Northern and Central Delta-Mendota Regions Revised Groundwater Sustainability Plan

San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority (SLDMWA) | June 24th, 2022

Within the Delta-Mendota Subbasin, six (6) GSPs have been developed in a coordinated fashion with the goal of achieving sustainability for the Subbasin as a whole. The GS

Within the Delta-Mendota Subbasin, six (6) GSPs have been developed in a coordinated fashion with the goal of achieving sustainability for the Subbasin as a whole. The GSP Groups preparing the coordinated GSPs include: the Aliso Water District GSP Group, Farmers Water District GSP Group, Fresno County GSP Group, Grassland GSP Group, Northern & Central Delta-Mendota Region GSP Group, and San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors GSP Group. This GSP has been developed for the Northern and Central Delta-Mendota Regions, which are comprised of the following eight Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs): Central Delta-Mendota, City of Patterson, DM-II, Northwestern Delta-Mendota, Oro Loma Water District, Patterson Irrigation District, West Stanislaus Irrigation District, and Widren Water District. The Northern & Central Delta-Mendota Region GSP has been developed by these GSAs to meet SGMA regulatory requirements while reflecting local needs and preserving local control over water resources. This GSP provides a path to achieve and document sustainable groundwater management within 20 years following adoption, promoting the long-term sustainability of locally-managed groundwater resources now and into the future. Due to size, this file has been divided. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

NPDES Stormwater Cost Survey

California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) | January 4th, 2005

Task A – Documenting Stormwater Program Costs  Five California municipalities and one metropolitan area with stormwater programs that are demonstrating meaningful

Task A – Documenting Stormwater Program Costs  Five California municipalities and one metropolitan area with stormwater programs that are demonstrating meaningful progress toward maximum extent practicable (MEP) compliance as identified by Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) staff were surveyed for the most recent stormwater compliance costs. Demonstrating meaningful progress is defined in this report as implementing activities specifically presented in the Storm Water Management Plans (SWMPs). Because permits use an iterative approach that increases requirements until water quality objectives are met, current levels of implementation may not be the ultimate MEP standard. This report does not address the benefits of permit compliance activities. Some scenarios addressing ultimate compliance cost are addressed in Task B. Task A was accomplished by the Office of Water Programs (OWP) at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS). Task B – Alternative Approaches to Stormwater Quality Control Task B is an assessment of regulatory policy to determine the intent of stormwater regulation regarding advanced treatment. Alternatives for stormwater quality control that are believed to comply with the intent of the regulations are described. Costs were estimated for the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (LARWQCB) area. Task B was accomplished by the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).

Nutrient Management Strategy Science Plan Report

San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) | September 9th, 2016

The San Francisco Bay (SFB) estuary receives large inputs of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorous from anthropogenic sources, and has the potential to suffer negative

The San Francisco Bay (SFB) estuary receives large inputs of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorous from anthropogenic sources, and has the potential to suffer negative impacts from nutrient overenrichment. Nutrient concentrations in SFB exceed those in other estuarine ecosystems where degradation is strongly expressed. To date, SFB has shown resistance to some of the classic symptoms of nutrient over-enrichment, such as excessive phytoplankton biomass as chlorophyll-a (chl-a) and low dissolved oxygen (DO). Recent observations, however, suggest that SFB’s resistance to nutrient enrichment is weakening, and have generated concern that SFB may be trending toward, or may already be experiencing, adverse impacts due to its high nutrient loads. In response to these concerns, the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (SFBRWQCB) worked collaboratively with stakeholders to develop the San Francisco Bay Nutrient Management Strategy (NMS).1 The NMS lays out an overall approach for developing the underlying science to support nutrient management decisions. This report presents a Draft Science Plan for implementing the SFB NMS. The report’s main goals include: Lay out a multi-year Science Plan representing a logical sequence of studies to inform major management decisions, assuming a time-line of 10+ years. Develop an approach and rationale for sequencing and prioritizing among studies, and identify specific high-priority studies, in particular those that should proceed in FY2016- 2018. Provide realistic estimates of the time-frame and funding needed to support a Science Plan that will successfully inform management decisions. The Draft Science Plan was developed in 2014-15 with input from science advisors (Table 1.1), the NMS Steering Committee, and the NMS Nutrient Technical Work Group (Fig. 1.1). Projects are described in more detail in the first 1-3 years, and in increasingly less detail over time, recognizing that the Science Plan will be iteratively refined based on new insights gained as work progresses.

