On the calendar today …
- MEETING: The Central Valley Flood Protection Board meets at 9am. Agenda items include a legislative update, levee inspection results for Plumas Lakes and San Joaquin River East levee systems, and an update on the 2022 Central Valley Flood Protection Plan. Click here for the full agenda and remote access instructions.
In California water news today …
A struggling California marsh gets an overhaul to prepare for rising seas
“The sun shines meekly through a veil of morning fog and wildfire smoke while several figures in orange vests, hard hats, and face masks move slowly through a marsh on the north shore of San Francisco Bay. Wielding brooms, they jab lightly at the vegetation, ruffling the tufts of native pickleweed. As biological monitors, their job is to flush out small animals—especially the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse—and usher them from the path of a rumbling excavator, which is about to dig a deep groove in the slick mud. … ” Read more from Audubon Magazine here: A struggling California marsh gets an overhaul to prepare for rising seas
Native American tribe’s suit targets Westlands without suing the district. Here’s why.
“A key element of an Obama-era water law is getting fresh scrutiny in Federal courts, this time raised by a northern California Native American tribe. In August, the Hoopa Valley Tribe filed a lawsuit in a Eureka-based Federal court against the U.S. Department of Interior to block execution of a permanent repayment contracts for Central Valley Project users. … The suit almost exclusively targets the powerful Westlands Water District. The problem? The nation’s largest water district isn’t even a party to the suit, nor is it the only player involved in contract conversions. … ” Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Sun here: Native American tribe’s suit targets Westlands without suing the district. Here’s why.
Burning Question: How To Predict Runoff After Catastrophic Wildfire?
“After a record-setting season of catastrophic wildfires in California, no single fire in 2020 burned more than the Creek Fire in the Upper San Joaquin River watershed east of Fresno. The Creek Fire, the largest single-source fire in California history, ravaged nearly 380,000 acres from September to November. Now, with 35% of the watershed burned, hydrologists want to better understand what impact the Creek Fire may have on spring runoff – essential to the San Joaquin Valley’s water supply and to the welfare of a burgeoning salmon population. … ” Read more from the San Joaquin River Restoration Program here: Burning Question: How To Predict Runoff After Catastrophic Wildfire?
California officials vow to collaborate on sea level rise
“Local and state officials in California vowed Thursday to serve as a united front as they seek state funding to mitigate the anticipated devastating impacts of sea level rise on the Golden State’s coast in the years to come. It is a consensus which has been historically stunted by the fight between environmentalists and coastal homeowners for coastal access and state and local government leaders for resources. The Local Government Working Group, consisting of representatives from the California State Association of Counties, League of California Cities and California Coastal Commission met virtually to discuss their priorities for addressing sea level rise statewide in 2021. … ” Read more from Courthouse News Service here: California officials vow to collaborate on sea level rise
Speakers: Support groundwater projects, fix aging canals
“A stronger focus on groundwater recharge, fixes to crumbling infrastructure and the continuation of a federal Water Subcabinet were the most popular requests from growers and organizations speaking in a USDA-led online forum on getting the most from limited water supplies in the West. In an open-ended “listening session” hosted Dec. 17 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, speakers from California to Oklahoma pushed for projects that would improve their access and efficiency with water as droughts are expected to worsen in the coming years. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Speakers: Support groundwater projects, fix aging canals
Can water saving traits help wine survive climate change?
“Climate change is expected to make many grape-growing regions too hot and dry to produce high-quality wine from traditional varieties. But scientists at the University of California, Davis, have found that wine grape varieties from regions that are more prone to stress have traits that could help them cope with climate change. The study, published in the Journal of Experimental Botany, finds that varieties that produce their best wines in warmer, drier regions have traits that conserve water, helping the vines extend their water resources to last over the growing season. … ” Read more from UC Davis here: Can water saving traits help wine survive climate change?
