A wrap-up of posts published on Maven’s Notebook this week …
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This week’s featured articles …
CA WATER COMMISSION: California Water Plan 2023 Update
The California Water Plan is the state’s strategic plan for sustainably managing and developing water resources for current and future generations. The plan is updated every five years, and work is in progress for the 2023 update. At the January meeting of the California Water Commission, Kamyar Guivetchi with DWR’s Division of Planning briefed the Commission on the timeline and process for developing the California Water Plan Update 2023.
Click here to read this article.
MONTHLY RESERVOIR REPORT for February 1st, plus a look at current reservoir and snow conditions
Written by Robert Shibatani
After a record-setting December 2021, this past month has seen the exact opposite; demonstrating once again, the extreme nature (sometimes termed a “weather whiplash”) in California’s hydroclimatology. In many areas of the State, virtually no new precipitation was recorded while, in others, nominal accumulations were observed.
Click here to read the reservoir report.
DELTA COUNCIL: Consistency determination for the Lookout Slough Project appealed – again
The Department of Water Resources filed its Certification of Consistency for the Lookout Slough Tidal Habitat Restoration and Flood Improvement Project on December 30, 2021, finding that the project is consistent with the Delta Stewardship Council’s Delta Plan. On January 31st, appeals were filed by Liberty Island Access and Solano County Water Agency.
If this sounds vaguely familiar, the Department of Water Resources first filed its Certification of Consistency for the Lookout Slough project previously in spring of 2021; the certification was subsequently appealed by Liberty Island Access, Solano County Water Agency, Reclamation District 2060 & Reclamation District 2068, and the Central Delta Water Agency. Portions of the appeal, largely those regarding public access and recreational opportunities, were upheld and the project was remanded to the Department of Water Resources for reconsideration in July of 2021. So, the Department of Water Resources has regrouped and submitted a new Certification of Consistency.
Click here to read this article.
WEBINAR: How do you run a Groundwater Sustainability Agency ?– A Review of Choices made by Critically Overdrafted Subbasins
On February 1st, 2022 Maven’s Notebook, the Groundwater Exchange, and the Local Government Commission hosted a webinar entitled: How do you run a Groundwater Sustainability Agency ?– A Review of Choices made by Critically Overdrafted Subbasins.
Laura Ramos and Sarge Green from Fresno State discussed the key findings and recommendations of the newly released SGMA Governance Strategies Summary Report. If you missed the webinar, check out the recording to learn about the methodology and resources shared, along with the question and answer session.
DELTA LEAD SCIENTIST: Effects of stressors on native fish communities
At the January meeting of the Delta Stewardship Council, Delta Lead Scientist Dr. Laurel Larsen began a series of reports that, over the next few months, will highlight the science that the Council funded through the Delta Science Fellows in 2018.
The Delta Science Fellows Program, a partnership with California Sea Grant, provides two years of research funding and mentorship to master’s students, Ph.D. students, and postdoctoral scholars working on questions of management relevance in the Delta. The research topics must be directly related to the Science Action Agenda.
“I hope that the next few lead scientist reports will drive home just how impactful this funding program can be, both for the science and for building the next generation of science leaders in the Delta,” said Dr. Larsen.
Click here to read this article.
BAY DELTA SCIENCE CONFERENCE: I’m not that Shallow – Surprising Similarity in Zooplankton Communities Collected at Different Depths Near Wetland Restoration Sites
Wetland restoration has been identified as a key management tool for increasing food availability for at-risk fishes in the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary. To characterize the benefits of restoration sites, it is critical to quantify the abundance and composition of food resources for fish in and near the wetlands.
Characterization of zooplankton communities in and near wetlands is considered particularly important, but accurate analysis of zooplankton samples is time-consuming and expensive. So the recently established Fish Restoration Program Monitoring Team conducted a study that leveraged data from existing IEP surveys along with additional monitoring to characterize shallow-water zooplankton communities before restoration.
