DAILY DIGEST, weekend edition: Tribes seek to stop plans for state’s largest reservoir in decades; First sighting of salmon in 100 years marks key milestone for Klamath dams removal; EPA head vows to address environmental injustices in Watts; What happens when the Colorado River dries up?; and more …

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In California water news this weekend …

California tribes seek to stop plans for state’s largest reservoir in decades

“In the sun-drenched hills of Colusa County, where California leaders are pushing for construction of the state’s largest reservoir in decades, Charlie Wright sees more than a dusty valley destined to hold water.  Wright, who is tribal chairman of the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, sees pieces of his people’s past on this sparsely populated land on what is today cattle country 70 miles northwest of Sacramento. “You look deep enough and there is a village there. There is a food processing site there,” Wright said. “There are trails and landmarks. This history isn’t known to a lot of nontribal folks who don’t study it, but it is well known by the tribes, and we haven’t forgotten.”  The Native American ties to this rural stretch of Northern California have emerged as the latest point of contention in the bid to build the $4.5 billion Sites Reservoir. In recent weeks, a handful of tribes concerned about disturbing a special spot have stepped up efforts to stop the project, even as supporters laud it as one of the state’s best answers to drought. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle (gift article).

First sighting of salmon in 100 years marks key milestone for California dam removal

“In an early victory for the nation’s largest dam-removal project, the first salmon in more than a century is believed to have pushed up the Klamath River this week into waters formerly blocked by dams.  Scientists with the nonprofit California Trout told the Chronicle that their sonar camera captured what was almost certainly a chinook salmon migrating upstream Thursday past the site where Iron Gate Dam once stood, just south of the California-Oregon border.  The roughly 2½-foot-long fish is thought to be part of the Klamath River’s fall run, the first and largest run of salmon expected to benefit from the recent removal of four hydroelectric dams on the 250-mile waterway. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle (gift article).

SEE ALSO: Klamath River dam removal brings hope for threatened salmon, from the LA Times

A promising new effort to save California’s salmon

“Over a century of water and land use changes have led to catastrophic declines in salmon populations in rivers throughout California. Now, a groundbreaking collaboration between state and federal agencies and California’s Winnemem Wintu Tribe is taking a new approach: bringing winter-run salmon back to their ancestral waters above Shasta Dam. We spoke with NOAA’s Rachel Johnson to learn more.  Q: You’ve been working on bringing winter-run salmon to the McCloud River for a few years. What is this project, and why is it necessary?   A: I’ve been studying salmon for 20 years now, and all runs of salmon are worse now than when I began my career. What we’ve been doing hasn’t been working: the winter-run Chinook were listed as endangered in the 1990s. It’s been thirty years, and the population continues to move in the wrong direction. … ”  Read more from the PPIC.

Madera County farmland conversion program gets underway with $10 million in state funds

“Land owners can now officially submit proposals to Madera County to convert their ag land to less water intensive uses under a new program adopted by the Board of Supervisors Tuesday using $10 million in state funds.  The money comes from the state’s Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program, which aims to reduce reliance on groundwater by putting cropland to other uses such as solar energy, water recharge basins, wildlife habitat and recreation, to name a few.  Any landowners in Madera County can submit proposals since this state funding came to the county, not the county’s groundwater sustainability agency. Interested landowners can submit pre-application proposals here.  The program adopted Tuesday is separate from a farmland repurposing program under the county’s groundwater plan. That program has been delayed due to a lawsuit and temporary injunction, which has stymied the county groundwater agency’s ability to collect fees to fund the program. … ”  Read more from SJV Water.

Invasive rodent nutria causing concern in California. What to do if you spot a ‘swamp rat’

“Nutria, a large invasive rodent species, was recently discovered in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta in Contra Costa County, causing concern among wildlife experts. They want residents to report their sightings so that damage to an already frail ecosystem can be mitigated.  What is a nutria?  A nutria is a large, semi-aquatic rodent native that is approximately 2 feet long. Its features include a large head, short legs, and a stout body that appears hump-backed on land. Their fur is typically a dark brown, but light-colored and albino animals can also be observed. … ”  Read more from the Redding Record Searchlight.

