In California water news today, Costa, Cox in pickle as House panel wants to probe Valley water boost; Public comment opens for Delta’s largest tidal habitat restoration project; Commission postpones adoption of Delta fisheries management and striped bass policies; ‘A geological and natural treasure.’ Would Stanislaus County dam put the area at risk?; Q&A: Stanford water expert discusses wildfire’s threat to water quality; Tiny shells reveal waters off California acidifying twice as fast as the global ocean; Could putting pebbles on beaches help solve climate change?; Yes, there’s microplastic in the snow; EPA lead proposal, derided as weak, may be sneakily strong; and more …
In the news today …
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
- DELTA STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL: Delta Watermaster quarterly report; Progress on the Delta’s climate change vulnerability assessment and adaptation strategy; Carbon sequestration protocol; Delta ag update; and more …
- BLOG ROUND-UP: Water supply reliability out, endangered species killing incentives in with new Delta pumping rules; Conflicts of interest environmentalists have in their decision making; Sea level rise and the Delta; Futures for Delta smelt; and more …
Costa, Cox in pickle as House panel wants to probe Valley water boost: “Prepping a probe to see if U.S. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt influenced a plan to deliver far more water to the San Joaquin Valley, House Democrats have placed Reps. Jim Costa (D–Fresno) and TJ Cox (D–Fresno) in a pickle. House Natural Resources Committee Chair Raúl Grijalva (D–Ariz.) is pushing to have his committee grant him wide-ranging subpoena authority to probe the Interior Department. ... ” Read more from the San Joaquin Sun here: Costa, Cox in pickle as House panel wants to probe Valley water boost
Public comment opens for Delta’s largest tidal habitat restoration project: “The Department of Water Resources (DWR) opened public comment for Lookout Slough, a proposed multi-benefit habitat project designed to reduce regional flood risk and restore fish and wildlife habitat. On Dec. 16, the Department released a draft environmental impact report for the effort representing DWR’s largest tidal habitat restoration pursuit to date. ... ” Read more from DWR News here: Public comment opens for Delta’s largest tidal habitat restoration project
Commission postpones adoption of Delta fisheries management and striped bass policies: Dan Bacher writes, “After hearing from three scientific experts and over 40 Delta and Northern California anglers and guides, the California Fish and Game Commission in a packed meeting in Sacramento on December 11 decided to postpone adoption of a Delta Fisheries Management Policy and potential amendments to the Commission’s Striped Bass Policy to “a future meeting.” Commission President Eric Sklar said there was no need to make a motion on the policy at the meeting, but said the stakeholders and Department would continue on their negotiations to come up with a revised striped bass policy. … ” Read more from the Daily Kos here: Commission postpones adoption of Delta fisheries management and striped bass policies
Manipulation of rivers jeopardises resilience of native Chinook salmon: “The heavy management of river systems in California is causing a compression in the migration timing of Chinook salmon to the point that they crowd their habitats. As a result, they might miss the best window for entering the ocean to grow into adults. Currently, less than 3% of wetland habitat remains in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The study outlines how flow alteration and habitat loss have effectively homogenised the survival opportunities of salmon in this highly managed river system. … ” Read more from Oceanographic Magazine here: Manipulation of rivers jeopardises resilience of native Chinook salmon
‘A geological and natural treasure.’ Would Stanislaus County dam put the area at risk? “In Stanislaus County, people of different political stripes sympathize with the need for more water storage for thirsty farms. But a plan for a reservoir in Del Puerto Canyon west of Patterson was bound to touch a nerve. To many West Side residents and others familiar with the site, Del Puerto Canyon is a natural gem and one of the county’s scenic wonders. ... ” Read more from the Modesto Bee here: ‘A geological and natural treasure.’ Would Stanislaus County dam put the area at risk?
