On the calendar today …
- MEETING: Board of Food and Agriculture from 9:30am to 2:30pm. Board members will take a site tour around Elk Grove. The Board will recovene at 1:30 via Zoom and receive a presentation on working lands and farmland loss and an update from Secretary Karen Ross. Click here for tour agenda and click here for agenda and remote access for the Zoom meeting.
In California water news today …
Drought and shipping woes put squeeze on California almond growers
“Almond producer David Phippen didn’t need to hear the latest predictions from agriculture economists to know that his industry was on the verge of losing its premier position in the global market. He saw it coming during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when oceanic carriers discovered they could make twice as many annual round trips — and higher profit margins — by sending empty containers back to Asia to pick up more goods for export instead of waiting in port here to be loaded with his almonds. Almond exports are down by about 13% this year, industry officials said. “It’s all about money,” Phippen, 72, said, shaking his head in frustration on a recent hot and sticky morning. “After years of prospering together, foreign shipping vessels have decided to stop servicing us.” … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Drought and shipping woes put squeeze on California almond growers | Read via Yahoo News
UC Study — drought to cause more than $1.3 billion in losses in Sacramento Valley
“A University of California economic study projects that 2022 drought impacts to farm production are likely to cause a loss of about 14,300 jobs and an economic loss of about $1.315 billion in the Sacramento Valley, which is the part of the Central Valley north of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The study, “Continued Drought in 2022 Ravages California’s Sacramento Valley Economy,” by Daniel A Sumner and William A. Matthews of the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at UC Davis, projects that direct farm and ranch output will be reduced by $950 million. “These losses will cost the Sacramento Valley about 5,000 on-farm jobs and reduce the value added generated from farming and ranching by about $560 million,” the report states. “The impact of these farm losses and their upstream impacts to the Sacramento Valley economy are a loss of more than 9,000 jobs and almost $1 billion in economic added value.” … ” Read more from the Department of Food & Ag here: UC Study — drought to cause more than $1.3 billion in losses in Sacramento Valley
Waterfowl breeding survey results show steep decrease
“The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has completed its 2022 waterfowl breeding population survey. The resulting data indicate the overall number of breeding ducks has decreased by 19 percent, including mallards that are the most abundant duck in the survey. “Surveys indicated a 25 percent decrease in mallard abundance,” said CDFW’s Waterfowl Program Biologist Melanie Weaver. “Habitat conditions are poor in both northeastern California and the Central Valley, so below-average production for most waterfowl species is expected.” … ” Read more from the Escalon Times here: Waterfowl breeding survey results show steep decrease
Environmental groups, CA Governor respond to Supreme Court ruling on West Virginia vs. EPA
“On June 30, the United States Supreme Court released its controversial ruling in West Virginia v. United States Environmental Protection Agency, drawing dismay from environmental justice, climate justice groups and the California for the court’s siding with the fossil fuel industry by stripping the EPA of its authority to regulate greenhouse gases. The 6-3 decision by the conservative majority found that Congress did not grant the EPA the authority to adopt on its own a regulatory scheme using the Clean Air Act to cap carbon dioxide emissions from power plants to combat global warming. … Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling on West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency, accusing the Court of siding with the fossil fuel industry: “The Supreme Court sided with the fossil fuel industry, kneecapping the federal government’s basic ability to tackle climate change. Today’s ruling makes it even more imperative that California and other states succeed in our efforts to combat the climate crisis. … ” Read more from the Daily Kos here: Environmental Groups, CA Governor Respond to Supreme Court Ruling on West Virginia Vs. EPA
California released a bold climate plan, but critics say it will harm vulnerable communities and undermine its goals
“A public hearing last month turned into the latest flashpoint between California regulators and a coalition of environmental and social justice activists over how the state should achieve its ambitious climate agenda. In May, the California Air and Resources Board—or CARB—updated its so-called scoping plan, which acts as a blueprint for how the Golden State will reach a slew of legally binding emissions reduction targets and other climate goals set by executive order. By law, California must reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, and Gov. Gavin Newsom has also directed the state to become carbon neutral by 2045. In many ways, CARB’s draft plan offers a bold vision for tackling the climate crisis. But at a June 23 hearing, activists once again voiced their concerns over measures included in the plan that they say significantly undermine its purpose, and threaten to harm the state’s most vulnerable communities. … ” Read more from Inside Climate News here: California released a bold climate plan, but critics say it will harm vulnerable communities and undermine its goals
Today’s featured article …
FIVE QUESTIONS: Hydrologist Robert Shibatani
Robert Shibatani is a hydrologist with 38 years of collective experience in physical hydrology, watershed resource management, and operational water consulting. He serves as an international and California expert witness on commercial matters related to flood damage, reservoir operations, groundwater safe yield, drought contingencies, and new water supply development. His current work involves flood insurance litigation, hurricane impact assessment, and city water supply planning under rapidly changing climates. He resides between Sacramento, California and Toronto, Canada. Robert authors the monthly reservoir report exclusively for Maven’s Notebook.
