DAILY DIGEST: Governor Jerry Brown officially downsizes Delta tunnels plan; Butte County DA files lawsuit against DWR over Oroville Dam environmental damage; The Nunes memo made this congressman a national name. But his CA district cares about water, not Russia; and more …

In California water news today, It’s official: The $16 billion Delta tunnels will be scaled back to a single tunnel — for now; Governor Jerry Brown officially downsizes Delta tunnels plan. But can he sell one tunnel?; Butte County DA files lawsuit against DWR over Oroville Dam environmental damage; Two Congressmen say its possible FEMA won’t pay full federal share for Oroville Dam repair; One year later: The crisis at Oroville Dam; Is California entering another drought? Experts answer your questions; California’s water savings dwindle when drought fears subside; Ventura County finds wild birds protect flood structures better than poisons; The Nunes memo made this congressman a national name. But his California district cares about water, not Russia; and more …

On the calendar today …

  • Part 2 of the Cal Water Fix hearing at the State Water Resources Control Board is scheduled to begin this morning at 9:30am.  Click here to watch on webcast.

In the news today …

CAL WATER FIX ANNOUNCEMENT

It’s official: The $16 billion Delta tunnels will be scaled back to a single tunnel — for now:  “After months of speculation, Gov. Jerry Brown’s administration on Wednesday made it official: the $16 billion Delta tunnels will be scaled back to a single tunnel.  At least, initially. The state could add the second tunnel later if San Joaquin Valley farmers decide they want to chip in for the full cost.  The single tunnel will deliver up to 6,000 cubic feet of water per second, down from the 9,000 cfs under the old twin tunnels plan. The project is smaller, but could still harm Delta water quality in some ways, according to the state’s own analysis of an older 6,000 cfs option. ... ”  Read more from the Stockton Record here:  It’s official: The $16 billion Delta tunnels will be scaled back to a single tunnel — for now

California moves ahead with one Delta tunnel, scaling back ambitious water delivery project:  “State officials Wednesday said they will press ahead with a smaller version of a long-planned water delivery project, initially building one, instead of two, massive tunnels in the heart of California’s vast waterworks.  The decision to downsize California WaterFix boils down to money. The urban and agricultural water districts that are supposed to pay for the multibillion dollar project have only committed to enough funding for one water tunnel that would extend 35 miles under the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. ... ”  Read more from the LA Times here:  California moves ahead with one Delta tunnel, scaling back ambitious water delivery project

Governor Brown trims giant water tunnels project: “Gov. Jerry Brown’s administration scaled back the latest version of his four-decade effort to redo California’s north-south water system Wednesday, cutting plans to build giant water tunnels from two to one.  Reducing the number of tunnels — at least for now — would help California’s quest to line up enough funding and ease environmental concerns over tapping directly into the state’s largest river, officials said.  Supporters also hope the trimmed-down project will have a better chance of winning approval before the 79-year-old governor leaves office in January. The single tunnel still would be California’s biggest water project in decades. … ” Read more from ABC News here:  Governor Brown trims giant water tunnels project

Huge Delta plan for moving water cut to just 1 tunnel:  “California water officials announced Wednesday that a plan to build two giant tunnels for moving water supplies across the state was being reduced to a single, less costly underpass — at least initially — a setback for one of Gov. Jerry Brown’s signature projects.  The director of the Department of Water Resources said the long-sought $17 billion twin tunnels beneath the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta did not have sufficient financial support from the water agencies that ultimately have to shoulder the bill. … ”  Read more from the SF Gate here:  Huge Delta plan for moving water cut to just 1 tunnel

Governor Jerry Brown officially downsizes Delta tunnels plan.  But can he sell one tunnel? The troubled Delta tunnels project was officially downsized Wednesday, as Gov. Jerry Brown’s administration announced it would attempt to build a single tunnel in its effort to re-engineer California’s elaborate water-delivery system.  Unable to secure enough money from California’s water agencies for the original twin tunnels concept, the California Department of Water Resources said it would now try to build the project in phases: one tunnel now and a second tunnel years down the road.  The long-awaited announcement doesn’t appear to immediately solve the financial questions looming over the project, known officially as California WaterFix. … ”  Read more from the Sacramento Bee here:  Governor Jerry Brown officially downsizes Delta tunnels plan.  But can he sell one tunnel?

