoing efforts to determine how the aquifer functions. … “
Continue reading from YubaNet.com by clicking here.
Nevada City: Water here is costing more
Posted by: Maven on February 4, 2012 at 7:13 amFrom YubaNet.com:
“Residents here are entering the second of three years of steadily growing water bills as the city tries to get its water fund back in the black.
“We have projected that the gap for calendar year 2011 between revenues and expenditures in the water department will be $210,000,” City Manager David Brennan told The Messenger. Before the rate increases began he says the city was losing a lot of money on water and now they are losing less than before. “The water fund is in a negative balance of about $750,000. That’s a hole we have to fill, eventually.”
The City Council decided to phase in the rate increases over three years, 2010, 2011, and 2013. The water fund is currently not piling up any money to repair the town’s aging water delivery infrastructure, Brennan added. … “
Continue reading from YubaNet.com by clicking here.
To no one’s surprise, Tahoe/Truckee snowpack is ‘way below average’
Posted by: Maven on February 3, 2012 at 7:24 amFrom the Sierra Sun:
“While weeks of mostly sunny skies have already told the tale, state water managers made this year’s sub-par winter official Wednesday by measuring meager amounts of snow at Echo Summit.
California Department of Water Resources staff measured 15.6 inches of snow at Phillips Station, near the entrance to Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Resort, Wednesday morning.
The snow contained the equivalent of 3.8 inches of water, just 19 percent of the long-term average for the snow survey site at this time of year. … “
Continue reading from the Sierra Sun by clicking here.
SEE ALSO: Central Sierra water content 20 percent of normal, from the Union Democrat
Calaveras County Water District breaks ground on plant
Posted by: Maven on January 31, 2012 at 7:00 amFrom the Union Democrat:
“Calaveras County Water District officials and political dignitaries formally broke ground Friday on a $4.42 million upgrade to the district’s Douglas Flat-Vallecito Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Funded by federal stimulus funds, the project will allow more residents of the area — now prohibited by a moratorium — to connect to the district’s sewer system. It will also allow in-fill type development in the area, previously hindered by the lack of sewer connections. … “
Continue reading from the Union Democrat by clicking here.
New snow moving Sierra beyond shadow of a drought? Survey in February will give Placer County a clearer water supply picture
Posted by: Maven on January 28, 2012 at 7:45 amFrom the Auburn Journal:
“Placer County Water Agency Director Mike Lee says that the lack of rain or snow usually means board members can raise a chuckle or two when they speak before a group and joke that they’re starting to do their rain dance.
Beneath the mirth is a growing sense of concern.
Last week’s storms brought snow to the Sierra after a lengthy dry period through the late fall and early winter.
But Lee said that the agency, which gets its water from high in the Sierra, is still worried about low snow totals so far this season. … “
Continue reading from the Auburn 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.
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.
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.
Ski industry officials: Social media, water access key to the future
Posted by: Maven on January 20, 2012 at 6:01 amFrom the Sierra Sun:
“More than 500 snow sports industry leaders from across the country descended on Squaw Valley for the National Ski Areas Association’s winter conference and trade show this week.
Doing their best to overlook the dearth of snow in California, everyone seemed more focused on issues they can control, and trends they need to capitalize on to remain competitive.
One session, “Marketing in the Mobile Age,” has significant applications for ski and snowboard areas. More than half of all Americans have a mobile phone, and one can safely bet this percentage is much higher among skiers and snowboarders, said Pete Sonntag, vice president and general manager of Heavenly Mountain Resort. … “
Continue reading from the Sierra Sun by clicking here.
Nevada Irrigation District board looks at dry-year planning
Posted by: Maven on January 20, 2012 at 5:55 amFrom The Union:
“Leaders of the Nevada Irrigation District are looking ahead and wondering if current dry conditions will have impacts on water supplies and deliveries later this year.
While acknowledging this week’s wet forecast and saying it is too early in the rainfall season to make any predictions, NID General Manager Ron Nelson noted that to date this winter has been unusually dry.
“We’re planning for the worst and hoping for the best,” Nelson said.
The dry year discussion came as part of Wednesday’s meeting of the NID board of directors. Copies of NID’s drought contingency plan, last updated in 2007, were distributed for board review. … “
Continue reading from The Union by clicking here.