I asked him what he thought about climate change, water storage, and other California water issues. Here’s what he had to say.
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
As wells run dry, Klamath County residents depend on a state program that trucks in water
“Rhonda Nyseth’s well dried up on Sept. 15, 2021, nine months after she bought her house in Klamath Falls. “When it happened, I won’t lie, I started crying immediately,” Nyseth said. She was familiar with the situation. She’s a social services emergency liaison for the Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Resilience and Emergency Management. Last summer, she helped oversee the distribution of more than 100 water tanks, each holding 500-gallons, to residents in Klamath County with empty wells. ... ” Red more from the Herald & News here: As wells run dry, Klamath County residents depend on a state program that trucks in water
Concerning cyanobacteria levels detected at Lake Pillsbury
“County health officials are reporting that recent testing has found concerning levels of cyanobacteria in Lake Pillsbury. Cyanobacteria — also known as blue-green algae — are microscopic organisms that naturally occur in all freshwater and marine aquatic ecosystems. Cyanobacteria or blue-green algae is not to be confused with green algae (i.e., phytoplankton), which is beneficial, nontoxic, and always present in Lake Pillsbury. Regional health and water resource officials are reminding those enjoying local lakes and streams to maintain awareness of cyanobacterial blooms and take appropriate caution. … ” Read more from the Lake County News here: Concerning cyanobacteria levels detected at Lake Pillsbury
Clearlake City Council to discuss water conservation, consultant contracts
“The Clearlake City Council will discuss water saving measures, consultant contracts and a development agreement with a cannabis project when it meets this week. The council will meet at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 7, in closed session to discuss existing and anticipated litigation and employee negotiations before the public portion of the meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive. … ” Read more from the Lake County News here: Clearlake City Council to discuss water conservation, consultant contracts
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Tahoe Conservancy gaining ground on marsh restoration project
“The California Tahoe Conservancy is nearing completion of the second stage of the Upper Truckee Marsh Restoration Project, which is just a piece of the plan they’ve been working the last 20 years on to restore the marsh to its former glory. An aerial photo of the marsh from the 1940s shows a very different marsh than the one that’s there today. The Upper Truckee River split into multiple channels and lagoons and the water flowed through the 1,600 acres of marsh before entering Lake Tahoe. The lush, green marsh provided habitat for many creatures, including song birds. It also helped with water quality, as it acted as a giant filter for water entering Lake Tahoe. … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: Tahoe Conservancy gaining ground on marsh restoration project
Work begins this summer to rescue Hope Valley aspens
“Hope Valley is famous for its fall colors, and a federal project is designed to help rescue the aspens that generate that color from encroachment by pines. A fuels reduction, aspen and meadow restoration project is scheduled for this summer in the Carson River’s West Fork watershed, according to the National Forest Foundation, in partnership with the Carson Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, and Alpine Watershed Group. “The aspen ecosystem in the West Fork Carson River watershed has steadily declined from environmental factors, including drought, conifer encroachment, and sudden aspen death,” officials said on Wednesday. “In addition, areas of dense conifer are increasing risk of wildfire, and meadows are also being impacted by conifer encroachment.” … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: Work begins this summer to rescue Hope Valley aspens
Toxic algae prompts danger warning at Indian Creek Reservoir
“One of the collateral consequences of the Tamarack Fire might be an early blue-green algal bloom at Indian Creek Reservoir generating well above dangerous levels of toxins. Testing detected the toxin microcystin at all three sites sampled at the lake, and the highest concentrations exceeded the danger level, according to the California Resources Control Board. Alpine County Public Health Officer Richard Johnson warned visitors to avoid touching the water or anything, like a fish, that had been in the water on Thursday. … ” Read more from the Record Courier here: Toxic algae prompts danger warning at Indian Creek Reservoir
