Several news sources featured in the Daily Digest may limit the number of articles you can access without a subscription. However, gift articles and open-access links are provided when available. For more open access California water news articles, explore the main page at MavensNotebook.com.
In California water news this weekend …
Dramatic pattern shift: dry weather on the horizon for the West Coast
“Multiple waves of storms will dampen the West Coast into the start of the new week, AccuWeather forecasters say. Through at least Tuesday, the wet stretch will be ongoing for cities such as Portland, Oregon, Seattle, and Eureka, California, as rounds of rain saturate areas of Washington, Oregon and California. … By midweek, a dramatic shift in the pattern will take place and result in drier and warmer conditions. Forecasters say that a northward bulge in the jet stream will become amplified along the West Coast, ushering in warmth from the south. … ” Read more from AccuWeather.
California reservoirs topping off, quelling drought fears
“A growing number of reservoirs in California have topped out water according to new reports on Friday, with state Department of Water Resources (DWR) officials having to release hundreds of billions of water through controlled releases since the beginning of the year. Only two years ago, the state was facing a record-breaking drought. With a lack of rain falling and local urban and agricultural centers demanding more water after aquifer levels began dropping with over usage, reservoirs such as Lake Shasta and Lake Oroville began to see record lows. Pumping limits were implemented, many farms were cut off, and many reduction targets were put into place. Near the end of 2022, with the state under drought conditions, many scientists predicted that the drought would last years. … ” Read more from the California Globe.
Press release: Environmental and fishing groups raise alarm about ongoing killing of federally protected fish by the Central Valley Project and State Water Project
“On March 6, a coalition of environmental and fishing groups reiterated their request that a federal court modify federal agencies’ proposed interim plan for operating the federal Central Valley Project (CVP), in coordination with the State Water Project (SWP), to protect fish species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and California Endangered Species Act (CESA). That coalition includes the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, the Golden State Salmon Association, The Bay Institute, Defenders of Wildlife, and Natural Resources Defense Council. Coinciding with that filing has been a recent dramatic increase of protected steelhead dying at the projects’ water pumps. … ” Continue reading this press release.
Show Time: DWR files petition to change water rights for Delta tunnel despite pending lawsuit and widespread opposition
“On February 22, 2024, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) submitted a water rights petition for change in point of diversion to the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) for the Delta Conveyance Project also known as the Delta tunnel. DWR submitted this petition despite broad opposition to the project from environmental advocacy groups, environmental justice groups, Native American tribes, and Delta cities and counties. CSPA opposes the Delta Conveyance Project primarily because it would divert more water away from the Bay-Delta, and thus have a detrimental effect on Delta water quality, the Bay-Delta ecosystem generally, and Delta fisheries in particular. CSPA opposed previous incarnations of the Delta Conveyance Project for the same reason. … ” Read more from the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance.
Harder leads coalition urging Army Corps of Engineers to deny permit for Delta Tunnel ‘water grab’
“Representative Josh Harder (CA-9) is leading a group of his Delta region colleagues to urge the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to deny a permit for the now-infamous Delta Tunnel – what Harder calls “the zombie project” that just keeps coming back. “The State recently released an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) confirming that the project will threaten endangered fish populations, destroy farmland, and harm water quality,” the assemblyman’s office said in a statement. “Harder is calling attention to the deeply concerning long-term impacts that the Delta Tunnel project would have on the Delta itself, the local agriculture industry, and the environment.” Harder soon elaborated on the point himself. … ” Read more from the Sacramento News & Review.
