Independent research and analysis of California's developed water systems
The Delta Independent Science Board has just released their draft Water Supply Reliability Review. We strongly agree with their recommendation on water supply system models: The next generation of state-sponsored water supply system models for reliability estimation should be built, updated, and evaluated by a broad consortium of state and federal agencies and external experts … Continue reading On DWR’s water supply models and drought risks
Governor Newsom’s drought emergency declaration is a direct consequence of the draining of Shasta, Folsom, and Oroville reservoirs by the Central Valley Project and State Water Project to export water from the Delta. Emergency operation of these major reservoirs will be a disaster for the Delta ecosystem, and will also have severe impacts on Delta … Continue reading DWR Chief Engineer warned of climate change draining northern California reservoirs
On February 18, 2021 the Delta Conveyance Design and Construction Authority (“DCA”) adopted new bylaws which allow the Executive Director to be a "member entity" staff person. On March 9, 2021, the DCA met in closed session to consider employment of the current Executive Director, Kathryn Mallon. Mallon is working under a 5 year contract … Continue reading Delta Tunnel: DCA’s new bylaws allow MWD staff person to be Executive Director
Environmental groups have been strongly critical of the Department of Water Resources’ “blank check” Delta Program Revenue Bond / General Bond Resolution.. The General Bond Resolution is expected to fund Governor Newsom's Delta tunnel project, which is currently estimated to cost $15.9 billion. The State Water Contractors have countered that DWR is simply "validating its … Continue reading “General Bond Resolution” could fund twin tunnels project in stages
The Delta Conveyance Design and Construction Authority convened the 10th meeting of the Stakeholder Engagement Committee on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. Carrie Buckman, the Environmental Manager for the Department of Water Resources, gave a presentation on DWR’s screening of alternatives suggested in the scoping process. Buckman summarized the Delta tunnel project objectives as follows: CLIMATE … Continue reading Delta tunnel: DWR rejects consideration of No Tunnel alternatives in EIR
Metropolitan Water District has two seats on the Board of the Delta Conveyance Design and Construction Authority (DCA), and Valley Water (formerly Santa Clara Valley Water District) has one seat. But to date, neither agency has committed to pay the DCA’s costs for the planning and engineering design for the single tunnel. After the Department […]
On June 18, 2020, the Department of Water Resources submitted an application to the US Army Corps of Engineers for a Section 404 Clean Water Act permit for the Delta tunnel. Getting federal permits for the Delta tunnel is complicated by Attorney General Becerra's lawsuit over the Bureau of Reclamation’s new Long-Term Operations for the … Continue reading Delta tunnel: DWR plans for ESA consultation under Trump administration
It is unclear whether land will be acquired for the Delta tunnel project before the Final Environmental Impact Report and Notice of Determination under CEQA.
The DCA's plan to conduct Delta Stakeholder Engagement Committee meetings by web conference during what is likely to be the height of the pandemic in California simply fails to consider the very real impacts on Delta communities.
The Department of Water Resources’ Notice of Preparation for the Delta Conveyance Project shows two potential alignments for the main tunnel. The “Central Corridor” is the route of the former WaterFix / twin tunnels project. The “Eastern Corridor” is closer to I-5. The Department of Water Resources did not disclose that an Independent Technical Review … Continue reading Delta tunnel: Independent Technical Review Panel finds main tunnel route “impractical”