DAILY DIGEST, weekend edition: Deal to help fish threatened by federal agencies; What MID & TID think about solar panels on top of canals; Sierra Meadows key to combatting climate change effects; David ‘Mas’ Masumoto on CA peaches and water; and more …

In California water news this weekend …

Deal to help fish threatened by federal agencies

“Water releases designed to benefit the critical outmigration of juvenile salmon on the Stanislaus River as well as assist farms and communities along the west side of the San Joaquin Valley already starting to suffer the effects of two consecutive dry years is languishing in the federal bureaucracy.  Up to 100,000 acre feet is proposed to be released that belongs to the South San Joaquin and Oakdale irrigation districts that would provide a critical impulse flow from April 15 to May 15.  That water based on measurements at Vernalis south of Manteca where the Stanislaus River joins the San Joaquin River would significantly improve  the survivability of the threatened salmon. … ”  Read more from the Manteca Bulletin here: Deal to help fish threatened by federal agencies

Solar panels atop canals? UC Merced study finds big potential. What do MID, TID think?

Sierra Meadows strategy: Source waters hold the key to combatting the effects of climate change

“In 2016—after two years of rigorous scientific study by CalTrout and its partners in the Sierra Meadows Partnership—the Sierra Meadows Strategy for restoring and protecting our state’s Sierra Nevada meadows was officially released. A key piece of CalTrout’s source-waters-to-sea approach to combatting the effects of drought and climate change, this strategy developed among a broad coalition of conservation partners aims to restore and conserve meadows throughout the Sierra Nevada, protecting a major source of our state’s water supply and critical habitats to fish and other species. … ”  Read more from Cal Trout here: Sierra Meadows strategy: Source waters hold the key to combatting the effects of climate change

PPIC Fact Sheet: Access to safe drinking water

“Not every Californian has access to safe and reliable drinking water.  Although most residents have safe drinking water, more than 250 water systems serving 900,000 people were out of compliance with drinking water standards in 2020. This is a chronic issue for some systems; more than 170 have been out of compliance for three or more years. More than half of these noncompliant systems are in the San Joaquin Valley—California’s largest farming region and home to a third of the state’s low-income communities. Some tribal water systems face similar challenges. Data are lacking on water quality provided by roughly 1,500 very small, county-regulated water systems and more than 350,000 domestic wells, but some of these supplies may have chronic issues as well. … ”  Read more from the PPIC here: PPIC Fact Sheet: Access to safe drinking water

California State Water Board working on new construction stormwater general permit for 2021

“Barack Obama was seven months into his first term as President of the United States, the World Health Organization had declared a H1N1 flu pandemic, and the California State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) adopted the current Construction General Permit for Stormwater Discharges (Permit or CGP). It was September 2009. Now, having administratively extended the Permit since 2014 when, by its terms, the Permit expired, the State Board may, under a schedule released late last year, soon release a new draft CGP for public comment, with a goal of adopting it late this summer. … ”  Read more from the National Law Review here:  California State Water Board working on new construction stormwater general permit for 2021

Push to reduce plastic waste gains traction in Sacramento and D.C.

“If the mountain of proposed legislation is any indication, lawmakers are increasingly primed to crack down on the plastic waste that is littering roadsides, washing onto beaches and into oceans, being digested by fish, and ending up in our own bellies.  In Sacramento, at least a dozen bills go after plastic pollution from a variety of angles, including reducing the amount of single-use plastics and refilling returnable beverage bottles. … But there are obstacles, particularly opposition from business interests and a lack of consensus among lawmakers. ... ”  Read more from the Long Beach Press-Telegram here:  Push to reduce plastic waste gains traction in Sacramento and D.C.