At the 2021 Bay-Delta Science Conference, Rosemary Hartman, Environmental Program Manager with the Department of Water Resources, discussed the study.
Click here to read this article.
In California water news this week …
‘Drought still far from over.’ Sierra snow survey shows results of dry January
“The Sierra Nevada snowpack is dwindling, and California’s drought is worsening. A once-promising start to winter has given way to grim predictions about a third year of tight water supplies. The California Department of Water Resources’ monthly survey of snow conditions Tuesday revealed a substantial loss of snow from a month earlier, following a bone-dry January. “Our snowpack has hit this flatline and we’re not getting any snow,” said Sean de Guzman, manager of the state’s snow surveys, after his crew completed its measurements at Phillips. “We’re starting to get more concerned.” ... ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: ‘Drought still far from over.’ Sierra snow survey shows results of dry January
Amid snow and ice declines, what happens to Sierra lakes in the winter?
“How small mountain lakes spend their winters is largely unknown to scientists, despite winter representing nearly half the year in such environments. A study by the University of California, Davis, helps demystify what happens above and below the ice. The study, published in a special issue of the Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences, is the first to look at ice cover and under-ice conditions in small Sierra Nevada lakes, which number in the thousands. Such baseline knowledge is critical for understanding how high-elevation lakes respond to climate change and to the loss of ice and snow. Despite heavy snowfall this winter, climate projections estimate the Sierra snowpack could drastically shrink or even disappear by 2100. … ” Read more from UC Davis here: Amid snow and ice declines, what happens to Sierra lakes in the winter?
Snow shuts off in West as drought recovery hopes dim
“Winter whiplash has hit California and the West. Doused in epic snow and rain in December, the region has just experienced one of the driest Januaries on record in many locations, and there are no storms in sight for at least the first half of February. The weeks-long dry spell, in the midst of what should be the wettest two months of the year, is dashing hopes of meaningful drought recovery this winter. Water-year surpluses are sliding into deficits, and fire danger is on the rise in California. The reversal may soon emerge in drought maps. “As the West moves into the second half of its winter wet season, a return to stormy weather will be needed to sustain the drought improvement that occurred during October and December,” said last week’s U.S. Drought Monitor report. … ” Read more from the Washington Post here: Snow shuts off in West as drought recovery hopes dim
SEE ALSO: 17 feet of snow sparked hope for quelling California’s drought. Then precipitation ‘flatlined’ in January, from CNN
State gives thumbs down to most San Joaquin Valley groundwater plans
“Groundwater plans for eight “critically overdrafted” subbasins in the San Joaquin Valley were deemed incomplete by the state Department of Water Resources (DWR) on Friday. Plans covering the Kern, Eastern San Joaquin, Merced, Chowchilla, Kings, Kaweah, Tulare Lake and Tule subbasins were all officially labeled as “incomplete” by DWR. On January 21, DWR also deemed four other groundwater plans incomplete, including Westlands Water District’s in western Fresno County. In Kern County – where groundwater is being overdrafted by more than 324,000 acre feet a year, on average – DWR staff hit on the need for better coordination among the groundwater sustainability agencies. … ” Read more from SJV Water here: State gives thumbs down to most San Joaquin Valley groundwater plans
Experts urge overhaul of California’s ‘antiquated’ water laws
