In California water news this weekend …
Stormy weather to slam West Coast in final week of 2020
“Following closely in the footsteps of a storm that walloped portions of the West on Christmas Day, the second significant storm in several days is set to deliver disruptive weather to begin the final week of 2020. The first storm began to take aim at the West coast of the United States on Friday. This storm brought heavy rain and strong wind gusts to portions of the coastal Pacific Northwest while a mix of rain and snow pushed farther inland. Snow persisted for many high-elevation regions through Saturday. One such location was Trout Lake, Washington, where a foot of snow fell in less than 24 hours. … ” Read more from Accu-Weather here: Stormy weather to slam West Coast in final week of 2020
Michael Kiparsky: ‘Futures trading can bring efficiency to California’s water sector’
“Chicago-based CME Group began trading in water as a futures commodity on Wall Street December 7, 2020. The company’s contracts are tied to the $1.1 billion California spot water market. The CME Group is “the world’s leading and most diverse derivatives marketplace offering the widest range of futures and options products for risk management”, according to its website. The contracts were announced in September as heat and wildfires ravaged the US west coast and as California was emerging from an eight-year drought. After the move, water has officially joined gold and oil as a commodity being traded on the stock market. Michael Kiparsky, director of the Wheeler Water Institute at the Center for Law, Energy & the Environment, University of California, Berkeley School of Law, spoke to Down To Earth about the long-term challenges and benefits of water trading. … ” Read more from Down to Earth here: Michael Kiparsky: ‘Futures trading can bring efficiency to California’s water sector’
Sites Reservoir reaches milestone
“The Bureau of Reclamation has recently released the Final Feasibility Report for the Sites Reservoir Project – also known as the North-of-Delta Offstream Storage Project. This key milestone represents a significant advancement for the water storage project and moves Sites Reservoir one step closer to construction, according to the Sites Project Authority. With the completion of the Feasibility Report, Sites Reservoir will remain eligible for federal funding under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act and will allow for continued federal participation and potential future investment in the construction of Project. … ” Read more from the Woodland Daily Digest here: Sites Reservoir reaches milestone
Planning for Delta tunnel moves forward
“Earlier this month the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) Board of Directors voted unanimously to fund nearly $161 million for planning costs related to the construction of a Delta tunnel. While a press release issued by MWD touted the importance of the initiative — known as the Delta Conveyance Project (DCP) — for improving the security of water delivery to Southern California, it made no mention of extensive verbal and written public comments that urged MWD to decline participation in the effort. … ” Read more from The Press here: Planning for Delta tunnel moves forward
In people news this weekend …
Newsha Ajami named to S.F. Public Utilities Commission
“A Stanford University water expert has been tapped by Mayor London Breed to become the newest member of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Newsha Ajami, the current director of urban water policy for Stanford’s Water in the West program, is an authority on sustainable water management and a member of the Bay Area Regional Water Control Board. Ajami’s selection fills the last vacant seat on the five-member commission — a body that’s seen significant turnover in the last two years. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Newsha Ajami named to S.F. Public Utilities Commission
John Laird returns to Sacramento as a state senator
“State Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) who represents Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo County in his district announced his State Senate committee assignments, revealing a broad array of assignments. … “I want to thank Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins for allowing me the opportunity to serve on several crucial policy-making and fiscal committees,” said Sen. Laird. “These assignments well position me to advance strong, workable measures on climate change, sustainable public education, affordable housing, access to health care and support for science-based public health, addressing issues of social justice, and providing both short and long-term relief from COVID-19 pandemic impacts.” ... ” Check out his committee assignments from the Paso Robles Daily News here: John Laird returns to Sacramento as a state senator
Farm Bureau mourns passing of Richard Rominger
“Praising Richard Rominger for his devotion to California agriculture, California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson expressed sadness at Rominger’s passing. Rominger, a longtime Yolo County farmer and agricultural official, died Sunday at 93. “It’s hard to think of a person who gave more of himself to California agriculture than Richard Rominger,” Johansson said. “He devoted his life to the land and to those who care for it: the farmers, ranchers and farm employees of California and the United States. He focused his public service on benefiting agriculture and all those who enjoy its products.” ... ” Read more from Ag Net West here: Farm Bureau mourns passing of Richard Rominger
Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board appoints Mike Plaziak to Executive Officer
“Michael Raymond Plaziak, a water program expert and geologist with a wide range of experience in water issues in both the military and public sector, has been appointed executive officer of the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board. Plaziak, who has been serving as acting executive officer at the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, stepped into his new role Dec. 14. He replaces former long-time executive officer Patty Kouyoumdjian, who retired Aug. 21. As executive officer at the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, Plaziak will lead a staff of 75 that oversees a vast region spanning starkly different landscapes – from the alpine settings of Lassen County and Lake Tahoe Area to the desert expanses of the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino county. …
Podcasts …
WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING PODCAST: A Respect for Water
Steve Baker writes, “Water is life to the Winnemem Wintu People; from the beginning of mankind’s time on Earth to the future that is yet to be revealed. Chief Caleen Sisk describes the meaning of water and how their ceremonies support the People and the Earth. 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, Operation Unite® Bringing People Together to Solve Water Problems, Online at www.operationunite.co
LET’S TALK ABOUT WATER PODCAST: Brother Ocean, Sister Lake: Why Water Deserves Respect and Human Rights
Dr. Kelsey Leonard, an associate professor at the University of Waterloo and member of the Shinnecock Nation, discusses how Indigenous views on the personhood of water can save that water. More and more bodies of water around the world are being granted legal personhood status, which gives them the right to be defended from industrial pollution. Dr. Leonard is fighting to make water justice a priority across government and bridge the gap between Indigenous belief and Western law.
