Delta
Blog
By Patricia McBroom
From The California Spigot - Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012
Coalition response...Resources Secretary Jerry Meral has repeatedly stated that all interests
will be heard in the development process of the BDCP. During the July
announcement by Gov. Brown and U.S. Interior Secretary Salazar, a blueprint for
moving forward included the establishment of a new Stakeholder Council that
will include representatives from local government agencies within the Delta,
fishing organizations, hunting organizations and more. The "State
and Federal Principals Joint Recommendations Regarding Key Elements of the Bay
Delta Conservation Plan" would be a worthwhile read for anyone interested
in the BDCP process.
Blog
By Dan Bacher
From IndyBay Media - Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012
Coalition response...The claim that the Kern Water Bank was "developed with state money
and taxpayer approved bonds" is incorrect. The Kern Water Bank property
was originally acquired by the California Department of Water Resources through
the use of funds provided by the 29 water districts that participate in the
State Water Project. In 1996 the Kern County Water Agency relinquished 45,000
acre-feet of its contracted right to State Water Project supplies in exchange
for the acquisition of the Kern Fan Element Property from the California
Department of Water Resources. Now known as the Kern Water Bank and
administered by the Kern Water Bank Authority, about 1.2 million-acre-feet of
water can be stored through percolation into the aquifer. More than $65 million
has been invested since the 1996 transaction to make the Kern Water Bank a
success to the people of California and the environment without the use of
taxpayer money.
Blog
By Barry Nelson
From NRDC - Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012
Coalition response...The author is focused on exports of water that flows through the Delta
as the sole cause of ecosystem problems in the Delta. He applies a recent EPA
document to exports but fails to make that same application to other factors,
such as invasive species (90+% of aquatic species), loss of 90+% of historic
habitat, water quality, discharge of tons of ammonia each day into the waters,
exploding predator fish populations and adverse ocean conditions (temperature
and food supply) which all pose threats to the salmon population. The most
recent report from the National Academy of Sciences clearly explained that to
focus on one factor will not solve the ills of the Delta. The Academy endorses
the comprehensive planning approach the BDCP is undertaking.
Biologists, researchers and
scientists have worked for years in developing the BDCP and the author attempts
to discount their efforts with his reasoning. However, he is correct in stating
that BDCP "must incorporate the best available science about the needs of
the ecosystem and its fisheries." A thorough review of the BDCP material
reveals that is exactly what is happening.
Story
From Central Valley Business Times - Tuesday, Sept. 4,
2012
Coalition response...It is important to remember that the co-equal goals mandated by the
legislature are a reliable water supply and a restored Delta ecosystem. All of
California will benefit from the achievement of these two goals and not just a
select group. That is why ecosystem and project construction costs are divided
among the groups that benefit. When Shasta Dam and Oroville Dam were built
there were recognized benefits that include flood protection, water supply and
recreation. The costs were apportioned according to the benefits.
WATER QUALITY
From Ag Alert - Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012
RIVERS
Blog
By Mark Grossi
From Fresno Beehive - Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012
DELTA
Blog
By Stephen R. Miller
From Land Use Prof Blog - Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012
Opinion
By Marion Ashley
From Riverside Press-Enterprise - Sunday, Sept. 2,
2012
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