WATER QUALITY
Q&A: Stanford water expert discusses wildfire’s threat to water quality: “A wildfire’s path of destruction is not limited to things that burn – water is at risk too. When fires jump from forests and grasslands to urban areas, they incinerate household and industrial items such as computers and cars, leaving behind a stew of chemicals and heavy metals. Rain can wash this into streams, rivers and municipal water treatment systems unprepared to deal with the toxic deluge. Heavy sediment loads from wildfire-related erosion can also clog water systems and strain treatment requirements. The challenges aren’t limited to fire-prone regions. Ash and smoke particles can carry harmful chemicals hundreds, if not thousands, of miles. Even the way we fight fires can taint our water, a fact made clear this past April when chemical-laden retardants apparently killed hundreds of fish in Berkeley, California. … ” Read more from Stanford News here: Q&A: Stanford water expert discusses wildfire’s threat to water quality
California and Nevada scientists study nitrogen pollution in dryland watersheds: “Nitrogen pollution, largely from burning fossil fuels, industrial agriculture and wildfire can reduce drinking water quality and make air difficult to breathe. Thanks to a $1.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation, we will soon have a better understanding of how much nitrogen arid ecosystems can absorb before they produce negative effects. The study is being conducted by scientists at UC Riverside; University of Nevada, Reno; and UC Santa Barbara. ... ” Read more from Nevada Today here: California and Nevada scientists study nitrogen pollution in dryland watersheds
Rainwater in parts of US contain high levels of PFAS chemical, says study: “New data shows that rainwater in some parts of the US contains high enough levels of potentially toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to possibly affect human health and may, if found in drinking water, in some cases be high enough to trigger regulatory action. PFAS chemicals appear in an array of everyday items, such as food packaging, clothing and carpeting. Chemicals in this family are the subject of the film Dark Water, which chronicles the real-life efforts of a lawyer seeking to hold a polluting factory to account in West Virginia. … ” Read more from the Guardian here: Rainwater in parts of US contain high levels of PFAS chemical, says study
CLIMATE CHANGE
Tiny shells reveal waters off California acidifying twice as fast as the global ocean: “In first-of-its-kind research, NOAA scientists and academic partners used 100 years of microscopic shells to show that the coastal waters off California are acidifying twice as fast as the global ocean average — with the seafood supply in the crosshairs. … ” Read more from NOAA here: Tiny shells reveal waters off California acidifying twice as fast as the global ocean
California coastal waters rising in acidity at alarming rate, study finds: “Waters off the California coast are acidifying twice as fast as the global average, scientists found, threatening major fisheries and sounding the alarm that the ocean can absorb only so much more of the world’s carbon emissions. A new study led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also made an unexpected connection between acidification and a climate cycle known as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation — the same shifting forces that other scientists say have a played a big role in the higher and faster rates of sea level rise hitting California in recent years. ... ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune here: California coastal waters rising in acidity at alarming rate, study finds
Report: Sea level could rise at least 7 feet along California’s coastline by 2100: “A new report from the California Legislative Analyst’s Office has some sobering news when it comes to sea level rise. The report found that ocean water could rise by seven feet or more by the end of this century, and it said local governments up and down the state are not doing nearly enough to meet the challenge. … ” Read more from KPBS here: Report: Sea Level Could Rise At Least 7 Feet Along California’s Coastline By 2100
Could putting pebbles on beaches help solve climate change? “Of all the ideas that circulated during the recent American Geophysical Union meeting at the Moscone Center, one of the most outlandish-sounding schemes was from a San Francisco entrepreneur who claims he can help conquer climate change by sprinkling pebbles on tropical beaches. The proposal appears, to the uninitiated, to be a first-class boondoggle, but California’s top climate scientists not only support the notion that rocks can sequester carbon, they are clamoring for viable experiments to test the theory. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Could putting pebbles on beaches help solve climate change?