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Return to Paradise: California town rebuilding to better withstand future wildfires
“If anyone knows about the term “paradise lost,” it’s the residents of one California town who witnessed the destructive impacts wildfires can inflict on their lives. Paradise, California, was almost wiped off the map nearly four years ago when the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in the state’s history roared into town. The Camp Fire in November 2018 ravaged Paradise, which lies 170 miles northeast of San Fransisco and 90 miles north of Sacramento, destroying 18,000-plus homes, businesses and other structures, and displacing many of the town’s 26,500 residents. At least 85 people were killed and more than a dozen were injured as a result of the fire’s 153,336-acre path of destruction. … ” Read more from AccuWeather here: Return to Paradise: California town rebuilding to better withstand future wildfires
Red Bluff council to discuss water conservation efforts
“The City Council Tuesday will consider instituting water conservation efforts by declaring a Stage II Moderate Water Shortage. If the council makes the declaration, city water customers would be required to refrain from landscape watering except between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m., equip any hose with a shutoff nozzle and promptly repair all leaks in plumbing fixtures, water lines, and sprinkler systems. In addition to these requirements, residents would be prohibited from hosing off sidewalks, driveways and other hardscapes, washing vehicles with hoses not equipped with a shutoff nozzle, using non-recirculated water in a fountain or other decorative water feature, watering lawns in a manner that causes runoff or within 48 hours after measurable precipitation and irrigating ornamental turf on public street medians. … ” Read more from the Red Bluff Daily News here: Red Bluff council to discuss water conservation efforts
BAY AREA
Marin highway flooding projects get $30M from state
“As sea-level rise and flooding threaten to cut off Marin City from emergency services and block one of the busiest North Bay highways, the state Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom have allocated $30 million in the state budget to begin planning for defenses. The budget adopted on Tuesday provides $20 million to begin designing flood protections on Highway 37 and the Novato Creek Bridge. Another $10 million is for planning defenses for recurring flooding on Highway 101 that blocks the only road in and out of Marin City. “Living here in Marin we already know what our future looks like with the climate crisis,” said state Sen. Mike McGuire, who sits on the Senate transportation and budget committees. “Marin County is home to some of the most vulnerable highway corridors in the state.” … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin highway flooding projects get $30M from state
See a map of Bay Area hazardous sites at risk from rising seas
“More than 900 hazardous sites — power plants, sewage treatment plants, refineries, cleanup areas and other facilities — across California could be inundated with ocean water and groundwater by the end of the century, according to climate scientists at UCLA and UC Berkeley. “Climate change is presenting new risks that can lead to excess releases of hazardous materials from these highly industrialized parts of our coastline,” said UCLA’s Lara Cushing. “Our analysis also shows that communities of color are much more likely to live near one of these risk sites, as are lower-income communities.” Cushing and UC Berkeley’s Rachel Morello-Frosch, both environmental health scientists, last year launched an interactive tool, Toxic Tides, mapping California’s hazardous sites that could be inundated by sea level rise. … ” Read more from KQED here: See a map of Bay Area hazardous sites at risk from rising seas
For these black Bayview-Hunters Point residents, reparations include safeguarding against rising, toxic contamination
“Arieann Harrison accepted her calling at her mother’s funeral, sitting in St. John Missionary Baptist Church in the San Francisco shoreline community of Bayview-Hunters Point. “You find out a lot about yourself at a funeral,” said Harrison. Her mother, Marie Harrison, passed away in 2019 at 71 from lung disease. Harrison says her mom believed the illness was tied to pollution from a nearby shipyard, where she once worked and lived close to. … The shipyard is now a Superfund site, one of the country’s most polluted places. The 866-acre area is a jigsaw slab of concrete docking bays and abandoned buildings jutting out of the southeast shoreline of San Francisco. The site butts up against the community of Bayview-Hunters Point, where more than 35,000 people live. … ” Read more from KQED here: For these black Bayview-Hunters Point residents, reparations include safeguarding against rising, toxic contamination