RELATED ARTICLES:

OROVILLE DAM

Butte County DA files lawsuit against DWR over Oroville Dam environmental damage:  “Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey announced Wednesday that his office filed a lawsuit against the state Department of Water Resources for environmental damages to the Feather River as a result of the Oroville Dam crisis.  On the one-year anniversary of the day the spillway started to break apart, Ramsey said his office was civilly prosecuting DWR under a state law enacted in 1875 to fight pollution of the state’s rivers. The DA’s office is suing the state on behalf of the people of California. Ramsey said he planned to issue a summons by early next week. ... ”  Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record here:  Butte County DA files lawsuit against DWR over Oroville Dam environmental damage

Two Congressmen say its possible FEMA won’t pay full federal share for Oroville Dam repair:  “Two Northern California congressmen say the Federal Emergency Management Agency might not pay its share of the $870 million price tag to replace the spillways at Lake Oroville.  Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa and Democrat Rep. John Garamendi issued a joint release this afternoon that says FEMA has informed Congress it’s uncertain whether it will pay some $650 million for repairs. … ”  Read more from Capital Public Radio here:  Two Congressmen say its possible FEMA won’t pay full federal share for Oroville Dam repair

One year later: The crisis at Oroville Dam:  “The water was a furious, foaming, boiling mess. Things would only get worse.  One year ago, when the main flood-control spillway at Oroville Dam cracked in two on Feb. 7, 2017, the crater sent concrete chunks flying and water shooting off in all directions. The crisis at America’s tallest dam peaked five days later, with the frantic evacuation of 188,000 residents of Butte, Sutter and Yuba counties. … ”  Read more from the Sacramento Bee here:  One year later: The crisis at Oroville Dam

DROUGHT

Is California entering another drought? Experts answer your questions: “The lack of rain and snow in California has people wondering if we’re headed into another drought.  There’s less than 25 percent of the average amount of snow in the Sierra Nevada. That on its own could incite drought panic.  Lauren Bisnett with the California Department of Water Resources says the saving grace is last year’s storms, which filled up state reservoirs. For example, Bisnett says, “Shasta Reservoir is at 74 percent of capacity.”  Another way to look at it, she explained is that “it’s at 102 percent of average full.” ... ”  Read more from Capital Public Radio here:  Is California entering another drought? Experts answer your questions

California’s water savings dwindle when drought fears subside:  “California’s population has almost doubled over the past 4 decades, growing from 22 million people in 1976 to 40 million in 2016. During that time frame the state experienced four major droughts, including the driest period on historical record, from 2012 to 2016.  Now a new study examines how the public perception of water scarcity affects Californians’ urban residential water consumption. Although awareness of drought does reduce water use, that effect largely disappears once the perception of crisis fades unless more prevalent policies and messaging kick in to counteract the fading memories, the authors found. The study suggests that sustained attention from the media and policy makers is key to long-term water conservation. ... ”  Read more from EOS here:  California’s water savings dwindle when drought fears subside

OTHER INTERESTING STUFF

Ventura County finds wild birds protect flood structures better than poisons:  “Armed with a study showing that predatory birds protect flood control structures, managers plan to substantially reduce their use of poisonous bait to guard levees and dams.  Anticoagulant rodenticides have long been viewed as a way to lower the population of California ground squirrels, which have been known to tunnel 35 feet into a levee. The anticoagulant rodenticides kill the squirrels by preventing the blood from clotting, but they also can be deadly for mountain lions, bobcats and coyotes that eat the poisoned squirrels. … ” Read more from the Ventura County Star here:  Ventura County finds wild birds protect flood structures better than poisons

