DAILY DIGEST: Conservation groups sue feds over California water project opinions; Trading water: Can water shares help save CA’s aquifers?; Two more rounds of rain, mountain snow ahead; Integrated approach for managing aquatic invasive species in CA; and more …

In California water news today, Conservation groups sue feds over California water project opinions; Trading water: Can water shares help save California’s aquifers?; Two more rounds of rain, mountain snow ahead for California into this weekend; Integrated approach for managing aquatic invasive species in California; Above-ground power lines grow in risk as climate changes; and more …

On the calendar today …

  • The State Water Resources Control Board meets at 9:30 am. Agenda items include an update on urban water conservation, consideration of resolutions to amend policies for implementing the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, Consideration of adoption of the Staff Report and Work Plan for the 2019 Review of the Water Quality Control Plan for Ocean Waters of California, and the quarterly Delta Stewardship Council Lead Scientist’s Report. Click here for the full agenda. Click here to watch on webcast.
  • GRA Central Coast: The Disconnect Between Groundwater Legal Systems and Groundwater Hydrology: What Changes Should Be Made to Groundwater Law to Better Reflect the Physical Environment? from 6pm to 8pm in Oxnard. Presentation by David Sandino. Click here for more information and to register. You do not have to be a member to attend.

In the news today …

Conservation groups sue feds over California water project opinions: “Several fishing and conservation organizations sued the Trump administration in a California federal court Monday over a series of Endangered Species Act biological opinions that could set new rules for the operation of major water projects in the state and endanger already-threatened fish species. Conservation groups claim in the suit that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service’s biological assessments of two major California water projects, the Central Valley Project and State Water Project, were politically motivated and failed to consider proper environmental protection standards. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service here: Conservation groups sue feds over California water project opinions

Fishing and environmental groups sue Trump administration over violation of Endangered Species Act: Dan Bacher writes, “Fishing and environmental groups today sued the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service for acting in an “arbitrary and capricious manner” in their failure to uphold the protection of imperiled salmon and other species under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). The suit is an environmental and administrative law action brought by the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, Institute for Fisheries Resources, Golden State Salmon Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., Defenders of Wildlife, and Bay.org d/b/a The Bay Institute. ... ” Read more from the Daily Kos here: Fishing and environmental groups sue Trump administration over violation of Endangered Species Act

Trading water: Can water shares help save California’s aquifers? California is by far the United States’ most populous state, as well as its largest agricultural producer. Increasingly, it is also one of the country’s most parched places. But Edgar Terry, a fourth-generation farmer in Ventura County, just outside Los Angeles, thinks he has a key to reversing worsening water stress: establishing tradeable rights to shares of fast-depleting groundwater aquifers. … ” Read more from Reuters here: Trading water: Can water shares help save California’s aquifers?

Two more rounds of rain, mountain snow ahead for California into this weekend: “California will receive two more rounds of rain and mountain snow through this weekend, continuing a stormy period that kicked off before Thanksgiving. For now, drier conditions have developed and generally will be in place for most of Tuesday. … ” Read more from The Weather Channel here: Two more rounds of rain, mountain snow ahead for California into this weekend

‘The storm door is open,’ Bay Area weather officials warn:  “On-and-off rain for the better part of a week is expected to continue Tuesday and Wednesday in the Bay Area, but a larger storm will likely swamp the region starting Thursday, officials said.  A weather system from the Northwest and coast is expected to bring rain to areas that have not been affected as much by the recent storm, such as San Jose and Redwood City, according to the National Weather Service. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: ‘The storm door is open,’ Bay Area weather officials warn

Integrated approach for managing aquatic invasive species in California:  “Though small and somewhat nondescript, quagga and zebra mussels pose a huge threat to local rivers, lakes and estuaries. Thanks to aggressive measures to prevent contamination, Santa Barbara County’s waters have so far been clear of the invasive mollusks, but stewards of local waterways, reservoirs and water recreation areas remain vigilant to the possibility of infestation by these and other non-native organisms.  Now, UC Santa Barbara-based research scientist Carolynn Culver and colleagues at UCSB’s Marine Science Institute are adding to this arsenal of prevention measures with a pair of studies that appear in a special edition of the North American Journal of Fisheries Management. … ”  Read more from Science Daily here: Integrated approach for managing aquatic invasive species in California

Above-ground power lines grow in risk as climate changes: “Trees toppling onto above-ground power lines spark wildfires, more than 1,000 of them in the last decade in California alone. The wires snap in blizzards and hurricanes, causing dayslong outages. Everywhere, power poles topple in all kinds of disasters, blocking escape routes. Around the U.S., dealing with the vulnerability of overhead power lines — one of many problems that experts say will only get worse as the climate deteriorates — by burying them or strengthening them is spotty and disorganized on a national level, and painfully slow, at best. ... ” Read more from the Capital Press here: Above-ground power lines grow in risk as climate changes

