Save the California Delta Alliance (STCDA)

Metropolitan Water District backs two Delta Tunnels.

The vote was disappointing but not unexpected. Disappointing, since at each juncture we keep hoping we’ve seen the final nail in the coffin. But the tunnel project never seems to die. Not unanticipated because their fall-back of voting for just one tunnel would have meant the Water Board permit process would have been extended to Part III and a new EIR for one tunnel at a time; hence it would not be done during Gov. Brown’s reign. Not funding both tunnels up-front was equivalent to Gov. Brown giving up, and we know he wasn’t about to do that.

We know the tunnels are not cost effective and are not guaranteed to produce another drop of water, assuming the tunnels will be operated responsibly. Obviously it means the water exporters have no commitment to responsible operations. Thus the law suit wars will need to begin as soon as the Water Board issues the permits by June. We know that process is rigged, so we know the permits will be approved. Save the California Delta Alliance is gearing up to begin that battle.

This makes it vital for us to make an early push for fund raising, to be sure we are ready to take on the battle.

Or send a check made out to “STCDA” to:
STCDA
P.O. Box 1760
Discovery Bay, CA 94505

We appreciate everyone that has been supporting us!

In a memo dated March 30, 2018, Scott Pruitt directed EPA regional offices to “cede their Clean Water Act determinations” to him. According to this report, “The move appears to change the approval process to lessen the role of EPA employees and scientists when it comes to evaluating whether a project has a significant negative environmental impact on waterways or wetlands.”

Currently, the State Water Board is holding Hearings on whether to issue a permit for the Delta Tunnels. If that permit is approved, and has seemed more likely since STCDA found out that the Water Board has been colluding with the DWR and altering Delta Flow requirements in favor of the Tunnels, the next and final steps are (1) Army Corps of Engineers Permit and (2) final approval from the EPA.

If you recall, it was the EPA that blasted the 2014 Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP), saying it was not a Habitat Conservation Plan and would more likely kill fish than save them. That stopped the project in its tracks . . . for a while. Then Jerry Brown got the bright idea and basically said, “OK, our tunnels won’t save the Delta, let’s just build the tunnels.” and split the BDCP into two projects:

• California WaterFix (aka the Delta Tunnels)
• California EcoRestore (the part to save the Delta).

Has anyone heard “boo” about EcoRestore the past 4 years? No? That’s because the only focus has been on WaterFix, the Tunnels . . . on killing the Delta, not saving it.

At least, in the past, we had the EPA on our side. It was the EPA that also shut down the Two-Gates Fish Protection Project in 2010. Remember that? The plan to put dams in Old River and Connection Slough and virtually shut down boating in the South Delta.

So now the concern is, will the EPA once again let the scientists and experts chime in? Or will Pruitt ignore science, facts, and let the Exporters build their destructive tunnels?

Scott Pruitt took over the Clean Water Act

People were getting happily excited when they read the news that “Water agency won’t finance Brown’s $17B tunnels” reported in the E&E News. The reporter misstated when he said, “Southern California’s largest water provider yesterday unexpectedly backed away from a plan to fund Gov. Jerry Brown’s $17 billion effort to replumb the state’s water system.”

The LA Times title was a little misleading but more accurate when it said, “Metropolitan Water District backs away from plan to finance both delta tunnels.” Note: That’s “both” delta tunnels. MWD was always planning a certain amount of funding. When the Ag water districts backed out of funding anything, MWD was going to vote whether to fund both tunnels now or just one. They reverted to their original offer to fund the amount that will give one tunnel now. The second is not totally off-the-table – it could be built later if/when funding becomes available or if/when they can sell the water from the first tunnel to agribusinesses, frackers, or any others and make a profit. MET said, “More important is that we just get going…. We’re talking one tunnel for now.”