“As California enters its third year of drought, pressure is mounting for lawmakers to update the state’s antiquated water laws. On Thursday, a coalition of legal experts and retired state officials released a report with a list of suggested reforms, which they say would make California’s water politics more equitable and sustainable as climate change gets worse. If implemented — a major if — many of the reforms would provide a check on the state’s massive agricultural industry, which sucks up some 80% of all the water used in California. The reports’ authors explained their recommendations during a webinar hosted by the Planning and Conservation League (PCL), a conservation organization. “We are in a time of crisis,” Jennifer Harder, a professor of law and legal practice at McGeorge University, who coauthored the report, said to stakeholders and others in the audience. “I hope you can think creatively and be brave.” ... ” Read more from Successful Farming here: Experts urge overhaul of California’s ‘antiquated’ water laws
Vidovich fires back: Kings Co. water pipeline battle picks up steam
“A battle between one of Kings County’s largest farming outfits and a water district over the trenching of a massive underground water pipeline grew hotter on Friday. Two days after the Tulare Lake Canal Company sued Sandridge Partners, the farming and water giant owned by John Vidovich, to halt trenching work on a water pipeline set to cut across the company’s south of Stratford, Vidovich turned the tables and filed suit against Tulare Lake Canal. Friday, Sandridge Partners along with Roller Land Company filed a cross-complaint against Tulare Lake Canal and Lemoore contractor Wood Bros, Inc. The key allegation: Tulare Lake Canal and Wood Bros, Inc. placed heavy equipment on the canal embankment to block further construction of the Vidovich-led pipeline. … ” Read more from the San Joaquin Valley Sun here: Vidovich fires back: Kings Co. water pipeline battle picks up steam
Kings Co. town denies massive Sandridge water pipeline will move wastewater
“The legal battle between Kings County’s largest farming and water giant and a local water district surrounding the construction of a massive, underground water pipeline has taken another twist. The battle between Tulare Lake Canal Company and Sandridge Partners, led by John Vidovich, began last week when the water agency sued Sandridge to halt construction on its pipeline project over its encroachment – and eventual trenching under – its eponymous canal. … In the filing, Sandridge claimed the project was aimed at installing piping to move water for agricultural and commercial uses. The company also said it was installing a “sleeve” for use by the community of Stratford to “remove sewage from the City and transport it to land owned by [Sandridge Partners and Roller Land Company].” That admission was news to the unincorporated community. ... ” Read the full article at the San Joaquin Valley Sun here: Kings Co. town denies massive Sandridge water pipeline will move wastewater
River rights battles in the San Joaquin Valley stuck in eddy
“If you’re living in excited anticipation of the next batch of legal action on several San Joaquin Valley rivers now under scrutiny by the rights division of the State Water Resources Control Board, you may want to cool your jets. That doesn’t mean absolutely nothing has been happening on the Fresno, Kings and Kern rivers. But things are moving at a, well, conservative pace. The Kern River seems to be in the lead with one set of hearings already done in December and a second set scheduled for mid-March and early April. Action on the Fresno River, meanwhile, is becalmed. … ” Read more from SJV Water here: River rights battles in the San Joaquin Valley stuck in eddy
Ancient river beds could hold the solution to California’s water woes
“The “water detectives” that author Erica Gies followed are all asking the same question — she calls it “revolutionary.” The question is: What does water want? “Water wants more access to its slow phases,” Gies said. Her forthcoming book, “Water Always Wins: Thriving in an Age of Drought and Deluge,” details these detectives — water researchers who are part of what Gies calls the “slow water movement.” … ” Continue reading at KQED here: Ancient river beds could hold the solution to California’s water woes
UCSC researchers study effects of wildfire runoff on steelhead sense of smell