Cities of the West: Developing state water roadmaps is essential

“Energy, water, and food are the top three threats to humanity, Nobel laureate Richard Smalley of Rice University stated in 2003. Two decades later, those three challenges remain on any list of imminent and long-term threats to global stability. Producing energy requires ample amounts of clean water, and both plentiful sources of energy and water are required to produce food.  The key, though, is ample amounts of water. The data listed above highlight the challenges of accessing and developing supplies in key parts of the American West.  Meeting these challenges starts with planning. In Texas, for example, water planners focus on “desired future conditions” for the state’s nine major and 22 minor aquifers. Without a roadmap, targets are likely to go unmet when a catastrophe like a prolonged severe drought arises. … ”  Read more from the George W. Bush Center.

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In commentary this weekend …

Endorsement: Prop 4 is a drop in the bucket in the climate change fight. But we need all the drops we can get

The San Francisco Chronicle editorial board writes, “Amid a devastating wildfire season that’s charred more than 1 million acres and a record-breaking heat wave, California’s Proposition 4 has the allure of a tall, cool glass of water.  The measure, which the state Legislature placed on the November ballot with a bipartisan vote, would authorize $10 billion in bonds for projects to reduce climate risks and require at least 40% of funds to be spent in ways that directly benefit low-income communities and those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. These funds are merely a drop in the bucket of the staggering costs of protecting ourselves against climate change.  … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.

Mountain Counties Water Resources Association urges support for Proposition 4

“Voters in November are encouraged to support Proposition 4 – the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 – which will devote valuable resources to activities that are essential in California’s rural, mountain counties, with resulting impacts throughout the entire state.  In fact, this bond could fund and support activities that have long been neglected by the state; activities like increasing water supply, improving water quality and preventing wildfires, especially through proper forest management.  These solutions deeply resonate with our members and communities and we look forward to working with the Legislature to ensure mountain counties get a fair share. … ”  Read more from Gold Country Media.

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In regional water news this weekend …

NORTH COAST

Drilling a well in Mendocino County just got easier

“It was over three years ago when Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency amidst dire drought conditions. There is no doubt the most recent drought, which according to the U.S. Drought Monitor lasted from autumn 2020 to spring 2023, touched the lives of every California resident.  Even today, the drought monitor reports that 81% of Mendocino County is “abnormally dry,” meaning the county, and much of the state, is either recovering from or at risk of drought. As of today, it means we’re en route to a drought if conditions do not change.   In 2021, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a series of drought emergency declarations asking Californians to reduce water use voluntarily by 15%, state reservoirs to conserve water, bolster funding water conservation projects and increase difficulties for  those obtaining well drilling permits in order to procure the rights to drill.   And despite the looming shadow of La Niña, which could bring both drought and extreme storms resulting in floods this winter, last month Gov. Gavin Newsom let the drought emergency declaration expire, canceling out both drilling permit requirements and voluntary requests made to conserve water. … ”  Read more from the Mendocino Voice.

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

Nevada Irrigation District crews work to prepare for upcoming winter storms

“As summer winds down and we all anticipate the crispness of autumn and subsequent wintry season, the Nevada Irrigation District (NID) is ramping up maintenance efforts in anticipation of upcoming storms.  The preparatory work includes a diverse array of projects and tasks in advance of the change of seasons. A changing climate brings increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather-related events, and NID staff are preparing the system to keep the water flowing.  NID’s current work runs the gamut — our staff addresses the risk of localized flooding and debris damage in the canal system while accommodating safety protocols with rises in reservoir levels during the winter.  It’s a busy time, preparing for atmospheric changes in weather extremes have become increasingly common, and costly. Climate changes can wreak havoc with what we regard as historic weather patterns. The intensified storms can take a toll on aging infrastructure, much which is wooden or earthen canals that can be damaged by strong storms and increased flow volume. … ”  Read more from Yuba Net.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

Efforts underway to protect Butte County waterways from fire-related toxins

“The California Conservation Corps worked on the Park Fire burn scar area on Friday morning, beginning a project aimed at stopping toxins from getting into the lakes and creeks.  The bodies of water surrounding areas in Butte County are a vital source to those living in the area. Many residents use well water, animals drink from the creeks and fish live within the bodies of water, highlighting the importance of keeping contaminants out.  The project revolves around building a barrier around the creeks and lakes, using supplies like silk socks to keep any hazards from coming in.  The team tackling this massive project is based locally and Chico, a representative from the Conservation Corps said that they simply want everyone to be safe and have access to clean water. … ”  Read more from KRCR.