Oases of the future? Springs as potential hydrologic refugia in drying climates

Ecological Society of America (Wiley) | June 1st, 2020

Natural springs in water‐limited landscapes are biodiversity hotspots and keystone ecosystems that have a disproportionate influence on surrounding landscapes despite t

Natural springs in water‐limited landscapes are biodiversity hotspots and keystone ecosystems that have a disproportionate influence on surrounding landscapes despite their usually small size. Some springs served as evolutionary refugia during previous climate drying, supporting relict species in isolated habitats. Understanding whether springs will provide hydrologic refugia from future climate change is important to biodiversity conservation but is complicated by hydrologic variability among springs, data limitations, and multiple non‐climate threats to groundwater‐dependent ecosystems. We present a conceptual framework for categorizing springs as potentially stable, relative, or transient hydrologic refugia in a drying climate. Clues about the refugial capacity of springs can be assembled from various approaches, including citizen‐science‐powered ecohydrologic monitoring, remote sensing, landowner interviews, and environmental tracer analysis. Managers can integrate multiple lines of evidence to predict which springs may become future refugia for species of concern, strengthening the long‐term effectiveness of their conservation and restoration, and informing climate adaptation for terrestrial and freshwater species.

Ojai Basin Groundwater Management Agency Groundwater Management Plan – 2018 Update

Ojai Basin Groundwater Management Agency | August 30th, 2018

In September, 2014, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a package of three bills (AB 1739, SB 1168, and SB 1319) known as the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (“

In September, 2014, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a package of three bills (AB 1739, SB 1168, and SB 1319) known as the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (“SGMA”). SGMA provides a framework for sustainable management of groundwater supplies by local authorities, with a limited role for state intervention only if necessary to protect the resource.  The Act requires the formation of local groundwater sustainability agencies that must assess conditions in their local water basins and adopt locally-based management plans. SGMA provides local agencies with the tools and authority to require registration of groundwater wells, measure and manage extractions, require reports and assess fees, and request revisions of basin boundaries, including establishing new subbasins.  High- and medium-priority basins, as defined by the State of California Department of Water Resources (“DWR”), must adopt groundwater sustainability plans within five to seven years, depending on whether the basin is in critical overdraft. Statewide groundwater basins are prioritized based on eight criteria: (1) overlying population, (2) projected growth of overlying population, (3) public supply wells, (4) total water wells, (5) overlying irrigated acreage, (6) reliance on groundwater as the primary source of water (7) impacts on the groundwater, including overdraft, subsidence, saline intrusion, and other water quality degradation, and (8) any other information determined to be relevant by the DWR.  Consistent with its Enabling Legislation, the Ojai Basin Groundwater Management Agency (“OBGMA” or “Agency”) has worked to preserve the quantity and quality of groundwater in the Ojai Valley Groundwater Basin (“Ojai Basin”) for sustainable long-term use since the agency’s establishment in 1991. (The Agency’s Enabling Legislation, SB 534, approved by the Governor October 8, 1991, is also referred to herein as the “OBGMA Act.”) These management efforts have resulted in the protection and maintenance of the long-term water supply for the common benefit of all water users in the Basin. As a result, the Ojai Basin has operated within its “sustainable yield” for the past several decades with no evidence of “undesirable results.”  Per OBGMA Resolution No. 2014-4, adopted by its Board of Directors on December 4, 2014 (copy included as Appendix A), OBGMA is designated as the Groundwater Sustainability Agency (“GSA”) for the Ojai Groundwater Basin. In addition, SGMA identifies OBGMA as an “exclusive local agency” within its statutory boundaries for purposes of implementing the requirements of the Act. (Water Code § 10723(c)(1).) Since OBGMA, in compliance with its Enabling Legislation, already performs many of the planning and management tasks required by SGMA, and sustainable conditions have persisted in the Basin for more than a 10-year period. OBGMA determined it would comply with SGMA by making the Alternative Demonstration of groundwater sustainability authorized by Water Code § 10733.6(b)(3).  To comply with SGMA, OBGMA issued its December 23, 2016 “Report Supporting Alternative Demonstration Made Pursuant to Water Code 10733.6(b)(3). The report contained a physical description of the Basin, including groundwater levels, groundwater quality, information on groundwater-surface water interaction, data on historical and projected water demands and supplies, monitoring and management provisions. The report demonstrated how the Ojai Basin has operated within its “sustainable yield” for the past several decades with no evidence of “undesirable results.”  In sum, OBGMA’s management of the Basin pursuant to its Enabling Legislation has allowed the Agency to make the Alternative Demonstration authorized by SGMA. This 2018 Update to the Agency’s Groundwater Management Plan, undertaken in compliance with its Enabling Legislation, is part of the Agency’s ongoing efforts to preserve the long-term quantity and quality of groundwater in the Ojai Basin for the common benefit all users in the Basin. 

