ACWA eNews for May 15, 2013

  • by BPC Staff
  • on May 16, 2013
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ACWA’s eNews is a weekly roundup of California water news and events.

Senate Hearing Looks at Drinking Water Program, SRF

Members of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee got an in-depth look at challenges facing the state’s drinking water State Revolving Fund and efforts to resolve them at an oversight hearing May 15.

During more than three hours of testimony, lawmakers heard from top officials at the Department of Public Health, which received notice in April that its administration of the fund is out of compliance with federal requirements, and the State Water Resources Control Board, which manages a similar revolving fund for clean water projects.

Governor Unveils May Revise of State Budget

Gov. Jerry Brown unveiled a revised state budget proposal today that calls for additional investment in public schools while maintaining a prudent reserve.

In addition to higher ongoing funding under the state’s Proposition 98 guarantee, the May revision of the budget calls for $1 billion in one-time revenues to fund implementation of new national standards for student achievement, known as Common Core Standards.

Senate Hearing Focuses on Stakeholders’ Perspectives on BDCP

Stakeholders in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta aired their views on the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) during an informational Senate committee hearing at the Capitol May 14, expressing both hope for the plan’s proposed improvements for habitat and water reliability and concerns that the plan could negatively impact Delta growers and residents.

Reclamation Announces Further Water Allocation Cutbacks to Friant

The Bureau of Reclamation announced May 14 that “due to persistent dry conditions” it would make additional water allocation cutbacks to the Friant Division Water Service Contractors, cutting its Class 1 allocation to 45%. It is the third water allocation cutback to Friant since April 5.

Assembly Fracking Hearing Looks at Impacts to Water Quality

Two Assembly committees heard testimony May 14 from public policy experts, state officials, and industry and environmental groups on how hydraulic fracturing in California may impact water quality and how future regulations could address public health and environmental concerns.

The joint informational hearing, called “Hydraulic Fracturing in California: Water Quality Protection,” was convened by the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee and the Assembly Natural Resources Committee at the Capitol.

Administrative Draft Environmental Documents Released for BDCP

A 20,000-page consultant-prepared document describing the potential environmental effects of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan was posted May 10 on the BDCP website.

The consultant draft Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) provides a preliminary view of the potential effects of the plan and alternative ways to address water supply reliability and ecosystem restoration in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

Contra Costa Water District Wins 2013 Clair A. Hill Water Agency Award

The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) on May 9 presented the prestigious Clair A. Hill Water Agency Award to Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) for its Los Vaqueros Reservoir expansion project.

The award was presented during the annual ACWA Spring Conference & Exhibition in Sacramento, where more than 1,500 local water officials are gathering through Friday for programs and panel discussions on a variety of key water issues. Contra Costa Water District was selected from among six finalists to receive the award.

State Officials Share Approach to BDCP Decisions

Two state officials with pivotal roles in the Bay Delta Conservation Plan shared their approaches to the decisions ahead at a luncheon program today at ACWA’s 2013 Spring Conference & Exhibition in Sacramento.

Mark Cowin, director of the Department of Water Resources, and Chuck Bonham, director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife, offered a candid look at the process as it moves toward a full public review and decision later this year.

Bay Delta Tour

Wed, 06/12/2013 – Fri, 06/14/2013

Location: 

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and San Francisco Bay

This 3-day, 2-night tour takes participants to the heart of California water policy – the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and San Francisco Bay. Stops include the Delta Cross Channel, the city of Stockton, Bay-Delta model in Sausalito, Los Vaqueros Reservoir and Suisun Marsh.

Tour Details

 

ACWA Region 8 Event – What Lies Beneath? A Look at Groundwater in Southern California

Thu, 06/13/2013

Location: 

Carson, CA

ACWA Region 8 Presents

 What Lies Beneath?

A Look at Groundwater in Southern California

 

MCWRA & ACWA Region 3 Joint Program – June 19, 2013

Wed, 06/19/2013 – 10:00am – 2:30pm

Location: 

Auburn, CA

MCWRA & ACWA Region 3 Joint Program

Hosted by Placer County Water Agency

 

 – Statewide Water Issues – Upstream Interests –

 

Please join us for the next MCWRA and ACWA Region 3 joint program on Statewide Water Issues – Upstream Interests

 

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