- WEBINAR: Environmental DNA: a cool new science that will benefit your ecological restoration from 9am to 10am. Stantec, has been using eDNA for several years in aquatic and terrestrial projects, exploring inland and coastal areas to answer key questions for our clients. Now, as our eDNA applications have advanced, we see more opportunities to use these tools to plan and measure success for our ecosystem restoration projects. In this webinar, our eDNA practitioners and restoration specialists will share how we have been using eDNA for our projects, and where the next chapter is taking us. Click here to register.
- FREE WEBINAR: WOTS Next? An Update on the Clean Water Act and Regulation of Waters of the State & Waters of the U.S. from 1pm to 2pm. Presented by Nossaman LLP. Click here to register.
- MEETING: Delta Conveyance Design and Construction Authority, Board of Directors Meeting from 2pm to 5:30pm. For more information, click here.
- FREE WEBINAR: Drinking water tools in SGMA from 3pm to 4:30pm. Learn more about new tools and resources for evaluating drinking water needs in groundwater sustainability plans (GSPs). Our panel includes Debi Ores, Senior Attorney for Community Water Center (CWC), Amanda Monaco, Policy Coordinator of Water Programs for Leadership Council for Justice and Accountability (LCJA), and Angela Islas, Community Development Specialist at Self-Help Enterprises (SHE). Click to register.
- ONLINE MEETING: The Delta Protection Committee will meet from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Agenda items include reports on the activities of the Delta Stewardship Council, the Delta Protection Advisory Committee, Delta Community Design Study, and Delta focus groups. Click here for the full agenda and remote access information.
- FREE ONLINE EVENT: Lewis MacAdams Memorial Celebration from 6pm to 7pm. Friends of the LA River invite you to join in celebrating the life of their late poet-founder at our Virtual Memorial Celebration. Memorial speakers include: Congressman Adam Schiff, Mayor Eric Garcetti, ED of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Joe Edmiston, artist Elkpen, environmentalist and author Jenny Price, journalist Patt Morrison, landscape architect Mia Lehrer, and many more. Click here to register.
- ONLINE EVENT: Restoring the Farallon Islands: Virtual Panel from 7pm to 8:30pm. Learn about the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Plan to continue restoring the globally important Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Attend the webinar to hear how you can help restore this unique ecosystem. Click here to register.
Bigger, badder storms coming in years ahead, and California is right in their path: “California’s wild weather swings, from pounding rain to drought and from fires to floods, are widely expected to worsen as the climate warms. A new study shows just how severe things might get, and it’s not pretty. The biggest of Pacific storms will dump 40% more rain and snow on parts of the Sierra, boost the hourly rate of precipitation in hills and valleys nearly a third, on average, and be about 4 degrees Fahrenheit warmer upon landfall, the research shows. ... ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Bigger, badder storms coming in years ahead, and California is right in their path
Extreme atmospheric rivers: what will California’s strongest storms look like in a warming climate? “Atmospheric rivers (ARs)—long, sinuous corridors of water vapor in motion in the lower half of Earth’s atmosphere—are a key aspect of California’s cool-season climate. ARs are in many cases pretty unremarkable when they’re out over the open ocean, visible on satellite as a narrow ribbon of cloudiness and (usually) light precipitation. But when these moisture plumes attach themselves to wintertime low pressure systems and make landfall along the California coast, the consequences can be dramatic—prolonged heavy rain and mountain snow often result, along with sometimes powerful winds. AR-related precipitation is strongly orographic, meaning that it tends to be strongly modulated by local topography. As a result, the most dramatic AR-related precipitation totals usually occur on the windward (south and west-facing) slopes of California’s coastal and inland mountain ranges. … ” Continue reading at the Weather West here: Extreme atmospheric rivers: what will California’s strongest storms look like in a warming climate?
House panel approves major water infrastructure measure: “A multibillion-dollar measure that would help build, repair, and maintain a wide variety of water infrastructure projects sailed through the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Wednesday. Approved unanimously by voice vote, the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (H.R. 7575) would authorize the Army Corps of Engineers every two years to carry out specific projects and feasibility studies. The bill directs funds for 38 new projects and 35 studies that include repairing locks and dams on inland waterways to boost coastal shorelines against flooding, and protecting the nation’s waters against harmful algal blooms and other invasive species, such as the Asian carp. ... ” Read more from Bloomberg Law here: House panel approves major water infrastructure measure
Garamendi secures wins for Delta and Central Valley in Water Resources Development Act (press release): “Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA), a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, whose district includes 200 miles of the Sacramento River and is adjacent to several major ports, secured key provisions in the “Water Resources Development Act of 2020” (H.R.7575) for the California Delta and Central Valley. The legislation passed the committee unanimously and now heads to the House floor for a vote at the end of July and is expected to become law this year. “This critical legislation supports levee projects throughout the Sacramento Valley, which provides critical flood protection and makes local communities more resilient to climate change,” Garamendi said. “I secured provisions in this bill to authorize and expedite construction of flood protection and aquatic ecosystem restoration projects, address harmful algal blooms in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and give local agencies greater flexibility in using federal Army Corps funds to meet local needs. This is a strong piece of legislation, and I will work tirelessly to ensure it becomes law.”
