In California water news this weekend …
Rumors of an ‘ARkStorm’ are swirling. Here’s what’s really going on with the California forecast
“Social media have been abuzz about California weather, with rumors flying about how much rain the storms could bring next week. Counter to some online chatter, meteorologists and other experts emphasize that this is not the feared “ARkStorm,” an extreme scenario when persistent downpours would inundate the state and cause devastating floods. While such storms are theoretically possible any given year, “there is not currently any indication whatsoever of an extremely severe statewide catastrophic flood event resulting from a multi-week sequence of storms,” said UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain in a presentation Friday. But a particularly elongated jet stream stretching from Asia to the western United States does point to the potential for wet weather in the coming week. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle. | Read via MSN News.
SEE ALSO:
- After a sunny weekend, another atmospheric river is expected for Sacramento next week, from Capital Public Radio
- What is an atmospheric river, and how will one impact Northern California next week?, from KCRA
Raised from the deep: Sunken WWII tugboat removed from the Delta, heads to scrapyard
“A 1940s-era military tugboat is on the way to its final port of call after crews successfully removed it from the Delta near Stockton last week. The Mazapeta sank Sept. 4 in Little Potato Slough near the former Herman and Helen’s Marina at the end of Eight Mile Road. It had approximately 1,600 gallons of diesel and engine oil, which was leaking heavily at first, but the holes were soon plugged and the spill contained by rubberized floating boom. The city of Stockton coordinated with the Vallejo-based company Lind Marine, which barged the vessel to its drydock facility on Mare Island, where it will eventually be dismantled for salvage. On Jan. 9, a 200-foot crane barge arrived and hovered over the vessel for more than a week while scuba divers drew lines beneath its hull. According to a statement from the U.S. Coast Guard, crews were able to seal, raise, dewater, and remove petroleum products from the vessel. Batteries and other household hazardous items were also removed. … ” Read more from Stocktonia.
Did the 9th circuit just let the EPA ‘fudge’ the numbers on water pollution?
“Ever since the Clean Water Act of 1972 dramatically overhauled the way in which America, through the EPA, monitors and protects its waterways, there has been the struggle between the literal life-and-death need for clean water, and the cold, hard reality that people can, will, and sometimes-have-to release pollutants into the water as part of American life. The balancing mechanism, however, is built right into the act itself in the form of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. … ” Continue reading at JD Supra.
Permeable pavements could reduce coho-killing tire pollutants
“The pore-like structure of permeable pavements may help protect coho salmon by preventing tire wear particles and related contaminants from entering stormwater runoff, according to a Washington State University study. Researchers demonstrated that four types of permeable pavements can act as giant filters, retaining more than 96% of applied tire particle mass. They also captured several tire-associated chemicals, resulting in a 68% average reduction of 6PPD-quinone, a contaminant shown to kill coho salmon in urban streams. The study findings were published in the journal Science of the Total Environment. … ” Read more from Washington State University.
‘Hot droughts’ are becoming more common in the arid West, new study finds
“Take a period of limited rainfall. Add heat. And you have what scientists call a ‘hot drought’ – dry conditions made more intense by the evaporative power of hotter temperatures. A new study, published in the journal Science Advances, Wednesday, finds that hot droughts have become more prevalent and severe across the western U.S. as a result of human-caused climate change. “The frequency of compound warm and dry summers particularly in the last 20 years is unprecedented,” said Karen King, lead author of the study and an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. … ” Read more from KVPR.
In people news this weekend …
Promotions, passings, profiles – submit people news items to maven@mavensnotebook.com.