California Department of Justice expresses concern over proposal to allow exploratory drilling in the Suisun Marsh

“The California Department of Justice (DOJ) today filed comments with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) regarding Sunset Exploration’s proposal to drill for natural gas in the Suisun Marsh. Located in the San Francisco Bay-Delta, this 88,000-acre wetland is home to a number of endangered and threatened species, including California Ridgway’s rail, black rail, and Chinook salmon – and is just a few short miles from environmental justice communities in Solano County. In today’s letter, DOJ urges the Army Corps to fully consider the proposal’s significant environmental impacts, including harm to these communities and protected species, as well as increased greenhouse gas emissions, before deciding whether to grant the requested permit.  … ”  Continue reading this press release from the CA Department of Justice here:  California Department of Justice expresses concern over proposal to allow exploratory drilling in the Suisun Marsh

Secretary Ross on how agriculture is contributing to the state’s climate goals

“During February, CDFA’s Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation held a series of meetings with farmers and ranchers to get their input on ways to sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve biodiversity to help meet California’s climate goals. CDFA released a preliminary report from those sessions Tuesday (March 30). Secretary Karen Ross spoke with Agri-Pulse about those meetings and how ag is contributing to the state’s climate goals.  “This is about helping to solve the biggest challenge of our time. Nothing’s more rewarding than to be able to grow food and feed people, but to be able to do this and solve these problems and to be able to improve not only nutrition for people, but the health of our planet… who wouldn’t want to be in agriculture?” … ”  Read the interview at CDFA’s Planting Seeds here: Secretary Ross on how agriculture is contributing to the state’s climate goals

Pest management workgroup seeks sustainable alternatives to pesticides

“Recently, the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) announced a new workgroup, devoted to a forward movement of integrated pest management (IPM). The Sustainable Pest Management Workgroup is made up of farmers, community members, university researchers, representatives from the pesticide industry, commodity groups, etcetera. The new workgroup will help identify practices, protocols, and tools to make the shift to safe pest management a reality. … ”  Read more from Ag Net West here: Pest management workgroup seeks sustainable alternatives to pesticides

State advances plan to protect 30% of lands

“Over the last few decades, California has been impacted by the global trends of climate change. Our state has a very unique geography and population that sees various local impacts ranging from wildfires, drought, loss of biodiversity, and general public health concerns.  However, as we face different environmental threats we also must realize that our economy, communities, and future depend on a healthy environment.  Much of the original oak woodland and wetland habitat of Tulare County has been changed and lost as the rise of the agricultural industry converted much of the area into farmland while redirecting most of the rivers in the area. … ”  Read more from the Foothills Sun-Gazette here:  State advances plan to protect 30% of lands

Return to top

In regional water news this weekend …

Irrigators take aim at Klamath River flushing flows in court

“As the Klamath Basin approaches one of its driest summers on record, Upper Klamath Lake is already being subjected to a three-way tug-of-war in court. While the Klamath Tribes want water to remain in the lake, irrigators want it diverted to the Klamath Project — and neither party wants to see more water sent down the Klamath River. Earlier this week, Klamath Irrigation District filed an emergency motion against the Bureau of Reclamation in Klamath County Circuit Court, requesting a judge bar the agency from releasing water from Upper Klamath Lake for flushing flows in the Klamath River this spring. … ”  Read more from the Herald & News here: Irrigators take aim at Klamath River flushing flows in court

Northern California: Closed launch ramps, less house boats potential results of low water levels this summer

“As California emerges from a second consecutive dry winter, those hoping to hop onto the waters of Lake Oroville this summer may have some obstacles to overcome first.  Low lake levels and small California snowpacks are causing concerns amongst lake officials. While they do not have all the necessary information as of yet, they say the little they do show that water levels are going down. … ”  Read more from KRCR here: Northern California: Closed launch ramps, less house boats potential results of low water levels this summer

Sacramento: Water saved for ‘not so rainy days’ to be used this year

“A water system that may actually help usher the greater Sacramento region through this dry water year — rather painlessly — is often overlooked.  Water providers said most people think of Folsom Lake or the American River, the sources of water that can be visibly seen. Those bodies of water, however, only make up half of our water picture.  Groundwater also plays a vital role, and in a dry year like this one, we’ll need to rely on it to a greater degree, according to water providers. … ”  Read more from KCRA Channel 3 here: Sacramento: Water saved for ‘not so rainy days’ to be used this year

Delta Protection Advisory Committee seeks applicants

The Delta Protection Advisory Committee (DPAC) provides recommendations to the Delta Protection Commission (DPC) on diverse interests within the Delta. The Commission is looking to appoint 5 members to the Committee for three-year terms. The commission is seeking applicants who are a Delta business representative, a Delta agriculture representative, a Delta recreation representative, a Delta nonprofit habitat/conservation representative and a state agency representative.  Click here for the application.

