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In California water news this weekend …
Klamath River Chinook salmon reoccupying historic habitat, spawning above former dam locations
“The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is excited to announce that adult fall-run Chinook salmon have begun occupying and spawning in newly accessible habitat behind the former dam locations on the Klamath River. These are the first observations of anadromous fish returning to California tributaries upstream of the former Iron Gate Dam since 1961. On Oct. 15, spawning fall-run Chinook salmon were observed in Jenny Creek, a Klamath River tributary 4.3 river miles upstream of the former Iron Gate Dam location, the southernmost barrier of four dams removed from the Klamath River . Additionally, adult fall-run Chinook are starting to return to CDFW’s newly rebuilt Fall Creek Fish Hatchery on Fall Creek, a formerly inaccessible tributary about 7.5 miles upstream of the old Iron Gate Dam. In addition to returning fall-run Chinook, an adult Pacific lamprey was observed swimming through CDFW’s fish counting station in Jenny Creek on Oct. 1. … ” Read more from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
SEE ALSO:
- First Klamath River salmon since 1912 reported in Oregon after dam removal!
- ‘A beautiful thing’: Klamath River salmon are spotted far upstream in Oregon after dam removal, from the LA Times
Orange County water agencies hail final ruling in Irvine Ranch Water District V. Orange County Water District
“East Orange County Water District, Golden State Water Company, Mesa Water District (Mesa Water®) and Yorba Linda Water District hailed the California Court of Appeal’s decision in Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) v. Orange County Water District (OCWD) et al., which will prevent unfair pumping from the Orange County Groundwater Basin (Basin) and protect millions of residents from higher rates. Throughout the multi-phase litigation brought against OCWD in 2015, OCWD successfully defended its management of the Basin – and from an unfair attempt at a water grab – with favorable court rulings on 16 of 17 claims asserted by IRWD. OCWD is the groundwater wholesale agency responsible for managing and protecting the Basin, a vital local resource that provides 85% of the drinking water supply to 19 cities and retail water suppliers (“Groundwater Producers”), who serve a collective 2.5 million people in north and central Orange County. … ” Continue reading this press release.
Water round-up: Fall X2, San Joaquin Valley groundwater
Geoff Vanden Heuvel, Director of Regulatory and Economic Affairs at the Milk Producers Council, writes, “Back at the end of August I wrote about a big decision that was going to be made about a particular regulation regarding the outflow of fresh water to the ocean through the delta. You can read the details here or watch an interview I did on the issue here. The good news is that the regulatory agencies suspended the Fall X2 regulation on October 1 and since that time there has been significant improvement in the export of fresh water to Central and Southern California. The experience of having the regulatory agencies actually adjust their plans in a positive way gives some hope that “adaptive management” of the water projects really can work to both improve the environment and provide critically needed water supply to California’s people, farms, communities, wetlands and habitats located outside of the delta. … On the local groundwater front, the news is less positive. … ” Read the full post at the Milk Producers Council.
CA facilities could turn sewage into tap water, but public acceptance lags
“After an Orange County resident flushes her toilet, the water flows through the Southern California community’s sewer system, meanders its way to the sanitation plant, has its solids removed, is piped to a wastewater recycling facility next door and undergoes three different purification processes until it is clean enough to drink. “It tastes like water,” said Mehul Patel, executive director of operations for the Orange County Water District’s project, after taking a gulp from a clear plastic cup at the sampling station, as he stood outside the final purification process facility on a warm afternoon earlier this month. “It’s just like any other water, but it’s gone through a lot,” he said. “People shouldn’t judge where it came from, but where it is now.” … “ Read more from El Observador.
There’s another plan for a tech utopia in California — this time in Wine Country
“Months after a coalition of billionaires hit pause on their plans to build a walkable city in rural Solano County, another tech-centric group is moving forward on its dream to create their own community near Wine Country. The proposed enclave, called “Esmeralda,” would spread across 267 acres just southeast of Cloverdale in Sonoma County. Though the site is now a vast tangle of oak-studded grassland by Highway 101, industrial yards and a municipal airport, Esmeralda’s developers envision it as a future tech utopia with the look of a rustic Italian village. Their still-gestating plan provoked excitement — and suspicion — online and off. “Extremely cool,” one commenter cheered on the social media site X. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
In commentary this weekend …
Commentary: California’s environmental regime is untenable
Zachary Faria writes, “California’s surrender to the governing whims of environmentalists has put the state in a stranglehold. Actual progress is unattainable, and the arbitrary whims of activists and political partisans reign supreme. The California Coastal Commission is one such example, having recently entered into the news due to its public feud with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. The U.S. Air Force had planned to allow SpaceX to launch up to 50 rockets per year from Vandenberg Air Force Base, which sits between the cities of Lompoc and Santa Maria in Santa Barbara County. In rejecting this request, the CCC cited Musk’s political rhetoric, with the commission’s chairwoman citing Musk taking a position in the presidential election as reason enough to block this plan. … “ Read more from the Washington Examiner.