Thad Bettner joins the Sacramento River Settlement Contractors as its new Executive Director
“The Board of Directors for the Sacramento River Settlement Contractors (SRSC) are pleased to announce that Thad Bettner has joined them as their new Executive Director. In this new and exciting role, Thad will bring his knowledge and combination of leadership and technical skills to coordinate the SRSC and their various efforts to serve water for cities and rural communities, farms and ranches, National Wildlife Refuges, and Chinook salmon along the Sacramento River. Thad will continue to actively partner with federal and state agencies, various conservation organizations, Central Valley Project water contractors and water agencies throughout California, and he will continue to work closely with the Northern California Water Association and water resources managers in the Sacramento Valley. … “
Bay Planning Coalition CEO and EBMUD Director Tom Coleman to resign
“On Tuesday, Director John A. Coleman announced he was resigning from the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) and was moving away. His term expires Dec. 31, 2026. In his statement he said he was resigning from not only the EBMUD, but also from his position as CEO of the Bay Planning Coalition after he accepted a position as manager of Natural Resources at the Calaveras County Water District (CCWD). He would be relocating from Lafayette to Arnold. He anticipated his resignation to be effective in late February. … ” Read more from Contra Costa News.
CDFW biologist honored following historic salmon reintroduction project
“The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has recognized a CDFW senior environmental scientist for his role in the historic effort to return endangered winter-run Chinook salmon to the McCloud River for the first time since construction of the Shasta Dam in the 1940s. Matt Johnson, CDFW’s fisheries supervisor for the winter-run Chinook salmon reintroduction pilot project, was given NOAA’s Partner in the Spotlight Award on Jan. 25, 2024. Johnson oversaw many of the project’s critical components including remote site incubation, trapping of juvenile winter-run and coordinating with project partners including the Winnemem Wintu Tribe. “It was a surprise and an honor. I threw myself 100 percent into the project so I’m appreciative of the recognition. The project turned into a fascinating and unique opportunity to do something new and historic. It was all unexpected,” Johnson said. … ” Read more from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Podcasts …
WHAT MATTERS: Ripple effect: The power of collaboration in San Bernardino Water Management
Welcome to another insightful episode of “What Matters Water TV + Podcast”! In this eye-opening discussion, we dive into the world of water management in California and the power of collaboration with special guests Heather Dyer and Betsy Miller. These two remarkable women, both general managers and biologists, share their experiences working together in San Bernardino Valley to achieve groundbreaking results in groundwater recharge. Their story is a testament to the impact of teamwork and entrepreneurial spirit in water policy, highlighted by their “fail fast” approach to foster innovation and progress. Not only do they tackle complex issues like water conservation, but they also navigate being the only women in professional meetings with grace and determination.
VOICES OF THE VALLEY: Do you really know where your food comes from?
In this week’s episode of Voices of the Valley, we’re breaking through misconceptions in agriculture with Coachella Valley farmer Celeste Alonzo. Alongside her family, Celeste grows bell peppers and corn at Junior Enterprises. She joins Julia Nellis, Social Media Manager at Western Growers, to answer questions WG received on social media about farming. Join us to gain a deeper understanding about the day-to-day intricacies of operating a farm, farmworker safety standards and protection, automation, organic and conventional produce and more.
TALKING UNDER WATER: The intersection of water & food processing
In this episode of Talking Under Water, the hosts talk about the announcement from U.S. EPA Assistant Administrator to the Office of Water Radhika Fox that she is leaving EPA in February, the re-adoption of an emergency regulation for minimum flow of some river in California, Illinois EPA funding availability and how to apply, and the entrance of Aqualia to the U.S. Market. Finally, the interview this episode is with Andy Hanacek, senior editor for Food Processing, a Endeavor Business Media brand covering the food processing industry. Hanacek spoke with host Bob Crossen about trends in food processing related to water and larger tends that overlap with the water industry such as sustainability, decarbonization and water reuse.
WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING: Forecasting a River
Most of us have experienced the drama of rising rivers and streams overtopping a natural embankment or levee and then flooding the streets. Life’s daily activities halt as our homes and communities prepare for these disasters. Fortunately, we have enough time to button up the hatches and seek safe haven. This is possible because we hold a valuable trump card; the river forecaster. Water is a Many Splendor’ed Thing brings you another water relationship that has a personally significant impact to your life. Produced by Steven Baker, Bringing People Together to Solve Water Problems, water@operationunite.co 530-205-6388
In regional water news this weekend …
NORTH COAST
Refilling the reservoir: Water reserves from Upper Klamath Lake used to slow the dropping water levels in Copco reservoir
“The blast from 800 pounds of dynamite released torrents of water Tuesday morning, initiating the drawdown of Copco Lake reservoir. The reservoir dammed by Copco 1 is the largest as well as the last in a series of four dam removal projects to begin the drawdown process. With the 12-foot plug at the base of Copco 1 dam blown, an estimated 4,000 cubic feet of water and sediment gushes from the opening every second. “It’s an uncontrolled release,” Klamath River Renewal Corporation CEO Mark Bransom said. “So, the amount of water coming through is not something we’re controlling.” … ” Read more from the Herald & News.
Protecting salmon in the Shasta River, Klamath Dam demolitions, and more
“We’re rich with environmental news. As of this week, all four of the Klamath River dams slated for demolition have been breached or removed outright. And there’s a proposal to guarantee the Shasta River has enough water for a healthy Habitat. JPR reporters gather for another edition of The Debrief, with News Director Erik Neumann sitting down with reporters Jane Vaughan and Justin Higginbottom.” Read more from Jefferson Public Radio.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
DWR approves local Groundwater Sustainability Plan
“The state Department of Water Resources has approved the Solano Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan, and awarded a $4.4 million grant to implement the plan. “The Department of Water Resources has evaluated the groundwater sustainability plan submitted for the Sacramento Valley – Solano Subbasin and has determined the GSP is approved,” states a letter addressed to Chris Lee, general manager of the Solano County Water Agency. “The approval is based on recommendations from the staff report … which describes that the Solano Subbasin GSP satisfies the objectives of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and substantially complies with the GSP Regulations,” states the letter, signed by Paul Gosselin, deputy director of Sustainable Groundwater Management with DWR. … ” Read more from the Daily Republic.
BAY AREA
Marin Municipal Water District reservoirs reach capacity amid storms
“All seven reservoirs managed by the Marin Municipal Water District hit 100% capacity this week even as more heavy rain is set to soak the county, the district reported. “All of them are spilling,” Lucy Croy, the district’s water quality manager said. “So that’s good to see, and hopefully we can maintain that through the spring.” A series of stacked storms that subsided Wednesday dropped nearly 8 inches of rain into Lake Lagunitas, bringing this season’s district rainfall total to 33.82 inches. That is 122% of the historical average for the date, the district said. At the start of the water year, which begins Oct. 1, district reservoirs were already at 86% capacity, Croy said. This is the highest level on record in 40 years since Kent Dam was raised and the total capacity of all the reservoirs increased to 79,566 acre-feet, she said. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal.
Additional funding considered for Montezuma fish screen project
“The Wildlife Conservation Board will consider at its next meeting awarding a $2.11 million grant to Ducks Unlimited for a fish screen project at the Montezuma Slough intake in the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area. The project is designed to improve water control infrastructure in the southeastern portion of the wildlife area, replacing and relocating deteriorated water intake and fish screen facilities within Montezuma Slough. It also would install new drain pipes within the managed wetlands and improve interior berms – all to secure the resiliency of 5,369 acres of managed wetlands in the Suisun Marsh. … ” Read more from the Daily Republic.
How S.F.’s Embarcadero could be transformed by this $13.5 billion proposal
“If federal planners have their way, and San Francisco can raise its share of the money, the city’s bay shoreline is on the verge of becoming a radically different place. Much of the Embarcadero would be seven feet higher than it is now. So would the Ferry Building — but only after massive construction likely to force the iconic landmark to be closed for months or years. Deployable flood barriers would adorn the bridges crossing Mission Creek. Warehouses south of Dogpatch along Islais Creek could be demolished to create a more water-friendly environment. And it would all happen in less than 20 years. These are elements of the proposed transformation – intended to adapt the waterfront to the future impacts of sea level rise – outlined in a 252-page draft plan being released Friday by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Port of San Francisco. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
SEE ALSO: San Francisco has a $13.5 billion plan to fight off sea level rise. Now what?, from the San Francisco Chronicle
Oakland’s creeks once flowed free from the hills to the Bay. What’s their future?