California’s landmark plastic pollution law moves forward
“ California today took another step in implementing the nation’s most comprehensive measure to tackle the rise in plastic waste polluting our communities and ecosystems. Plastic waste is a major contributor to climate and trash pollution, with less than 9% of plastic recycled in California and the rest of the U.S. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54) in 2022, which requires producers to cut single-use plastic waste and ensure the packaging on products they sell is recyclable or compostable. The state today released draft regulations for the measure, kicking off the formal rulemaking process. “For too long, plastic polluters have passed the buck on the growing burden of plastic waste contaminating the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat,” said Governor Newsom. “California is leading the way to hold producers responsible, drive sustainable innovation and green jobs, and support the most impacted communities. We have to act now, with urgency, to give our kids a future without plastic pollution.” … ” Read more from the Office of the Governor.
SEE ALSO: Opinion: California faces an uphill battle against plastic, from the LA Times
‘California Forever’ releases new renderings of Bay Area development, TV ad
“California Forever, planning to set to roll out a newly made cable advertisement this week on local television channels, released a new rendering of its proposed development. The new ad features people identified as Solano County locals asking questions about the project, including “Where would this city be built?” and “What is it going to mean for Solano County?” The ad describes California Forever’s targeted land as “some of the worst for agriculture in Solano County. Land where for years and years, nothing much has been able to grow.” The ad promises “walkable, middle class neighborhoods that we can afford” and a new security zone for Travis Air Force Base with “no development, just solar and agriculture.” … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News.
In people news this weekend …
Promotions, passings, profiles – submit people news items to maven@mavensnotebook.com.
Ellen Wehr: A Champion for the Central Valley’s Wetlands and Water
“Ellen Wehr grew up in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York. At the age of 18, she followed her passion and moved across the country to the Pacific Northwest, where she pursued an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science from The Evergreen State College in Washington. Her experiences working for a year as part of the Conservation Corps at Mount Rainier National Park cemented her love of being outdoors. As a hiking and backpacking enthusiast, she relishes time spent exploring natural spaces. Ellen graduated from Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon, with a focus in water rights, and she spent the following decade in Sacramento, California, working on water and land use issues for private law firms. She now serves as general counsel for the Grassland Water District (GWD) in California’s Central Valley, where GWD delivers water to an extensive network of privately managed wetlands and state and federal wildlife refuges. A full-time advocate for wetlands and the water they provide in the Central Valley, Ellen has devoted the past decade of her life to working toward achieving full water supplies for Central Valley refuges. … ” Continue reading from Ducks Unlimited.
Water Blueprint taps Eddie Ocampo as chairperson
“The Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley is pleased to announce the election of Eddie Ocampo, Director of Community Sustainability at Self-Help Enterprises, as its new Chair. Ocampo brings a wealth of experience and expertise in water management and community development to his new role, and the board is confident in his ability to lead the organization forward. Ocampo expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “I am honored to serve as the president of the Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley. I look forward to working with stakeholders across the region to advance our shared goals of sustainable water management and equitable access to resources.” In addition to Ocampo’s election, the Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley welcomes two new directors to its board … ” Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Blueprint.
Appointments …
Thomas Gibson, of West Sacramento, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the California Department of Water Resources
… where he has served as Chief Counsel since 2021. He held multiple positions at the California Natural Resources Agency from 2014 to 2020, including Deputy Secretary, Special Counsel for Water, Undersecretary, and General Counsel. Gibson held multiple positions at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife from 2007 to 2014, including General Counsel and Assistant Chief Counsel. He held several roles at Best, Best, & Krieger LLP from 2002 to 2008, including Partner and Associate. Gibson was an Associate at Hyman, Phelps & McNamara PC from 1999 to 2002 and at Kronick, Moskovitz, Tiedemann & Girard PC from 1997 to 1999. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $209,712. Gibson is registered without party preference.
Ann Carroll, of Davis, has been appointed Chief Counsel at the California Department of Water Resources
… where she has served as Deputy General Counsel since 2019 and was Acting General Counsel in 2021. Carroll held several roles at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control from 2012 to 2019, including Assistant Chief Counsel and Senior Staff Counsel. She was Staff Counsel at the State Water Resources Control Board from 2009 to 2012. Carroll held several roles at the California District Attorneys Association from 2006 to 2009, including Circuit Prosecutor and Research Attorney. She is a member of the North Davis Elementary Parent Teacher Association and the Davis Odd Fellows. Carroll earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Arizona. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Santa Clara University School of Law. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $209,712. Carroll is a Democrat.
