Undeveloped North Natomas park provides refuge for Sacramento wildlife
Posted by: Maven on February 9, 2012 at 6:23 amFrom the Sacramento Bee:
“Burrowing owls peer from storm drains and perch on street signs in an unfinished North Natomas housing development, freeway traffic humming in the background.
At nearby North Natomas Regional Park, where planned sports fields and a lakeside cafe have failed to materialize, flocks of western meadowlarks gather in empty fields and trill their flutelike songs. Graceful Swainson’s hawks soar across the sky. … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
City of Folsom preparing for metered water rates in 2013
Posted by: Maven on February 8, 2012 at 7:50 amFrom the City of Folsom website:
” “In addition to the flat rate water charge that is due for payment, residents will find information about the actual volume of water used the previous month and the amount they would be charged for that water under metered rates,” says Anne Clayton, Revenue Disbursement Manager. “We will provide these comparative water bills for a one-year period as a service to our customers.”
State law requires that all Folsom residents pay metered rates for actual water use beginning in 2013. At that time, all residential customers will pay a monthly base fee, plus a commodity rate based upon actual metered water use (similar to an electric bill). … “
Continue reading from the City of Folsom website by clicking here.
YouTube: Blasting, excavation at Folsom Dam
Posted by: Maven on February 7, 2012 at 7:49 amFrom the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, posted at YouTube:
“The Sacramento District conducted rock excavation and blasting Jan. 27 as part of the Folsom Dam auxiliary spillway project in Folsom, Calif.
The district is scheduled to complete blasting in May 2012 in preparation to construct the spillway’s control structure, essentially a second dam.
Crews detonate explosive charges daily to loosen bedrock for removal. To date, they’ve removed about 75 percent of the more than 315,000 cubic yards of earth that remains to be excavated. In total, 3.5 million cubic yards (about 175,000 large truckloads) of excavation is required.
The spillway is scheduled to be ready for use in 2017 and will allow Folsom Dam to release water sooner and more safely.”
City of Sacramento panel favors water, sewer rate hikes
Posted by: Maven on February 4, 2012 at 7:08 amFrom the Sacramento Bee:
“The city of Sacramento’s Utilities Rates Advisory Commission has recommended raising water and sewer rates for the average bill by a combined total of $19 a month over the next three years.
By a 5-2 vote Thursday, the commission approved a recommendation by city utilities officials to raise water rates by 10 percent each of the next three years and sewer rates by 16 percent, 15 percent and 14 percent over the next three years. … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
Sacramento Bee editorial: Bill comes due for decades of neglect
Posted by: Maven on February 2, 2012 at 7:58 amFrom the Sacramento Bee, this editorial:
“With aging pipes and stricter environmental rules, the bill is coming due for decades of neglect of the city of Sacramento’s water and sewer system. To its credit, the Utilities Rate Advisory Commission is trying to ease the pain for homeowners and businesses.
The panel of seven citizens appointed by the mayor has refused to rubber-stamp the city Utilities Department’s plan to raise water and sewer rates each year for the next three years.
Instead, the advisory commission is headed toward voting this evening for a revised proposal calling for more affordability and accountability. The City Council ought to carefully consider the recommendation when it takes up the debate, starting either Feb. 21 or Feb. 28. … “
Continue reading this editorial from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
Corps of Engineers completes Yolo Bypass levee repairs
Posted by: Maven on February 1, 2012 at 7:09 am
From the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
“West Sacramento levees are no longer sinking as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District wraps up repairs on nearly a mile of levees near the Yolo Bypass.
The repairs are part of the Corps’ West Sacramento Project, a joint effort with the West Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency and the Central Valley Flood Protection Board to improve the levees surrounding West Sacramento.
Signs of slumping, or sinking, became increasingly evident since high water saturated the levees in 2006. … “
Continue reading from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by clicking here.
Photo by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
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.
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.
Sacramento given more time to meet sewage standards
Posted by: Maven on January 25, 2012 at 8:34 amFrom the Sacramento Bee:
“A judge on Monday granted Sacramento’s regional sewage treatment agency an additional six months to meet stricter filtration requirements for the treated effluent it discharges into the Sacramento River.