This is the worst possible scenario. If they build one, they plan to take more water than they get now and they could sell any excess and raise money for the second tunnel. A phased approach means 17-20 years of construction through the heart of the Delta, instead of 11-13. One tunnel gives them less operational flexibility and the fear is they would pump during dry periods, doubling the water quality problem in the South Delta at those times while still causing negative environmental impact throughout the Delta.

I just found out that AmazonSmile has a triple donation promotion on now – ends on March 31! So one week only! Amazon is tripling the donation amount to 1.5% when customers make their first eligible smile.amazon.com purchase from now through March 31.

3x your impact! Amazon is tripling the donation rate on your first smile.amazon.com purchase – through March 31! Go to smile.amazon.com/ch/27-1326502 and Amazon donates to Save the California Delta Alliance.

Because I attended a meeting in Bethel Island in January, they asked me to send in comments on the Draft Franks Tract Feasibility Project Proposal. Sorry to say, I wasn’t really that supportive. The draft wasn’t that much different from the original proposal. There were a series of meetings with Bethel Island and other Stakeholders. That information was dutifully captured in this new draft. But it didn’t change the proposal. Similar to the BDCP/WaterFix, they meet, they say they “listen,” and move on with their original concept.

Here are the comments I submitted.

I commented is that there must be better places to put this smelt habitat area and not destroy the primary Northern California bass fishing area (a State Recreational Area) and also destroy the community of Bethel Island. The first site that comes to mind is Webb Tract. It’s just north of Franks, actually better flow-wise so smelt would migrate north, and it’s already owned by Metropolitan Water District (the entity that is funding the report) so they can easily do with Webb Tract what they want.

In my comments about the plan, one of my concerns is that they never quantify the economic loss to Northern California from killing the bass fishing industry.

Another problem to me is that nowhere in the document do I see any reference to the homes and marinas that now look out on the portion of Franks Tract that is planned as a “tidal marsh” where the view is considered of value and probably part of the home value/worth. Yet this is where they plan to pile mud and make it a mud pond. They don’t talk about the vegetation they would plant, what it would look like, the new view. They don’t talk about the smell from tunnel muck or mosquito abatement. Very worrisome.

But bottom line, this sums it up for me. Their report says on page 29: “Most stakeholders strongly objected to the location and configuration of the proposed tidal marsh restoration areas in Franks and Little Franks Tract because it would block some marina and boat traffic to residential areas. Alternative configurations are possible that will have less impact on local communities and economies.“

My comment was, “Re-read that part please. ‘Strongly objected to the location and configuration.’ To me, that should drive the conclusion, but the conclusion is full-speed ahead on the current location and configuration.”

That’s the problem. They gather information, but the conclusions, the plan doesn’t change. Just like the tunnels.

The report also said: “Meetings and conversations about this proposed restoration approach have begun to build trust and more open communication between state agencies involved in restoration efforts and the general public.”

That’s the problem we’ve been having with all of these state agency projects. They may have meetings. We present our comments. The BDCP even held “In-Delta Meetings” in the Brentwood Library where young admins took down our concerns and left, not really understanding our concerns or properly documenting them. They leave and nothing changes.

What these agencies don’t understand is that conversations are two-way streets. We don’t want to just talk and then next reiteration of the project has no significant changes. This draft does capture our concerns, in words. But nothing changes. Our concerns don’t change the recommendations or the conclusion.

That isn’t “listening.” That is simply understanding the objections but then, regardless, moving ahead.

The Press’ new article: Franks Tract restoration project under fire (Delta smelt at center of state’s plan).

“The Division of Fish and Wildlife’s plan to ‘restore’ Franks Tract is another assault on the Delta and its people by the Natural Resources Agency,” said Bill Wells, executive director of the California Delta Chambers & Visitor’s Bureau. “John Laird, Charleton H. Bonham and Carl Wilcox should all be held personally responsible for any damage to the economy and the ecosystem in and around Franks Tract. Since the island flooded in 1937 it has been a paradise for wildlife and sportsmen. It is on the Pacific Flyway and visited by thousands of waterfowl each year. It is also prime habitat for many species of fish.”