In regional water news this weekend …
Toxic algae blooms at Oregon-California border spurred by climate change, study says
“New research from West Coast oceanographers provides insight into the cause of toxic algae blooms that caused shellfish closures and marine mammal deaths near the Oregon-California border. The study published in the journal Frontiers in Climate shows climate change and a 2013-2015 Pacific Ocean heatwave, often called “the blob”, have increased the growth of toxic algae off Humboldt County in Northern California. … ” Read more from Jefferson Public Radio here: Toxic algae blooms at Oregon-California border spurred by climate change, study says
Monterey County is deciding on new rules for drilling wells. Will the result satisfy anyone?
“Whenever a farmer or a water utility wants to drill a well, replace an existing one or destroy an old one, they apply for a permit with their county regulator. This process has remained more or less the same for decades, with tens of thousands of wells drilled to pump water from the aquifers for irrigating crops and supplying household taps. In August, a lawsuit about the permitting process for wells in Stanislaus County reached the Supreme Court of California. The court looked at Stanislaus County’s rules and said, in essence, you have been doing it wrong. Not only that – the court’s ruling meant that virtually every county in the state has been permitting wells in violation of California law. … ” Read more from Monterey Weekly here: Monterey County is deciding on new rules for drilling wells. Will the result satisfy anyone?
Elkhorn Slough: Why restoring Hester Marsh is important
“Just a short paddle up the Elkhorn Slough, kayakers can spot Hester Marsh. Degraded by decades of diking and draining, and threatened by rising sea levels, the marsh is now being lifted out of the muck. Labeled the Tidal Marsh Restoration Project, the restoration will ensure Hester Marsh outlasts the drowning of most other Elkhorn salt marshes, projected to occur within 50 years. These marshes provide vital natural habitat and play a critical role in fighting climate change, experts say, through their ability to capture and store large amounts of atmospheric carbon. … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald here: Elkhorn Slough: Why restoring Hester Marsh is important
Santa Barbara County holds winter preparedness meeting to discuss debris flow prevention
“Nearly three years after the Montecito mudslide tragedy that claimed 23 lives, Santa Barbara County continues to keep a close eye on vegetation recovery, debris basins, flood control systems, and winter weather to ensure that a similar incident isn’t repeated. On Dec. 17, community members from across the county were invited to join a winter preparedness virtual meeting during which experts and county officials provided updates on how the area has recovered and how conditions have improved since the Jan. 9, 2018, incident. “We’ve been working very hard to create the right kind of resiliency projects, the right kind of flood control projects, in order to increase our safety as a community,” 1st District Supervisor Das Williams said in a pre-recorded message at the meeting. “I’m proud to say that the first of those projects is online: the expansion of the Cold Springs debris basin to be able to take more large material.” … ” Read more from the Santa Maria Times here: Santa Barbara County holds winter preparedness meeting to discuss debris flow prevention
Long Beach: Marina Vista Park trees to go, making way for Colorado Lagoon open channel
“Long Beach will soon remove non-native trees from Marina Vista Park to make way for an open channel connecting the Colorado Lagoon and Alamitos Bay’s Marine Stadium, part of a larger effort to improve water quality in the lagoon. The $26.3 million open channel project, slated to begin in late summer or the fall, will replace a large pipe running under the park, which currently allows water to circulate between the lagoon and Alamitos Bay. The channel project, which will take an estimated two years to complete, is the second phase of water-quality improvements at the lagoon. ... ” Read more from the Long Beach Press Telegram here: Long Beach: Marina Vista Park trees to go, making way for Colorado Lagoon open channel
50,000-gallon sewage spill prompts temporary closure of all beaches in Long Beach
“All swimming areas along the coastal beaches of Long Beach were closed Saturday due to a sewage spill, the City of Long Beach announced. Approximately 50,000 gallons of sewage spilled into the Los Cerritos Channel on Saturday after a pump station failed due to a loss of power, the city said in a press release. The city learned of the spill after receiving a report from the Los Angeles County Department of Sanitation Saturday morning, officials said. … ” Read more from KTLA Channel 5 here: 50,000-gallon sewage spill prompts temporary closure of all beaches in Long Beach
Cal Fire: Desert Water Agency vehicle sparked Snow Fire in Riverside County in September
“A vehicle owned by the Desert Water Agency sparked the Snow Fire, which burned 6,254 acres in unincorporated Riverside County northwest of Palm Springs in mid-September, Cal Fire announced Thursday. A Desert Water Agency employee was on his “normal rounds” when the truck caught fire Sept. 17, the agency said in a statement. The vehicle’s service records indicate it was “properly maintained,” it said, adding, “we are still looking into every possible cause.” The employee wasn’t injured. … ” Read more from the Desert Sun here: Cal Fire: Desert Water Agency vehicle sparked Snow Fire in Riverside County in September
