• There are so many ways to participate in water-related state policy making.  No point is decrying the laws AFTER they are made.  Get involved in how your water is managed!  Here’s an opportunity to comment on flow criteria for the SF Bay Delta.

    NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF DRAFT REPORT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLOW CRITERIA FOR THE SACRAMENTO-SAN JOAQUIN DELTA ECOSYSTEM

    Water Code section 85086 requires the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board or Board) to develop, within nine months of enactment of the requirement, new flow criteria to protect public trust resources for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) ecosystem. The statute further requires the State Water Board to submit its flow criteria determinations to the Delta Stewardship Council within 30 days of their development. The purpose of the flow criteria is to inform planning decisions for the Delta Plan and the Bay Delta Conservation Plan. The statute specifies that the flow criteria shall not be considered predecisional with regard to the State Water Board’s subsequent consideration of a permit.
    In accordance with Water Code section 85086, the State Water Board conducted a public process in the form of an informational proceeding, held on March 22-24, 2010, to develop the flow criteria. The State Water Board has considered the information submitted in connection with that proceeding, and has prepared a draft report determining flow criteria for the Delta ecosystem necessary to protect public trust resources. In developing the flow criteria, the State Water Board reviewed existing water quality objectives and used the best available scientific information. The flow criteria include the volume, timing, and quality of flow necessary under different hydrologic conditions.

     

    The draft report is located on the State Water Board’s web site at:
    http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/bay_delta/deltaflow/draft_report.shtml

    A resolution to approve the draft report is scheduled for consideration by the State Water Board at its Board meeting on Tuesday, August 3, 2010. The State Water Board issues formal notice with the location and time of public meeting approximately ten days prior to such meetings. All State Water Board notices of public meeting and agendas are posted on the State Water Board’s website, at:
    http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/board_info/calendar/index.shtml.

    If you cannot access the draft report online, you may request a copy by contacting Phil Crader, Senior Environmental Scientist, at pcrader@waterboards.ca.gov or (916) 341-5438.