Scientists to study effects of climate warming on Truckee River
Posted by: Maven on January 15, 2012 at 6:35 am
From the Reno Gazette-Journal:
“Scientists are beginning new research into how a warming climate could affect water supplies and flooding along the Truckee River, the waterway that serves as one of the region’s central natural features and the source of most of its water.
The $1.7 million study by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is part of a larger effort examining eight rivers across the West, with California’s Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers among them.
The goal is to get an early idea of what costly changes might be associated with climate change when it comes to the vital issue of water supplies and flooding along major river basins in the western United States, officials said. … “
Continue reading from the Reno Gazette-Journal by clicking here.
Photo of the Truckee River by Chris Austin.
2011 a ‘good year’ for keeping invasive species out of Tahoe
Posted by: Maven on January 14, 2012 at 6:04 amFrom the Reno Gazette Journal:
“Land-use regulators are taking stock of 2011′s steps to protect Lake Tahoe from aquatic invaders — a “good year,” one official said — while a similar program to defend other lakes and reservoirs along the Truckee River could be significantly strengthened in 2012.
It’s all part of a broad-based effort to protect precious water bodies from non-native, damaging plants and animals already present in the ecosystem or threatening to show at any time.
Water weeds, clams, mussels and warm-water fish that have no place in high-altitude alpine lakes all come with potential high-stakes dangers to the region’s environment and economy.
“It’s a big deal and certainly a high priority,” said Ted Thayer, aquatic invasive species manager for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. … “
Continue reading from the Reno Gazette-Journal by clicking here.
Tuolumne & Calavareas County water officials preparing for worst
Posted by: Maven on January 12, 2012 at 7:18 amFrom the Union Democrat:
“With the Sierra Nevada snowpack at its lowest level in decades, Tuolumne and Calaveras county water agencies are beginning to brace for the worst.
The snowpack is only about a quarter of average for this time of year.
In Tuolumne County, continued low precipitation could mean imposing water conservation measures and paying thousands to buy water elsewhere during the summer, while in Calaveras County a chief concern is the potential loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars in decreased hydroelectric-power profits. … “
Continue reading from the Union Democrat by clicking here.
Summer in winter means hard times at Tahoe
Posted by: Maven on January 7, 2012 at 8:33 amFrom the San Francisco Chronicle:
“It’s summertime at Lake Tahoe.
The calendar doesn’t show it. But just about everything else does – and that’s not good for most people trying to make a buck up here.
Lines are out the door at ice cream shops, the miniature-golf course is bustling, and mountain bikers are tearing up and down the parched mountainsides under balmy skies. Nowhere, however – at least from the shoreline – can you see snow.
And that’s the problem. … “
Continue reading from the San Francisco Chronicle by clicking here.
Event: Saving the Sierra snowpack through mountain meadow restoration, tonight at 7:30 pm
Posted by: Maven on January 6, 2012 at 8:02 amFrom the Placer Nature Center in Auburn:
“Aside from sheer beauty, the Sierra Nevada mountain meadows may offer a major solution to managing California’s challenging water issues.
Mountain meadows store water, acting as natural reservoirs that hold back floodwaters. By slowing the heavy spring flows and releasing them gradually over the dry summer months, healthy watersheds can increase the quantity (and quality) of water available downstream.
Unfortunately, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation estimates that half of the Sierra meadows are not providing the benefits they should. …
Restoring the Sierra Nevada mountain meadows helps revitalize the watershed and wildlife, and it also helps sustain the downstream farms, ranches, towns, and cities that depend on the alpine water. Join Jim Wilcox on Friday January 6th to take a closer looks at this restoration process and the hope it holds for our future.”
For more information and to purchase tickets for tonight’s presentation, click here.
Yuba County Water Agency floating fee increase for Bullards Bar Reservoir
Posted by: Maven on January 5, 2012 at 8:08 amFrom the Appeal Democrat:
“Pushing a boat into Bullards Bar Reservoir, or reserving a place to camp on its shores, could cost more as soon as this summer, with the Yuba County Water Agency discussing possible fee adjustments.
But agency officials point out no final decision has been made, and public comment will be taken before anything happens.
“It could very well happen next year,” said Tib Belza, a member of the YCWA’s board of directors, pointing out the process also involves discussions with the U.S. Forest Service, which owns much of the land around the reservoir. … “
Continue reading from the Appeal Democrat by clicking here.