North Bay braces for water cuts with reservoirs at record lows after second dry winter

“Anyone paying attention to the season’s paltry rainfall has seen it coming for some time, but recent pronouncements about the state of the region’s water supply make it plain: hard times lie ahead.  Lake Sonoma and Lake Mendocino are both at their lowest levels ever for this time of year — after two consecutive years in which the combined rainfall totals barely measure up to a single average year. … ”  Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: North Bay braces for water cuts with reservoirs at record lows after second dry winter

A conversation about the past, present, and future of nature in San Francisco

“SFEI and its partners from the Exploratorium, the San Francisco Department of the Environment, and the Presidio Trust were joined live by over 400 participants for a conversation around the nature, both past and present, that has been hidden in plain sight in San Francisco. On Wednesday, February 24th, SFEI unveiled its mapping of San Francisco’s historical ecology and shared stories that uncover the mysteries of San Francisco’s ecological past. We then explored how these stories about the city’s past help us understand the ecology of the city today and reimagine a healthier and more resilient future. View the event recording and join us on our journey touring the past, present, and future of nature in San Francisco. ” View event video from Hidden SF here:  A conversation about the past, present, and future of nature in San Francisco

Towards a Coarse Sediment Strategy for the Bay Area

“The release of “Towards a Coarse Sediment Strategy for the Bay Area” represents a step forward towards beneficially reusing coarse flood control channel sediment by outlining reuse challenges, and identifying incentives for participation and potential solutions. This work was funded by the US EPA Water Quality Improvement Fund Preparing for the Storm grant and conducted by SFEI, in partnership with Zone 7 Water Agency and the San Francisco Bay Joint Venture.  This document represents collective understanding from the Coarse Sediment Reuse Workshop, held on November 12th, 2020, hosted by the project team and funded by the grant. The goal of the workshop was to gain knowledge and feedback from participants’ experience in removing, transporting, reusing, and permitting coarse sediment, specifically with a focus on reuse of flood control channel sediment for Bayland restoration. … ”  Read the report from SFEI here:  Towards a Coarse Sediment Strategy for the Bay Area

Pure Water Monterey expansion SEIR revision work approved

“A $230,000 revision of the Pure Water Monterey expansion project’s environmental review document will move forward after the Monterey One Water board approved the work earlier this week.  At the same time, board members backing the study revision made it clear they wouldn’t support approving the recycled water expansion proposal itself until an outside funding source is available.  On Monday, the Monterey One Water board voted 7-3 to approve the work needed to update a supplemental environmental impact report for the expansion proposal, including consultant contracts and a cost-sharing agreement with the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District whose board agreed last month to cover most of the revision’s cost. … ”  Read more from the Monterey Herald here: Pure Water Monterey expansion SEIR revision work approved

Monterey: One agency’s effort to revive a dormant water battle shows the consequences of elections

“Monterey One Water’s effort to expand its Pure Water Monterey project and provide more clean water to the Peninsula through filtering and recycling sewage took a significant step forward on March 29. The agency’s board of directors said yes to updating a required study on the project’s environmental impact.  Completion and the board’s certification of the study are prerequisites for a Pure Water Monterey expansion, which has been controversial in recent years. The board’s support signals shifting political tides around the issue. … ”  Read more from Monterey Weekly here: Monterey: One agency’s effort to revive a dormant water battle shows the consequences of elections