NATIONAL
Yes, there’s microplastic in the snow: “This is the year we found microplastic in the snow. Although microplastics have been popping up everywhere from the waters of Antarctica to our table salt, the idea that it could blow in the wind or fall as precipitation back down to Earth is extremely new. The main mode of microplastic transport, as far as we knew as recently as last year, was water. It had already shown up in drinking water a few years prior. But microplastic in snow suggests something different: Microplastics carried by wind, and settling out of the air along with the frosty flakes. … ” Read more from Quartz Magazine here: Yes, there’s microplastic in the snow
Leaders set to release end-of-year deal today: “House and Senate negotiators have abandoned efforts to include drinking water standards for the class of chemicals known as PFAS in the year-end spending deal, which is expected to be announced today. The absence of PFAS water standards from the year-end deal marked the second time this month that bicameral talks have come close to bipartisan agreement on possible drinking water standards for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Weekend negotiations on energy tax extenders also struggled, raising questions about another end-of-year priority for many lawmakers and energy sectors. … ” Read more from E&E News here: Leaders set to release end-of-year deal today
EPA lead proposal, derided as weak, may be sneakily strong: “A provision tucked within the EPA’s proposal to overhaul the way it regulates lead in drinking water—initially derided as toothless—could have far-reaching consequences for public health, municipal policies, and even real estate transactions, water industry insiders now say. The proposal would require all water utilities across the country to inventory the location of all of their lead pipes and then make that information public. “If you were going to have to buy a house with a lead pipe on it, you’d probably say, ‘Hey, you have to take that out,’” said Kurt Souza, an assistant deputy director within the California State Water Resources Control Board. ... ” Read more from Bloomberg here: EPA lead proposal, derided as weak, may be sneakily strong
White Christmas outlook: where the best chance of Christmas snow on the ground is forecast this year: “Many dream of a white Christmas, but those in the central and eastern United States may be a bit disappointed this year. In meteorology, a white Christmas occurs when there is at least 1 inch of snow on the ground Christmas morning. It doesn’t have to be snowing on the holiday for that to happen. Our white Christmas outlook currently has the best chance for at least a 1-inch blanket of snow on the ground in the Mountain West, with lower chances in most of the Midwest, Ohio Valley and Northeast. ... ” Read more from The Weather Channel here: White Christmas outlook: where the best chance of Christmas snow on the ground is forecast this year
In regional news and commentary today …
17 months later, boil water notice lifted for residents near Lakehead: “A boil water advisory that has been in effect for about 60 homes and businesses in the Lakehead area for nearly a year and a half has finally been rescinded. The Shasta County Department of Public Works sent a notice out Monday informing residents of County Service Area No. 2 in Sugarloaf that they no longer need to boil their water before drinking it. ... ” Read more from the Redding Record Searchlight here: 17 months later, boil water notice lifted for residents near Lakehead
Water policy workshop to look at status, conservation by Butte County: “The Butte County Board of Supervisors will be hosting a workshop at 1 p.m. Tuesday in its chambers meant to go over water policy. The presentation is slotted for the Board of Supervisors scheduled meeting but may be continued to a different date if time runs out, said a press release issued Monday by Butte County. Butte County Director of the Department of Water and Resource Conservation Paul Gosselin said there will be a section for public comment as well as discussion among the board on possible actions to take. … ” Read more from the Oroville Mercury-Register here: Water policy workshop to look at status, conservation by Butte County
Butte County: Supplying water to Gray Lodge Wildlife Area: “The second phase of the Gray Lodge Water Supply Project that will eventually improve the water canal system leading into the refuge, allowing it to receive its full allotment of legally mandated water for the first time while also providing a more secure water supply for farmers and residents in the area has started. The Gray Lodge Water Supply Project provides a unique opportunity for agricultural and environmental groups to work together on a multi-beneficial water project. … ” Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record here: Butte County: Supplying water to Gray Lodge Wildlife Area
Placerville developer pays for illegal diversions: “A Placerville development company that illegally discharged sediment and stormwater from its construction site has agreed to pay $171,000 in a settlement with the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, according to a Dec. 11 press release from the agency. Several inspections conducted by the regional board staff early this year found that Palos Verdes Properties violated its stormwater permits in January and February of 2019 by failing to properly assess the project’s risk level or implement adequate erosion controls. … ” Read more from the Mountain Democrat here: Placerville developer pays for illegal diversions
Bay Area: Environmental groups sue Newark over housing near wetlands: “Calling a project to build 469-homes on the edge of Newark’s wetlands “destructive,” two environmentalist groups are suing the city, claiming it violated key state regulations when approving the development plan. The Citizens Committee to Complete the Refuge and the Center for Biological Diversity filed the suit Monday in Alameda County Superior Court, asserting that Newark breached the California Environmental Quality Act by “failing to prepare a comprehensive study and mitigate for impacts” from the planned housing development. … ” Read more from the East Bay Times here: Environmental groups sue Newark over housing near wetlands