The action by Sacramento Superior Court Judge Michael Kenny comes in response to a lawsuit filed in December by the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District. The district is challenging the terms of a new waste discharge permit imposed in December 2010 by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
Flood board coming to Marysville
Posted by: Maven on January 25, 2012 at 7:44 amFrom the Appeal-Democrat:
“The Central Valley Flood Protection Board will come to Marysville next week to give some final resolution to Linda homeowners who’ve been told their properties encroach on a right of way to fight floods.
In a series of action items scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Yuba County Government Center, the board will consider a recommendation to establish a 20-foot clearance at the base of the neighboring Feather River levee, and allow property owners to use the remaining state land under a permit, until further notice.
But one affected property owner, who said the state has staked out a line marking the levee toe, said there is another problem with a particular irony for a flood fighting effort. … “
Continue reading from the Appeal-Democrat by clicking here.
Carmichael Water District agrees to compromise water rate plan
Posted by: Maven on January 25, 2012 at 7:43 amFrom the Sacramento Bee:
“The Carmichael Water District, under fire late last year for a proposed 18 percent rate hike to compensate for reduced water consumption, has adopted a compromise rate plan.
District directors, in a 4-1 vote Monday night, approved an 18 percent rate increase effective Jan. 1, but eliminated previous plans for further increases in rates within the next three years, district spokesman Chris Nelson said Tuesday.
The increase boosts bills for thousands of metered residential customers with 1-inch connections to under $96 every two months. That’s based on a yearly average, so bills likely will be higher in summer. … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
New flood control plan would change Sacramento’s landscape
Posted by: Maven on January 17, 2012 at 8:23 amFrom the Sacramento Bee:
“A massive plan to improve the Central Valley’s flood control system proposes big changes for the landscape of the Sacramento region, from enlarging major floodways such as the Yolo Bypass to improving levees and bridges.
The Central Valley Flood Protection Plan comes with an estimated $17 billion price tag. The largest single share – about $6.5 billion – targets the Sacramento metropolitan area, including neighboring Yolo County.
The plan aims to provide 200-year flood protection for urban areas in the region, and would take decades to complete. … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
Midweek storms could bring an end to Sacramento’s dry January
Posted by: Maven on January 16, 2012 at 6:20 amFrom the Sacramento Bee:
“If you’re rooting for old-fashioned winter-type weather in the Sacramento region, odds are you’ll be rewarded by the end of this week, the National Weather Service said today.
Today and on Martin Luther King Day Monday, cold, mostly clear days will continue to dominate the Sacramento region as the first storm from just south of the Gulf of Alaska kisses the region.
“We’re getting brushed with a system today and tomorrow,” NWS Forecaster George Cline said Sunday. “That won’t mean much for the Sacramento area other than it is cooling things off quite a bit. That sets the stage for later in the week.” … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
Grim budget picture for Woodland paints higher fees, delayed projects
Posted by: Maven on January 12, 2012 at 7:20 amFrom the Woodland Daily Democrat:
“Woodlanders can expect to pay higher water fees, developers can expect steeper charges and the city may have to delay a planned library expansion and renovation of the State Theatre.
In a grim budget picture painted Tuesday, Interim City Manager Kevin O’Rourke and consultant Robert Leland outlined a 10-year-budget forecast meant to balance city accounts up through the next decade.
Water rates will have to go up to cover the costs of a historic plan to draw water directly from the Sacramento River, sewer rates will have to increase to cover improvements to the sewer system and the city’s storm drain fees are “totally inadequate,” according to the report. … “
Continue reading from the Woodland Daily Democrat by clicking here.
Jay Lund to speak at Woodland League of Women Voters luncheon February 16th
Posted by: Maven on January 10, 2012 at 7:34 amFrom the Woodland Record:
“The Woodland League of Women Voters is announcing their 18th annual community luncheon on Thursday, February 16, 2012. The featured speaker will be Dr. Jay Lund, Director of the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences.