“In 2020, a massive lightning storm ignited wildfires across much of Northern California. Among the thousands of acres it charred were multiple coastal watersheds from San Mateo County to Big Sur. For UC Santa Cruz fish ecologist Eric Palkovacs, the burns offered a chance to study how the runoff after wildfire affects one of the region’s most iconic fish: steelhead trout. Unlike rainbow trout, which technically belong to the same species (Onchorhyncus mykiss), endangered steelhead hatch in in freshwater streams, migrate to the ocean to mature, and finally return to their natal stream to spawn. Palkovacs worries that chemicals in runoff from burned landscapes are causing the trout’s sense of smell to go haywire. That could mean disaster for an entire generation of the federally threatened fish. … ” Read more from UC Santa Cruz here: UCSC researchers study effects of wildfire runoff on steelhead sense of smell
Story Map: The Great Central Valley is key to 30 by 30 success
“In California, the Natural Resources Agency is charged with developing a unified approach to conserving biodiversity and promoting climate resilience. The two primary efforts are the Pathways to 30×30 strategy and the Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy. These complementary efforts aim to use nature-based solutions to address climate change and promote biodiversity, while advancing equitable access to parks and nature’s multiple benefits, through the conservation of California’s lands and waters. The Central Valley will play a key role in the successful implementation of both strategies. … ” View Story Map by Audubon California, Point Blue Conservation Science, and the Nature Conservancy here: The Great Central Valley is key to 30 by 30 success
LAO Report: State Water Resources Control Board—Bay‑Delta Plan Update
“In this post, we discuss the State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB’s) efforts to update the water quality control plan for the Sacramento‑San Joaquin Bay‑Delta and its source rivers. Updating the water quality objectives for the Bay‑Delta watershed is long overdue and should be a high priority for the state to complete, particularly given rapid population declines in native fish species that depend on the Bay‑Delta ecosystem. The Governor proposes redirecting $1.4 million in ongoing General Fund that is currently being used for contract consultant services to instead establish and support five new permanent positions at SWRCB to work on updating the plan. While we believe the proposal is reasonable and recommend its adoption, we also recommend the Legislature engage with the administration regarding its time line for updating the plan and whether additional actions can be taken to help expedite this process.” Read the report from the LAO here: LAO Report: State Water Resources Control Board—Bay‑Delta Plan Update
LAO Report: Water and Drought Response Proposals
“Governor Provides $880 Million to Continue Current Year’s Water Resilience Package and Additional $750 Million for Drought Response. The 2021‑22 budget package included an agreement to provide $4.6 billion across three years for water activities, including $3.3 billion in the current year. Consistent with that agreement, the Governor’s 2022‑23 budget includes $880 million in General Fund for 11 programs. The Governor also proposes an additional $750 million in General Fund for what he characterizes as drought response activities. Of these funds, $500 million would be for specified activities—including $200 million for water conservation efforts and $65 million for activities that would address immediate drought conditions—whereas the Governor has not yet specified uses for $250 million. … ” Continue reading at the LAO here: LAO Report: Water and Drought Response Proposals
In commentary this week …
Editorial: As snowpack shrinks, will Gov. Newsom finally show leadership?
“Drip, drip, drip. That sound you hear is what’s left of California’s snowpack, melting away at an alarming rate. The Sierra snowpack provides about 30% of the state’s water needs. On New Year’s Day, the snowpack stood at 168% of normal for that date, thanks to a series of storms in October and December. But by Tuesday, after a dry January, the snowpack had fallen to just 92% of its historical average. With the window for winter snowfall rapidly narrowing with no sign of storms in the forecast, the situation will only get worse. … It’s time for Gov. Gavin Newsom to get real about solving the state’s short-term and long-term water crises. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Editorial: As snowpack shrinks, will Gov. Newsom finally show leadership?