Tri-Valley water agencies, California State Water Resources Control Board urge low-water landscaping
“Tri-Valley water agencies are encouraging commercial property owners to install low-water landscaping this fall, following a decision by the California State Water Resources Control Board last week to ban the use of potable water for irrigation of “non-functional” turf. Non-functional turf is defined as any grass that is purely decorative and not used for recreation or civic events. The emergency water conservation order applies to non-residential properties, including offices, retail stores, hotels, places of worship, and non-profit organizations. The state’s ban does not apply to turf that has a functional purpose or is irrigated with recycled water. … ” Read more from the Livermore Independent here: Tri-Valley water agencies, California State Water Resources Control Board urge low-water landscaping
CENTRAL COAST
Monterey Bay | Finding sanctuary: An idea comes to fruition
“California’s beautifully complex coastline features rock outcroppings, sandy beaches, tide pools and wetlands. Parts of the coast are also defined by what we don’t see, such as offshore oil platforms. It was just three decades ago when waters between Santa Cruz and San Francisco were a high value target for federal energy planners and the oil industry. But on Sept. 18, 1992, waters off one quarter of the state’s coast were designated as Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. It joined the west coast’s Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary off Washington, and Greater Farallones, Cordell Bank and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuaries off California, and hopefully it will be joined by future additions of the tribally nominated Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary off California and Alaĝum Kanuux̂ Marine Sanctuary off Alaska. … ” Read more from the Santa Cruz Sentinel here: Monterey Bay | Finding sanctuary: An idea comes to fruition
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Central Valley tomato crop impacted by drought
“The drought is having a major impact on the Central Valley tomato crop. According to Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO, Ryan Jacobsen the tomato crop is less than expected because of the drought, at 6.9% below forecasts. … ” Read more from Your Central Valley here: Central Valley tomato crop impacted by drought
Kern County In Depth: Drought and the effects on local farmers
New water issues cropping up for growers down on the farm in Kern County as our mega-drought drags on. Jim Scott hosts “Kern County: In Depth.”
EASTERN SIERRA
Local groups reel after court rules LADWP can cut irrigation
“The futures of tourism, wildlife and ranching in Mono County are now at the mercy of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power – according to environmental groups – now that a court has upheld the agency’s authority to cut irrigation water. For about 100 years, the agency has leased its land and provided water for ranchers to graze cattle in Long Valley and Little Round Valley. But Wendy Schneider, executive director of the nonprofit Friends of the Inyo, said the damage from allowing less water to irrigate these valleys would be widespread. “We are talking about taking away the scenic value and the recreational value, of a large portion of the county,” said Schneider. “Also, this area is really important for the survival of the bi-state sage grouse population.” … ” Read more from the Public News Service here: Local groups reel after court rules LADWP can cut irrigation
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Palmdale Water District customers saving water
“Nearly two months into new water use restrictions, Palmdale Water District customers are saving water and well on the way to meeting the state-mandated reductions. With continuing drought conditions in California, the state is requiring a reduction of 20% of water use from a 2020 baseline. During May, the first month that mandatory water use restrictions were in effect, Palmdale Water District customers cut their water use by roughly 17%, in a month-to-month comparison, with May 2022 to May 2020, General Manager Dennis LaMoreaux said. … ” Read more from the Antelope Valley Press here: Palmdale Water District customers saving water
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
With Coachella Valley summers getting hotter, how can cities address extreme heat?
