In California water news today, Cal Water Fix workshop at the Delta Stewardship Council ends with Chair Fiorini suggesting the Department of Water Resources withdraw consistency determination; Q&A with ACWA’s Tim Quinn; See how a warmer world primed California for large fires; Study examines costs, benefits of clean water measures; Marin County helps Dillon Beach describe its water story; Mass stranding of bright red crabs in Monterey signals return of El Niño; Arizona Drought Talks In Crisis As CAP Devises Controversial New Proposal; and more …
On the calendar today …
- The Delta Stewardship Council will hold the second of a two-day public workshop on the staff’s draft determination of DWR’s consistency determination for the California Water Fix beginning at 9am. (What’s that? Click here.) Click here for the agenda. Click here to watch on webcast.
- The Central Valley Flood Protection Board meets at 9am. Agenda items include a presentation on the Delta Levee subventions program, an update on the Lower San Joaquin River Project, an action item on Permit and Inspection Fee Program, and an update on the Smith Canal Gate Project. Click here for the full agenda and webcast link.
- PUBLIC MEETING: Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Water Supply Contract Amendments for Water Management and California WaterFix. Click here for more information.
In the news today …
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
- THIS JUST IN … Cal Water Fix workshop at the Delta Stewardship Council ends with Chair Fiorini suggesting the Department of Water Resources withdraw consistency determination (Full coverage)
- CAL WATER FIX CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION APPEAL WORKSHOP: Delta tunnel proponents come out in support of Cal Water Fix at the Delta Stewardship Council
- NEWS WORTH NOTING: Wildlife Conservation Board funds environmental improvement and acquisition projects; Decker Island project restores 140 acres of tidal wetland habitat, aims to boost fish survival rates; How CalFire is spending recent forest health funds
- DELTA eNEWS: ~~ CVBC Symposium~ Algae Finding~ DRMS Posted~ Prop 1~ Restoration Project ~~
Cal Water Fix workshop at the Delta Stewardship Council ends with Chair Fiorini suggesting the Department of Water Resources withdraw consistency determination: “Today was the first day of a two-day workshop focusing on the Delta Stewardship Council staff’s draft determination that the California Water Fix is consistent with the Delta Plan. The day began with Council staff giving an in-depth presentation on their findings. Specifically, the Council staff found that the Department fails to demonstrate consistency with aspects of Delta Plan policies with respect to using Best Available Science, reducing reliance on the Delta, Delta flow objectives, respecting local land use when siting facilities or restoration, and in the detailed findings of overall consistency. The Council then heard from the Department of Water Resources and the appellants, including the Delta Protection Commission. After the day’s presentations had concluded, here’s what Chair Randy Fiorini had to say … ” Continue reading here: Cal Water Fix workshop at the Delta Stewardship Council ends with Chair Fiorini suggesting the Department of Water Resources withdraw consistency determination
- TODAY’s WEBCAST: Day 2 of the workshop begins this morning at 9am. Click here to watch on webcast.
- ARTICLE: Delta tunnel proponents come out in support of Cal Water Fix at the Delta Stewardship Council
As he steps aside, ACWA’s Tim Quinn talks about ‘adversarialists,’ collaboration and hope for solving the state’s tough water issues: “In the universe of California water, Tim Quinn has seen — and been a key player in — a lot of major California water issues since he began his water career 40 years ago. In December, the 66-year-old Quinn will retire as executive director of the Association of California Water Agencies. In an interview, Quinn talked about his “rather unusual” career, “adversarialists” and the continuing water wars, and what he sees as the challenges and opportunities ahead in California water.” To read this article at Western Water, click here: As he steps aside, ACWA’s Tim Quinn talks about ‘adversarialists,’ collaboration and hope for solving the state’s tough water issues
See how a warmer world primed California for large fires: “Fires are natural in California: Many of its ecosystems, from the chaparral of Southern California to the northern pine forests, evolved to burn frequently. But since the 1980s, the size and ferocity of the fires that sweep across the state have trended upward. Fifteen of the 20 largest fires in California history have occurred since 2000. The graphic above shows why: Most of the state’s hottest and driest years have occurred during the last two decades as well. Over the past century, California has warmed by about three degrees Fahrenheit. That extra-warmed air sucks water out of plants and soils, leaving the trees, shrubs, and rolling grasslands of the state dry and primed to burn. … ” Read more from National Geographic here: See how a warmer world primed California for large fires
Study examines costs, benefits of clean water measures: “The U.S. has invested $140 per person per year – or more than $1.9 trillion – since 1960 to decrease pollution in rivers, lakes and other surface waters. According to a pair of new studies, this investment in clean water is working, but questions remain about whether the benefits outweigh the costs. In the first comprehensive look at water pollution in several decades, published in the Quarterly Journal of Economics, researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, and Iowa State University collected 50 million water quality measurements at 240,000 monitoring sites throughout the U.S. between 1962 and 2001. Most of the 25 water pollution measures they used showed improvement, including an increase in dissolved oxygen concentrations and a decrease in fecal coliform bacteria. The number of rivers safe for fishing increased by 12 percent. ... ” Read more from Cornell University here: Study examines costs, benefits of clean water measures
