DELTA
California moves ahead with eminent domain for Delta water project soil testing
Story
From Sacramento Bee - Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011
Tunnel jobs study becomes political fodder
Blog
By Alex Breitler
From The Record - Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011
COURTS
Commentary: Ruling sheds light on dangerous partnerships
Opinion
From Herald and News - Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011
WATER QUALITY
Letter
From Merced Sun-Star - Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2011
From Sacramento Bee - Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2011
Water supply
Public Trust Recommendations & the Delta: How much water is that?
Story
From Bilingual Weekly - Monday, Oct. 17, 2011
Coalition response...Having spent 45 minutes on the phone and providing written responses to a number of questions by the author as she prepared for this story makes me wonder if she was even paying attention. Suggesting that I was critical of urban water conservation efforts to meet growing demand is completely opposite to what I said. Urban water agencies have done a tremendous job on water conservation. My point was that it made little sense for farms to take water away from food production just to let it flow out to the ocean with no proven benefit to the environment. I pointed out that in order for farmers to reduce water use by significant margins it would require fallowing large amounts of farmland. The author confirmed to me personally that she had received the same information from university irrigation experts. She must have ignored that fact in order to arrive at the conclusion that significantly new water savings in agriculture are possible simply by changing irrigation practices.
What the story completely missed and should be important to every consumer is that it takes adequate and dependable water supplies to grow the food people buy to feed their families. If you're not growing your own food someone else is growing it for you. Taking water away from farmers means less variety and abundance of California farm products in the stores and higher prices at the checkout counter.
Delta fish rebound endangers already troubled water bond, claim opponents
Blog
By Dan Aiello
From California Progress Report - Monday, Oct. 17, 2011
Coalition response...Federal biologists have explained that the increase in fish populations is the result of the weather conditions experienced this year throughout California. These same conditions cannot be duplicated by the water projects that deliver water for the growing of food and to fill the needs of 25 million Californians. Attempts to claim that it only takes "more water" to preserve the fish ignores the reality of weather patterns that grip our State, such as the recent drought years. Rejecting a water bond that would provide an improved infrastructure of storage and delivery does not guarantee "more water" for fish. It only continues the battle that currently paralyzes our water future.
Fisheries
GGSA welcomes early indicators of salmon recovery
Press release
From IndyBay Media - Monday, Oct. 17. 2011
Coalition response...The federal guidelines of 2009 and 2010 cited as "new and improved federal rules limiting diversions..." have been called "arbitrary and capricious" and "silly science" by a federal judge. These guidelines did not adhere to the National Environmental Policy Act that required the agencies to consider the impacts on humans. The guidelines are now undergoing a rewrite that hopefully will result in a fairness to all. Continuing to blame public water agencies for the results of deficient science is misleading.
Congress
Democratic Members Defend Science, Federal Scientists at Subcommittee Hearing
Report
From House Committee on Science, Space & Technology - Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011
Coalition response...One should never be surprised with the amount of grandstanding that goes on by elected officials. The attack on Julie McDonald and her time at the Department of Interior is a poor attempt to divert attention away from the facts at hand. Federal Judge Oliver Wanger, in a recent court decision against the Fish and Wildlife Service on proposed rules meant to protect fish said of an agency biologist, "(she) may be a very reasonable person and she may be a good scientist. She may be honest, but she has not been honest with this court... I find her testimony to be that of a zealot. And I'm not overstating the case. I'm not being histrionic. I'm not being dramatic." Wanger added, "The only inference that the court can draw is that it is an attempt to mislead and to deceive the court into accepting what is not only not the best science, it's not science."
WATER SUPPLY
Lake Mendocino water releases increased
Story
From Press Democrat - Monday, Oct. 17, 2011
There seems to be a lot of water in Lake Mead. Relatively speaking.
Blog
By John Fleck
From Inkstain - Monday, Oct. 17, 2011
DELTA
Time to party! Smeltageddon has been averted
Column
By Tom Barnidge
From Contra Costa Times - Monday, Oct. 17, 2011
WATER QUALITY
California grassland success heralded by EPA
Story
From Western Farm Press - Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011
FISHERIES
Protections for endangered fish and bird spark debate
Blog
By Susanne Rust
From California Watch - Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011
Water quality
EPA: California waters show widespread pollution
Story
From SF Chronicle - Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011
Coalition response...While the EPA was complying with the Clean Water Act in developing this list, it was also acknowledging the successful effort of farmers, public water agencies and others to halt the flow of selenium and other naturally occurring minerals from reaching the San Joaquin River. The Grasslands Bypass Project was established in 1996 for an area south of Los Banos in which a cooperative effort proved successful in reducing the selenium runoff by 87% from 1995 to 2010. During that same time the reduction of drainage water was dropped by 75%. The Grassland Bypass Project was termed a "success story" by EPA's Region 9 office in a two-page report posted on the EPA's website. Read the report at http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/success319/ca_san.cfm.