U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA), who recently offered two amendments to construct water storage projects in California during the U.S. House Appropriations Committee markup of the fiscal year 2021 Energy and Water Appropriations bill, chastised committee Democrats for defeating his proposals. “House Democrats need to stop ignoring the science and common sense that tells us we should build more water storage in California,” Rep. Calvert said. “We know changes in our climate make long periods of drought more likely, making it even more critical to increase our storage of water during wet years.” … ” Read more from the Ripon Advance here:
Feds may cover half of Friant-Kern fix: “The plan to repair subsidence in the Friant-Kern Canal is now eligible for federal funds to cover half of the estimated construction cost. On July 6, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BoR), the federal agency that oversees the canal, finalized a feasibility report for Friant-Kern Canal Middle Reach Capacity Correction Project. Under section 4007 of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, the bureau’s report means up to 50% of the total project costs can be requested from the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and subsequently appropriated by Congress for construction. The bipartisan act was championed by Rep. Kevin McCarthy (CA-23rd District). … ” Read more from the Foothills Sun-Gazette here: Feds may cover half of Friant-Kern fix
Stanford water expert discusses slowdown in federal regulation of drinking water: “It didn’t grab headlines, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision last month to back away from regulating a rocket fuel ingredient in drinking water points to a dramatic shift in federal oversight. The decision was followed by a proposal to slow the process for reviewing chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and delayed action on hazardous perfluorochemicals, PFAS and PFOA, that have been found in various water systems. Below, Richard Luthy, the Silas H. Palmer Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford, discusses how the EPA and individual states regulate water, risks for certain communities and related issues. ... ” Read more from Stanford News here: Stanford water expert discusses slowdown in federal regulation of drinking water
A pandemic and surging summer heat leave thousands struggling to pay utility bills: “When the coronavirus pandemic forced classrooms to close this spring, Leticia Garcia’s family in Fairfax County, Virginia, quickly ran short of money. Garcia cleans schools for a living and, with her hours sharply reduced, found herself at home with her two daughters. She cut their cell phone service to keep the water, gas and electricity on. Now, only Garcia and her son, who helps pay the utility bills, have working phones. “It’s a lot when your hours are reduced, but there are certain things you just can’t cut back on,” she said through a translator about her utility expenses. ... ” Read more from Inside Climate News here: A pandemic and surging summer heat leave thousands struggling to pay utility bills
Phoenix tests water shutoff alternative: “The disk is small and compact, no bigger across than a quarter. But Kathryn Sorensen and the staff at Phoenix Water Services Department think the little device — and the pinhole in its center that severely constricts water flow — could address one of the utility’s most vexing problems. Inserted where the meter connects to the service line, the device cuts the flow of water into the home to a trickle. Phoenix, which began using the devices in early March, only to remove them a few weeks later once the pandemic happened, believes it is the first U.S. utility to use flow restrictors instead of shutting off water to households that are behind on their bills. Sorensen, the director of Phoenix Water, views flow restrictors as a middle ground that preserves the utility’s ability to make sure that bills are paid, while not completely cutting off service to those who don’t. … ” Read more from the Circle of Blue here: Phoenix Tests Water Shutoff Alternative
Research: non-flushable wipes are flooding source water with microplastics: “Though the public at large may continue to dispose of non-flushable wipes through their toilets, wastewater professionals are well aware of their propensity for clogging sewer systems and creating expensive issues. But even these professionals may not be aware of another water system problem that researchers are now tracing back to non-flushable wipes. “Recent research in Ireland looking at commonly flushed personal care products (wet wipes and sanitary pads, specifically) reveals that many of them not only clog sewers, but are also adding to the ocean plastic crisis,” Treehugger reported. … ” Read more from Water Online here: Research: non-flushable wipes are flooding source water with microplastics
EPA scales back requirements for pesticide testing on fish: “The EPA announced Wednesday it will allow pesticide producers to forego certain tests on live fish, which can indicate whether the chemicals accumulate in their bodies and enter the food chain. A wide range of public health and animal rights advocates support the Environmental Protection Agency’s efforts to reduce pesticide testing on animals. But an environmental group is concerned the agency is overlooking a systemic failure to control the chemicals in the environment. ... ” Read more from Bloomberg here: EPA scales back requirements for pesticide testing on fish