“It’s hard to tell now, but Oakland used to be flush with creeks. Glimmering streams running down rolling hills to meet the crisp waters of the San Francisco Bay flourished during the East Bay’s not-too-distant past. On the land that became Oakland, around 15 major creeks emptied into the Bay, and over 30 smaller tributaries fed these streams from the hills. Filled with native fish, thriving plant life, and rich soils, the creeks of the East Bay defined the area’s ecological and hydrogeological history. For as long as humans have inhabited the Bay Area, creeks have been a vital life source, providing drinking water and food. … ” Read more from Oaklandside.
USACE, EBMUD officials sign milestone project partnership agreement in Alameda
“Leaders from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers San Francisco District and East Bay Municipal Utility District signed a milestone project partnership agreement today paving the way for construction of the first recycled water pipeline to serve Alameda. The project is boosted by $3.2 million in federal funds appropriated through the Army Corps’ Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Program. The program, authorized through Section 219 of the 1992 Water Resources Development Act, provides planning, design and construction assistance for water and sewer-related environmental infrastructure projects for communities throughout the United States. Congressional leaders, including Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Senator Alex Padilla, and the late Senator Dianne Feinstein helped push for funding for the project as part of federal spending efforts. … ” Read more from the US Army Corps.
Alameda takes first step to use millions of gallons of recycled wastewater
“The city of Alameda is hoping to bring in millions of gallons of recycled wastewater from a treatment plant in Oakland to use for irrigation and industrial purposes — and to avoid wasting drinking water. The plan is to repurpose a currently unused water pipeline under the Oakland Estuary to transport treated and recycled wastewater. Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft spoke at a ceremony Friday, where officials from the East Bay Municipal Utility District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed an agreement to fund the planning and design phase of the project. “The recycled water traveling through this recycled pipeline will help reduce pollution in San Francisco Bay, ensure greater drought and climate resiliency, reduce the use of drinking water for irrigation and industrial uses and improve our emergency preparedness,” Ashcraft said. … ” Read more from KQED.
CENTRAL COAST
Santa Ynez River Basin awarded $5M grant from California Department of Water Resources
“Three Santa Ynez River Valley Groundwater Sustainability agencies will receive $5.5 million in state funding from the California Department of Water Resources. The funds will aid in the implementation and management of groundwater sustainability projects that benefit the communities of Santa Ynez and Lompoc and nearby agricultural lands. … The Santa Ynez River Valley Groundwater Basin stretches from several miles east of Cachuma Lake along the riverbed to Vandenberg Space Force Base, and multiple cities, services districts and others have a stake in its waters. Because of its size and the multiple jurisdictions involved, three groundwater management agencies — the Eastern, Central and Western — were formed to develop sustainability plans for their areas. Eight agencies and various stakeholders will reportedly collaborate in the implementation of sustainable groundwater initiatives affecting the Santa Ynez Basin. … ” Read more from the Lompoc Record.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
South San Joaquin Irrigation District turns snow into quality drinking water
“Snow falling on the upper reaches of the Stanislaus River Basin near Sonora Pass this winter could be flowing through Manteca faucets as water this summer. It’s because roughly 60 percent of the 4.5 billion gallons of water Manteca uses in a typical year is not taken from the 17 wells dispersed throughout the city. It comes from surface sources secured nearly 115 years ago by the South San Joaquin Irrigation District. But it wasn’t until 2007 that SSJID’s water captured to irrigate farms was tapped to help deliver safe and reliable water for Manteca as well as Lathrop and Tracy. … ” Read more from the Manteca Bulletin.