WATER SUPPLY
Forum to bring NorCal up to speed on state-wide water issues
Story
From Chico Enterprise-Record - Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011
Will bigger dam bring new jobs? We'd die waiting
Editorial
From Redding Record Searchlight - Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011
Mexico's newest export to US may be water
Story
From Desert Sun - Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011
From Fresno Bee - Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011
From SJ Mercury News - Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011
Press Release
From USBR - Friday, Oct. 14, 2011
DELTA
Delta plan is a fair way to balance water supply
Viewpoint
By Phil Isenberg
From Sacramento Bee - Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011
Bill averts disaster while quenching California's thirst
Opinion
By Sen. Michael Rubio
From Bakersfield Californian - Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011
WATER QUALITY
Letter
From Fresno Bee - Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011
WATER SUPPLY
Blog
From California Water Wars - Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011
Nevada County water officials cool to Garden Bar dam plan
Story
From Appeal-Democrat - Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011
River to resume flowing Friday
Story
From Bakersfield Californian - Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011
DELTA
Interior Department reviewing allegations in delta smelt case
Story
From LA Times - Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011
Statement from the State Water Contractors regarding Fish & Game Fall Midwater Trawl
Comment
From Aquafornia - Friday, Oct. 14, 2011
Delta
Delta smelt numbers rise in recent survey catch
Story
From LA Times - Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011
Coalition response...Biologists explained months ago that weather conditions experienced this year were resulting in higher fish numbers. These conditions were the result of Mother Nature and impacts that created improved habitat and food supply. Add to these effects the operational guidelines developed by public water agencies to protect fish in the Delta and you begin to get a clearer picture that there are multiple factors at work that resulted in an improved ecosystem and higher water deliveries.
The high flows certainly helped the ecosystem and even increased the amount of water delivered through the Delta to 25 million Californians and to efforts to grow our food supply. Yet, environmental regulations still kept these deliveries at less than the amount called for in contracts. Duplicating the weather conditions we have experienced this year is not possible through the combined operation of the State Water Project and the Central Valley Project. That emphasizes the need to move forward with updating our water infrastructure by increasing storage facilities and improving conveyance.
Small fish with big impact rebounds, easing fears of extinction
Story
From Contra Costa Times - Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011
From SJ Mercury News - Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011
Coalition response...The higher fish number is good news. This year's weather conditions played a major role in this population rebound and so did operational guidelines governing turbidity that were developed by public water agencies. The resulting higher flows benefited fish and allowed increased water deliveries through the Delta for food production and to supply the needs of 25 million Californians. Continuing these positive results will require a cooperative effort by all water users and the willingness to look to improved science rather than relying on guidelines that, even in a water year that we just experienced, continue to restrict water deliveries.
Delta fish populations rebound, vindicating DOI scientists
Blog
By Doug Obegi
From NRDC - Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011
Coalition response...The high fish numbers detected during the trawl is no surprise. Months ago when individuals and groups were claiming the Delta pumps were killing millions of fish, biologists explained that the pump salvage was not unexpected because the weather conditions were producing the higher populations. Despite the claims of pushing certain fish species to extinction because of the pumps, the opposite has taken place.
Any attempt to portray X2 as a vindication of two federal scientists who were recently chastised by a federal judge is a fallacy. The scientists testified that Fall X2 needed to be moved in order to provide a greater habitat for fish. The judge rejected their testimony and declined to order the shifting of Fall X2. Contrary to the federal scientists, Fall X2 was not moved and the fish populations have rebounded.
As explained by biologists months ago, weather conditions experienced this year resulted in higher fish numbers. These conditions were the result of Mother Nature and the combined operation of the State Water Project and the Central Valley Project cannot duplicate these conditions.
Water quality
EPA puts Tuolumne, Stanislaus on list of polluted waterways
Story
From Union Democrat - Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011
Coalition response...While the EPA was complying with the Clean Water Act in developing this list, it was also acknowledging the successful effort of farmers, public water agencies and others to halt the flow of selenium and other naturally occurring minerals from reaching the San Joaquin River. The Grasslands Bypass Project was established in 1996 for an area south of Los Banos in which a cooperative effort proved successful in reducing the selenium runoff by 87% from 1995 to 2010. During that same time the reduction of drainage water was dropped by 75%. The Grassland Bypass Project was termed a "success story" by EPA's Region 9 office in a two-page report posted on the EPA's website. Read the report at http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/success319/ca_san.cfm.
DELTA
Delta smelt regs vindicated? Not so fast, my friend!