White House must redirect the Forest Service to preserve old forests
Dominick A. DellaSala, chief scientist at Wild Heritage, writes, “The world is grappling with the rapidly accelerating global climate and biodiversity crises, as greenhouse gas emissions exceed atmospheric safety margins and forests are cut down. From supercharged hurricanes causing untold damage in the southeast to climate-driven wildfires that burn down western towns, we need a moon shot to thwart disastrous climatic consequences. The presidential debates barely mentioned climate change, with former President Donald Trump espousing “drill, baby drill,” and Vice President Kamala Harris reversing position on fracking. As President Joe Biden leaves office, he can build on his climate legacy by protecting the nation’s mature and old-growth forests (“older”), as part of the White House’s road map on nature-based solutions and its global commitment to end forest losses via the Glasgow Leaders’ Forest Pledge. The Forest Service will not protect a single acre of old forest without presidential direction despite their inadequate old-growth amendment process. … ” Read more from the Seattle Times.
In people news this weekend …
Promotions, passings, profiles – submit people news items to maven@mavensnotebook.com.
CMUA names Danielle Blacet-Hyden as new Executive Director
“The California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Danielle Blacet-Hyden as our new Executive Director, effective January 1, 2025. Blacet-Hyden will succeed outgoing Executive Director Barry Moline, who is retiring at the end of 2024. With nearly 25 years of experience as an executive-level policy advocate, Blacet-Hyden brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. She has effectively represented public water agencies and publicly owned utilities in the Legislature and with regulatory agencies throughout her career. Blacet-Hyden has been with CMUA since 2014, most recently serving as Deputy Executive Director the last four years. Her leadership and expertise have been instrumental in several major policy successes benefiting CMUA members, including a visionary effort that secured $2 billion from the state to help California utility customers pay their bills during the pandemic. … “Danielle has been an invaluable asset to CMUA, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to pass the baton to her,” said Moline, who led CMUA the past eight years. “Her dedication, acumen, and vision for the future of California’s publicly owned electric utilities and water agencies make her the perfect choice to lead CMUA into its next chapter.” … ” Read the full press release here.
Podcasts …
SCIENCE IN SHORT: Tap Dancing Through Data for Drought Insights: An Interview with Rosemary Hartman
The San Francisco estuary watershed is characterized by periods of wet and dry. But in more recent years, the dry seems to be occurring more frequently and intensely than in the past. Rather than head back to the field to collect more data about current conditions, one researcher formed a collaborative team and looked at nearly five decades worth of observational information. What they came up with is an anatomy of drought that promises to inform future management of the San Francisco Estuary.
DELTA FLOWS: Episode 1 with Gary Mulcahy
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is the largest estuary on the West Coast of the Americas, and its ecosystem is of national importance. Delta Flows is a new podcast from Restore the Delta that examines the future of the Delta, as a region. We will be looking at how state and federal policies impact estuary health and the health of the 4 million residents who live in the Delta counties. We will be discussing local efforts around restoration, climate work, agriculture, and carbon and energy management. We will be discussing art, cultural events, and yes the Delta has its own unique culture, both rural and urban. And we will be learning from and listening to representatives from California Tribes with deep ties to the Delta on their aspirations for the Delta’s future.
DELTA FLOWS: Dr. Caleb Scoville on the Delta smelt
Tune in and learn about how the Delta smelt got tied up with Big Ag, California Water Wars, and national political divide. How have these widespread narratives affected the species as a whole and environmental justice communities in the region? What happens when scientific data goes into the wrong hands? The Delta smelt, a small fish that is an indicator species for the Bay-Delta estuary and is in massive population decline, has faced media onslaught from conservative news outlets over the years, reframing how the fish is seen. This episode explores the controversies surrounding the Delta smelt with Dr. Caleb Scoville, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Tufts University.