Jim Frazier strongly objects to this project: ““As co-chair of the Delta Caucus, I see this effort by the administration to establish a ‘habitat’ project is clearly a cover for the irresponsible tunnels proposal and will worsen the reckless overpumping of the Delta,” said California 11th District Assemblymember Jim Frazier, a vocal opponent of WaterFix, in an email to The Press. “Franks Tract is a state park and a primary way into and out of the Delta. Over the decades, it has become a paradise for anglers and recreationalists. This project will wreak havoc on our marinas, boaters and fishermen in the Delta District and severely impact our culture. This reckless plan again puts the big money interests in the south over the people of the Delta.”

Read all about it.

Jan’s comments:

From the article, California Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Carl Wilcox “stated, however, that both Franks Tract and Little Franks Tract are choked with non-native vegetation and invasive species like black bass are predators of the native Delta smelt and juvenile salmon.”

That’s so misleading and going down the wrong path.

1. While true that Franks Tract may now have weeds, a lot of the Delta is nowadays. Why? Because of the over-exporting, ruining water quality throughout the Delta and making conditions ripe for invasive species like hyacinth, ragweed, egeria dense and worse, toxic blue-green algae. More fresh water flowing through the Delta is one way to start to improve water quality and flush out the invasive species. But that is no reason to ruin Franks Tract. It is still a popular bass fishing site and a State Recreational Area. This project wouldn’t “save” Franks Tract or do anything to fight the invasive weeds. The Bethel Island folks requested aid dredging a path across Franks Tract to aid boaters in accessing key marinas and businesses on Bethel Island. That’s what would help – not filling the tract up with tunnel muck.
2. Wilcox groups black bass with “invasive species.” That’s not valid. The attack on the popular bass species started some years ago when the bass fishermen became influential in the fight against the Delta Tunnels. A tunnel proponent was overheard to say, “Wait until [those fishermen] find out what we plan to do to their bass.” After that, there have been multiple State Bills to cause the extinction of the black bass. Do they have any justification? Scientific studies show that as the salmon species improve (when exports were less), the bass also thrived. When the pumps were cranked up to over 5 MAF, both the salmon species and the bass together struggled. Bass are not predators to be removed. There are studies that show them as predators in certain locations, like where smelt or salmon are entrapped behind dams or other barriers. But when the rivers are flowing freely – no problem. So once again, the “fix” is to get rid of dams (like the Head of Old River Dam that is periodically installed near Lathrop to try to keep salmon flowing away from the pumps. At that spot, salmon are entrapped and eaten by bass. But in general, no.
3. Let’s think about what this will do to Bethel Island. In addition to blocking access off for the major marinas and businesses, what about the homes that now look out at the scenic waters of Franks Tract, the State Recreational Area. They will be looking out at a sea of tunnel muck. Ilk! Smelly, toxic, likely to be a mosquito-friendly area. There are some really lovely homes along that stretch.

No – this is not a project that will do anything to help the communities of the Delta, only the influential water exporters.

FAKE NEWS !!!!!

Don’t believe everything you read. Although the State Agencies are spending their marketing money trying to spin information to make you believe in the Delta Tunnels. Desperate Times call for desperate measures, I guess.

If you’ve received this in your email box from the WaterFix, know it is 100 percent bogus. News this fake should be illegal.

THE DATA BELOW IS FAKE AND WRONG:

WRONG, WRONG, WRONG.

The actual PPIC survey, quoted, says:

With disappointing rainfall and snow pack totals this winter and talk of another possible drought, 53 percent of likely voters say that the supply of water is a big problem in their part of the state. Asked about the governor’s proposal to build tunnels in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta—starting with one tunnel and later adding a second—42 percent of likely voters say this is very important for the future quality of life and economic vitality of California.