One Water LA 2040 Plan

City of Los Angeles | April 30th, 2018

The purpose of the One Water LA 2040 Plan (Plan) is to increase sustainable water management for the City of Los Angeles (City). The City launched One Water LA with two p

The purpose of the One Water LA 2040 Plan (Plan) is to increase sustainable water management for the City of Los Angeles (City). The City launched One Water LA with two primary goals: 1. Develop a vision and implementation strategy to more sustainably and cost-effectively manage water. 2. Identify ways for City departments and regional agencies to integrate their water management strategies. Los Angeles Sanitation (LASAN) and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) led the Plan's development, partnering with other City departments, regional agencies, academia, the business community, and other stakeholders. The Plan provides a comprehensive strategy for managing water in a more integrated, collaborative, and sustainable way through new project, program, and policy opportunities. The Implementation Strategy provides a roadmap to make the One Water LA Vision a reality. Additional water projects, programs, or policies that are the sole responsibility of one agency, including LADWP's aqueduct or groundwater remediation project, are contained in each agency's appropriate plans. This plan is divided into an Executive Summary and ten sections. Executive Summary Volume One: Summary Report Volume Two: Wastewater Facilities Plan Volume Three: Stormwater and Urban Runoff Facilities Plan Volume Four: Los Angeles River Flow Study Volume Five: Integration Opportunities Analysis Volume Six: Climate Risk and Resilience Assessment for Wastewater and Stormwater Infrastructure Volume Seven: Implementation Strategy Supporting Documents Volume Eight: Technical Support Materials Volume Nine: Stakeholder Engagement Materials, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 Volume Ten: Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (in progress)

Open data and stormwater systems in Los Angeles: applications for equitable green infrastructure

Local Environment (Taylor & Francis) | February 6th, 2018

Urban stormwater systems traditionally used “grey” infrastructure to manage runoff. Contemporary designs now incorporate “green” infrastructure, which offers addi

Urban stormwater systems traditionally used “grey” infrastructure to manage runoff. Contemporary designs now incorporate “green” infrastructure, which offers additional potential benefits such as urban amenities and health. Understanding how green and grey infrastructure investments are distributed across urban areas is important for new goals of promoting environmental justice in planning. In California, for instance, public investments increasingly require a percentage of funds to be spent in disadvantaged communities. Recent advancements in the availability of high-detail geographic data in cities can support prioritising investments to fulfil these multiple benefits. This paper analyses the distribution of stormwater infrastructure in Los Angeles (LA) County in relation to design criteria, urban structure and sociodemographic information. It demonstrates an approach for identifying projects that simultaneously address engineering needs and promote equity. Statistical analysis of high-detail sewer locations reveals geographic correlations with key local design parameters, urban characteristics and sociodemographic indicators. Watershed areas in LA County were identified that support multi-benefit projects, meeting dual criteria for infrastructure improvements and disadvantaged community status. As stormwater systems are increasingly designed for multi-benefit outcomes, new design frameworks can emphasise both performance and social equity.

Optimizing the dammed: Water supply losses and fish habitat gains from dam removal in California

Journal of Environmental Management (Elsevier) | April 1st, 2014

Dams provide water supply, flood protection, and hydropower generation benefits, but also harm native species by altering the natural flow regime and degrading aquatic an

Dams provide water supply, flood protection, and hydropower generation benefits, but also harm native species by altering the natural flow regime and degrading aquatic and riparian habitat. Restoring some rivers reaches to free-flowing conditions may restore substantial environmental benefits, but at some economic cost. This study uses a systems analysis approach to preliminarily evaluate removing rim dams in California's Central Valley to highlight promising habitat and unpromising economic use tradeoffs for water supply and hydropower. CALVIN, an economic-engineering optimization model, is used to evaluate water storage and scarcity from removing dams. A warm and dry climate model for a 30-year period centered at 2085, and a population growth scenario for year 2050 water demands represent future conditions. Tradeoffs between hydropower generation and water scarcity to urban, agricultural, and instream flow requirements were compared with additional river kilometers of habitat accessible to anadromous fish species following dam removal. Results show that existing infrastructure is most beneficial if operated as a system (ignoring many current institutional constraints). Removing all rim dams is not beneficial for California, but a subset of existing dams are potentially promising candidates for removal from an optimized water supply and free-flowing river perspective. Removing individual dams decreases statewide delivered water by 0–2282 million cubic meters and provides access to 0 to 3200 km of salmonid habitat upstream of dams. The method described here can help prioritize dam removal, although more detailed, project-specific studies also are needed. Similarly, improving environmental protection can come at substantially lower economic cost, when evaluated and operated as a system.

Origins of Extreme Climate States during the 1982–83 ENSO Winter

American Meteorological Society (AMS) | November 1st, 1997

Our Built and Natural Environments: A Technical Review of the Interactions Among Land Use, Transportation, and Environmental Quality

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) | June 13th, 2013

Decisions about how and where we build our communities have significant impacts on the natural environment and on human health. Cities, regions, sta

Decisions about how and where we build our communities have significant impacts on the natural environment and on human health. Cities, regions, states, and the private sector need information about the environmental effects of their land use and transportation decisions to mitigate growth‐ related environmental impacts and to improve community quality of life and human health.