SAN DIEGO
Dry, sunny San Diego was hit with damaging floods. What’s going on? Is it climate change?
“For the second time in a month, torrential flooding returned to Southern California this week with El NIño-fueled rains rolling in off the Pacific Ocean. This time San Diego felt the punch. The city, known for weather “the closest thing to perfect in America,” experienced one of its wettest days on record. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Todd Gloria issued emergency declarations after heavy rainfall created raging rivers, stranding motorists and washing away cars. Such downpours are occurring more often across the country as the warming climate and oceans allow the atmosphere to hold more moisture, climate scientists say. … ” Read more from USA Today.
San Diego city leaders said stormwater system was vulnerable months before rainstorm
“Chris Garcia is tired. Tired of cleaning up after flooding. And tired of the negative impact it’s had on his business, Sports Performance Physical Therapy on Pacific Highway in the Midway District. “We’re doing a full deep clean with products to help kill any bacteria that were here,” Garcia said. “It’s a safety hazard if we don’t do this the right way.” … The flooding he and neighboring businesses along Pacific Highway experienced on Monday is what can happen when the city pump station down the street stops working. … ” Read more from Channel 7.
Column: Flooding again brings focus to San Diego’s shoddy infrastructure
Columnist Michael Smolens writes, “Monday’s monumental storm likely would have caused significant damage no matter how prepared San Diego was. But the extensive, in some cases life-changing wreckage almost certainly would have been reduced — by how much will be the subject of ongoing disputes — if the city had kept up with necessary stormwater projects to improve drainage and lessen pollution flowing into waterways. San Diego has a long history of falling short in flood-prevention works, which is the largest subset of an overall infrastructure gap. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune.
14.5 billion gallons of raw sewage, trash flood Tijuana River Valley
“South Bay communities are dealing with the nasty aftermath of this week’s storm after massive amounts of sewage and trash flooded the Tijuana River Valley at unprecedented levels. The storm sent more than 14.5 billion gallons of untreated raw sewage into California from Mexico, levels officials say have never been seen before. “It is massive, it’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen. It’s a sea of trash,” said Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre. Acres of plastic bottles, containers, tires, and sewage are currently sitting in the Tijuana River Valley. All of it will eventually end up in our ocean, leaving those who live near by feeling the impact. … ” Read more from Channel 8.
In national water news this weekend …
Pesticides are likely impacting invertebrate life essential to our nation’s streams
“A new nationwide study by USGS scientists provides additional scientific evidence that pesticides are likely negatively impacting aquatic invertebrate community health and therefore the health of our stream and river ecosystems. The USGS used multiple research strategies from statistical modeling to laboratory experiments to sampling in more than 400 streams across the United States. Scientists determined that four pesticides – bifenthrin, chlordane, fipronil and imidacloprid – were each likely impacting the health of aquatic invertebrates at the regional scale in at least one of the five regions studied. Pesticides are used in agricultural and urban environments to control a variety of pests including invertebrates such as insects, mammals such as rodents, fungi, algae, and plants. They act through a variety of modes on the target organism; however, non-target organisms are often affected either through direct toxicity or secondary or indirect impacts to prey species or habitat. Overspray, drift, and runoff may carry a pesticide far from its application site. … ” Continue reading from the USGS.
Veolia’s Municipal Water division suffers ransomware cyberattack
“Veolia North America’s Municipal Water division has been affected by a cyberattack. Veolia announced on January 19 that a ransomware attack affected some of the division’s software applications and systems. The company stated that some individuals’ “personal information was potentially impacted.” Veolia told WaterWorld that it was unable to provide more information about the personal information impacted at this time. Cyberattacks bring a risk of leaking sensitive personal information to attackers, such as social security numbers. … ” Read more from Water World.
Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …
NOTICE of consideration of a proposed resolution to reapprove the final initial biological goals for Lower San Joaquin River Flow Objectives