BAY AREA

Federal bill would allow Marin wetlands transfer

“One of Marin County’s biggest wetlands might be closer to becoming a federal reserve under new legislation proposed by a group of U.S. lawmakers.  Rep. Jared Huffman, whose district includes Marin, joined Rep. John Garamendi, Rep. Mike Thompson and Sen. Alex Padilla in introducing the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act. The legislation, House Bill 9826, introduced on Sept. 27, could expand the refuge’s boundaries by 5,658 acres, including 1,774 acres of state-managed wetlands near Bel Marin Keys in the Novato area.  “The San Pablo Bay Wildlife Refuge is home to some of the North Bay’s most vital habitats — serving as a safe haven for threatened species, increasing the region’s climate resiliency, and providing outdoor recreation opportunities for folks in the Bay Area,” Huffman said in a statement. “As a time-tested proponent of land conservation, I think this area is the perfect candidate for expansion. Our bill will restore and expand this land so it can thrive for generations to come.” … ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal.

CENTRAL COAST

Water supply: Cal Am asks regulator for rate hike

“A jump in water rates for California American Water Co. customers is in the works, but a far-tamped-down version of what the company originally requested of a state regulator.  The increase is part of a proposed decision by Administrative Law Judge Jacob Rambo for the California Public Utilities Commission, or CPUC. It won’t take effect until the full commission approves it.  The increase is the result of Cal Am’s every-three-year General Rate Case it presents to the CPUC for approval. It includes a hotly contested Water Rate Adjustment Mechanism, or WRAM. The mechanism basically allows Cal Am to recoup from ratepayers the difference between forecasted revenue and actual revenue.  In theory, such a charge is supposed to encourage conservation. … ”  Read more from the Monterey Herald.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

Local growers forced to abandon orchards due to water concerns

“This week marked the start of a new water year in which precipitation is measured.  Valley reservoirs are showing much lower levels following a summer of water deliveries to different communities.  But some farmers had hoped for more.  “It’s been a fairly good water year after a very strong water year last year and yet farmers on the west side are receiving 50% allocation,” said Ryan Jacobsen, the CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau.  As a result, some orchards had to be abandoned and many farmers weren’t able to grow as much crop as they had hoped. … ”  Read more from ABC 30.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Los Angeles County, Chiquita claim court win in landfill fight

“Los Angeles County and Chiquita Canyon Landfill announced a victory in court Friday over Santa Clarita Valley residents’ second unsuccessful try to close the Castaic facility in the courts, this time after more than a year of problems related to smells from the landfill.  Also on Friday, Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Santa Clarita, who has been an outspoken critic of the county’s response to the landfill’s issues, announced he has introduced legislation to provide federal tax relief to the residents impacted by the problems at the landfill.  Both 5th District L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Chiquita Canyon issued statements in response to the court ruling, which was mailed Thursday, according to L.A. County Superior Court records available online. … ”  Read more from the Santa Clarita Signal.

During visit to South L.A., EPA head vows to address environmental injustices in Watts

“The head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has pledged to work alongside Watts residents to address a host of environmental issues in the South Los Angeles community.  During a visit to the Jordan Downs public housing complex in Watts on Saturday morning, EPA Administrator Michael Regan said the agency is working with state and federal partners to address elevated lead levels in the community’s drinking water and pollution from scrap metal recycler S&W Atlas Iron & Metal Co.  “For far too long, communities like Watts across the country have had to bear the brunt of environmental injustices — injustices like the unsafe operations from Atlas Metals, burdens like lead in drinking water right here at Jordan Downs,” Regan said. … ”  Read more from the LA Times.

IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS

Emerging wetlands at the Salton Sea

“It was mid-June and the sun was just coming up. It was already around 80° F at 5:30 am as we walked onto the Salton Sea playa, the exposed lakebed that has been rapidly increasing since 2017 as the water in the Sea recedes. As we work our way through the invasive Tamarisk trees and around the Iodine bush and Saltbush on the upper playa, the morning silence is broken by the calls of Black-necked Stilts. Rounding a corner, a wetland opens up with pools of water and tall cattails all around. The Black-necked Stilts and American Avocets are walking around in the pools of water feeding, while others fly over our heads making calls. Our excitement peaks as we stand and take in this beautiful morning scene of native wetland habitat with birds thriving in it. This is what we were hoping to find. … ”  Read more from Audubon.