Following a two year study on climate change, the Woodland LWV is focusing on water. This includes both the effects of climate change on water as well as examining aggregate water issues that affect both Woodland and Yolo County…. “
Find out more from the Woodland Record by clicking here.
Sacramento group vows suit over endangered beetle
Posted by: Maven on January 6, 2012 at 8:13 amFrom the Sacramento Bee:
“A group of Sacramento-area property owners and land managers on Wednesday threatened to sue the federal government if it does not proceed with removing a native beetle from the endangered species list.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service initially proposed removing the valley elderberry longhorn beetle from the endangered species list in 2006. But the process has dragged along and the beetle remains protected. … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
Sacramento: Fish and Game seeks help from volunteers
Posted by: Maven on January 6, 2012 at 7:44 amFrom the Sacramento Bee:
“Volunteers interested in helping California’s wildlife and habitats are being sought in the Sacramento area.
The Natural Resource Volunteer Program, managed by the California Department of Fish and Game, was started in 2010. A training academy in the Sacramento area will begin in February. … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
Foresthill water rates to rise in March; Board of directors votes to disregard Measure B
Posted by: Maven on January 5, 2012 at 8:06 amFrom the Auburn Journal:
“Locals are reacting to a controversial move by the Foresthill Public Utility District board of directors, which voted last week to raise water fees, despite a measure passed by voters to stop the rate hike.
District officials say the override of Measure B was necessary to prevent the district from violating previous bond obligations and the California Public Utilities Code, while some locals say the move violates the vote of local citizens.
Leo Havener, General Manager of the Foresthill Public Utility Department, said in a press release that if rates on water in Foresthill aren’t raised the district’s rights to Sugar Pine dam could be in jeopardy. … “
Continue reading from the Auburn Journal by clicking here.
Sacramento wants water rate increases for new pumping station
Posted by: Maven on January 5, 2012 at 8:03 amFrom Capital Public Radio:
“The City of Sacramento says its American River water treatment plant is falling apart.
The City of Sacramento says it will need $150 million worth of rate increases to pay for a new water treatment plant. If approved, the average ratepayers’ bill will go 19 dollars over a three year span. The money would be used to build a new pump station right next to the old one north of Richards Boulevard. … “
Continue reading from Capital Public Radio by clicking here.
Sacramento sewer agency sues state over wastewater permit
Posted by: Maven on January 4, 2012 at 8:04 amFrom the Sacramento Bee:
“Sacramento’s sewer agency filed a lawsuit Friday against the state to contest the terms of a new wastewater discharge permit.
The Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District collects and treats sewage of the capital region’s 1.4 million people. It discharges the treated wastewater into the Sacramento River near Freeport. … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
MORE: Read the press release from SRCSD: SRCSD Files Litigation Over Discharge Permit lthd
Folsom Lake levels normal despite lack of rain
Posted by: Maven on January 4, 2012 at 8:02 amFrom KTXL:
“The water level at Brown’s Ravine at Folsom Lake looks alarmingly low to boater Annmarie Gowan. “There’s no water, absolutely no water. There is a ton of boats sitting on dry land,” said Gowan.
Gowan normally boats on the Sacramento River and was there to arrange for a summer slip at the Folsom Lake Marina.
What Gowan didn’t know was that hundreds of boats at the marina normally spend the winter on dry land. … “
Continue reading from KTXL by clicking here.
This just in … Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District files lawsuit requesting relief from wastewater discharge permit requirements
Posted by: Maven on January 3, 2012 at 3:11 pmFrom the Sacramento County Regional Sanitation District, this press release:
“Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (SRCSD) filed a lawsuit in Superior Court on Friday requesting relief from the filtration, disinfection, and ammonia removal requirements contained in its new wastewater discharge permit issued by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board in December 2010.
The new permit was very stringent, requiring SRCSD to construct an estimated $2 billion in projects at the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant by 2020. Because of that, significant hikes in customers’ monthly rates and connection fees paid by new development will be needed over the next nine years.
SRCSD appealed portions of the permit to the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) in January 2011. By law, the State Board had until December 23, 2011 to issue a decision on the appeal, however, it did not. Instead, it invoked a procedural option that allows it to consider the appeal with no statutory timeframe.