In commentary today …
The opportunity at hand in putting a Bay Delta solution into place: Dave Eggerton writes, “The dialogue underway on voluntary settlement agreements over Bay-Delta water flow requirements offers the greatest potential yet on achieving the coequal goals of a reliable water supply and enhanced ecosystem health. Thankfully, the State Water Resources Control Board acknowledged that potential when the State Board voted on Nov. 7 to postpone a vote on the Bay-Delta Plan update until Dec. 11. A succinct letter signed by Gov. Jerry Brown and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom made the difference. Essentially, it urged the State Water Board to avoid igniting another lengthy water war and pledged Brown and Newsom to engage all parties to reach closure on an agreement. Hopefully, that will happen soon, before board members feel they have no other choice in front of them. This collaborative agreement on flows is a key element of the “Grand Bargain” under negotiation by state and federal officials and stakeholders. … ” Read more from ACWA’s Voices on Water here: The opportunity at hand in putting a Bay Delta solution into place
With disasters rocking the state, California needs to remember the St. Francis Dam failure: write, “There is a quiet campaign underway in northern L.A. County that deserves the support of people across California. The Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society is pushing for the site of the St. Francis Dam to be declared a national memorial. The designation would commemorate both the dam and the more than 400 lives that were lost when it collapsed, the worst man-made disaster in California history. ... ” Read more from the LA Times here: With disasters rocking the state, California needs to remember the St. Francis Dam failure
Assuring water for California’s future: Judy Corbett writes, “In past decades, most people were unaware of the State’s contentious water issues. Today, due to the drought, Californians are very mindful of the need to conserve water and it is influencing the way many of us go about our daily lives. Drought is just one critical challenge to our water future. The other challenge—not yet fully recognized—is the gradual loss of the snow pack that accounts for about one third of California’s water supply. The snow pack acts as a natural reservoir equipped with an automatic release mechanism. The snow gradually melts every spring and summer, refreshing our water supplies when we need it most. … ” Read more from the California Economic Summit here: Assuring water for California’s future
In regional news and commentary today …
North Coast Water Board meets in Santa Rosa, approves new Mendocino regulations and considers dairy regulations: “At its final meeting of the year on Wednesday, Nov. 14, the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board approved a new regulatory agency for small water users in Mendocino County and listened to comments on a draft of new dairy regulations, among a variety of other actions. The Board approved the creation of a new Mendocino County water authority to oversee small wastewater treatment plants, considered comments on draft dairy regulations, approved a permit for Ferndale’s wastewater treatment plant, allowed a Korbel sawmill more time to comply with regulations, revoked a long-closed sawmill’s permit and heard a staff report from the Russian River Watershed Association. … ” Read more from the Mendocino Voice here: North Coast Water Board meets in Santa Rosa, approves new Mendocino regulations and considers dairy regulations
Sonoma County: California’s dry fall extends fire danger and deepens water worries: “The longer that California waits for its early-season rain, the more its roughly 40 million residents will have to confront the risk of catastrophic wildfire, not to mention dropping reservoirs and parched farm fields. And this year is a clear example of that pattern, with deadly wildfires burning at both ends of the state and scant rainfall since autumn began eight weeks ago. … ” Read more from the Sonoma Index-Tribune here: Sonoma County: California’s dry fall extends fire danger and deepens water worries
Environmental steward hauls trash from the Russian River: “Friends of this week’s Jefferson Award winner say he walks the extra mile to keep the Russian River clean. Casey Carr are his friends discover an illegal dumping site in Cloverdale. They dig out a mattress, then uncover tires, couches, and a refrigerator. Carr cleans up along the Russian River three to four times a week for hours at a time. “I’ve hauled off 27,000 pounds total since the first of January,” said Carr. ... ” Read more from CBS Sacramento here: Environmental steward hauls trash from the Russian River