If the Sierra snowpack vanishes as feared, California will need ideas like this for water
The Sacramento Bee editorial board writes, “Sacramento — which once only had to worry about seasonal floods — now worries each year about delivering water to its citizens in a hotter and drier California. But there is a way for Sacramento to capture rain and snow, and for the broader region to keep surface reservoirs like Folsom and Oroville lakes nearly full. This same technique could help Sacramento capture enough water to share with neighboring areas in dry years, as well as to store it when we need it most. It’s called groundwater banking. The need for it will only become more urgent as the Sierra snowpack starts to disappear. … ” Continue reading at the Sacramento Bee here: If the Sierra snowpack vanishes as feared, California will need ideas like this for water
Get ready for climate whiplash from DWR’s February forecast
Doug Obegi, Director of California River Restoration for NRDC, writes, “While many had hoped that the huge storms in October and December would bring an end to California’s drought, it was always going to take a lot more rain and snow to make up for the deficit after several dry years (as wonderfully illustrated in the fourth graph from this story in the LA Times). But after January’s near-record dry conditions, and the increasing likelihood of dry conditions through mid-February, it’s time to get serious about preparing for a third dry year in 2022. While we can all hope for the best, California needs to prepare for the worst. Unfortunately, the California Department of Water Resources’ (“DWR”) forecasts aren’t helping California prepare how dry this year is likely to be, at least barring a March miracle. As a result, DWR and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation need to reconsider water supply allocations and hold off on making any additional water supply allocations until it’s clear there is enough water to support those allocations and meet environmental commitments. … ” Read more from the NRDC here: Get ready for climate whiplash from DWR’s February forecast
Comparative stats of ag and water use strikes a nerve
Kathleen Arambula-Reyna, a professor of political science for Madera Community College, writes, “We hear ad nauseum that agriculture accounts for 80% of water usage in California yet only contributes 2% to the state’s economy. It’s a comparative statistic used to bring attention to this apparent lack of equity and efficiency. The incredibly disproportionate figures are frequently used to generate outrage, in hopes to bring change in California’s long embattled water policy. Using this comparison as a measure of the worth for agriculture in California, particularly for a Central Valley resident, strikes a nerve. It’s a one-dimensional, inequitable and short-sighted lens by which to view the complex issue of water in our state. … ” Read more from Cal Matters here: Comparative stats of ag and water use strikes a nerve
With budget surplus, now is the time to fund vital water projects
State Senators Jim Nielson and Andreas Borgeas write, “Over the past 40 years, California has not completed a major water storage project of statewide significance despite the state’s population nearly doubling. Without substantial new investments and commitments to capture, store and move water throughout the state, whole communities will be subject to water scarcity and farmers will be unable to produce adequate food supplies, threatening food and national security. … As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee (Andreas Borgeas) and vice chair of the Budget Committee (Jim Nielsen), we feel a great sense of urgency to find solutions to the mismanagement of California’s water system. That is why we are introducing Senate Bill 890 to help facilitate building water storage by making significant investments in California’s above-ground water storage and conveyance infrastructure. … ” Read more from Cal Matters here: With budget surplus, now is the time to fund vital water projects
Federal water regulations must respect our farmers
Vincent “Zippy” Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, writes, “Water is critical to our families and our farms. It breathes life into our crops and produces forage for animals on our rangelands. It is a priority for farmers and ranchers to ensure the water we rely on is clean because safe, clean water is critical to all life. Farmers and ranchers are stepping up to partner with their communities to protect our water. Farmers have increased the use of buffer strips to prevent excess fertilizer from reaching waterways. They’re using new technologies to filter water as it drains beneath our fields and continually work to beef up other clean water protections. Last year, officials at the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced they would rewrite the Waters of the United States, or WOTUS, rule, continuing a nearly decade-long back and forth that has left farmers and small-business owners scratching their heads. … ” Continue reading from Ag Alert here: Federal water regulations must respect our farmers
In regional water news this week …
Scott, Shasta river water cuts worry farmers in region