“SRCSD is currently in limbo with our appeal, as we are held to all the permit conditions but with no certainty if they will ultimately be required,” explained Stan Dean, SRCSD District Engineer. “The result is that we could expend significant resources and dollars while waiting for final resolution.” … “
Read the full text of the press release here: SRCSD Files Litigation Over Discharge Permit lthd
Pay the piper: Spending and savings both needed to rehab Sacramento infrastructure
Posted by: Maven on January 3, 2012 at 7:00 amFrom Comstock’s Magazine:
“Faucets on. Streets clear. Trash gone. Most city dwellers take for granted the infrastructure of daily life. And, except for monthly reminders supplied by bills, utility providers generally remain far from consumers’ minds.
That changed when a recent audit of Sacramento’s Department of Utilities uncovered operational inefficiencies and poor budgeting practices, bringing that provider to sharp consumer attention.
“The situation with the utilities is that they haven’t been adequately managed or adequately funded for quite some time,” says Sacramento City Manager John Shirey.
The same September week Shirey took office, former head of utilities Marty Hanneman left his post and was replaced by Dave Brent, a 20-year veteran of the DOU and most recently its legislative and government affairs coordinator, as interim director. Brent faces a list of city auditor recommendations while overseeing utility rate increases meant to help finance a $470 million infrastructure upgrade. … “
Continue reading from Comstock’s Magazine by clicking here.
Water works: Monticello Dam key to agricultural success
Posted by: Maven on January 2, 2012 at 8:05 amFrom the Davis Enterprise:
“To look at Lake Berryessa, it’s not obvious. But a little research reveals that Yolo County actually has its own Atlantis.
Today, the Monticello Dam provides approximately tens of billions of gallons of water yearly, distributed by the Solano Irrigation District, to areas in and around Napa and Solano counties.
Lake Berryessa is a popular recreational destination, providing opportunities for hiking, water sports, weekend picnicking and more.
Sometimes, though, when the water levels in the lake drop, the foundations of an old city are visible. … “
Continue reading from the Davis Enterprise by clicking here.
Folsom Lake is deceivingly dry
Posted by: Maven on December 28, 2011 at 11:37 pmFrom the Sacramento Bee:
“Folsom Lake looks low this time of year.
The dry month may be partly to blame. But, in reality, the lake is only slightly lower than it was this time last year, and holds 88 percent of its average capacity for December. … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
Sacramento sanitation district listening to residents on fee-hike plan, says commentary
Posted by: Maven on December 28, 2011 at 7:10 amFrom the Sacramento Bee, this commentary by Stan Dean, the district engineer for the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District:
“The Bee’s recent coverage and editorial regarding the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District’s current study of wastewater rates and fees point to concerns about how our region’s future wastewater treatment rates and fees are set, and how they will affect residential ratepayers and new development. Setting the methodologies for long-term rates and fees is complex and is subject to a number of variables, including the rate of growth in the region. However, it must be understood that monthly rates paid by existing customers and one-time impact fees paid by development are closely related to one another. This concept is not adequately addressed in The Bee’s coverage, and it reflects a critical gap in the collective understanding that we need to have concerning this issue. … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
Sacramento: Sanitation district needs to spread rate hikes evenly, says editorial
Posted by: Maven on December 20, 2011 at 7:39 amFrom the Sacramento Bee, this editorial:
“New sewage treatment mandates mean sharply higher bills for the Sacramento area. The big question now is who pays and how much.
As is too often the case, developers and homebuilders have the ear of decision-makers and are trying to bend the plan in their favor. Because of their complaints that projected hookup fees for new homes are too high, the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District is considering lowering those rates and shifting more of the burden to homeowners. … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
Sacramento gets federal funding for area water projects
Posted by: Maven on December 20, 2011 at 7:16 amFrom the Sacramento Press:
“Congress passed a funding package Friday for water projects in the Sacramento region – including $25 million for improvements along the American River – but without federal authorization, the levees surrounding the Natomas Basin can’t use more than four or five thousand of those dollars.