South Tahoe Public Utility District following state laws as it transitions to metered water billing, says commentary
Posted by: Maven on December 31, 2011 at 2:03 pmFrom the Tahoe Daily Tribune, this commentary by Dennis Cocking, the public information officer for the South Tahoe Public Utility District:
“In 2004, California mandated water systems with 3,000 or more connections must be fully me tered by 2025. The law also mandates after Jan. 1, 2010, all existing metered customers must be billed on the basis of water actually used. The way the law is written, it creates an inequitable situation whereby some customers are metered and some are not. As unfair as this may seem, it is the law that is unfair and not the district’s rate structure. In his editorial, Mr. Jacobs raises a number of points regarding his water bill specifically and the water meter issue in general. The district would like to provide some clarity to the issues he raises.
While flat rate billing may appear to be “unlimited” water use, designated watering days are still in effect and overwatering on those days, or any other time, is still considered water waste and is prohibited. District water educators still cite water wasters. … “
Continue reading from the Tahoe Daily Tribune by clicking here.
South Lake Tahoe Public Utility District’s water rates are unfair, says customer
Posted by: Maven on December 25, 2011 at 7:44 amFrom the Tahoe Daily Tribune, this commentary by longtime South Shore resident Steve Jacobs:
“I am extremely frustrated with the South Lake Tahoe Public Utility District. I believe many of us are being victimized by STPUD’s water policy. Its rates are inequitable and should be illegal.
If you do not yet have a water meter you can use as much water as you like and you will continue to be billed at the “flat-rate” of approximately $200 per quarter for water and sewer service. STPUD eventually will install a meter at your house
If you already have a water meter you will be charged for every drop of water you consume. I recently received my quarterly bill of almost $500. There are two people in my household. We use water conservatively and have extensive landscaping but no lawn. A neighbor lives alone and has a lawn, received a bill for almost $800. Another neighbor has a family of four and a lawn, received a bill for more than $900. … “
Continue reading from the Tahoe Daily Tribune by clicking here.
Commentary: Science vs. opinion regarding stormwater and Lake Tahoe
Posted by: Maven on December 22, 2011 at 7:29 amFrom the Tahoe Daily Tribune, this commentary by Harold Singer, executive officer on the Lahontan Water Board:
“Recent news articles and guest opinions have raised questions about the science be hind the Lake Tahoe Total Maxi mum Daily Load and the decision to implement it in a recently adopted stormwater discharge permit. While some may take exception to how science is used in policy and regulatory decisions, it is important for those of us who enjoy this wonderful place to evaluate the TMDL based on the facts.
In the late 1960s, the average depth of clarity at Lake Tahoe was measured at more than 100 feet. For many years, the lake’s clarity has declined at a troubling rate of one foot per year. In 2010, it was 65 feet.
As disturbing as those numbers are, there is little doubt that without the efforts of all levels of government, as well as the private sector, the rate of clarity loss would have continued at that alarming rate. Fortunately, the rate of loss is slowing, although it has not yet stabilized or started to recover. In addition, over the last decade, algae growth has increased along the lake’s shoreline, causing unsightly conditions. … “
Continue reading from the Tahoe Daily Tribune by clicking here.
Lake Tahoe’s weather window: Snowmaking saves the day
Posted by: Maven on December 22, 2011 at 7:26 amFrom the Sierra Sun:
“Following the heels of the epic 2011 winter, the ninth snowiest since 1879, winter 2012 is off to a slow start. Both winters are influenced by La Niña conditions in the equatorial Pacific, but so far the similarity ends there. The highly amplified high pressure ridge in the eastern Pacific is currently shunting winter storms to the north and east of the Tahoe region. Last year a dome of higher pressure was centered further west, and its clockwise air flow steered cold wet storms down from the Gulf of Alaska and into the Sierra Nevada. Storms this year, however, have been tracking farther east, and overland into the Great Basin. The overland trajectory has starved these early season low pressure systems of moisture and energy.
The Tahoe region has been bone dry since the Thanksgiving holidays. Some pundits have claimed natural snowfall before the Christmas holidays is just a bonus, but the total lack of moisture since late November is actually a rare event. … “
Continue reading from the Sierra Sun by clicking here.