SAN DIEGO

The Tijuana River smells so bad, the CDC is coming to investigate

“San Diego County residents will have an opportunity to share their pollution concerns about the Tijuana River when officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention arrive later this month to conduct a health survey.  This is the first time that a federal agency is investigating the potential harm caused by millions of gallons of raw sewage pouring through the Tijuana River that have caused beach closures of more than 1,000 days. Residents living near the river say they have been suffering unexplained illnesses, including gastrointestinal issues and chronic breathing problems, because of the stench of hydrogen sulfide.  “We’re continuing to lean in and listen in on what our community residents are feeling,” said Dr. Seema Shah, the interim deputy public health officer with San Diego County. Supervisor Nora Vargas first wrote to the CDC back in May, formally asking the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to look into the health complaints. … ”  Read more from the LA Times.

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Along the Colorado River …

What happens when the Colorado River dries up?

What happens when one of the nation’s largest rivers dries up? Photojournalist Pete McBride tells us about the consequences of a prolonged drought in the Colorado River, which provides drinking water and electricity to millions of Americans, and shares his experience walking the river from end to end. What can we learn from the landscape revealed by the historically low water levels, and will they become the new normal?  There’s More to That is a production of Smithsonian magazine and PRX Productions.

How Gila River Indian Community is planning to save 73K acre-feet of water over the next decade

“Along the bustling Interstate 10, west of Sacaton, rows of new plastic neon blue irrigation pipes will soon be flowing with hope through the Gila River Indian Community. The tribe got $63.8 million to fund the Gila River Farms Efficiency Project through the Inflation Reduction Act.  They’ll be replacing 140,000 feet of original, concrete pipeline.  “That’s about 27 miles, give or take,” said Dave DeJong, director of the Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project. “Gila River Farms will be more efficiently able to irrigate the land and increase irrigation efficiencies from the high 60% to hopefully in the 80% level.” … ”  Read more from KJZZ.

SEE ALSO: Biden-Harris Administration Joins Gila River Indian Community to celebrate completion of solar over canals project, from the Bureau of Reclamation

Feds rule that next round of drought relief funding won’t cover tribes’ unused water in Colorado River basin

“Tribes had hoped to be included in a new round of federal funding through the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation aimed at conservation programs in the Upper Basin and possibly get paid for their water that they aren’t using. But it appears that will not be the case, Lorelei Cloud, vice chair of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, said on Sept. 20.  “Reclamation agreed to include tribal forbearance programs under the B2W program where we were looking forward to announcing and working on a proposal,” Cloud said. “On Sept. 18, the state of Colorado informed the Southern Ute Indian Tribe that Reclamation has reconsidered its position and will no longer include tribal programs in the B2W program. This decision needs to be reversed.”  The comments came during a panel discussion at the Colorado River Water Conservation District’s annual seminar in Grand Junction. Cloud put out a call to action for attendees to help them plead their case to federal officials. She noted that the title of the panel was “Does History Repeat Itself?” … ”  Read more from Vail Daily.

All the buckets, real or imagined: How Colorado plans to store water is a big dam question.

“When a city must find its water 50 miles away and 1,400 feet underground, in an aquifer whose origins first had to be pegged to the late Cretaceous and the early Paleogene periods, and further delineated between Colorado turf on the surface or Wyoming land just a skosh to the north, while drilling two-way wells at $1 million each on the way to an eventual price tag approaching $400 million, and then filter out dissolved uranium, it would seem a stretch to call this plan the easy way out.    But for Greeley, bent on doubling its current population of 109,000 by 2060, this is indeed the simpler choice. … ”  Read more from the Colorado Sun.

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In national water news this weekend …

Supreme Court confronts NEPA, water permits, agency power

“The Supreme Court has its sights set on another bedrock environmental law, following recent efforts to take on Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act protections.  Justices reconvene Monday with three environmental battles on their docket. In October, they’ll consider a water permitting case brought by San Francisco against EPA. Later in the term, they’ll delve into federal regulators’ authority to authorize temporary nuclear waste storage sites. They will also examine whether to set new limits on the National Environmental Policy Act, which requires agencies to take a “hard look” at the impact of highways, pipelines and other major federal projects.  Environmental lawyers say they’re not optimistic about how the Supreme Court will rule in the cases — especially after the justices reached a decision in June to overturn the Chevron doctrine, which for 40 years helped the government defend rules on key issues like public health, food safety and climate change. … ”  Read more from E&E News.

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Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …

LAKE OROVILLE UPDATE: Water control manual update meeting, CA prepares for extreme weather swings, current lake operations, and more …

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