Marin County helps Dillon Beach describe its water story: “It was a packed house in the Coastal Kitchen on Tuesday night as residents of Dillon Beach discussed their water needs. The meeting, designed to help the county and the village create a “community water story”—concerning everything from water supply to septic systems and sea-level rise—was funded by a grant from California’s Department of Water Resources that targets water resource planning and decision making in rural communities. It also kicked off a three-month window during which the county’s Community Development Agency is focusing on Dillon Beach before it turns its attention to Point Reyes Station early next year. “We want to hear narratives in these communities and hear what their issues really are,” said Lorene Jackson, a project manager in the division. … ” Read more from the Point Reyes Light here: Marin County helps Dillon Beach describe its water story
Mass stranding of bright red crabs in Monterey signals return of El Niño: “A Monterey County beach is covered in red, after thousands of Pelagic red crabs washed ashore this week. The Pelagic red crabs, also called tuna crabs or lobster krill, usually live deep on the sea floor in Southern California, but now they’re stranded at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove. The sea creatures are a couple of inches long, with a long tail and two front claws. They look more like tiny lobsters than your typical crab. ... ” Read more from SF Gate here: Mass stranding of bright red crabs in Monterey signals return of El Niño
Santa Barbara County Seeks Up to $25 Million to Buy Land For New Debris Basin in Montecito: “In the annals of South Coast disasters, San Ysidro Creek stands out for the awesome power of its terrifying debris flows. Swollen by heavy rains after wildfires, the creek periodically roars down the mountainside in a torrent of mud and rocks, cutting a swath of destruction through the heart of Montecito. The last time was the deadliest. … ” Read more from Noozhawk here: Santa Barbara County Seeks Up to $25 Million to Buy Land For New Debris Basin in Montecito
SANDAG considers future of Buena Vista Lagoon: “San Diego County’s regional planners could end years of debate on Friday and settle the uncertain future of the county’s only coastal freshwater lagoon. The Buena Vista lagoon between Oceanside and Carlsbad has been a point of friction for years, but the San Diego Association of Governments, SANDAG, appears close to a major decision. San Diego County has several coastal lagoons. In most, tidal ocean waters blend with fresh water draining out of local watersheds creating saltwater habitat. But not the Buena Vista Lagoon. … ” Read more from KPBS here: SANDAG considers future of Buena Vista Lagoon
Along the Colorado River …
Nevada takes first sip of Colorado River drought plan: “In the race to save the Colorado River from disaster, Nevada just took the first leap into the pool. In a 6-0 vote Thursday, the Southern Nevada Water Authority board officially signed onto its portions of an interstate agreement aimed at keeping more water in the shrinking river system through voluntary cuts. The so-called Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan seeks to protect critical water levels in lakes Mead and Powell while giving the states that share the river more flexibility to store and use water in dry years to come. ... ” Read more from the Las Vegas Review-Journal here: Nevada takes first sip of Colorado River drought plan
Southern Nevada Water Authority board OKs Colorado drought plan as Arizona, Colorado focus on resolving internal issues: “The Southern Nevada Water Authority board approved a seven-state Colorado River drought plan Thursday morning, making Nevada the first state to sign off on the proposal to prevent drastic shortages across the Southwest as the river is strained by drought and overuse. The vote was 6-0. Gov.-elect Steve Sisolak, Clark County Commission chairman and a board member, was absent because he had to leave for another meeting. … ” Read more from the Nevada Independent here: Southern Nevada Water Authority board OKs Colorado drought plan as Arizona, Colorado focus on resolving internal issues
Arizona Drought Talks In Crisis As CAP Devises Controversial New Proposal: “With scarcely two weeks left for negotiations, Arizona’s internal talks to stave off a disastrous drought on the Colorado River have entered a crisis of their own. Two major public meetings of the Drought Contingency Plan Steering Committee have been canceled in the past three weeks. They’ve been replaced with private proposals and talks behind closed doors. Meanwhile, stakeholders and elected officials have been sending flurries of sternly worded letters to each other, trying to sway negotiations in their favor or prod them into progress. … ” Continue reading at Phoenix New Times here: Arizona Drought Talks In Crisis As CAP Devises Controversial New Proposal
Major Major Colorado River Water User Floats Arizona Drought Plan: “A major Colorado River water user has proposed an interim plan for Arizona as the state faces looming a looming deadline to manage expected shortages. The Central Arizona Project board said its proposal could jumpstart talks after previous ones failed to gain consensus among water users. The agency wants to draw up to 400,000 acre-feet of water it stored in Lake Mead and 50,000 acre-feet in Lake Pleasant, and implement a $60 million conservation program to lessen the burden of shortages on mainly farmers and developers. Another program would help improve groundwater systems but doesn’t have a price tag. ... ” Read more from US News and World Report here: Major Major Colorado River Water User Floats Arizona Drought Plan
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
Today’s announcements …
Sign up for daily email service and you’ll never miss a post …
Sign up for free daily email service and you’ll get all the Notebook’s aggregated and original water news content delivered to your email box by 9AM. And with breaking news alerts, you’ll always be one of the first to know …
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.