A year after epic skiing, Tahoe is thirsting for snow
Posted by: Maven on December 19, 2011 at 6:16 amFrom the Silicon Valley Mercury News:
“Remember winter break last year, when Lake Tahoe ski resorts were rolling in record snowfall, boasting that the powder was so deep and came so early, it was “comical,” “ridiculous,” “epic”?
This year, with Christmas just days away and no sign of big storms, about the only kind of snow to be found is the kind made by a machine.
And to think Sierra weather historian and Tahoe resident Mark McLaughlin finally bought a new snowblower.
“As soon as I ordered it, I said, ‘Watch, there’s not going to be any snow this year,’ ” he said, lamenting one of the driest autumns on record. … “
Continue reading from the Silicon Valley Mercury News by clicking here.
Lake Tahoe businesses concerned about lack of snow for holidays
Posted by: Maven on December 18, 2011 at 7:01 amFrom the Sierra Sun:
“With no snow and not even a chance of precipitation in the 10-day forecast, South Lake Tahoe is in for a blue Christ mas.
Businesses around town are concerned the lack of snow will impact the number of visitors who come to the area this holiday season. And without the holiday boom, some businesses might be in for a tough year.
“Of course we’re concerned,” said Phil Cianci, who manages The Ski Renter. “We’ve got two things against us: the economy and the snow.” … “
Continue reading from the Sierra Sun by clicking here.
Eating invasives: Plans to harvest crayfish commercially from Lake Tahoe move forward
Posted by: Maven on December 16, 2011 at 8:03 amFrom the Sierra Sun:
“Some people can’t eat when they have a problem. Other people eat so much it becomes a problem. And still others just eat their problems. Residents and visitors of Lake Tahoe could fall into that last category. If, that is, they can stomach the area’s pesky crustacean — the crayfish.
The Nevada Wildlife Commis sion passed a regulation allowing the commercial harvest of crayfish from Lake Tahoe at its Dec. 3 meeting. The regulation is one step forward in a move that could turn the invasive species into an en joyable meal. … “
Continue reading from the Sierra Sun by clicking here.
SacBee editorial: Lungren picks a good crusade – Hetch Hetchy
Posted by: Maven on December 15, 2011 at 9:05 amFrom the Sacramento Bee, this editorial:
“San Francisco has a special deal granted to no other city in the United States: A dam and reservoir in the middle of a national park that belongs to all of the American people.
With that special deal, approved by Congress in the Raker Act of 1913, came significant restrictions on public use – no touching waters within one mile of the reservoir. No other national park has such a rule.
But Congress also imposed some responsibilities. … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
Nevada Irrigation Disctrict votes unanimous opposition to Garden Bar Dam
Posted by: Maven on December 15, 2011 at 8:27 amFrom YubaNet.com:
“The Nevada Irrigation District Board of Directors voted unanimously today to oppose the proposed Garden Bar Dam.
As the upstream water provider serving much of Nevada and Placer Counties, the water district, known as NID, could present an insurmountable obstacle to the dam’s proponents.
“This is more proof of overwhelming opposition to a new dam on the Bear River,” said Peter Van Zant of Sierra Watch. … “
Continue reading from YubaNet.com by clicking here.
Tuolomne Utility District back to drawing board on rate-hike plan
Posted by: Maven on December 15, 2011 at 8:17 amFrom the Union Democrat:
“Tuolumne Utilities District officials are going back to the drawing board with a proposal to increase water rates for district customers.
The TUD Board of Directors voted on Tuesday to direct the district staff to revisit a rate structure that would have increased average residential rates by more than 30 percent and higher-volume customers by even more over three and a half years. After hearing customers’ complaints about the rate increases, and some suggestions from directors, TUD General Manager Pete Kampa and his staff will look at ways to alter spending policies and come back to the board with a revised rate plan. … “
Continue reading from the Union Democrat by clicking here.
Tuolomne County weighs in on river plan
Posted by: Maven on December 15, 2011 at 8:16 amFrom the Union Democrat:
“Tuolumne County officials will add their opinions to the draft of a federal plan to manage the Merced River that could affect how visitors experience Yosemite National Park.
The county Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a letter to Yosemite National Park officials suggesting they consider a handful of factors related to planning, transportation, facilities and other issues as park officials continue working on a new Merced Wild and Scenic River Plan. … “
Continue reading from the Union Democrat by clicking here.