Gayle Miller, of Sacramento, has been appointed to the Delta Stewardship Council.
Miller has been Senior Counselor on Infrastructure and Clean Energy Finance for the Governor since 2022 and Chief Deputy Director of Policy at the California Department of Finance since 2019. She was Senior Policy Advisor at the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration from 2018 to 2019. Miller was Deputy Controller, Director of Policy in the Office of the State Controller from 2017 to 2018. She served as a Principal Consultant in the Office of the State Senate President pro Tempore from 2016 to 2018. Miller held several positions in the California State Senate, including Consultant in the Office of Research from 2014 to 2016, Staff Director for the Governance and Finance Committee from 2006 to 2014 and Principal Consultant at the Revenue and Taxation Committee from 2001 to 2005. She was Director of Government Affairs at Anthem Blue Cross from 2005 to 2006, Legislative Director in the Office of State Assemblymember Alan Lowenthal from 1999 to 2001 and a Legislative Aid and Assembly Fellow in the Office of State Assemblymember Tom Torlakson from 1997 to 1999. Miller earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of California, Berkeley and a Master of Business Administration degree from Columbia University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $55,738. Miller is Democrat.
Daniel Zingale, of Sacramento, has been reappointed to the Delta Stewardship Council
… where he has served since 2020. Zingale has been a part-time Strategic Advisor at Sacramento Advocates Inc. since 2022. He was Senior Advisor for Strategy and Communications in the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom from 2019 to 2020. Zingale was Senior Vice President at the California Endowment from 2010 to 2019. He held several roles in the Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger from 2005 to 2010, including Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff to First Lady Maria Shriver. Zingale served on the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board from 2003 to 2005. He served as Cabinet Secretary in the Office of Governor Gray Davis in 2003. Zingale was Executive Director for AIDS Action from 1996 to 1997. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley and a Master of Public Administration degree from Harvard University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $55,738. Zingale is a Democrat.
Podcasts …
ECONEWS REPORT: Dam removal is sometimes messy (but worth it)
Klamath River dam removal is underway, with drawdown of the three largest reservoirs occurring now and physical removal of these dam structures scheduled for this summer. The dams have impacted the river for over a hundred years and dam removal has its own environmental impacts. While fish biologists and water quality scientists are confident that the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term impacts, a loud group of dam removal antagonists have glommed onto the ‘messy’ part of this massive ecosystem restoration project — temporary increases in suspended sediment and associated impacts to water quality and the recent mortality event of hatchery juvenile salmon— to continue their fight against dam removal. Luckily, Toz Soto, Senior Fisheries Biologist with the Karuk Tribe, and Dr. Maia Singer, Senior Scientist at Stillwater Sciences, join the show to help sort fact from fiction.
WE GROW CALIFORNIA: Survey says! Results of a recent CA voter poll
Justin Wallin, a recognized expert in accurately measuring public opinion, forecasting outcomes, and identifying the most effective ways to influence thoughts and behaviors joins Darcy and Darcy this week and discusses a recent California voter poll. Justin covers questions he asked in the field including ocean desalination and water recycling investments, the importance of food to National Security, and more. There were some surprises and confirmation of some things we hoped were the case.
WATER SHELF PODCAST: Dr. Peter Gleick, The Three Ages of Water
On this inaugural episode of the Water Shelf Podcast, Justin Scott Coe interviews about his recently published and highly acclaimed book, The Three Ages of Water. Dr. Peter Gleick is renowned nationally and internationally for his more than four decades of water science and policy work, and is perhaps the world’s most widely known and cited water expert. Dr. Gleick is Senior Fellow, Co-Founder, and President Emeritus at the Pacific Institute which creates and advances solutions to the world’s most pressing water challenges.
WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING: Water is Gold
A wonderful opportunity for a student is to work with scientists that have a genuine love of the earth sciences. I did this during the later years of my geologic studies while attending the Ohio State University. Years later, I had the good fortune to meet Marcia McNutt, the former director of the US Geologic Survey. She shared with me the scope of the Geologic Survey and how water fits into their mission. 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
WATERLOOP: 50 years of safer drinking water
2024 is the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the landmark federal legislation designed to protect public health by regulating the quality of drinking water in the United States. This episode features a discussion with Alan Roberson, Executive Director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators. He explores the state of America’s drinking water before the enactment of SDWA, the fundamental changes brought about by the law, and the progress of the past 50 years. Alan highlights how the 1986 and 1996 amendments to SDWA strengthened regulations and expanded the scope of protections. He also talks about opportunities to improve SDWA and changes that may shape the next 50 years of drinking water safety.
Book review …
BOOK REVIEW: Water for All: Global Solutions for a Changing Climate
“In Water for All: Global Solutions for a Changing Climate (Yale University Press, 2023), Dr. David Sedlak charts a realistic, practical, and inspiring course of action for tackling the world’s water crises. Sedlak’s remarkable book is both broad in scope and meticulously researched, and his writing style is engaging for professional and general readers. Those seeking sensible, well-informed, all-of-the-above solutions to water issues should have Water for All on their shelves. Water for All builds on Sedlak’s previous work, Water 4.0: The Past, Present, and Future of the World’s Most Vital Resource (Yale University Press, 2014), which charts the history of human water development up to the present and points to the future. In Water for All, Sedlak makes more particular our current path toward water solutions, classifying the world’s water crises into six categories, differentiated by economic, political, and use criteria: water for the wealthy, for the many, for the unconnected, for good health, for food, and for ecosystems. Doing so allows him and his reader to understand the diversity of water development that has occurred to date, as well as the options and opportunities for cross-pollination of good ideas, workable technologies, and best practices that can lead to global solutions. … ” Continue reading from the Water Shelf at Maven’s Notebook.
In regional water news this weekend …
NORTH COAST
Wild Klamath River fish unaffected by hatchery fish mortality event, Karuk Tribe reports
“The Karuk Tribe Fisheries Department reports that fish collected in the mainstem Klamath near the Scott River are healthy and strong. “We are pleased to say that despite the sediment loads associated with draining the reservoirs, we are finding healthy wild juvenile Chinook making their way downstream to the ocean,” said Toz Soto, Fisheries Program Manager for the Tribe. Since Iron Gate, Copco, and JC Boyle dams were breached in January, the river has carried large sediment loads that impair water quality. “We knew there would be some short-term pain in order to see the long-term gain from dam removal,” noted Soto. Last week, California Fish and Wildlife reported that salmon released from the new Fall Creek Fish Hatchery did not survive the trip through the Iron Gate dam diversion tunnel. The fish showed morphological signs of gas bubble disease. Gas bubble disease results from environmental or physical trauma often associated with severe pressure change. The findings suggest the hatchery fish could not withstand the trip through the Iron Gate Dam bypass tunnel. … ” Read more from Cal Trout.
Sediment from Klamath River Basin logging roads dwarfs sediment from dam removal
Felice Pace writes, “Lately there has been lots of media reporting, comments and commentary about the amount of sediment being released from PacifiCorp’s Klamath River dams in preparation for dam decommissioning and removal. Concerns have been expressed about how that sediment may be impacting the River’s ecosystems and fisheries. Below I show that the amount of sediment being released from the dams is dwarfed by the amount of sediment released during major storms from the Basin’s thousands of miles of unpaved and poorly maintained logging roads. The amount of sediment to be released from PacifiCorp’s dams has been estimated at 5 to 7 million cubic yards. That sounds like a lot of sediment. Consider, however, that, according to a Forest Service research report, during the 1996-97 New Year storm event an estimated 1.3 million tons of sediment was released from the approximate 8,000 miles of unpaved logging roads on the Klamath National Forest alone. … ” Continue reading at the KlamBlog.