“While it is very encouraging to see Washington D.C. responding to some areas of flood control in the Sacramento Valley,” City Councilwoman Angelique Ashby said in an email Monday, “this funding does not address the most important public safety infrastructure project in Northern California.” … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Press by clicking here.
Davis can’t afford two water projects at once, says commentary
Posted by: Maven on December 18, 2011 at 7:06 amFrom the Sacramento Bee, this commentary:
“William Kopper, former mayor of Davis and member of the Davis Water Advisory Committee, is responding to the Dec. 9 editorial “Is Davis set to scuttle Woodland water deal?” The editorial stated: “Opponents have attacked the proposed plan and rate hikes for various reasons – some legitimate, some less so.”
The Bee’s editorial is stunning in its bias and misinformation. It ignores the “water deal’s” impact on Davis ratepayers who will be burdened with paying for a $100 million wastewater treatment plant concurrently with a $200 million bill for surface water infrastructure. The Bee avoids looking at affordable options that allow Davis to meet its effluent requirements at this time without surface water.
The Bee has no concept of the cost to the Davis community of funding the new wastewater plant and the surface water project at the same time. A $300 million infrastructure bill for a small town, where almost half the residents are students, is unmanageable. … “
Continue reading this commentary at the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
House approves $51 million for area flood control projects
Posted by: Maven on December 17, 2011 at 7:27 amFrom the Sacramento Bee:
“Sacramento flood control projects stand to receive $51 million as part of an agreement between the House and Senate to continue funding federal programs.
The House approved the so-called “megabus” spending bill Friday. It funds existing federal programs in the fiscal year that began in October. The Senate also was expected to approve the bill, which resulted from a joint conference committee. … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
Golden State Water agrees to refund $3.6 million to customers in Rancho Cordova, Gold River, Arden
Posted by: Maven on December 16, 2011 at 7:58 amFrom the Sacramento Bee:
“A local water utility will refund nearly $3.6 million to customers in Rancho Cordova, Gold River and Arden under a settlement agreement with the state Public Utilities Commission.
Golden State also will pay a $1 million fine to the state for overbilling customers for past plant improvement works and has agreed to reduce rates to local customers by about $1.2 million. … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
Customer ire prompts Carmichael water board to reconsider rate hike
Posted by: Maven on December 15, 2011 at 8:25 amFrom the Sacramento Bee:
“Directors of the Carmichael Water District, which aimed to raise rates 18 percent to offset falling revenues from reduced consumption, have decided to rethink the plan, General Manager Steve Nugent said Wednesday.
At a district board meeting Monday night that drew about 80 water users, customers delivered a clear message, Nugent said.
“The people were not happy with the rate increase,” he said. “They wanted the district to go back and cut costs and to consider the financial state of people on fixed income. They weren’t going to put up with that (increase), and I think the board clearly got that.” … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
Flood control for Natomas is one city focal point for 2012
Posted by: Maven on December 15, 2011 at 8:21 amFrom the Sacramento Press:
“Flood protection – particularly in the Natomas area – is a top priority for the city going into the new year as the City Council Law and Legislation Committee approved the city’s legislative priorities at last week’s meeting.
“I wonder what New Orleans’ priorities were a year before Hurricane Katrina hit?” asked City Councilwoman Angelique Ashby Tuesday. “Was it working on that levee? Probably not.”
Ashby’s District 1 includes the Natomas Basin – an area surrounded by 42 miles of levees and vulnerable to floodwaters. … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Press by clicking here.
Sacramento region schools honored for steps to save energy, water
Posted by: Maven on December 13, 2011 at 7:09 amFrom the Sacramento Bee:
“An ambitious plan to pool $100 million to retrofit schools in the six-county Sacramento region to save energy and water has won national acclaim.
The U.S. Green Building Council’s Center for Green Schools announced Monday that the Sacramento region has made its Best of Green Schools list.
