Sacramento River

Biological Opinion for the California Water Fix (US Fish and Wildlife Service)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) | June 23rd, 2017

This consultation examines whether the California WaterFix (CWF) Proposed Action (PA) is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the threatened California red-leg

This consultation examines whether the California WaterFix (CWF) Proposed Action (PA) is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the threatened California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii), threatened California tiger salamander (Central California Distinct Population Segment; Ambystoma californiense), threatened delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus), threatened giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas\ endangered Least bell's vireo (Vireo belliipusillus), endangered San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica), threatened valley elderberry longhorn beetle (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus), threatened vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi), endangered vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi), and threatened western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis). Additionally, this consultation addresses whether the CWF PA is likely to destroy or adversely modify delta smelt critical habitat. The attached Final BiOp incorporates relevant information provided by the action agencies and applicant, including comments, changes, and additions to the CWF provided since consultation was initiated. The Service has prepared a mixed programmatic BiOp on the CWF. This BiOp represents the culmination of consultation on a mix of standard-level and programmatic-level project elements. An analysis and conclusion of whether or not the entire CWF action is likely to jeopardize each listed species or destroy or adversely modify designated critical habitat is included in this BiOp. All activities addressed programmatically will be subject to a subsequent consultation on future Federal actions in order to proceed. The following activities analyzed as a standard consultation are: (1) construction of the tunnels; (2) expansions and other modifications of Clifton Court Forebay; (3) associated infrastructure; (4) geotechnical explorations, (5) compensatory mitigation associated with construction except the North Delta Diversions (NDD), Head of Old River Gate (HORG), and Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) settlement agreement facilities; and (6) specific construction-related conservation measures including preconstruction surveys for listed terrestrial species. Where incidental take of threatened or endangered species is reasonably certain to occur, an Incidental Take Statement for these activities is included with this BiOp. The following activities requiring future Federal approvals and therefore addressed programmatically are: (1) construction of the NDD and associated structures; (2) construction of the HORG; (3) construction of the CCWD settlement agreement facilities; (4) operations of new and existing CVP and SWP water facilities under dual conveyance; (5) future maintenance; (5) future monitoring; (6) compensatory mitigation associated with construction of the NDD, HORG, and CCWD settlement agreement facilities; and (7) the CWF Adaptive Management Program. In order to ensure that future actions developed for the CWF are consistent with this analysis, Reclamation and DWR have proposed a framework consisting of Guiding Principles that are analyzed as part of this BiOp. One or more subsequent consultations will be needed to address activities associated with future approvals. No Incidental Take Statement is included for activities addressed programmatically because those subsequent consultations will address incidental take associated with those activities. The Service has analyzed the operational scenario for CWF included in the BA. The agencies recognize this operational scenario will change between now and the time that the CWF facilities are operational. Changes to the operational scenario will be analyzed in subsequent consultation. The attached BiOp addresses effects of the CWF to 16 federally-listed species and designated critical habitat. Appendix A of the BiOp includes justifications for the species and critical habitat that were determined not likely to be adversely affected. Effects to the remainder of the species and critical habitat are addressed in the BiOp. The Service has determined that the CWF is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any of these species, and is not likely to destroy or adversely modify designated critical habitat.

Biological Opinion on Long-term Operation of the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) | October 21st, 2019

Biological opinion on the coordinated operations of the Central Valley Project (CVP) and State Water Project (SWP)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) | December 15th, 2008

On May 16, 2008, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the California Department of Water Resources asked the Service to initiate consultation on the Long-Term Operational C

On May 16, 2008, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the California Department of Water Resources asked the Service to initiate consultation on the Long-Term Operational Criteria and Plan (OCAP) for coordination of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project, specifically concerning the delta smelt and its critical habitat. (See OCAP Legal Archives.) On December 15, 2008, the Fish & Wildlife Service issued a biological opinion (BO) on the Long-Term Operational Criteria and Plan (OCAP) for coordination of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project. The Service determined that the continued operation of these two water projects, as described in the plan, was likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the delta smelt and adversely modify its critical habitat. The inclusion by the Service of reasonable and prudent alternatives, and their acceptance by the water agencies, avoided jeopardy and adverse modification.

Brackish Water Desalination Facility Project

Delta Stewardship Council (Delta Council) | April 1st, 2020

The City of Antioch (City) is proposing the Brackish Water Desalination Project (Project), which consists of the construction of a desalination facility at the City’s

The City of Antioch (City) is proposing the Brackish Water Desalination Project (Project), which consists of the construction of a desalination facility at the City’s water treatment plant (WTP) with the capacity to produce up to 6 million gallons per day (mgd) of finished water; demolition of the existing San Joaquin River intake pump station; construction of a new intake pump station; approximately 3,000 feet of pipeline from the existing raw water pipeline underneath Lone Tree Way to the City’s WTP to allow a direct connection to maximize use of existing infrastructure; and approximately 4 miles of pipeline from the desalination facility to the Delta Diablo wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) to discharge brine with the WWTP effluent through the existing Delta Diablo outfall to New York Slough. The Project facilities would be located in the cities of Antioch and Pittsburg, California (Figure 1), at the western edge of the San Joaquin- Sacramento Delta (Delta). The main objectives of the Project are to improve water supply reliability and water quality for its customers; develop a reliable and drought-resistance water source to reduce dependency on purchased water supplies; maximize and preserve the use of the City’s pre-1914 water rights; and provide cost effective operational flexibility for the City.