WATER TALK: Urban agriculture, compost, and water
A conversation with soil microbial ecologist Dr. Joshua Garcia about farming in cities, composting, and regenerative agriculture.
In regional water news this weekend …
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Team Tahoe accelerates forest health
“Tahoe forests are currently glowing with vibrant fall colors even as smoke lingers above the lake from prescribed fire operations. The traits of a healthy forest are integral to the way we experience this incredible place. They are also fundamental to the overall health of the watershed, the safety of our communities, and our region’s resilience to climate change. Last week I had the honor of joining several members of Team Tahoe to speak at the California Wildfire and Resilience Task Force conference on Tahoe’s South Shore. More than 500 fire and resource managers met here to discuss the latest science and strategies to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire. Restoring forest health is a major priority for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and our partners on the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team. Following the Angora Fire in 2007, TRPA helped bring fire and forest management agencies together to increase the pace of forest fuel reduction projects, streamline permit processes, and prioritize new funding sources. … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
California’s salmon strategy includes tribal quest led by the Winnemem Wintu
“More than 100 years ago, wild winter-run Chinook salmon from the icy cold McCloud River near California’s Mount Shasta ended up in the glacially cold mountain waters of New Zealand, where they continue to thrive today. The quest to bring these ancestral fish back home continues, thanks to a $3.3 million grant from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Since 2016, an annual pilgrimage has taken place that is led by the Winnemem Wintu tribe and its chief and spiritual leader Caleen Sisk. The 300-mile journey traces the ancestral path of the winter-run Chinook salmon from the McCloud River to the Pacific Ocean. The tribe has never wavered from a core belief. … “ Read more from CBS Sacramento.
NAPA/SONOMA
West Sonoma County residents to weigh in on sewer fixes, possible cost cuts
“West Sonoma County residents have a chance to shape the future of their wastewater systems and potentially lower their bills. A new committee, created in response to costly sewer spills during 2019 storms, is set to hold its first public meeting Tuesday, Oct. 22. Residents from Forestville, Graton, Occidental, and lower Russian River communities are invited to participate virtually in the meeting, where they can voice concerns and help guide a study aimed at improving local wastewater infrastructure. The study, led by Sonoma Water, will explore solutions to prevent future spills, stabilize ratepayer costs, and consider consolidating smaller systems for greater efficiency. … “ Read more from the Sonoma Gazette.
Sebastopol: Come on in, the water’s fine…for now
“It’s always reassuring to learn how things work. Take Sebastopol’s water system, for example. There have been rumblings of concern around town about Sebastopol’s water system recently—concerns about the age of the pipes and some of the wells and rumors of contamination. City Council candidate Key Nethery has made water—insuring the town doesn’t run out of water—one of the central issues in his campaign. Del Prete’s presentation should calm some jittery nerves. We’ll do our best to summarize his talk, but it’s really worth a listen. … ” Read more from the Sebastopol Times.
BAY AREA
Marin creek protection ordinance stirs new criticism
“Dissatisfaction is rising about development restrictions along San Geronimo Creek that were approved by county supervisors in 2022. The county Planning Commission is set to hear an appeal on Monday from a San Geronimo Valley property owner who has been ordered to move or demolish several accessory structures that were built without permits within a restricted area close to the creek. “This is the first test case that highlights some of the challenges with the ordinance and how we may need to work with it and make some allowances for existing developments to remain,” said Breeze Kinsey, who operates CivicNet, a planning consultancy, together with his father, former Marin County supervisor Steve Kinsey. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Lindsay council to consider water, sewer rate hikes
“The Lindsay City Council will consider approving increase rates for providing local sewage and water services at its next meeting. The council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Earlier this year, the city engaged Bartle Wells and Associates, BWA, to perform a rate study to determine appropriate rates needed to recover the city’s costs for providing water and sewer utility service. A resolution of the Lindsay City Council to approve a rate increase for water services will take place during a public hearing in accordance with Proposition 218 at Tuesday’s meeting. … ” Read more from the Porterville Recorder.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
EPA lead ruling unlikely to resolve water contamination issues in L.A. public housing
“Days after the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency visited a Los Angeles public housing project with lead-contaminated water, the agency ordered drinking water systems nationwide to replace every lead pipe within 10 years. “We’ve known for decades that lead exposure has serious long-term impacts for children’s health. And yet, millions of lead service lines are still delivering drinking water to homes,” EPA Director Michael Regan said. But in Los Angeles — where the discovery of contaminated water in public housing in Watts has shocked officials — the EPA mandate is unlikely to result in immediate change. When Regan joined Mayor Karen Bass on a visit to the 700-unit Jordan Downs complex this month, he suggested the brain-damaging element could be from household plumbing — a critical risk in older homes. It’s a possibility that highlights the difficulty of eliminating the threat of lead in California drinking water. … ” Read more from the LA Times. | Read via Yahoo News.