LOIS HENRY: State will hear Kern River water rights case

“Is there water available on the Kern River and, if so, how much? Parties to the long-running river dispute will finally get a hearing by the State Water Resources Control Board on those questions, at least.  The big question — who should get the water? — will have to wait. Still, this is the first significant public movement on the Kern River in the past 11 years. … ”  Read more from the Bakersfield Californian here:  LOIS HENRY: State will hear Kern River water rights case

The flow of snowmelt into Isabella Lake expected to be a dismal 26 percent of normal

“Anyone who pays attention to rain, and especially snow in the mountains that make up the Kern River watershed, already knows that this year’s snowpack is pretty dismal.  But just how bad is it?  The State Department of Water Resources and the Kern River watermaster are forecasting a spring-summer snowmelt in the Kern River watershed that is going to be water-stingy at best. ... ”  Read more from the Tehachapi News here:  The flow of snowmelt into Isabella Lake expected to be a dismal 26 percent of normal

Agreement to protect tiger salamander, allow vineyard near Lompoc

“A recently completed mitigation agreement will conserve 320 acres of California tiger salamander habitat while allowing development of a vineyard that’s currently underway on the 684-acre property in the Purisima Hills near Lompoc.  The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, private equity firm Homestead Capital and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service worked out the agreement with the unidentified land owner that will conserve prime habitat for the federally endangered salamander as well as other wildlife species. ... ”  Read more from the Lompoc Record here: Agreement to protect tiger salamander, allow vineyard near Lompoc

Oceanside Harbor dredge mobilizes under new safety plan

“A new safety plan has been created for Oceanside’s annual spring harbor dredging and beach replenishment after a homeless woman sleeping on the beach was run over and killed last year. Every morning workers will look for people sleeping on the beach, and a heavy equipment corridor will be established with traffic delineators, barricades and signs. Crew work areas will be surrounded with chain link fencing with locked gates to prevent unauthorized access, states a copy of the safety plan provided to the city. … ”  Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune here:  Oceanside Harbor dredge mobilizes under new safety plan

Next door in Nevada …

Commentary:  Wall Street wants Nevada’s water.  Will lawmakers let them have it?

Kyle Roerink, executive director of the Great Basin Water Network, writes, “If Wall Street wanted to have more control over Nevada’s water supply what would it do: Look no further than AB354 and AB356.  If I were thirsty and deep-pocketed, I would limit the due process rights of Nevadans, bar access to the courts, and make a mockery of things like public comment. I would legitimize dangerous and speculative water plays (currently illegal) and throw out the fundamentals that have guided our water law for more than a century.   Lastly, I would create a loose framework for a marketplace that allows those with the most money and power to buy, sell, and export our water resources with as little oversight as possible. I would let regulators have unfettered discretion to pick winners and losers. Then I would let me –– the Wall Street power broker –– manage the water. Lastly –– and most importantly –– I would let entities with water rights sit on their water without putting it to use.  Guess what? AB354 and AB356 do all the above in grotesque fashion. … ”  Continue reading at the Sierra Nevada Ally here: Commentary:  Wall Street wants Nevada’s water.  Will lawmakers let them have it?

Along the Colorado River …

Agencies: Arizona farmers should expect less water in 2022

“State officials are putting farmers in south-central Arizona on notice that the continuing drought means a “substantial cut” in deliveries of Colorado River water is expected next year.  A joint statement issued Friday by the state Department of Water Resources and the Central Arizona Project said an expected shortage declaration “will result in a substantial cut to Arizona’s share of the river, with reductions falling largely to central Arizona agricultural users.”  The Central Arizona Project is an aqueduct system that delivers Colorado River water to users in central Arizona and southern Arizona, including farmers, cities and tribes. … ”  Read more from the Associated Press here:  Agencies: Arizona farmers should expect less water in 2022

Legal victory puts Arizona, New Mexico fish back on path to federal protections

“A federal judge on Thursday overturned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2017 withdrawal of a proposed rule to protect the lower Colorado River basin roundtail chub as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The judge ordered the agency to reconsider within a year whether the fish warrants protection.  “We’re thrilled the court rejected the Trump administration’s cynical attempt to deny roundtail chubs the protections they need,” said Ryan Shannon, a staff attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. “This ruling recognizes the dire straits the chub is in and calls the Service to task for delaying safeguards for decades.” ... ”  Continue reading this press release at the Center for Biological Diversity here: Legal victory puts Arizona, New Mexico fish back on path to federal protections