Bay Area city sued to keep luxury homes out of wetlands: “Environmentalists sued a San Francisco Bay Area city Monday to stop the construction of a luxury apartment complex in an area comprised of sensitive wetlands susceptible to a rising sea. The Citizens Committee to Complete the Refuge sued the city of Newark in Alameda County Superior Court on Monday, saying the city failed to conduct a proper environmental analysis of the development project during its approval process. ... ” Read more from Courthouse News Service here: Bay Area city sued to keep luxury homes out of wetlands
Pure Water Monterey delivery now expected to start in early January: “A critical water test has started for the Pure Water Monterey recycled water project with another key test set to start later this week, and potable water delivery for injection into the Seaside basin is now expected to start early next month. Monterey One Water general manager Paul Sciuto told The Herald on Monday the project’s advanced water purification facility began a 14-day water quality test on Monday, with another key performance test set to begin on Thursday. While both tests will be done by the end of the year, Sciuto said he doesn’t expect state water officials to provide required confirmation of the test results until after the holidays are over, so actual water delivery to the basin would begin in January. ... ” Read more from the Monterey Herald here: Pure Water Monterey delivery now expected to start in early January
Lack of water challenges Monterey’s housing efforts: “Monterey could help generate 170 new affordable housing units through public-private partnerships on city-owned land if it can clear some significant hurdles — the biggest of which is water. Any discussion of additional affordable housing anywhere on the Peninsula comes with the question of whether there is water available for any particular project. … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald here: Lack of water challenges Monterey’s housing efforts
Non-native weeds are engulfing the ancient breeding grounds of Mono Lake’s California gulls: “The people who guard the gulls that nest on Mono Lake’s islets in the eastern Sierra Nevada have used dynamite, electric fences and lawsuits to protect the birds from wily coyotes and diversions of water to Los Angeles. Through it all, California gulls returned each year to rear new generations of their species in roughly 25,000 nests. Now, the gulls are facing a botanical invader they may not be able to overcome: thickets of invasive weeds that have engulfed most of their breeding grounds. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Non-native weeds are engulfing the ancient breeding grounds of Mono Lake’s California gulls
Lack of groundwater coordination could land Kern in “probation”: “In what appears to be a game of water chicken, at least one Kern County groundwater sustainability agency is refusing to sign a crucial document required to keep the entire subbasin out of state control. Buena Vista GSA General Manager Tim Ashlock said Monday that his agency won’t sign a five-year “coordination agreement” with Kern’s four other GSAs. The draft agreement is set to be considered for adoption at Wednesday’s Kern Groundwater Authority meeting. “We are only willing to sign a one-year agreement,” Ashlock said. … ” Read more from SJV Water here (note: requires free registration): Lack of groundwater coordination could land Kern in “probation”
Antelope Valley: RCSD replacing asbestos concrete water pipes: “The Rosamond Community Services District will replace the last large areas of asbestos concrete water pipes in a project slated to start early next year. On Wednesday, the Board of Directors awarded a contract to California Compaction for $2.3 million to complete the pipe replacement project. Their bid was about $60,000 less than the engineering estimated cost for the project, Director of Public Works John Houghton said. … ” Read more from the Antelope Valley Press here: RCSD replacing asbestos concrete water pipes
‘New NAFTA’ offers money for border sewage fixes: “Passing the new North American free trade agreement would mean millions of dollars to help upgrade sewage infrastructure on the border, say the agreement’s backers. But an environmental group and a local organization on the U.S.-Mexico border say it’s not enough. The implementing text joining the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement—an updated version of the North American Free Trade Agreement—would authorize a paid-in capital increase of $225 million for the North American Development Bank, the binational entity that helps fund water and energy infrastructure along the U.S.-Mexico border, bringing the total callable capital, or capital not yet paid in by shareholders, to $1.75 billion. … ” Read more from Bloomberg here: ‘New NAFTA’ offers money for border sewage fixes
Along the Colorado River …
Why are Saudi Arabian cows still eating Arizona’s water?, asks EJ Montini: He writes, “Arizona is being drained dry by out-of-state and foreign interests, and our state government isn’t doing anything to stop it. If you’ve read any of the superb series by Rob O’Dell and Ian James on the depletion of Arizona’s groundwater you’re aware of the problem. As the reporters wrote: “Arizona’s groundwater levels are plummeting in many areas. The problem is especially severe in unregulated rural areas where there are no limits on pumping. ... ” Read more from the Arizona Republic here: Why are Saudi Arabian cows still eating Arizona’s water?
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
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About the Daily Digest: The Daily Digest is a collection of selected news articles, commentaries and editorials appearing in the mainstream press. Items are generally selected to follow the focus of the Notebook blog. The Daily Digest is published every weekday with a weekend edition posting on Sundays.