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Lake Spaulding powerhouse #1 offline after leak discovered
“NID released a notice informing the public of cuts to the Bear River water flows yesterday afternoon. The district cited “unexpected maintenance work in the headwaters” in their release. We can now confirm a shutdown of PG&E’s Spaulding #1 powerhouse is the cause of what could be a prolonged outage in water flows. According to a PG&E spokesperson: During a routine inspection at PG&E’s Spaulding 1 powerhouse on March 6, a leak was discovered adjacent to a pressure relief valve. On March 7 a more detailed inspection was made of the PRV [pressure relief valve] and PG&E determined that repairs would need to be made before the powerhouse could be returned to service. The estimated return to service date is April 30. Water from this powerhouse runs into the South Yuba Canal, which provides some of the water supply for the Nevada Irrigation District and the Placer County Water Agency. PG&E has notified both water agencies. … ” Read more from YubaNet.
BAY AREA
Toxic groundwater, sea level rise latest challenges in long-running S.F. shipyard cleanup
“A report released by the Navy confirmed concerns that for years have been hanging over the radiological cleanup of San Francisco’s Hunters Point Shipyard: that rising seawater levels, and other environmental factors resulting from climate change, could cause toxic materials that have long been buried at the site to surface. The study, called Climate Resilience Assessment, was included in an ongoing review process that the Navy must undertake every five years to evaluate its remediation plan for the former shipyard, which has long been a designated Superfund site. The shipyard is also slated for redevelopment into a new neighborhood, with cleaning efforts by the Navy and its contractors underway for more than a decade to prepare it for reuse. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
CENTRAL COAST
Overhaul of faulty Monterey County levee is finally underway — but flood risks remain
“Construction of a new flood control system on the Pajaro River is finally on the fast track, a year after a long-neglected levee ruptured and inundated the tiny Monterey County farm town of Pajaro. But officials say the levee will remain at risk of new breaches for several years while construction takes place — and they’re working to improve emergency preparedness and response in Pajaro, which some residents and advocates said was confusing and contradictory during the crisis that began the night of March 10, 2023. The town is still struggling to recover from the disaster, which displaced about 3,500 residents and drew national attention — and criticism. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
SEE ALSO:
- A year after devastating flood, Pajaro still struggling to recover, from the San Francisco Chronicle
- One year after Pajaro levee breached, many residents remain in dire need, from the San Jose Mercury News
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
GSA board approves Prop 218 fee study
“During the February meeting of the Mid Kings River Groundwater Sustainability Agency (MKRGSA), the GSA’s board of directors approved a Proposition 218 fee study. This action marked the first Prop. 218 election for the MKRGSA since SGMA was adopted. Approving the study is the first step in the Prop. 218 election process before land owners in the district vote on the proposed assessment. The approved fee study includes a detailed budget outlining proposed expenses for administration, operations, reserves, the dry well mitigation program, recharge basin development and subsidence mitigation. For 2024, the estimated budget is $11.5 million, and for years 2025 through 2028, the GSA estimates an approximate budget of $11.3 million annually. … ” Continue reading at the Hanford Sentinel.
What once looked like a weak water year on the Kern River has grown stronger
“What a difference a month makes. There has been some hand-wringing this winter regarding California’s 2024 water outlook, especially in the southern mountains and the Kern River Watershed. But new reports are pointing toward a much more favorable water year, including in the Kern River Basin, and by extension, Isabella Lake storage. “After months of so-called snow-drought in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, a recent series of atmospheric river events coupled with a historic Sierra blizzard and snow dump at the end of February, has greatly enhanced the expected April-July runoff yields of Sierra streams for this year,” said Steven Lafond, who was the chief Kern River hydrographer for the city of Bakersfield for 33 years, before his retirement in 2009. The Kern River Basin has benefited greatly from these wild storms, Lafond said. … ” Read more from the Bakersfield Californian.