Mega drought impacts western states

“If you think this winter was dry, you are right. In fact, it appears the entire west is in the middle of a mega drought according to NOAA, Meteorologist Alex Tardy with the National Weather Service.  “Researchers have defined the mega drought as about 20 years of drought,” said Tardy.  This year, we’re four plus inches below average.  May not sound like much, right, but when our annual is only 10″ we’re missing half of our rainfall.”  The lack of precipitation extends across the Colorado Basin.  … ”  Read more from Channel 8 here: Mega drought impacts western states

Colorado’s snowpack was almost normal this winter, but it may not be enough water for the year

“The blizzard that dumped snow along the Front Range in March helped Colorado nearly reach its average snowpack for the winter, federal data shows.  But last year’s historically dry weather means that streams are likely to run lower than normal, potentially restricting the amount of water some consumers can use, experts said Thursday.  “We don’t ever like to see back-to-back below average years,” said Keith Musselman, a hydrologist with the University of Colorado Boulder. “Those years can piggyback on each other to build into drought conditions. And that’s always the concern.” ... ”  Read more from Colorado Public Radio here: Colorado’s snowpack was almost normal this winter, but it may not be enough water for the year

In national water news this weekend …

April 2021 outlook: Warmth expected for much of the contiguous US…except you, Pacific Northwest

“Spring across the United States is prime weather-whiplash season. One day it could be sunny and 75° F. The next, it might be snowing. But on a monthly timescale, what is favored for April 2021? The April 2021 outlook from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center predicts a tilt in the odds towards warmer-than-average temperatures across much of the contiguous United States and drier-than-average conditions across the southern tier.  A reminder: the climate outlook maps are not a forecast for the absolute temperature or precipitation amounts in April. Instead, they are the probability (percent chance) that April temperatures or precipitation will be in the upper, middle, or lower third of the climatological record (1981-2010) for April. (Note: the climatological record will shift to 1991-2020 later this year). … ”  Continue reading at Climate.gov here: April 2021 outlook: Warmth expected for much of the contiguous US…except you, Pacific Northwest

Industries urged to weigh in on global plastics restrictions

“Companies that make, use, dispose, and recycle plastics must participate in international efforts to restrict plastic waste and chemicals used to make plastic, because the policies will affect how they do business, industry officials say.  Recent and predicted global restrictions on plastic were among the topics discussed this week at the Global Chemical Regulations Conference. The annual meeting was attended by companies such as Exxon Mobil Corp., Occidental Chemical Corp., Royal Dutch Shell plc, as well as law, consulting, and chemical testing firms, U.S. and international government agencies.  Industry engagement in plastic policy initiatives is essential, said speakers including Anastasia Swearingen, director of global affairs at the American Chemistry Council, which organized the conference. ... ”  Read more from Bloomberg Law here: Industries urged to weigh in on global plastics restrictions

Photo gallery of Shasta, Lake Oroville, and San Luis Reservoir

Catch up on last week’s news in the Weekly Digest …

WEEKLY WATER NEWS DIGEST for March 28 – April 2: Lookout Slough project appealed; CA’s rainy season is becoming shorter and sharper; plus all the top water news of the week

Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …

HYDROVISIONS: Considerations for developing an Aquifer Storage and Recovery program; Managing PFAS; Well development programs & their importance; and more …

FAMILY FARM ALLIANCE: April Monthly Briefing | Infrastructure Hearings & Proposals | Biden Cabinet Update | And more…

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: CalEPA Now Accepting Applications for Environmental Justice Grants (2021 Cycle)

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: NRCS Invites Proposals for 2021 Conservation Innovation Grants

PUBLIC MEETING: Development of Potential Amendments to the Water Quality Control Plans for Tribal Beneficial Use Designations

Return to top