Nevada County Supervisors oppose proposed Garden Bar Dam; Unanimous vote is latest setback to proposed dam on the Bear River
Posted by: Maven on December 14, 2011 at 7:48 amFrom YubaNet.com:
“The Nevada County Board of Supervisors voted today to oppose the proposed Garden Bar Dam.
After a brief public hearing, the Board authorized a letter, drafted by Board Chair Ed Scofield, clearly affirming the importance of the Garden Bar Region and opposing the dam as a threat to the County’s natural, cultural, and agricultural heritage.
“The Board of Supervisors took a stand not only for the Bear River but, also, for the oak woodlands, steep canyons, and working ranches a new dam would flood and destroy,” said Tom Mooers of Sierra Watch, who spoke in support of the letter at today’s hearing. … “
Continue reading from YubaNet.com by clicking here.
MORE COVERAGE: Supes oppose Garden Bar Dam proposal, from The Union
Salmon jammin’ on Stan
Posted by: Maven on December 14, 2011 at 7:42 amFrom the Union Democrat:
“As the annual Chinook salmon run draws to a close, preliminary reports show the number of fish spawning in Tuolumne County rivers is up significantly over previous years.
About 4,000 adult Chinook salmon have come upstream to spawn since October, which is the highest level the county has seen in the past seven years, according to Tim Heyne, Department of Fish and Game biologist.
Only 1,500 fish spawned in the area last year, according to carcass studies. … “
Continue reading from the Union Democrat by clicking here.
BLM recommends Wild & Scenic River protection for the San Joaquin River Gorge
Posted by: Maven on December 13, 2011 at 8:38 amFrom the American Whitewater blog:
“The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is recommending protection of the magnificent San Joaquin River Gorge as a National Wild & Scenic River. The agency’s recommendation is in the Bakersfield BLM Draft Resource Management Plan (DRMP), which is providing management direction for more than 408,000 acres of public land in central California. The Wild & Scenic recommendation for the San Joaquin River Gorge is gutsy given that it defies the intent of several members of Congress and other government agencies to build the proposed Temperance Flat Dam, which would flood the Gorge and destroy its outstanding attributes. … “
Continue reading from the American Whitewater blog by clicking here.
CHECK OUT THE HEADWATERS OF THE SAN JOAQUIN: Hat tip to Alex Breitler’s blog for this link; Well worth checking out is Breitler’s photo-rich blog post of his trip into the high country: Drinking from the San Joaquin
Controversial Pardee Reservior expansion dropped
Posted by: Maven on December 13, 2011 at 6:30 amFrom the Lodi News-Sentinel:
“A contentious planned expansion of Pardee Reservoir on the Mokelumne River is being shelved by utility leaders.
The East Bay Municipal Utility District will soon release a revised draft of the environmental impact report concerning the project. Expanding the resevior, built in 1929, would have flooded a two-mile stretch of the Mokelumne near Jackson ranging from the Middle Bar Bridge to possibly past Highway 49. … “
Continue reading from the Lodi News-Sentinel by clicking here.
Plan to allow pesticides at Lake Tahoe criticized
Posted by: Maven on December 12, 2011 at 8:10 amFrom the Sacramento Bee:
“Lake Tahoe’s leading conservation organization is criticizing a regional board’s vote to allow the use of pesticides to combat non-native aquatic species at the Sierra Nevada lake.
The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board’s unanimous vote Wednesday to lift a ban on the use of pesticides at Tahoe and other lakes under its jurisdiction now goes to the California State Water Resources Control Board for action. … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
Nevada County Supervisors to ponder Garden Bar dam
Posted by: Maven on December 10, 2011 at 8:18 amFrom The Union:
“Opposition to a proposed reservoir that would flood thousands of acres along the Bear River could come next from the Nevada County Board of Supervisors.
On Tuesday, members of the Bear Yuba Land Trust will ask supervisors to send a letter opposing the project to the South Sutter Water District.
The water district is studying the building of a lake 1,500 acres to 2,000 acres in size at the Garden Bar crossing, just upstream from the district’s Camp Far West Reservoir. … “
Continue reading from the The Union by clicking here.