Stanford study uses Zillow to gain insight into water efficiency
“A new study led by scientists at Stanford’s Water in the West program suggests that data-collecting platforms like Zillow can provide new insights into the intersection between water use and urban planning. These findings are critical to “better understand the human dimension of water use” according to Newsha Ajami, one of the study’s authors and director of urban water policy at Water in the West. Because Zillow users frequently and willingly share specific information about their homes, the researchers were able to generate more detailed data on a home-by-home basis than traditional collection methods would allow. … ” Read more from Stanford News here: Stanford study uses Zillow to gain insight into water efficiency
Plastic pipes a water contamination risk after fire, data shows
“Wildfires in California have been brutal in recent years, not only torching millions of acres of forest but also blazing through developed areas with vicious force. Fifteen of the 20 most destructive fires in state history have occurred since 2015, obliterating thousands of homes and buildings statewide, from the Sierra Nevada foothills to the Coast Range. Because these fires are now burning where people live — or, people are living where the fires are — new hazards to health and infrastructure have emerged in the ashes. Among them is the contamination of drinking water, which occurred after catastrophic fires in Santa Rosa, in 2017, and in Paradise a year later. Chemical contaminants such as benzene, a carcinogen that affects blood and bone marrow, were also found in community water systems in Santa Cruz County this year following the CZU Lightning Complex Fire. … ” Read more from Circle of Blue here: Plastic pipes a water contamination risk after fire, data shows
Coho salmon deaths linked to chemical found in tires
“For years, researchers have worked to solve the mysterious cause of extreme coho salmon mortality in the Pacific Northwest. A recent study by the San Francisco Estuary Institute and the University of Washington has finally identified the microscopic culprit as a highly toxic contaminant associated with tire particles. Coho salmon are especially vulnerable to environmental stressors and are considered to be an endangered species throughout the Pacific Northwest. The study focused on water samples from the San Francisco Bay area and the Puget Sound in Washington state, but scientists fear the contaminant could affect coho salmon in the Eel and Klamath rivers as well. … ” Read more from the Eureka Times-Standard here: Coho salmon deaths linked to chemical found in tires
In regional water news and commentary today …
Sacramento District quick to adapt in face of COVID
“USACE Sacramento District has a proven track record of facing challenges head-on. When 2020 brought with it the Novel Coronavirus, the District responded quickly to address the needs of a rapidly changing work environment. The public health emergency necessitated development of new methodologies that would ensure the safety of Corps employees, contractors and residents, all while continuing crucial construction. Social distancing, teleworking, and additional personal protective equipment requirements, along with the public’s ongoing need for information and input, saw District employees drawing on creativity and technical expertise in new ways. USACE management and employees developed effective and meaningful ways to work together, whether in the field or remotely from home. … ” Read more from the Army Corps Sacramento District here: Sacramento District quick to adapt in face of COVID
San Joaquin County residents encouraged to continue participation in Integrated Regional Water Management Planning
“The Greater San Joaquin County Regional Water Coordinating Committee (GSJCRWCC), a diverse group of regional water management stakeholders, announced that it completed a significant update to the 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWMP Addendum) and will consider adopting the updated Plan on January 20, 2021. The goal of the IRWMP is to encourage regional cooperation and collaborative projects to provide water supply reliability, water recycling, water conservation, water quality improvement, stormwater capture and management, flood management and environmental and habitat protection / improvements. “San Joaquin County, along with most of the State, is faced with the critical challenge of increasingly scarce water resources. Limited surface water supplies from major rivers and the tremendous use of groundwater supplies, combined with the serious threats of climate change has increased the magnitude of this challenge,” said John Holbrook, Chairman of the GSJCRWCC. “Without an integrated water plan in place, the region could face limited water supplies, substandard water quality and a deteriorating natural environment.”
Savor the last drops — Bay Area rains not expected again until 2021
“If Bay Area residents didn’t take time to appreciate Wednesday’s overnight dousing, it seems it’s too late. It’s all we’re going to get until 2021, forecasters say. Following the much-needed downpour that led to Thursday morning’s soaked roadways, an unusually dry holiday season lies ahead. A cold front with little moisture is expected to usher in a chilly weekend in the wake of the scattered showers that were expected to dissipate through Thursday morning, meteorologists said. National Weather Service models predict a dry Christmas, with no more precipitation through New Year’s Day at least. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Savor the last drops — Bay Area rains not expected again until 2021
Monterey: Cal Am lawsuit targets public buyout process, alleging violations by water district
“The latest hurdle in the effort to bring the Monterey Peninsula’s water system under public control is a lawsuit by the utility that currently owns it, California American Water. In a lawsuit filed Nov. 25, Cal Am accused the government agency charged with acquiring the system of violating the law by failing to fully analyze how a public takeover would impact the environment. The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District certified its environmental analysis on Oct. 29, finding no significant impacts. But Cal Am maintains that conclusion is based on flawed assumptions. … ” Read more from Monterey Weekly here: Cal Am lawsuit targets public buyout process, alleging violations by water district
In abrupt shift, water board rejects $275,000 GM contract for former Carson mayor