Bringing Back Native Grasses

CALFED | June 1st, 2005

Building Ecological Resilience in Highly Modified Landscapes

BioScience (Oxford University Press) | November 7th, 2018

Ecological resilience is a powerful heuristic for ecosystem management in the context of rapid environmental change. Significant efforts are underway to improve

Ecological resilience is a powerful heuristic for ecosystem management in the context of rapid environmental change. Significant efforts are underway to improve the resilience of biodiversity and ecological function to extreme events and directional change across all types of landscapes, from intact natural systems to highly modified landscapes such as cities and agricultural regions. However, identifying management strategies likely to promote ecological resilience remains a challenge. In this article, we present seven core dimensions to guide long-term and large-scale resilience planning in highly modified landscapes, with the objective of providing a structure and shared vocabulary for recognizing opportunities and actions likely to increase resilience across the whole landscape. We illustrate application of our approach to landscape-scale ecosystem management through case studies from two highly modified California landscapes, Silicon Valley and the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta. We propose that resilience-based management is best implemented at large spatial scales and through collaborative, cross-sector partnerships.

Building water resilience in the face of cascading wildfire risks

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) | September 15th, 2023

Bulletin 118 - California's Groundwater Update 2013

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | April 15th, 2015

California’s Groundwater Update 2013 compiles and analyzes readily available groundwater information to characterize California’s groundwater basins, aquifers, and we

California’s Groundwater Update 2013 compiles and analyzes readily available groundwater information to characterize California’s groundwater basins, aquifers, and well infrastructure. It also presents data and analysis related to groundwater monitoring efforts, aquifer conditions in response to extraction, groundwater management practices, and conjunctive management programs. It expands and enhances baseline groundwater information on a regional scale, identifies challenges associated with sustainable groundwater management, and helps guide implementation of diverse resource management strategies. The set of data, information, and analysis developed can help local and regional groundwater managers, as well as individual well owners, better understand California’s hidden and commonly misunderstood resource. This Bulletin has been uploaded in the following separate files reflecting hydrologic regions and appendices. Chapter One / Introduction  Chapter Two / State-wide Update  Chapter Three / North Coast Chapter Four / San Francisco Bay Chapter Five / Central Coast Chapter Six / South Coast  Chapter Seven / Sacramento River Chapter Eight / San Joaquin River Chapter Nine / Tulare Lake Chapter Ten / North Lahontan Chapter Eleven / South Lahontan Chapter Twelve / Colorado River Appendix A: Methods and Assumptions Appendix B: CASGEM Basin Prioritization Appendix C: Groundwater Use Data 2010-2015 Appendix D: Conjunctive Management Survey Appendix E: Change in Groundwater in Storage Appendix F: Subsidence

Bulletin 118: California's Groundwater Update 2020 (draft)

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | March 1st, 2021

Groundwater is a precious and limited resource that is used in meeting the needs of California’s large and small urban areas, rural groundwater users, irrigated agricul

Groundwater is a precious and limited resource that is used in meeting the needs of California’s large and small urban areas, rural groundwater users, irrigated agriculture, and the environment. Since the last California’s Groundwater (CalGW) Update in 2003, there has been significant changes to land use, water use, water application practices, and water allocations. In addition, the effects of climate change have affected California’s reliance on groundwater. It is expected that there will be additional changes in land use, water use, adjustments in water allocations, and that climate change will continue to affect the environment, thus elevating the importance of the reporting in CalGW Updates.  According to the last comprehensive report, California’s Groundwater Update 2003 (CalGW Update 2003), California’s reliance on groundwater was approximately 30 percent during a wet-to-average precipitation water year and approximately 40 percent during dry periods. Since then, the percentage of groundwater reliance has increased to between 30 and 40 percent during above normal to-wet years and to as much as 58 percent during dry periods (California Department of Water Resources 2018).

Bulletin 132-11 Management of the California State Water Project Calendar Year 2010

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | December 31st, 2013

Bulletin 132-11, Management of the California State Water Project, continues the Bulletin 132 annual series begun in 1963. Bulletin 132-11 reports water supply planning,

Bulletin 132-11, Management of the California State Water Project, continues the Bulletin 132 annual series begun in 1963. Bulletin 132-11 reports water supply planning, construction, fnancing, management, and operation activities of the State Water Project (SWP). Appendix B contains data and computations used to determine the SWP water contractors’ Statements of Charges for 2012. Appendix B was previously printed and distributed to SWP water contractors to document and support calculation of contractors’ annual charges.