Californians will vote in June on Proposition 68 to fund water infrastructure projects. Asked if they would vote for such a bond measure, two-thirds of likely voters (66%) say they would vote yes. An overwhelming majority of Democrats (78%) and a strong majority of independents (66%) say they would vote yes, compared to about half of Republicans (51%).

Somehow, the WaterFix people took “78 percent of Democrats want improved water infrastructure” PLUS only “42 percent say this [WaterFix] is very important” and ended up with “78 want WaterFix.” Maybe it’s new math?

BUT WAIT, Prop 68 isn’t even all about “improved water infrastructure.” The title of Prop 68 is: “Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018.”

So:
78 percent of Democrats want Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All

+ PLUS 42 percent say WaterFix is important

= 78 Percent of Californians want WaterFix

New math?

Save the California Delta Alliance is now one of the sponsored charities for Amazon! For any product you buy there, Amazon will make a donation to STCDA!

But first, you need to register Save the California Delta Alliance as your Amazon preferred charity. It’s as easy as 1-2-3.

1. First, go to smile.amazon.com. The first time you go to smile.amazon.com, it will ask you to name your favorite charity. Pick us! Type “Save the California Delta Alliance” in the box and click “Search”:
   
2. Second, “Select” Save the California Delta Alliance in Discovery Bay, CA:
   
3. Third, you will then be told that you’ve selected STCDA as your charity and remind you to always go to smile.amazon.com (instead of http://www.amazon.com) and Amazon will make a donation to us. Click the “Yes” checkbox and click the button to start shopping:
   

You will then be reminded to always go to smile.amazon.com for your purchases. They also give you an optional way to add smile.amazon.com to your favorites:

NOTE: If you forget and start shopping have items in your cart, just type “smile.amazon.com” before you check out. Your items will still be there and STCDA will get a donation.

Thank you for your support!

Sacramento — Part 2 of the State Water Resources Control Board’s Hearing on the WaterFix Water Right Change Petition (aka Delta tunnels) has been ongoing since February 22, 2018. On March 14,15, and 16, 2018, the County of San Joaquin, the San Joaquin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Local Agencies of the North Delta, and the South and Central Delta Water Agencies presented testimony by a geotechnical engineer and the principal engineer for many of the Reclamation Districts in the Delta. The engineers testified on the inadequacy of the preliminary engineering for the Delta tunnels, and the resulting risks to the project, and to people and property in the Delta.

Read California Water Research’s full report here: https://cah2oresearch.com/2018/03/20/waterfix-hearing-tunnels-not-being-designed-to-withstand-maximum-earthquake-in-the-delta/

We haven’t heard from “On the Public Record” for a while – but this blog really is special:

Thoughts on Araxs Kingdom (Stewart Resnick and Almonds)”. As everyone said, “Mark Arax’s reporting on the Resnicks‘ involvement in Kern is wonderful.”

From the article:

A couple things surprised me. I just didn’t expect an illegal, self-installed pipeline. When I talk about how hard it is to move water, I wasn’t expecting someone with infinite money, nor completely unpermitted small-scale infrastructure. I never imagined a public agency doing that, yet Dudley Ridge WD and Lost Hills WD allowed it (more on that later).

I was also surprised to read that Wonderful doesn’t hassle with precision agriculture. I think I remember from Arax’s book, King of California, that the Boswell Farming Company paid a lot of attention to detail. At a recent irrigation conference, I was surprised at the extent of technology some farming companies use to improve their yields or their profit margins. I wonder what is being lost by their acceptance of “mediocre” yields; they might be missing the first few years of declining yields from salinity

***

Stewart Resnick appears to have zero understanding of climate change. His description of a five-year drought as a surprising piece of bad luck and not the aridification that the past twenty years of climate modeling has consistently predicted means that he still doesn’t appreciate it. Stewart Resnick says that he has hired good people, but if none of them have been planning for climate change (aridification and loss of chilling hours) then they are not doing their jobs.