“The board of the Water Replenishment District rejected a controversial proposal to hire former Carson Mayor Albert Robles as its interim general manager Thursday, Dec. 17, in a stunning turn when one of his supporters, and then another, left the meeting without explanation. Robles’ proposed $275,000 contract appeared likely to pass as three members previously supported the idea of hiring him on Dec. 3. But as the meeting unfolded, with tensions high and accusations of corruption lobbed by both sides, Director Sergio Calderon hung up during a virtual meeting without word and board President Vera Robles Dewitt, following one particularly heated exchange, stood up and walked out. ... ” Read more from the Daily Breeze here: In abrupt shift, water board rejects $275,000 GM contract for former Carson mayor
Along the Colorado River …
Colorado River Basin winter forecast signals dry times ahead
“All signs are pointing to a dry start to 2021 across much of the Colorado River watershed, which provides water to about 40 million people in the Western U.S. A lack of precipitation from April to October made this spring, summer and fall one of the region’s driest six-month periods on record. And with a dry start to winter, river forecasters feel more pessimistic about the chances for a drought recovery in the early part of 2021. … ” Read more from KSUT here: Colorado River Basin winter forecast signals dry times ahead
In national water news today …
Trump bemoaned water pressure. Now his administration has eased standards
“The U.S. Department of Energy has finalized two new rules that offer a win to President Trump in his personal crusade to roll back water efficiency standards on appliances like showerheads. Trump frequently has bemoaned what he views as insufficient water pressure with newer appliances. The new rules, announced Tuesday, loosen water regulations on showerheads and for washers and dryers. The Trump administration heralded the standards as a victory for the “quality of life” of Americans. … ” Read more from Valley Public Radio here: Trump bemoaned water pressure. Now his administration has eased standards
Trump administration finalizes second rule in days limiting habitat protections
“The Trump administration on Thursday finalized a rule that could make it harder for habitats with endangered or threatened species to get federal protections. The new rule, first proposed in September, would require the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) not to give an area critical habitat protections if an analysis determines that there are more benefits to not providing the protections. … ” Read more from The Hill here: Trump administration finalizes second rule in days limiting habitat protections
‘Millions left on the table’: How cities can do more to battle rising flood insurance rates
“William Jennings and his wife have lived in their Virginia Beach, Va. home for the last 37 years. And their plan was to stay in it through retirement. “I really like my house,” Jennings says, standing in the front yard. “A two-story home. A swimming pool in the backyard.” But Jennings’ neighborhood has flooded more often in recent years. His house did once, too. His mortgage requires flood insurance, which now costs him $2,336 a year and is set to increase 18% in July. … Whether Jennings keeps his house may depend on how much more Virginia Beach invests in a little-known federal program that offers sizeable flood insurance discounts. … ” Read more from Valley Public Radio here: ‘Millions left on the table’: How cities can do more to battle rising flood insurance rates
Biden taps North Carolina Environmental official to run EPA
“President-elect Joe Biden on Thursday offered the leadership of the Environmental Protection Agency to Michael S. Regan, a North Carolina regulator who has made a name pursuing cleanups of industrial toxins and helping low-income and minority communities hit hardest by pollution. Biden’s selection of Regan, who leads his state’s environmental agency, was confirmed by two people familiar with the selection process. They were not authorized the discuss the matter publicly before the official announcement and spoke on condition of anonymity. Regan became environmental chief in North Carolina in 2017. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, who hired Regan then, told The Associated Press this week that Regan was “a consensus builder and a fierce protector of the environment.” … ” Read more from KQED here: Biden taps North Carolina Environmental official to run EPA
Biden’s pick for Interior, Rep. Deb Haaland, would be first Native American to head dept.
“President-elect Joe Biden plans to nominate New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland as interior secretary, according to a person familiar with the decision, a historic pick that would make her the first Native American to lead the powerful federal agency that has wielded influence over the nation’s tribes for generations. Tribal leaders and activists around the country, along with many Democratic figures, have urged Biden for weeks to choose Haaland. They stood behind her candidacy even when concerns that Democrats might risk their majority in the House if Haaland yielded her seat in Congress appeared to threaten her nomination. … ” Read more from KQED here: Biden’s pick for Interior, Rep. Deb Haaland, would be first Native American to head Dept.
SEE ALSO: Here’s what North State tribes say about the first Native American interior secretary nominee, from the Redding Record Searchlight
What does Biden’s climate team mean for farmers?
“President-elect Joe Biden has made it clear from day one he intends to lead with action on the climate. And now he’s filling his climate team with some familiar faces and some new ones that could bring a change to agriculture. “We have a good idea of the vision President-elect Biden is trying to accomplish. And as it relates to agriculture it is positive,” says Ethan Lane, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s vice president of government affairs. The concern comes in when the progressive left of the party tries to take actions further. … ” Read more from the Western Farm Press here: What does Biden’s climate team mean for farmers?
National water and climate update …
The Natural Resources Conservation Service produces this weekly report using data and products from the National Water and Climate Center and other agencies. The report focuses on seasonal snowpack, precipitation, temperature, and drought conditions in the U.S.
dmrpt-20201217Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
DELTA eNEWS: ~~ December SFEWS~ Delta Adapts~ Social Science~ December SFEM~ CWC Meeting~ Yolo Bypass ~~