Lake Tahoe: In wake of leak, Zephyr Cove Resort will dig up fuel tanks
Posted by: Maven on December 10, 2011 at 8:16 amFrom the Sacramento Bee:
“Following a leak last summer, three underground fuel-storage tanks are being removed, along with contaminated soil, at Zephyr Cove Resort on Lake Tahoe’s east shore.
The work will be visible from the highway and to resort visitors through Friday and possibly later depending on the weather, said Cheva Heck, public affairs officer with the U.S. Forest Service’s Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
Senate panel supports $415 million more for Lake Tahoe
Posted by: Maven on December 9, 2011 at 7:13 amFrom McClatchy News:
“The beloved cobalt-blue beauty of Lake Tahoe, a popular tourist destination on the border between California and Nevada, doesn’t come cheaply.
On Thursday, a Senate panel approved a plan to spend an additional $415 million on the lake’s restoration over the next decade. The new funding, atop the $1.4 billion spent from combined sources since 1997, would confirm Tahoe as one of the nation’s biggest environmental investments.
“Some of these restoration efforts have such a payback,” Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer said Thursday. “It is one of the most remarkable lakes.” … “
Continue reading from McClatchy News by clicking here.
MORE COVERAGE: Here’s coverage from the Associated Press, via the San Francisco Chronicle
Aquatic pesticide use gets go ahead at Lake Tahoe
Posted by: Maven on December 9, 2011 at 7:11 amFrom the Tahoe Daily Tribune:
“Despite concerns from Lake Tahoe water providers, pesticides could soon be used to combat the lake’s aquatic weed problems.
The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board approved rule changes Wednesday that will allow the agency to permit the use of aquatic pesticides under certain conditions.
Existing rules effectively prohibit pesticide application to water within the agency’s jurisdiction, which includes Lake Tahoe and covers much of eastern California.
Projects related to public health and ecological preservation are eligible to use aquatic pesticides under the changes. Allowing chemical treatment at Lake Tahoe has attracted support from several agencies concerned with the threat invasive species pose to the lake. … “
Continue reading from the Tahoe Daily Tribune by clicking here.
Lake Tahoe: TMDL, who’s going to pay for it? asks commentary
Posted by: Maven on December 8, 2011 at 7:24 amFrom the Tahoe Daily Tribune, this commentary by Claire Fortier, councilwoman for the city of South Lake Tahoe:
“Four simple letters, TMDL, (Total Maximum Daily Load), spell significant consequences for the city of South Lake Tahoe, and the entire Tahoe basin. What started with the best of science and intentions has morphed into a disjointed and costly regulatory process that could tie up local financial resources for years, if not decades.
Worse, we don’t even know if these new standards, which are an ex pensive ad ministrative game-changer for local jurisdictions, will work on a small scale, much less for the entire region. The first real results are at least 15 years away.
The regulations, however, may start as early as this week, if the Lahontan Water Board decides to impose them.
Further, we don’t know what non-compliance means. It may well result in staggering mandatory penalties that could bankrupt the city. … “
Continue reading from the Tahoe Daily Tribune by clicking here.
Tuolumne Utilities District urges customers to go light on water use
Posted by: Maven on December 7, 2011 at 7:37 amFrom the Union Democrat:
“Though the Tuolumne Utilities District has lifted emergency water conservation notices for local customers, TUD officials are still urging local residents to conserve while crews continue to clean up and restore water-storage levels after last week’s severe winds.
TUD Engineer Tom Scesa said Monday that TUD and PG&E crews worked over the weekend and during nights to remove downed trees, clean up ditches and repair the damage to a water flume that serves about 4,500 customers. … “
Continue reading from the Union Democrat by clicking here.
Sonora leaders take shots at proposed TUD rate hike; Hearing on water rates set for Wednesday
Posted by: Maven on December 7, 2011 at 7:35 amFrom the Union Democrat:
“Sonora City Councilmen on Monday voiced their disapproval of Tuolumne Utilities District’s proposal to increase water rates by passing a symbolic motion opposing it.
The councilmen cited a general discontent among their constituents before voting to pass the motion. Councilman Hank Russell abstained and said he felt the council may be overstepping its bounds. … “
Continue reading from the Union Democrat by clicking here. Meanwhile, per the Union Democrat, a hearing on the water rate increase is scheduled for next Wednesday.
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