Coachella Valley: Some see desert as next surfing hotspot
“Cries of “cowabunga” will soon ring out in the sprawling desert east of Los Angeles. Sun, sand, and surfing are hallmarks of Southern California’s famous beaches. But, in the not-too-distant future, people who live a lot farther inland will be able to ride the waves. It’s late fall in the desert oasis of Palm Springs. That means a slight breeze and afternoon sun comfortably warming temperatures to the low 80s. While some enjoy the nice weather playing golf or sunbathing, a dedicated crew is hard at work transforming the defunct Wet ‘n’ Wild water park near the city’s airport. … ” Read more from NPR here: Coachella Valley: Some see desert as next surfing hotspot
Along the Colorado River …
Colorado River management may change under Biden administration
“The new Biden administration could take action on the Colorado River that would go well beyond the president-elect’s term in office. The week of Dec. 14, the seven states that are part of the Colorado River compact began the first step for renegotiating guidelines that will decide how much water the three lower basin states and Mexico will get from Lake Mead, on the Arizona-Nevada border, and from Mead’s source, the Colorado River. … ” Read more from the Colorado Gazette here: Colorado River management may change under Biden administration
New study tells us that Arizona can’t wait to act on groundwater overuse, says Jamie Kelley
He writes, “Like many Arizonans, I spend a lot of time thinking about our water supply – both how we use it and how we manage it. The Colorado River water supply has received much attention in the last few years given the sustained drought, high temperatures and reduced supplies. But Colorado River water is not the only water supply that needs action to preserve and protect it. The water that is sitting right under our feet also needs protecting. … ” Read more from Arizona Central here: New study tells us that Arizona can’t wait to act on groundwater overuse, says Jamie Kelley
BuRec considers new quake activity in review of salt injection well’s future
“Recent earthquake activity in the Paradox Valley area will be part of the Bureau of Reclamation’s calculation as it considers what the future holds for operations at a saltwater injection well there, after having recently decided its desalination efforts in the valley may end when the well can no longer be used. Two earthquakes early Saturday evening, one of them rated by the Bureau of Reclamation at magnitude 3.6, are believed by the agency to be aftershocks of a 4.4-magnitude quake in March 2019, said agency spokeswoman Justyn Liff. … ” Read more from the Grand Junction Sentinel here: BuRec considers new quake activity in review of salt injection well’s future
In national water news this weekend …
Congress adds $638 million in water-bill debt relief to coronavirus package
“People who are behind on their water and sewer bills because of the pandemic will be getting some help from Congress. Federal lawmakers wrapped up their work before the holidays, tying together a $900 billion coronavirus relief bill, a $1.4 trillion budget outlay, and several policy measures. Included in the package that the House and Senate approved on Monday evening is $638 million to forgive overdue water and sewer bills. The funding is intended to help low-income families in financial distress because of the pandemic. But the legislation does not include a prohibition on shutting off water service during the national health emergency, a provision that Democrats offered in earlier proposals but one that was opposed by utility groups. … ” Read more from the Circle of Blue here: Congress Adds $638 Million in Water-Bill Debt Relief to Coronavirus Package
Incoming interior secretary faces many issues in Arizona and beyond, from water rights to climate
“If U.S. Rep. Deborah Haaland is confirmed as interior secretary, the Native American from New Mexico could make a huge difference to Arizona and the West when her background and outlook are translated into policy. Experts in Native American affairs and Democratic Party congressional leaders including Rep. Raúl Grijalva of Tucson and Sen. Tom Udall of New Mexico offer predictions for how Haaland’s tenure could affect federal lands and waters … ” Read more from the Arizona Daily Star here: Incoming interior secretary faces many issues in Arizona and beyond, from water rights to climate
Biden builds team to get aggressive on regs
“President-elect Joe Biden is building a team of seasoned government professionals who can help him embark on an aggressive regulatory agenda once he takes office. Biden will face a divided Senate when he takes office that could be controlled by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) depending on the outcome of two Jan. 5 runoff elections in Georgia. This will make moving legislation difficult, and will almost certainly force Biden to lean on executive actions and regulatory work — both to accomplish his own agenda and dismantle President Trump’s. … ” Read more from The Hill here: Biden builds team to get aggressive on regs
Catch up on last week’s news in the Weekly Digest …
WEEKLY WATER NEWS DIGEST for Dec 20 to 24: Preparing for possible dry times ahead in the Delta, Implementation of the SWP’s Incidental Take Permit, plus all the top news stories of the week
Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …
DELTA eNEWS: ~~ Survey Report~ Science Conference~ DPAC Meeting~ Public Webinar~ Adaptive Management ~~
NOTICE of lifting of curtailments under standard water right Term 91
FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: San Lucas farm fields by Malcom Carlaw