“Farming and ranching families in the Scott River and Shasta River watersheds say drought emergency curtailment regulations adopted by the state last August will threaten their livelihoods if water supplies run out as the state prioritizes minimum flows to protect threatened coho and other fish. Curtailments in the Scott River are suspended through Feb. 11, and through Feb. 28 for the Shasta River. Inefficient livestock watering was prohibited for both watersheds through last month. This is worrisome to Sari Sommarstrom, a retired watershed consultant in the Scott Valley community of Etna whose husband owns a reforestation nursery. … ” Continue reading from Ag Alert here: Scott, Shasta river water cuts worry farmers in region
PG&E to bring Potter Valley Project back online as license takeover unravels
“In a shocking turn of events, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. announced Wednesday that it will move forward with bringing the Potter Valley Project — a water diversion system in the Eel River basin — back to fully operational status. The Potter Valley powerhouse has been offline since July 2021 when PG&E discovered a blown transformer during a routine inspection. “PG&E has completed its evaluation of whether to replace the transformer and concluded it is beneficial to PG&E’s electric generation customers to proceed with the work necessary to return the powerhouse to full operational status,” PG&E wrote in a Feb. 1 letter to stakeholders. “… PG&E does not have a schedule for returning the powerhouse to service. ... ” Continue reading at the Eureka Times-Standard here: PG&E to bring Potter Valley Project back online as license takeover unravels
Modesto Irrigation District and Turlock Irrigation District take a step toward capturing a lot more water from Tuolumne in wet years
“The Modesto and Turlock irrigation districts hope to greatly increase their diversions in years when the Tuolumne River runs high. Their boards voted Tuesday, Jan. 25, to submit a new water rights application to the state. The multi-year process could result in the districts building new storage above or below ground. District leaders said the move was prompted in part by climate change, which has brought wilder swings between wet and dry cycles. They seek more storage from abundant years to help them through droughts in the decades ahead. … ” Read more from the Modesto Bee here: Modesto Irrigation District and Turlock Irrigation District take a step toward capturing a lot more water from Tuolumne in wet years
One project finished, two to go in efforts to restore salmon habitat on Merced River
“Officials from the Merced Irrigation District announced this week that a salmon habitat restoration project is done, one of three projects meant to help the salmon runs along the Merced River. The Merced River Instream and Off Channel Habitat Restoration Project brought the total amount of restored river to one and and three quarters of a mile, up from the previous restored river habitat of one and a quarter miles. The project also restored more than seven acres of riparian and upland habitat along the Merced River, enhanced 1.7 acres of salmon spawning habitat, 3.9 acres of seasonally inundated juvenile rearing habitat and 13 acres of the Merced River channel, according to a press release from the Merced Irrigation District. … ” Read more from the Merced Sun-Star here: One project finished, two to go in efforts to restore salmon habitat on Merced River
State determines Paso Robles groundwater basin plan is ‘incomplete.’ Here’s what that means
“The California Department of Water Resources determined that San Luis Obispo County’s groundwater sustainability plan for the Paso Robles basin was “incomplete,” according to a letter sent to the county Jan. 21. The county acknowledged the deficiencies and said it will make the necessary improvements in the plan by the six-month deadline of July 20. Work on the improvements to the plan had already begun in June when the county received initial indication from the state that the plan did not meet its standards regulated under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA, pronounced “sigma”). … ” Read more from the San Luis Obispo Tribune here: State determines Paso Robles groundwater basin plan is ‘incomplete.’ Here’s what that means
Ridgecrest: Hard questions, fewer answers at public workshop on adjudication
“Members of the public turned up and asked hard questions at the Indian Wells Valley Water District’s adjudication workshop Wednesday night at city hall. Not all of them were answered. Questions ranged from potential impacts on small pumpers (unknown) to whether the adjudication outcome can be challenged after the fact (to some extent apparently). Questioners were polite and articulate, but frequently not reassured by the answers they heard. “I hope the judge doesn’t just say let’s cut that baby in half and give you each a half,” Skip Gorman said after asking about whether the determination can be questioned after the fact. … ” Read more from the Ridgecrest Independent here: Hard questions, fewer answers at public workshop on adjudication
Rosamond Community Services District halts efforts to use eminent domain