States look to dispose of nearly 1 million gallons of PFAS foam: “States across the U.S. are deciding to dispose of nearly 1 million gallons of toxic firefighting foam outside their borders, opting to send the waste to other states to be incinerated or dumped in a landfill. This aqueous film-forming foam, or AFFF, contains chemicals that may cause cancer, liver tissue damage, and other adverse health effects. The chemicals are part of a group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, that have been popping up in drinking water systems across the country. ... ” Read more from Bloomberg Law here: States look to dispose of nearly 1 million gallons of PFAS foam
NEPA OVERHAUL
Trump administration weakens ‘Magna Carta’ of environmental protection acts: “The Trump administration has finalized new regulations reducing the scope of environmental impact reviews on federal infrastructure projects. Trump announced what he described as a “top to bottom overhaul” of the National Environmental Policy Act at an event at the UPS Hapeville Airport Hub in Georgia, claiming the act created “mountains and mountains of red tape.” The new rules eliminate the requirement to estimate the impact of projects on global warming and reportedly shortens the maximum timeline for reviews to between one to two years, as well as limit the types of comments communities can give. … ” Read more from Forbes here: Trump administration weakens ‘Magna Carta’ of environmental protection acts
Trump reins in major environmental law to speed big projects: “President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he is rolling back a foundational Nixon-era environmental law that he says stifles infrastructure projects, but that is credited with keeping big construction projects from fouling up the environment and ensuring there is public input on major projects. “Together we’re reclaiming America’s proud heritage as a nation of builders and a nation that can get things done,” Trump said. … ” Read more from ABC here: Trump reins in major environmental law to speed big projects
3 ways Trump’s NEPA plan overhauls energy projects: “President Trump’s rewrite of a Nixon-era environmental law — if it withstands expected legal challenges and the November election — could have major implications for energy projects, including oil and gas pipelines nationwide. Trump yesterday announced the completion of rules to overhaul the National Environmental Policy Act, vowing the move would lead to quicker turnarounds for buildings and “better roads, bridges, tunnels and highways.” He reserved his remarks on energy to bash his presumed Democratic presidential challenger, former Vice President Joe Biden, using the second official White House event in two days to accuse Biden of pitching an energy plan that “would kill” oil and gas development. “Biden is happy to tie up projects and red tape, and we want to get things built,” Trump said. ... ” Read more from E&E News here: 3 ways Trump’s NEPA plan overhauls energy projects
Removal of Scott Dam key to salmon and steelhead recovery, say Darren Mierau and Charlie Schneider: They write, “Newly installed sonar fish counting stations operated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and California Trout paint a dismal picture for the Eel River’s native salmon and steelhead. While research indicates that at least 26,400 of these migratory fish should return to this river system every year for their populations to rebound, fewer than one-third of that number made the journey this past year. A century ago, as many as one million salmon and steelhead returned to the Eel to reproduce annually. Today, the Eel’s coho salmon, Chinook salmon and steelhead trout populations are all listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. … ” Read more from the Ukiah Daily Journal here: Removal of Scott Dam key to salmon and steelhead recovery
North Yuba Forest Partnership releases interactive story map detailing unique values of North Yuba River watershed and ongoing planning efforts: “In November 2019, a diverse group of nine organizations, known as the North Yuba Forest Partnership, announced its commitment to using best available science in planning and implementing forest restoration at an unprecedented pace and scale within the North Yuba River watershed. Today, the group released an online interactive story map highlighting the ecological and human values within the watershed, the risks posed by high-severity wildfire, and the treatments that can be used to restore forest health and resilience and protect communities within this 275,000-acre landscape. … ” Read more from YubaNet here: North Yuba Forest Partnership releases interactive story map detailing unique values of North Yuba River watershed and ongoing planning efforts
Stockton: Lind Marine Completes Construction of Waterborne Data Center: “Lind Marine, a Shipyard on the Mare Island Naval Complex in Vallejo, California, recently completed construction of a multi-year design-build waterborne data center project for Nautilus Data Technologies and has towed the vessel to Port of Stockton for permanent mooring. The vessel, named “Eli M”, is a 230’L x 55’W x 15’-6”H deck barge constructed in 1969. ... ” Read more from the Maritime Executive here: Lind Marine Completes Construction of Waterborne Data Center