“With climate change expected to push daily average high temperatures in the Coachella Valley up by 8 to 14 degrees by the end of the century, planners in some Coachella Valley cities are looking for ways to protect residents from extreme heat events. It’s part of a broader shift in local climate planning toward adaptation in addition to mitigation. While mitigation strategies aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to curb climate change, adaptation strategies make communities more resilient to the impacts of climate change. In the desert, where highs in the triple digits are common for half of the year, that could include prioritizing shade structures and trees, and improving awareness of extreme heat. … ” Read more from the Desert Sun here: With Coachella Valley summers getting hotter, how can cities address extreme heat?
SAN DIEGO
Silver Strand shoreline open; advisory in effect at two other area beaches
“The Silver Strand shoreline is open Monday after the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality lifted a warning and announced that recent water quality meets state health standards. The Silver Strand was included as part of a water contact closure in Imperial Beach that was announced May 30, because sample results indicated contamination. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune here: Silver Strand shoreline open; advisory in effect at two other area beaches
Along the Colorado River …
BLM announces 20-year extension for withdrawal of lands for Bureau of Reclamation projects in southern California
“The Bureau of Land Management announced today a public land order extension for the Boulder Canyon, Colorado River Storage, Senator Wash Pump Storage, and Yuma Reclamation Projects withdrawal for an additional 20-year period. The extension affects approximately 145,600 acres of federal land. The BLM formally processes land withdrawal applications for entities within the Department of the Interior. This action supports the Biden-Harris administration’s priorities for serving families by supporting reclamation activities for regulating flows of the Colorado River; controlling floods; improving navigation; providing for storage and delivery of the waters of the Colorado River for reclamation of lands, including supplemental water supplies, and municipal, industrial, and other beneficial purposes; improving water quality; providing for outdoor recreation facilities; improving fish and wildlife conditions; and generation and sale of electric power. … ” Read more from the Bureau of Land Management here: BLM announces 20-year extension for withdrawal of lands for Bureau of Reclamation projects in southern California
Editorial: How would the next Arizona governor handle a water crisis?
The Arizona Republic editorial board writes, “Water is going to dominate the next governor’s term. Rapidly deteriorating conditions on the Colorado River, plus a rapidly depleting groundwater supply in many areas of the state, will put water policy – and the uncomfortable conversations we’ve been avoiding for years – front and center. It’s important to understand where governor candidates stand on this complex issue because they will set the tone and the agenda for our state’s next moves. That is a critical role, even if the Legislature must ultimately sign off on any funding or law changes, because of how imperfect any solutions are likely to be. We need a governor who can balance competing interests and compel action. … ” Continue reading at the Arizona Republic here: Editorial: How would the next Arizona governor handle a water crisis? | Read via Yahoo News
Airplanes shooting lasers sounds sci-fi, but in Colorado, it’s just science
“Laser technology is being used to more accurately measure mountain snowpack — crucial information for farmers and water managers in drought-stricken areas like the Colorado River Basin. Scientists there have been using lasers aimed from airplanes to assess how much water is in that snow. It’s crucial information for the drought-stricken Colorado River Basin. Stephanie Maltarich reports from high in the rocky mountains. … ” Read or listen at NPR here: Airplanes shooting lasers sounds sci-fi, but in Colorado, it’s just science
Competing for resources, varying flows are expected of Colorado River Basin, draft water plan states