Coastal fog linked to mercury poisoning in mountain lions, researchers say: “Coastal fog may be carrying toxic levels of methylmercury, which is then dumped on the land and makes its way up the food chain and contaminates mountain lions living in the region, according to a study by UC Santa Cruz researchers. In a study published last week, researchers found that methylmercury levels were three times higher in mountain lions living along the coast than among those in inland areas. The increased toxin levels could threaten the big cats’ survival and reproduction as they struggle to navigate their increasingly populated habitats. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Coastal fog linked to mercury poisoning in mountain lions, researchers say

EPA announced latest step in PFAS action plan: “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the latest step in implementing its February 2019 “Action Plan” for regulating a group of synthetic chemicals called per- and polyflouroalkyl substances (PFAS) last week. While PFAS have long been used in a wide array of consumer and industrial products, they have recently become an emerging area of focus for environmental law and policy at both the state and federal level. The EPA’s latest Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Notice) proposes adding PFAS to the list of chemicals for which facilities must report their annual manufacturing, processing, or use under the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA). … ” Read more from the National Law Review here: EPA announced latest step in PFAS action plan

More than 100 military bases now at risk of water shortages, GAO finds:  “More than 100 military bases are at risk of water shortages in an era of climate change, according to a Government Accountability Office report released last week. Some have already experienced water restrictions.  The GAO report to the Senate Armed Services Committee identified 102 bases vulnerable to “not having sufficient water available to meet their mission needs” for drinking, training, weapons testing, fire suppression and sanitation. … ”  Read more from Military.com here: More than 100 military bases now at risk of water shortages, GAO finds

In regional news and commentary today …

Recent storms provide wiggle room for salmon seeking spawning ground in the Eel River: “The salmon, searching for their spawning grounds, have pushed their way up the Eel River and into Southern Humboldt, reports wildlife photographer, Ann Constantino who took these photos yesterday. “Because of the rains being late they’ve been waiting around near the mouth of the river, but the recent storms added enough water to the river to make journey upstream easier,” Constantino explained. … ” Read more from the Redheaded Blackbelt here: Recent storms provide wiggle room for salmon seeking spawning ground in the Eel River

Santa Rosa: Parting Wisdom: Perspective and guidance from a seasoned storm water inspector: Forest Frasieur writes, “I have been responding to spills in the City of Santa Rosa for the last 17 years. This includes responding to and abating vehicle leaks in the street, wash water from businesses, rinsate from painting equipment, concrete spatter and washout from contractors, and even blowing of leaves and yard waste into the street. All of these and anything other than rain water flowing into a storm drain inlet is prohibited by City and County Codes. … ” Read more from the Ukiah Daily Journal here: Parting Wisdom: Perspective and guidance from a seasoned storm water inspector

Sonoma County: Groundwater monitoring wells: a ‘picture’ of underground water connections for groundwater sustainability plans:  Ann DuBay writes, “During the months of October and November, up to  21 groundwater monitoring wells will be drilled near Sonoma County creeks   to provide new information to managers and the public on the link between groundwater and stream flows. Coordination and construction of the wells are a technical service provided by the   California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to Sonoma County’s three Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs).  Each well will be about 50 feet deep, and will be designed specifically for measuring water levels throughout the year. … ”  Read more from the Sonoma Gazette here: Sonoma County: Groundwater monitoring wells: a ‘picture’ of underground water connections for groundwater sustainability plans

Corte Madera considers forming sustainability committee: “Corte Madera is considering the creation of a sustainability committee aimed at fighting climate change. The committee, which would be commissioned for a year, would make recommendations to the Town Council on the best ways to reduce carbon emissions in town. “We are looking to reduce greenhouse gases in our community and mitigate the harm of climate change,” Councilman David Kunhardt said. “We are not just accommodating, responding and defending.” ... ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Corte Madera considers forming sustainability committee

Nevada County confirms Kilham Mine Road property not source of South Yuba River plume:  “Nevada County has released the results of a state water board investigation into the mysterious yellow sediment plume that closed off the South Yuba River in September.  A historic mine property on Kilham Mine Road, initially targeted as the suspected source of the discharge, was cleared by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board in late October. But according to Nevada County Environmental Health Director Amy Irani, the water board investigation is ongoing. … ”  Read more from The Union here: Nevada County confirms Kilham Mine Road property not source of South Yuba River plume

