Water supply
Opinion
By Salvatore Salerno
Coalition response...This author presents an idealistic view of the San Joaquin River
Restoration Program in comparison to the reality that encompasses the ongoing
efforts. Implementing the Settlement of the 18-year lawsuit involving the
Bureau of Reclamation's operation of Friant Dam is a significant undertaking
with a complex mix of hard-to-achieve benefits and potential impacts. The
Settlement calls for two goals: restoring 150 miles of the San Joaquin
River below Friant Dam (including the reintroduction of salmon) and the
recovery of water supplies to Friant contractors as a result of additional
water releases from Friant Dam. Unfortunately, the author has mischaracterized
the water supply impact to Friant contractors in dry years - it is in those
years that giving up 15-20% of their water supplies will be the most difficult
to mitigate. To be successful, future federal and state funding, in
addition to the substantial contribution already made by the Friant water
contractors, will be necessary to implement the nearly $900 million effort and
to mitigate the 200,000 acre-foot average annual water supply impact to Friant
water contractors.
It is also important to note some of the many
challenges to achieving the benefits cited by the author. Major river
improvements, including expanded river channel capacities and rearing habitat,
elimination of fish passage impediments, construction of barriers (to prevent
straying) and water diversion screening, all in a manner that takes into
account impacts to third parties will be needed.
In 2009 when Congress
authorized the restoration program, no firm estimate of the costs was provided
for the necessary infrastructure. This open-ended approach raised serious
concerns about the ability to fully fund the program. Today, questions go
unanswered in an attempt to determine future funding sources. Preliminary
estimates released last week by the Bureau of Reclamation indicate that depending
upon the final determination as to required actions, costs could exceed $1
billion. Those affected by the restoration program are still waiting to learn
where this additional funding would come from.
It is not as simple as
letting more water flow through the San Joaquin River that will result in a
return of salmon. The report released last week reveals the program's continued
illogical desire that spring-run salmon, an endangered species, will be
reintroduced to the river at the end of 2013, this is in spite of the fact that
none of the necessary fish passage and bypass channel projects at the
Mendota Pool and Sack Dam will be accomplished. Therefore, these salmon will
certainly die in the upper reaches of the river which is not in anybody's best
interest.
Story
Coalition response...Water used to grow rice provides an enormous benefit to migratory birds
and other wildlife on the Pacific flyway. Rice farmers are sometimes unfairly
criticized for allegedly wasting water but modern irrigation practices and
careful management enable farmers to grow rice on similar amounts of water as
other crops grown in the same region. California rice production is one of
agriculture's many success stories. It provides bountiful food for people and
wildlife-friendly habitat. That's a winning combination.
WATER SUPPLY
Story
Story
From ACWA - Monday, June 25, 2012
Story
Story
Story
DELTA
Blog
By John Fleck
Blog
By John Fleck