“The list recognizes school administrators and government leaders in 10 categories for efforts to create sustainable learning environments,” said Burke Jensen, a spokesman for the organization. … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
YouTube: River bank erosion repairs continue in Sacramento
Posted by: Maven on December 13, 2011 at 7:08 amFrom the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, posted at YouTube:
“U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District project manager Dave Cook explains why large rock called rip-rap is being delivered to a critical erosion site under repair along the American River in Sacramento, Calif. After the basalt rock is placed, crews will add sturdier soil and native plantings along the bank. The work is part of the ongoing Sacramento River Bank Protection Project to repair erosion, levees and reduce flood risk for the Central Valley.”
Short-sighted view on water in Davis, says the Woodland Daily Democrat
Posted by: Maven on December 9, 2011 at 8:24 amFrom the Woodland Daily Democrat:
“Acting this week, the Davis City Council decided it would rethink a plan with Woodland and UCDavis to build a $325 million water project. A majority of the Davis City Council bowed to political expediency and decided to repeal a 14 percent increase in water rates approved only three months ago.
It was a short-sighted decision by the Davis council which could easily come back to haunt it in years to come. Revenue from that rate hike would have helped finance Davis’ share of the $325 million project to treat and transport Sacramento River water to Davis and Woodland.
A number of vociferous Davis residents objected to the rate hike and the expense, which will create a new water-treatment plant and pipeline to bring in Sacramento River water from an intake on the 17,300-acre Conaway Ranch, now controlled by developer Angelo K. Tsakopoulos. Tsakopoulos sold the cities the rights to 10,000 acre-feet of water per year, starting in 2016, for about $79 million. … “
Continue reading this editorial from the Woodland Daily Democrat by clicking here.
Is Davis set to scuttle Woodland water deal? asks the Sacramento Bee
Posted by: Maven on December 9, 2011 at 8:21 amFrom the Sacramento Bee, this editorial:
“The city of Davis faces a moment of reckoning: Does it want to back away from a water deal with Woodland that is vital to the future of both cities?
Even more importantly, do Davis residents and leaders realize the potential costs of delaying or derailing this water deal? Are they aware that a cleaner source of water is essential for reducing salts in the city’s wastewater? Are they aware that, without cleaner water, the city could face onerous state penalties and costs for building new wastewater treatment facilities? … “
Continue reading this editorial from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
Sacramento levees: Army Corps’ samples for Common Features
Posted by: Maven on December 9, 2011 at 7:02 amFrom DVIDS (Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System):
“Corps contractors are taking samples of soil 50-90 feet below Sacramento-area riverbanks in clear tubes, and sealing them with wax before sending them to the lab. Engineers are assessing erosion and seepage risk as part of the Corps’ American River Common Features General Reevaluation Report. The report will determine what the recommended federal plan is to provide additional flood risk reduction to Natomas as well as the rest of the City and County of Sacramento. The sampling areas are left in better condition than before: They are filled with special material that prevents water seepage.”
Davis applies brakes, but Woodland is moving forward with water surface project
Posted by: Maven on December 8, 2011 at 7:18 amFrom the Sacramento Bee:
“The mayor of Woodland says a decision this week by the city of Davis to rethink a joint plan to construct a $325 million water project won’t keep Woodland from moving ahead.
“We believe it is financially possible for the city to move on its own” and to complete the project by 2016, Woodland Mayor Art Pimentel told The Bee.
“We’re going to be looking at all the options in doing so,” he said. “I certainly do not want to continue to delay the inevitable.” … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
Woodland water rates may rise
Posted by: Maven on December 8, 2011 at 7:16 amFrom the Woodland Daily Democrat:
“Officials say Davis democracy could lead to higher prices for Woodland water after the Davis City Council voted 4-1 on Tuesday to put an historic water project on the June ballot.
Though their work wasn’t always publicized, the two cities had been planning on a $325 million structure to siphon water from the Sacramento River for years. Confronted by a rate hike to cover the project costs, Davis voters moved to start an initiative to overturn the rates.
The council responded Tuesday by not only directing staff to suspend those rates but to put the entire project on the ballot and to conduct an independent rate study. A draft initiative is expected before the council in January. … “
Continue reading from the Woodland Daily Democrat by clicking here.
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