The Nunes memo made this congressman a national name. But his California district cares about water, not Russia:At Old Salles Cafe, near the northern outskirts of this deeply conservative farming city, Archie Harrison said he did not know much about his congressman, Devin Nunes, nor did he need to know more.  “If he supports Trump, I support him,” the 51-year-old truck driver said Monday over a breakfast of steak and eggs, only hours after President Trump had hailed Nunes in a tweet as a future “Great American Hero.”  As Nunes finds himself at the center of a political firestorm in Washington over the release of his controversial memo about the Russia investigation, thousands of dollars are pouring into Democratic campaigns aiming to unseat him in the midterms. … ”  Read more from the LA Times here: The Nunes memo made this congressman a national name. But his California district cares about water, not Russia

NATIONAL

U.S. Courts issue contradictory rulings on groundwater and the Clean Water Act:  “The Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility, on the Hawaiian island of Maui, pumps 3 million to 5 million gallons of treated sewage a day down four wells on its property. Once underground, the water does not stay put. It seeps through porous lava rock and then flows into the Pacific Ocean, a half-mile to the southwest.  If the treatment plant flushed its wastewater directly into the Pacific, through a pipe, it would need a Clean Water Act permit to do so. Such “point sources” are clearly regulated and the permit could be used as leverage to reduce nutrients in the wastewater. But the movement of pollutants through groundwater into a river, lake, or ocean is a legal grey zone. Groundwater, a state prerogative, is generally not covered by the landmark federal pollution law. … ”  Read more from the Circle of Blue here:  U.S. Courts issue contradictory rulings on groundwater and the Clean Water Act

Retracing sucralose’s steps: From surface waters to points of wastewater contamination:  “Sucralose, the artificial sweetener found in Splenda, adds sweetness to food and drink without calories because the human body doesn’t metabolize it. This peculiarity has led to an unexpected new use for Sucralose and other sweeteners like it: scientists are using them as “tracer” substances, using the compounds to detect wastewater contamination.  Susan D. Richardson, Ph.D., is a professor of chemistry at the University of South Carolina. She is also one of the authors of “Water Analysis: Emerging Contaminants and Current Issues,” a biennial review that describes water analysis developments surrounding emerging environmental contaminants between October 2015 and October 2017. One of the trends she has covered is the use of artificial sweeteners as tracers. … ”  Read more from Environmental Monitor here:  Retracing sucralose’s steps: From surface waters to points of wastewater contamination

In commentary today …

Dan Lungren: Climate change is either upon us or it isn’t.  California cities want it both ways:  “If you live in Oakland, brace yourself. In the city’s lawsuit with six other California municipalities and counties against petroleum companies, Oakland states that man-made global warming is an ongoing threat that will culminate in 66 inches of sea level rise by century’s end, threatening the local economy with as much as $38 billion in property damage.  But if you are an investor looking to buy Oakland’s municipal bonds, the outlook is sunnier. Oakland’s municipal bond offering tells prospective investors the city cannot predict when “sea rise or other impacts of climate change or flooding from a major storm, could occur, when they may occur, and, if any such events occur, whether they will have a material adverse effect on the business operations or financial condition of the city or the local economy.” ... ”  Read more from the Sacramento Bee here:  Climate change is either upon us or it isn’t.  California cities want it both ways

In regional news and commentary today …

Fire reported at Hyatt power plant:  “Firefighters responded to a report of a fire at the Hyatt Powerplant around 7 a.m. Wednesday. According to the Department of Water Resources, the fire was noticed during routine daily inspections.  DWR said the fire was put out by DWR personnel but firefighters were called to the scene as a precaution. All personnel were evacuated and are accounted for. … ”  Read more from KRCR here:  Fire reported at Hyatt power plant

South Lake Tahoe: Water companies to discuss contaminated drinking wells:  “A toxic plume contaminating groundwater in South Lake Tahoe since the late ’80s has forced the closure of several drinking water wells over the years — and on Wednesday, Feb. 7, officials from several water companies will update the public on the cleanup process.  South Tahoe Public Utility District, Lukins Brothers Water Company and Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association are hosting a public meeting to discuss the groundwater contaminant tetrachloroethylene, or PCE, which has tainted 400 acres down near the “Y” in South Lake Tahoe. … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here:  South Lake Tahoe: Water companies to discuss contaminated drinking wells