Blog
By Brandon Middleton
From Pacifc Legal Foundation - Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011
WATER SUPPLY
California may see changes to pricey water bond
Story
From Reuters - Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011
Celebratory water conference on tap
Story
From Bakersfield Californian - Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011
FISHERIES
Salmon numbers in river rising
Story
From Oroville Mercury-Register - Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011
Water quality
EPA lists California's polluted waters
Story
From North County Times - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
From Contra Costa Times - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
From Fresno Bee - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
From Merced Sun-Star - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
From Modesto Bee - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
From Monterey Herald - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
From Press-Enterprise - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
From Sacramento Bee - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
From SD Union-Tribune - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
From SF Chronicle - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
From IndyBay Media - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
From SJ Mercury News - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
From Santa Maria Times - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
From SLO Tribune - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
From YubaNet - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
Coalition response...While the EPA was complying with the Clean Water Act in developing this list, it was also acknowledging the successful effort of farmers, public water agencies and others to halt the flow of selenium and other naturally occurring minerals from reaching the San Joaquin River. The Grasslands Bypass Project was established in 1996 for an area south of Los Banos in which a cooperative effort proved successful in reducing the selenium runoff by 87% from 1995 to 2010. During that same time the reduction of drainage water was dropped by 75%. The Grassland Bypass Project was termed a "success story" by EPA's Region 9 office in a two-page report posted on the EPA's website. Read the report at http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/success319/ca_san.cfm.
WATER SUPPLY
Protecting California's most precious natural resources
Announcement
From KCWA
Stanislaus River history gets rewrite by 'extreme' environmentalists
Opinion
By Dennis Wyatt
From Manteca Bulletin - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
Letter
From Modesto Bee - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
Making public infrastructure into public space
Blog
By John Bass
From Delta National Park - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
DELTA
September Fall Midwater Trawl results show increased abundance of Delta smelt and others
Report
From Aquafornia - Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011
Isenberg: Doing more with less - Moving toward long-term sustainable use of Delta and Bay water
Speech
From Aquafornia - Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011
Injunction granted to limit water supply impact of proposed X2 action
Legal analysis
From Somach Simmons & Dunn - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
FISHERIES
Ranchers wary over fish barrier count on Cow Creek, tributaries
Story
From Record Searchlight - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
SALTON SEA
County comments on Salton Sea conservation project
Story
From IV Press - Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011
Water Supply
Tuolumne River water sale panned
Story
From Union Democrat - Monday, Oct. 10, 2011
Coalition response...This proposal to sell water is just that---a proposal. MID is investigating whether to pursue this option and if the answer is yes, the public will have full opportunity to provide input. Raising opposition to the proposal at this time is an example of hitting the panic button and simply posturing on the part of opponents as they champion their viewpoints without regard to the possible benefits that could derive from an agreement.
Delta
New Delta plan is not a responsible solution
Viewpoint
by Andy Morin/Pauline Roccucci
From Sacramento Bee - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
Coalition response...The plan by the Delta Stewardship Council that the authors object to is the fifth draft plan released by the council. Each draft has undergone changes and two more drafts are scheduled before release of a final plan. It is good that people and organizations are following the work of the council as it works toward a resolution of Delta environmental issues and a reliable water supply. Opportunity still exists to provide input to the final plan.
Securing a reliable water supply for our state requires a multi-prong approach, as suggested by the authors. Pivotal to a reliable water supply is "additional storage," both in the form of reservoirs and increased water banking where appropriate. It will also take improved flexibility in managing our water supply in order to provide for future generations.
Permanent solution for water issues
Letter
From Modesto Bee - Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
Coalition response...The solutions offered by this writer for a reliable water supply in Southern California are noteworthy, but many of them have already been considered. It takes a natural water supply to justify building dams and that doesn't exist in large quantities in the southern part of our state. Diamond Valley, the last major reservoir built in Southern California, is supplied with water received in part through the California Aqueduct. Construction of desalinization plants are yet to be proven fully cost-effective and have their own set of environmental challenges, real or imagined. New conveyance certainly is part of California's permanent water supply solution. It adds reliability for water users and ecosystem benefits by returning Delta flow to a more natural direction.
WATER SUPPLY
Predictions call for another wet winter
Story
From Inyo Register - Monday, Oct. 10, 2011
New Melones diverting water to avoid flood threat
TV news
From KCRA/3 - Monday, Oct. 10, 2011
DELTA
Film being shot in Reno thrusts locals into the spotlight
Story
From Reno Gazette Journal - Monday, Oct. 10, 2011
..."Dam California" revolves around a Central Valley town struggling with a water company to preserve its way of life.
FISHERIES
Supervisors decide to stay part of salmonid conservation
Story
From Siskiyou Daily News - Monday, Oct. 10, 2011
Commercial salmon fishing season was promising
Story
From SJ Mercury News - Monday, Oct. 10, 2011