Stretch of San Gabriel River gets $3.5 million grant for maintenance, cleanup
“A key Southern California water source is set to receive new funding for added water protections and clean-up for the well-traveled mountain region. The grant to help clean up the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument is big news for a river that is key to the water supply. The San Gabriel Mountains are 70% of the open space in Los Angeles County. The area, which is almost half a million acres, is designated as a national monument. “We’re acknowledging the importance need to continue to protect water quality while also expanding access here in the San Gabriel Mountains,” said Joaquin Esquivel, chair of the state water board. … “ Read more from ABC 7.
Monsanto agrees to pay city of Los Angeles $35 million to settle PCB lawsuit
“Monsanto Co. has agreed to pay $35 million to settle a city of Los Angeles lawsuit that sought to hold the agrochemical firm accountable for manufacturing and selling chemical compounds decades ago that contaminated L.A.-area waterways. City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto released the details on the settlement with Monsanto on Oct. 11, saying it was part of an ongoing effort to protect the city’s environment and obtain funds to abate and monitor local waters affected by contamination from polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The chemical compounds were banned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the late 1970s. The lawsuit against Monsanto, which was filed two years ago, alleged that the company continued to sell the organic chemicals and promoted them as safe, even though Monsanto allegedly knew PCBs posed risks to the environment. … ” Read more from the Southern California Record.
Cleanup of Phillips 66 refinery sites could take years, LA water board says
“The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board said Friday that “significant amounts of contamination” exist on the 650 acres that make up Phillips 66 refinery sites in Wilmington and Carson, and that it will probably take “years to clean up” the soil and groundwater. Phillips 66 announced Wednesday, Oct. 16 that it would close the refineries connected by 5 miles of pipeline by the end of 2025. The Houston-based energy giant also hired a pair of real estate firms to develop potential uses for the land. “There is a large amount of pollution in soil and groundwater at the Carson and Wilmington facilities,” a spokeswoman for the LA Water Board said via email. “However, there is ongoing soil vapor and groundwater clean-up and significant amounts of contamination are presently being removed at both facilities.” … “ Read more from the OC Register.
SEE ALSO: Phillips 66 quietly explores redevelopment of LA refinery complex, from the OC Register
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Feds: Lithium developer illegally drained wetlands near Salton Sea
“The developer of the nationally lauded but controversial Hell’s Kitchen geothermal and lithium extraction project near the Salton Sea illegally drained 1,200 acres of fragile wetlands by dumping dredged fill nearby, according to a settlement agreement announced on Thursday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The work was performed on leased Imperial Irrigation District land as part of Controlled Thermal Resources’ Hells Kitchen pilot project west of Niland — on hold due to an unrelated lawsuit — which aims to produce 49.9 megawatts of steam power and 20,000 tons of lithium annually. The project is the first stage of much larger planned production of the mineral, which is used in everything from commercial solar projects to to smart phones. … “ Read more from the Desert Sun.
In national water news this weekend …
EPA ‘in a really tough spot’ after landmark fluoride ruling
“A first-of-its-kind ruling on the health risks of the tooth-strengthening chemical fluoride could open the floodgates to an influx of other efforts to compel EPA action, creating uncertainty for the agency, experts say. The decision — precedent-setting for Toxic Substances Control Act citizen petitions — represents a rare occasion in which a judge disagreed with federal officials on the science, forcing EPA to regulate against its wishes. “We’ve certainly shown that this is a powerful law for citizen groups, so we might see an uptick from here,” said Michael Connett, the attorney representing the petitioniers and a partner at Siri & Glimstad, about the TSCA petition process. … ” Read more from E&E News.
Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …
SAN JOAQUIN RIVER RESTORATION PROGRAM: Draft Channel Capacity Report for the 2025 restoration year available for review