“Colorado water leaders met on Thursday to discuss the recently released draft for the 2023 Colorado Water Plan, which outlines actions that aim to create a more water resilient state. The plan focuses on four “interconnected action areas,” including resiliency planning, thriving watersheds, robust agriculture and community. It describes 50 “partner actions,” or project ideas that could be supported by Water Plan grants, as well as 50 “agency actions,” to support local projects, conservation and wise-water development. Overall, however, basin roundtables and stakeholders identified more than 1,800 potential future projects statewide, and 321 are in the Colorado Basin with 36 being in Summit County. In total, over $20 billion would be spent on the projects by 2050. … ” Read more from Summit Daily here: Competing for resources, varying flows are expected of Colorado River Basin, draft water plan states
In national water news today …
CRS Report: Regulating PFAS under the Clean Water Act
“In recent decades, improvements in monitoring technologies and analytical methods, combined with health research, have increased national attention to the presence of emerging contaminants in surface water. Detections of one particular group of contaminants, per– and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have heightened public and congressional interest in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) authorities under the Clean Water Act (CWA) to address PFAS in surface water. … ” Read more from the Congressional Research Service here: CRS Report: Regulating PFAS under the Clean Water Act
What’s on and off the table for post-SCOTUS climate action
“As the smoke clears from the Supreme Court’s major climate ruling last week, legal experts and clean energy groups say the country still has many options for achieving a dramatic reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Last week, the high court’s conservative majority rejected the Obama administration’s systemic approach to power plant regulation in the Clean Power Plan that it had blocked from going into effect in 2016. The 6-3 decision found that EPA didn’t have clear direction from Congress in the Clean Air Act to craft a rule based on power plants shifting their energy sources from fossil fuels to renewables (Energywire, July 1). The decision does not block EPA from regulating greenhouse gases, but it does mean the agency must prioritize a different set of tools to do it. … ” Read more from E&E News here: What’s on and off the table for post-SCOTUS climate action
SEE ALSO: U.S. Supreme Court Limits EPA’s Climate Change Authority Under the Clean Air Act, from Best Best & Krieger
Summer in America is becoming hotter, longer and more dangerous
“Wildfires had been burning for weeks, shrouding Reno, Nev., in harmful smoke, when Jillian Abney and her eight-year-old daughter Izi drove into the Sierras last year in search of cleaner air. The eerie yellow haze that filled the sky had brought summer to an abrupt halt, canceling all of the season’s usual delights. Abney headed for Donner Lake, hoping the higher elevation would put them above the smoke. But instead of the blue skies that had greeted her on countless trips throughout her life, she arrived to find smoke hanging in the sky and creeping through the valleys below. It smelled like a campfire, but those had been banned for the season. … ” Read more from the Washington Post here: Summer in America is becoming hotter, longer and more dangerous
More news and commentary in the weekend edition …
In California water news this weekend …
California’s drought is dire. But there’s a surprising bright spot that may make this year better than last- 60% of California in ‘extreme’ drought or worse to start July, federal monitor says
- Could Delta island become more than cow pastures?
- In California, water wars threaten local food systems
- The West’s drought could bring about a data center reckoning
- Western cities get creative after megadrought leads some to cancel firework displays
- Valuing urban park irrigation in a time of climate change
- Ninth Circuit reverses itself, upholds dismissal of lawsuit over tainted water
- Water Blueprint hosts CDFA Secretary, State Water Resources Control Board, DWR Leaders
- 91 percent of Butte Creek spring-run Chinook salmon died before spawning in 2021
- After Supreme Court ruling, California House Democrats lead push for EPA to strengthen air, water quality rules
- California sets the nation’s toughest rules for the reduction of plastics
- Prediction issued for this summer’s wildfire potential
- Land’s ‘memory’ determined scope of awful Dixie Fire
- And more …
Click here for the weekend digest.
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