Kern County: ‘A sad victory’ for agriculture as court of appeal sides with farming concern tired of dealing with oil companies’ abandoned wells
“In the long-running battle between oil and agriculture, chalk up a victory this week for agriculture. So, why aren’t farmers celebrating? Because, says Kern County farmer Keith Gardiner of V-Lions Farming, it should never have come to this. “This is a big victory for farmers in Kern County,” Gardiner said, “but it’s a sad victory (because) we didn’t need to go down this path.” Gardiner has been behind the efforts to get oil companies to clean up after themselves. The all-too-frequent complaint among farmers is that once an oil extraction operation idles or abandons a well, the surface equipment is often left to rust, taking up usable ag land. … ” Read more from Channel 12.
EASTERN SIERRA
Beavers get busy on Rush Creek
“Wet years like 2017 and 2023 produce some of the most exciting restoration outcomes along Mono Lake’s tributaries. The large hydrologic forces during peak flood events in a wet year are unmatched in their ability to move large cobbles, open side channels, inundate floodplains, and reshape a stream system’s structure. Initially in 2011, but most dramatically after the 2017 flood, it became clear there was another ecological process at work on Rush Creek: beavers. Beavers were not part of the pre-diversion 1941 conditions on Rush Creek, but they have locally expanded their range from Lundy Canyon. Their presence on the creek has had promising benefits. … ” Read more from the Mono Lake Committee.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Water Board denies Chiquita permit to expand
“In the latest rebuke from Chiquita Canyon Landfill’s regulators, the L.A. Regional Water Quality Control Board denied a Jan. 4, 2022, application the landfill sought to expand operations with the “East Canyon Project.” The rejection later, dated March 1, involved a plan to expand the facility at “cells 7,9, 10,11 and 12, in the East Canyon area of the landfill, northeast of the cells in current use.” It’s the latest blow in a streak of regulatory hits to the landfill, which also recorded violations from the state Department of Toxic Substances Control on Feb. 21 over its handling of leachate, stating the landfill discharged toxic water pumped from its soil to a Gardena facility not permitted to handle it. … ” Read more from The Signal.
Noxious fumes, contaminated runoff: No easy solution for Chiquita Canyon Landfill woes
“Federal regulators say it’s an imminent danger, a Los Angeles County supervisor says she has “lost faith” in its management and aggrieved neighbors have filed two lawsuits demanding an end to its operations. Some residents recently complained that its odors are so pungent they have been made to gag or vomit. As owners of the troubled Chiquita Canyon Landfill struggle to contain noxious fumes and contaminated runoff caused by an underground garbage fire, residents and public officials increasingly are calling for the Castaic facility’s closure. Yet even as efforts to shut down the facility gather strength, some officials and environmental advocates are skeptical such a move will help. They say that not only would closing the landfill fail to solve the crisis, it would strain the region’s system of waste collection, raise fees and increase truck traffic and pollution. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
Santa Clarita to look at development proposed for former toxic cleanup site
“The developer trying to build up about 1,000 acres in the middle of Santa Clarita is asking the City Council to consider a term sheet and a bit of a commitment on the project’s scope for its multimillion-dollar investment in a property that’s been the subject of a decades-long cleanup. New Urban West is the developer for the site formerly known as Whittaker-Bermite, which is now being proposed for more than 6,500 homes and hundreds of acres of park space as a new community project called Sunridge. The Santa Monica-based developer presented a concept outline Wednesday, during an informal study session, for a project that will eventually go through the city’s planning process, including a Planning Commission and City Council review, city officials said Thursday. … ” Read more from The Signal.