Santa Cruz County groundwater agencies for $4 million in state sustainable planning grant:  “Local agencies assigned the role of long-term planning to sustain Santa Cruz County’s major underground drinking water sources may soon earn a $4 million boost to their efforts.  The California Department of Water Resources has announced tentative award of $1 million for Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency, $1.5 million each for Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency and Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency. … ”  Read more from the Santa Cruz Sentinel here:  Santa Cruz County groundwater agencies for $4 million in state sustainable planning grant

Soquel Creek Water District looks at funneling stormwater underground, to recharge supply: “Looking at results from high-tech electromagnetic surveying conducted this fall, Soquel Creek Water District plans to investigate two Seascape Golf Course sites to funnel stormwater runoff into the groundwater basin.  The goal is to help recharge the district’s groundwater basin, which has been drawn from faster than rainfall can refill it. … ”  Read more from the Santa Cruz Sentinel here:  Soquel Creek Water District looks at funneling stormwater underground, to recharge supply

Phase 2 of Porterville water project complete:  “A partnership of state and local agencies working to help homeowners affected by California’s multi-year drought finished connecting 755 homes to a safe, reliable, permanent water supply.  All households participating in the East Porterville Water Supply Project have now been connected to the City of Porterville’s municipal water system.  “The project is now complete, at least from the connection side,” said City Manager John Lollis, adding that there are other infrastructure improvements that need to be made. ... ”  Read more from the Porterville Recorder here:  Phase 2 of Porterville water project complete

A focus on resilience after Southern California fires:  “Apocalyptic. Catastrophic. Devastating. Residents of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties used these words to describe the 281,893-acre Thomas Fire that started in early December and the subsequent deadly mudslides that hit a month later. These natural disasters killed at least 22 people and destroyed more than 1,100 structures. Wildlands took a hit, too, with more than half the area burned in the Thomas Fire in either national forest or locally protected lands.  The Thomas Fire capped the deadliest and most destructive year for wildfires in California’s history. Research has shown that a warming climate has already doubled the area impacted by wildfires across the West in the past three decades, and things could get worse. ... ”  Read more from Water Deeply here:  A focus on resilience after Southern California fires

Orange County: Water-saving dams could be deflated if creek rises, water district says:  “Homeowners along the banks of San Juan Creek are asking for assurances that a plan to use inflatable dams in the creek to recover more water won’t increase the threat of flooding.  Santa Margarita Water District, in partnership with other local water agencies, is proposing to install three rubber dams into San Juan Creek and inflate them during rains, capturing storm water that otherwise would escape to the ocean.  Flowing waters would become ponds behind the dams. The water would then have time to percolate into the groundwater basin and be stored there to augment local water supplies. … ”  Read more from the OC Register here:  Orange County: Water-saving dams could be deflated if creek rises, water district says

Along the Colorado River …

Record-low flows predicted in key Western rivers:  “Be prepared for some of the West’s biggest and most important rivers and streams to see record-low flows this spring and summer.  That’s the message of the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center’s latest water supply forecast released Monday.  The report states that below average precipitation continued to be the norm and not the exception for the month of January. It also states that January marks the fourth consecutive month of the 2018 water year with widespread below average precipitation. … ”  Read more from KPBS here:  Record-low flows predicted in key Western rivers

Water forecast bleak for Lake Powell:  “One of the most important reservoirs in the southwestern U.S. will likely collect less than half its normal amount of spring runoff this year because of a warm, dry winter across much of the region, forecasters said Wednesday.  Lake Powell, which straddles Utah and Arizona, is expected to get 47 percent of its average inflow because of scant snow in the mountains that feed the Colorado River, said Greg Smith, a hydrologist with the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. … ”  Read more from the Capital Press here:  Water forecast bleak for Lake Powell

Also on Maven’s Notebook today …

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About the Daily Digest: The Daily Digest is a collection of selected news articles, commentaries and editorials appearing in the mainstream press. Items are generally selected to follow the focus of the Notebook blog. The Daily Digest is published every weekday with a weekend edition posting on Sundays.

 

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