From the Department of Water Resources:
In an effort to better prepare for future drought conditions in the face of climate change, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) today released a draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) analyzing potential construction effects of future drought salinity barriers in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
The draft EIR looks at the impacts of installing a drought salinity barrier if needed along the West False River in the Delta twice within a 10-year timeframe. The barrier, which would remain in place for up to 20 months, would improve long-term planning and provide the State with greater flexibility to respond to future droughts, which are growing more frequent and extreme due to climate change.
The existing drought salinity barrier along the West False River, which was installed in 2021 following Governor Newsom’s executive order, has helped to prevent saltwater contamination of fresh water supplies used by tens of millions of Californians. The barrier also helps preserve critical water supplies in upstream reservoirs for later use by reducing the amount of water that must be released into the Delta to repel salinity during the dry summer months.
The draft EIR does not affect the existing emergency drought salinity barrier along the West False River.
“As California prepares for the possibility of a fourth dry year, these are the types of actions needed to adjust to more frequent, extreme droughts such as the one we are experiencing now,” said Ted Craddock, Deputy Director for the State Water Project. “Climate change is having a direct impact on our water supply, and we need to take a proactive approach to prepare for future droughts and protect our State’s fresh water supplies.”
The release of the draft EIR kicks off a 45-day public comment period from now until August 22, during which time members of the public will have the opportunity to review the proposed project and provide comment. DWR will host a virtual public hearing on the draft EIR on July 27. Details on how to join the meeting will be made available on the project’s website prior to the event. Information will also be posted on DWR’s social media channels.
The existing emergency drought barrier is scheduled to be removed by November 30, 2022 as conditions allow.
For more information, visit DWR’s Emergency Drought Salinity Barrier webpage.