Bay Area: Islais Creek planning process continues at a trickle: “More than a year after planning efforts began, municipal officials and advocates have determined that the Islais Creek Adaption Strategy should include a comprehensive vision for how the watershed can best serve nearby residents, workers and businesses, as well as address ways to manage increasing flood risks. Bayview and the Southern Waterfront are especially vulnerable to sea level rise, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. ... ” Read more from The Portrero View here: Islais Creek Planning Process Continues at a Trickle
Plans to keep region safe from Anderson Dam failure move forward: “The Anderson Reservoir in Morgan Hill held back by a 240-foot dam built in 1950 could be rebuilt following the State Assembly’s passage of AB 3005 in June. The bill authored by Assemblymember Robert Rivas, called the Expedited Dam Safety for Silicon Valley Act will help facilitate and expedite the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project. The project would cost about $576 million but still needs to pass through the State Senate. “Today’s overwhelming vote of support on the Assembly floor underscores the critical importance of expediting the Anderson Dam project,” Assemblymember Rivas had said. “The clock is ticking on a catastrophic dam failure in case of a large earthquake, and we can’t allow bureaucratic delay to increase risks to public safety, water security, and environmental protections.” … ” Read more from the Silicon Valley Voice here: Plans to keep region safe from Anderson Dam failure move forward
Paso Robles: Emergency plan to remove Salinas Riverbed overgrowth moves forward: “On the heels of the June 22nd River Fire in Paso Robles, the city continues to advocate for the ability to implement a Salinas Riverbed Emergency Plan to mitigate hazardous fuels present in the Riverbed. After receiving the proposed plan on June 26th, and meeting with the city on June 30, 2020, the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) granted approval for the city to implement the Emergency Plan. Since the approval of the emergency plan, extensive work has been completed to reduce the threat of wildfire within the Salinas Riverbed corridor. ... ” Read more from the Paso Robles Daily Press here: Paso Robles: Emergency plan to remove Salinas Riverbed overgrowth moves forward
Redlands water-supply leak stopped, with repairs underway: “An underground water-line leak that affected service to 23,000 Redlands residents has been stopped, with service restoration possible for Thursday after repairs and tests are done. Meanwhile, water pressure was at “acceptable” levels on Wednesday, July 15, a city spokesman said. “The leak has been stopped and we have a contractor repairing the pipe right now,” Redlands city spokesman Carl Baker said. The leak was found on Tuesday. Once repairs are done, there will be a pressure and water-sampling tests, he said: “If all goes well, we might be able to turn everything back on sometime Thursday.” … ” Read more from the Redlands Daily Facts here: Redlands water-supply leak stopped, with repairs underway
Utah pipeline likely won’t affect Lake Mead: “A proposed pipeline in Utah could divert approximately 86,000 acre feet of water annually from Lake Mead, but it will most likely not harm the overall water level in the reservoir. The Lake Powell Pipeline is a proposed project that would transport water from Lake Powell to Washington County in Utah. The water would be moved through a 140-mile buried pipeline by five pump stations. Six hydroelectric facilities would supply some of the energy for the stations. ... ” Read more from the Boulder City Review here: Utah pipeline likely won’t affect Lake Mead
We now know how many billions of gallons of water Colorado will save by closing coal-fired power plants: “The closing of 30 coal-fired generating units across the West – including 10 in Colorado – could free-up more than 76 billion gallons of river and groundwater a year in the increasingly parched region, although utilities appear cautious about giving up their water rights. An analysis by the Energy and Policy Institute, a non-profit, utility industry watchdog group, found that there were potential water savings in seven western states – Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Nevada Montana and Wyoming – where coal plant closures are set to close over the next 10 years. ... ” Read more from the Colorado Sun here: We now know how many billions of gallons of water Colorado will save by closing coal-fired power plants
TIM QUINN: Forty Years of California Water Policy: What Worked, What Didn’t, and Lessons for the Future
SCIENCE NEWS: Coho climate challenge: identifying at-risk populations; Chinook salmon declines related to changes in freshwater conditions; Forecast errors and uncertainties in atmospheric rivers; Rising sea levels and river delta growth; and more …
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Image credit: CA streamflow assessment map, courtesy of Belize Lane. From this paper: Lane, B. A., Dahlke, H. E., Pasternack, G. B., & Sandoval‐Solis, S. (2017). Revealing the diversity of natural hydrologic regimes in California with relevance for environmental flows applications. JAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 53(2), 411-430.