El Dorado County: Resident tussles with county over culvert: “Margie Yowell, 85, has a problem. A longtime resident of El Dorado County with her husband and children, she’s now having to deal with a culvert above her property that was put there as part of what’s to become Bell Ranch. Located along her fence line in El Dorado Hills, the octogenarian said she has been battling a developer and the county for more than a year over the development with various disputes having to do with cutting back a tree on her property, blasting at the site of the planned homes and removal of her fence without her permission. … ” Read more from the Mountain Democrat here: Resident tussles with county over culvert

California red-legged frog delays South SLO County Sanitary District remodel:  “Frogs are delaying another wastewater treatment facility project, this time at the South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District in Oceano.  The South SLO County Sanitation District members are working to upgrade the nearly 50 year old facility, but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is concerned construction could impact the California red-legged frog, a species on the verge of being endangered. … ”  Read more from KSBY here: California red-legged frog delays South SLO County Sanitary District remodel

Orange County: Dirty water after storm, sewage spill doesn’t stop some surfers from catching waves: “Surfers faced a dilemma Monday morning, Dec. 2, as one of the season’s best winter swells brought pumping waves to Southern California: Stay out of the water, where recent rainfall brought urban runoff and risk getting sick, or keep dry on shore and drool as the perfect, peaky waves rolled in. For surfers from Malibu down to San Clemente and beyond, the swell offered a small window to score an epic surf session before the next rain moves in this week, sending more debris and run-off spilling into the ocean. … ” Read more from the Daily Breeze here: Dirty water after storm, sewage spill doesn’t stop some surfers from catching waves

Storm runoff blamed for railroad track washouts on fragile Del Mar bluff: “A second spot may need repairs after an unusually wet Thanksgiving Day storm closed the railroad tracks at Del Mar for work over the weekend, transit district officials said Monday. The “area of concern” is less than a block away from the spot fixed Saturday, North County Transit District Executive Director Matt Tucker said Monday in an email to the district’s board of directors. ... ” Read more from the LA Times here: Storm runoff blamed for railroad track washouts on fragile Del Mar bluff

Backed-up storm drain caused Poway’s water contamination:  “Poway officials said Monday they believe backed-up storm drains caused the water contamination that led to the city’s first-ever boil water advisory over the weekend.  The county health department ordered the closing of all restaurants in the city and residents are being advised to boil their tap water before drinking it or using it for cooking, city officials said. … ”  Read more from KPBS here: Backed-up storm drain caused Poway’s water contamination

New agricultural water rate program benefits San Diego County growers: “The San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors Nov. 21 approved a new and permanent Special Agricultural Water Rate program structure that offers lower water rates to farmers in exchange for lower water supply reliability. Unlike the current temporary program, the structure of the new water rate program will let new participants join as a way to strengthen the region’s multi-billion-dollar agriculture industry. New ag water program rates will be determined in the spring of 2020 as part of the Water Authority’s annual rate-setting process. ... ” Read more from the Water News Network here: New Agricultural Water Rate Program Benefits San Diego County Growers

Along the Colorado River …

Politicians knew the inconvenient truth about the Colorado River 100 years ago — and ignored it: “Earlier this year, the seven states that depend on the Colorado River made history. For the first time, Arizona, California, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico agreed to find ways to reduce the amount of water they draw from the river as levels drop further at Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the country. The Colorado River provides water for 40 million people. But its flows are shrinking as the planet heats up, reducing the snowpack that feeds the river and causing more water to evaporate as the river snakes its way from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of California. … ” Read more from Grist here: Politicians knew the inconvenient truth about the Colorado River 100 years ago — and ignored it

And lastly …

5 facts about the lost ship of the desert: What we actually know: “It sounds implausible, right? There’s no way a historic ship is buried beneath the California desert. And yet the legend about a long-lost vessel has persisted for centuries. Theories range from a Spanish galleon to a Viking knarr — and everything in between. Look back at historical accounts, and you’ll find little proof. But those who believe in its existence point to the way water once covered this arid landscape. Mother Nature leaves open the possibility of a nautical mystery, they argue. Here’s what we actually know: … ” Read more from The Desert Sun here: 5 facts about the lost ship of the desert: What we actually know

Precipitation watch …

Also on Maven’s Notebook today …

https://mavensnotebook.com/2019/12/02/on-giving-tuesday-make-a-tax-deductible-donation-to-mavens-notebook-and-make-an-investment-in-californias-water-future-2/

BLOG ROUND-UP: Some facts not reported about the Westlands Contract; NRDC’s 100th suit against the Trump Administration; California water policy challenges in 2020; Litigation to settle our Colorado River disagreements is a terrible idea; and more …

THIS JUST IN … First State Water Project allocation set at 10 percent

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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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