A daily compilation for DWR personnel of significant news articles and comment
October 24, 2007
1. Top Item
Water Agency approves historic pact;
Marysville Appeal Democrat – 10/24/07
By Andrea Koskey, staff writer
The Lower Yuba River Accord will protect 24 miles of fish habitat, Yuba County Water Agency directors said Tuesday.
They unanimously approved the accord’s final environmental report and now await action in December by the State Water Resources Control Board.
The agreement was created to protect and enhance salmon and steelhead habitat in the river, as well as ensure water continues to be supplied to farmers, power generators and environmentalists.
“We tried to protect the wildlife and fish habitat while making water available for users,” said YCWA Chairman Don Schrader. “I think it’s a win-win process.”
The idea for the program began about eight years ago in response to the state’s attempt to control water from Englebright Dam through the Sacramento Delta.
“This is our answer to Decision 1644 lawsuits,” said agency Vice Chair John Nicoletti. “The real magic is a balance of trust. The accord is designed with each group’s trust and interest to move forward. We have quite a few miles of agreement (in this project). It’s the first time a river management group has ever had so much cooperation.”
Seventeen agencies participated in creating the accord.
Curt Aikens, the agency’s general manager, said the dispute, however, ultimately resulting in the accord, began more than two decades ago with a disagreement over water rights. Tuesday’s approval, though, marked a “major step” to the end of a long journey.
“This is a win-win to settle this issue with environmental organizations and local member units,” Aikens said. “The settlement has benefits for everyone.”
The accord includes three agreements:
• Fisheries, which requires the Water Agency to maintain instream flows to benefit native chinook salmon, steelhead and other fish and wildlife.
• Conjunctive Use, providing for coordinated use and protection of surface water and groundwater supplies in the county.
• Water Purchase, which will provide the agency with “substantial revenues” for water transferred to Calfed, the State Water Project and the Central Valley Project.
In December, the agency will seek approval from the State Water Resources Control Board for a long-term transfer of up to 200,000 acre-feet of water per year. An acre-foot is about 326,000 gallons.
During the first eight years of the agreement, starting Jan. 1, 2008, the Water Agency will transfer 60,000 acre-feet per year and will be paid $30.9 million, according to the agreement. Additional water may be made available, depending on conditions.
The water purchase agreement also notes that the Water Agency may install an intake pump below the confluence of the Yuba and Feather rivers to provide water for use in
In 2001, Decision 1644 was issued by the state board, which ordered higher flows and other measures to improve fishery. Lawsuits over that decision were filed. The accord was a way for all agencies to resolve their differences.
In addition to the water flow requirements to benefit native salmon, steelhead and other fish wildlife, the accord will also protect local water supplies and improve water supply reliability for farmers.
Schrader said this project and the environmental impact report is valid through 2016 when the relicensing for Bullards Bar Reservoir comes up.
The cooperation between all agencies involved, Schrader and Nicoletti said, could play a major role in relicensing the dam.
“It shows our commitment to meeting the state’s needs for water while focusing on species and habitats,” Nicoletti said. “It shows we are able to work with a lot of players.” #
http://www.appeal-democrat.com/news/water_55646___article.html/accord_win.html
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