King tides, groundwater rise: Threats to nuclear waste at San Onofre?
“Gary Headrick walked the soggy sea wall between the nuclear plant and the roiling ocean at king tide. Wild waves crashed just yards from where millions of pounds of nuclear waste sat, encased in steel and concrete. It felt scary. As sinkholes appear in the road to the beach near the shuttered San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, Headrick and many others say the radioactive detritus must move to higher ground as quickly as possible. But evidence shows that’s not necessary just yet, said Southern California Edison, which oversees the plant’s tear-down. Edison presented its state-mandated study of sea level rise near the plant on March 7 — 238 pages chock full of pictures and measurements and graphs and projections — concluding that, “as designed and with minimum regular maintenance,” the rocks, sea wall and retaining wall between the waste storage area and the ocean will be just fine through at least 2050, and likely well beyond. … ” Read more from the OC Register (gift article).
SAN DIEGO
Crews double the size of the beach in Solana Beach, head next to Encinitas
“A long-awaited project to restore the beaches along Solana Beach’s coastline has been completed, nearly doubling the size of the strand in the coastal community. The Solana Beach and Encinitas Coastal Storm Damage and Reduction & Beach Replenishment project began in mid-January and wrapped up recently. Crews have headed north now to Encinitas, where a local official says they will be busy for the next 60 days or so working on an approximately 1.5-mile stretch from Swami’s to just south of Beacon Beach. Dan King, who is the interim city manager for Solana Beach, said on Friday that the crews replenished about 700,000 cubic yards of sand along a 7,000-foot stretch of the strand, nearly doubling the width of the beach, which had been about just 75 feet from bluff to the water’s edge. … ” Read more from Channel 7.
Estuary restoration progressing
“Federal, state and local officials joined Channelside Water Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to celebrate the completion of the second season of work on the Otay River Estuary Restoration Project. This is a joint effort to create, restore and enhance 125 acres of coastal wetlands and salt-inhabited march habitat within the South San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge to protect native fish, wildlife and plant species. More than 160,000 tons of soil has been replenished to date, which helps in creating new foraging, nesting and breeding habitats for colonial nesting birds, migratory shorebirds, waterfowl, and salt-marsh dependent species, including the endangered light-footed Ridgway’s rail. … ” Read more from The Star News.
Along the Colorado River …
After another wet winter, is the West still facing a water crisis?
“Time is running out for the West’s wet season, but recent storms have done wonders for the snowpack and the drought across much of the region, especially in California. “The drought situation across the western U.S. has improved considerably as a result of a very wet winter,” Jay Famiglietti, a hydrologist at Arizona State University, told USA TODAY. In fact, both California and Nevada are “essentially drought-free” at the moment, which is “really unusual,” he said. Elsewhere, the giant reservoirs of the Colorado River Basin, Lakes Mead and Powell, are now about one-third full, said Brad Udall, senior scientist at Colorado State University. This is up from the same time last year, when they were 25% full, but still far from their historic highs of the early 2000s, when they were 95% full. … ” Read more from USA Today.
No matter how the war over the Colorado River plays out, Arizona will feel pain
Columnist Joanna Allhands writes, “What a difference a year makes. This time last year, Arizona and Nevada were united with Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and Utah on the idea that everyone (well, everyone who gets water from Lake Mead) must cut water use to help shore up the Colorado River. California was the odd state out, clinging tight to its position that it didn’t have to. Now, a year later, the Lower Basin states of California, Arizona and Nevada are united on the idea that everyone — and by everyone, they mean everyone — should be expected to pitch in when stored river water drops dangerously low. … ” Read more from the Arizona Republic.
Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …
NOTICE of Board Workshop on Proposed Voluntary Agreements Related to Sacramento/Delta Update to Bay-Delta Plan
YOUR INPUT WANTED to Inform Statewide Plastics Monitoring Strategy and Plan
