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DWR Initiates Environmental Review Process for Delta Conservation Plan, Announces Other Delta Actions

Posted on: Monday, 17 March 2008, 18:00 CDT

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced today immediate actions to implement Gov. Schwarzenegger's plan for Delta sustainability. DWR will start the public process to study the environmental impacts of a Delta conservation plan, implement new statewide water conservation initiatives, and strengthen emergency response plans for the Delta.

"The Delta is a great natural treasure and a vital link in the state's water system, but it is teetering on the edge of collapse," said DWR Director Lester A. Snow. "To avert an ecological disaster and ensure reliable water supplies for Californians now and in the future, we must act now."

Last month, Gov. Schwarzenegger outlined a comprehensive plan for Delta sustainability that includes more water conservation, better emergency response and flood protection, and actions to ensure a cleaner, safer water supply.

Initiate Delta Conservation Plan EIR/EIS

Building on the Governor's plan and recommendations of his Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force that define environmental restoration and water supply as coequal goals for the future of the Delta, DWR will prepare a joint Environmental Impact Report/Statement (EIR/EIS) for the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) in cooperation with the federal lead agencies.

DWR will hold a public informational workshop on Monday, March 24, 2008 to discuss the scope and timeline of the environmental review process, the collaborative efforts involving other agencies and stakeholders, and opportunities for public participation and involvement. DWR Director Snow and other project team members will be present.

Workshop on Delta Conservation Plan EIR Process Monday, March 24, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. Resources Building Auditorium 1416 9th Street Sacramento, CA 95814

The BDCP is a collaborative effort by state and federal agencies and stakeholder groups to develop a conservation plan for the Delta aimed at addressing the current conflict between the protection of at-risk fish species and water supply.

While the BDCP will focus on the fish/water supply issues in the context of broad ecosystem protection principles, it will also address habitat restoration and management, other ecological problems including invasive species and toxic pollutants, and improve the way state and federal water systems operate.

From now until the completion of the EIR/EIS process in 2010 there will be many opportunities for public review, comment and participation. One purpose of the scoping meetings is to receive public input on alternatives that should be considered in the EIR/EIS process. Attached is a list of initial public scoping meetings to present information on the project, including a description of initial alternatives and the scope of the BDCP process. A meeting schedule can also be found at http://baydeltaoffice.water.ca.gov/sdb/bdcp/index_bdcp.cfm.

Increase Water Conservation

Increasing water conservation is an essential element of fixing the Delta. The Governor has called for a 20 percent per capita reduction in urban water use statewide by 2020. DWR is working with the State Water Resources Control Board, California Public Utilities Commission, and the California Energy Commission to develop a plan to achieve the Governor's goal.

The California Water Plan Advisory Committee will discuss the Governor's plan for a comprehensive Delta solution including strategies for increasing urban water conservation during the second day of its March 20-21 meeting.

California Water Plan Advisory Committee Friday, March 21, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Doubletree Hotel, 2001 Point West Way Sacramento, CA 95815

Meeting agenda and materials are posted at www.waterplan.water.ca.gov/materials/index.cfm.

Delta Emergency Response Planning

A comprehensive emergency response plan is critical to the sustainability of the Delta. A natural disaster could cripple water deliveries to 25 million Californians, millions of acres of farmland, threaten lives and property, destroy vital infrastructure and result in serious economic consequences. DWR is working with the Delta Protection Commission to develop the Delta Emergency Response plan.

To address the Governor's call for better emergency response and flood protection, DWR in cooperation with the Delta Protection Commission, is scheduling a public workshop in the Delta to discuss options and receive public input on Delta emergency response actions.

Delta Emergency Response Workshop Thursday, April 10, 2008, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Courtland Auditorium, 146 Primasing Avenue Courtland, CA 95615

Initial Scoping Meetings for Delta Conservation Plan

April 28, 2008 - Sacramento 10 am Resources Building Auditorium 1416 Ninth Street, Sacramento

April 29, 2008 - Chico 6 pm Chico Masonic Family Center 1110 West East Avenue, Chico

April 30, 2008 - Clarksburg 6 pm Clarksburg Middle School, 52870 Netherlands, Clarksburg

May 5, 2008 - Stockton 6 pm San Joaquin Farm Bureau 3290 N. Ad Art Road, Stockton

May 6, 2008 - San Jose 6 pm Santa Clara Valley Water District 5700 Almaden Expressway, San Jose

May 7, 2008 - Los Banos 6 pm City of Los Banos Public Services Department Senior Center-Miller & Lux Building 830 6th Street, Los Banos

May 8, 2008 - Los Angeles 1 pm Junipero Serra State Building 320 West Fourth, Carmel Room 225, Los Angeles

The Department of Water Resources operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam safety and flood control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and water conservation planning, and plans for future statewide water needs.

Contact the DWR Public Affairs Office for more information about DWR's water activities.

Source: Business Wire

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