“The Rosamond Community Services District has halted its efforts to use eminent domain procedures to obtain water rights from agricultural land owned by the Calandri family on Rosamond’s west side. In November, the District Board of Directors unanimously approved a Resolution of Necessity, which declared it in the public interest to acquire the property for the water rights. On Wednesday, the Board rescinded that resolution, as the District had acquired other permanent water rights that meet a great deal of its water needs and temporary water rights that will provide a cushion while the effort continues to obtain permanent water rights, General Manager Steve Perez said. … ” Read more from the Antelope Valley Press here: Rosamond Community Services District halts efforts to use eminent domain
Los Angeles is building a future where water won’t run out
” … It’s another July scorcher, days after California Governor Gavin Newsom asked residents to conserve amid one of the worst droughts on record. The crisis spans across the southwestern U.S. Outside Las Vegas, the enormous Lake Mead reservoir that feeds the Golden State as well as Nevada and Arizona plunged in June to its lowest level since 1937. In August, federal officials ordered the first-ever water cuts on a Colorado River system that sustains about 40 million people. Even after pounding holiday storms, 64% of the land in Western states was still experiencing severe to exceptional drought in January, which is on track to be the driest on record in some parts. Yet leaders of Los Angeles—a metropolis forged by water heists from distant lands—think they’re on a path to drought resiliency. Heavy investments in water storage, rainwater capture and reclamation are serving towards a goal of supplying 70% of the city’s water from local sources by 2035. … ” Continue reading at Bloomberg City Lab here: Los Angeles is building a future where water won’t run out
Some fear the L.A. River could dry up as cities look to recycle more wastewater
“Just north of downtown — and a stone’s throw from the growling 5 Freeway — the concrete bed of the Los Angeles River gives way to soft earth and an explosion of riparian life: Cottonwood and sycamore trees push skyward, while fish dart beneath the swooping shadows of cackling waterfowl. The scents of mulefat scrub and sage hang in the air. For many, it’s a vision of what the Los Angeles River looked like before it was transformed into a massive flood control channel. It also serves as a rallying point for those environmentalists who want to see the river returned to a more natural state. But what few Angelenos realize is that for much of the year, this thriving river habitat is sustained by a constant flow of treated wastewater. ... ” Read more from the LA Times here: Some fear the L.A. River could dry up as cities look to recycle more wastewater
Fight over controversial Huntington Beach desal project enters final lap in March
“A 20-year fight over the Poseidon Water company’s contested Huntington Beach desalination proposal will enter its last lap on March 17, the day the California Coastal Commission is set to hear it in what could be the project’s final regulatory hurdle. Official word on the hearing date came to Voice of OC in a concise Tuesday night email from commission spokesperson Noaki Schwartz: “Hearing will be March 17.” Proponents argue Poseidon’s $1 billion project would provide a drought-proof source of local water as the effects of climate change worsen, while also creating construction and operating jobs. … ” Read more from the Voice of the OC here: Fight over controversial Huntington Beach desal project enters final lap in March
Weekly features …
BLOG ROUND-UP: Get ready for climate whiplash from DWR’s February forecast; Bridging water, salt and fresh; Who values catchments more than California?; and more …
Click here to read the blog round-up.
Return to top
Announcements, notices, and funding opportunities …
Notices
NOTICE: CEQA Scoping Meeting & Opportunity for Public Comment – Proposed Electric Utility O&M
NOTICE: Appeals Filed for Lookout Slough Tidal Habitat Restoration and Flood Improvement Project
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING: Science Advisory Panel on Constituents of Emerging Concern (CECs) in Aquatic Ecosystems
CEQA SCOPING MEETING/NOP: Site-specific water quality objectives for copper and zinc
NOTICE of Opportunity for Public Comments and Public Workshops on the Proposed Statewide Sanitary Sewer Systems General Order
NOTICE: Public Comment Period Opens for Groundwater Sustainability Plans
NOTICE: Certificate of Consistency filed for Yolo Bypass East Levee Project
Funding opportunities
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: CDFW Offers More Than $750,000 in Grants to Enhance or Restore Habitat
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: CDFW Now Accepting Applications for the 2022 Proposition 1 Solicitation
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: Public Comment Period Opens for Riverine Stewardship Grant Program
Other
REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS: Delta Science Fellows Program
VELES WEEKLY REPORT: California needs to prepare for the worst. The drought may not break
WATER PLAN eNEWS: ~~Prepare California~ Wildfire Strategy~ Data Infrastructure~ Drought Data~ Science Policy~ 2022 Roadmap ~~
DELTA eNEWS: ~~ Trail Plan~ Spam Festival~ Cosumnes Hike~ ISB meeting ~~
