August 15, 2011

CA Resources Agency, U.S. Interior Announce Schedule for BDCP

The California Natural Resources Agency and the U.S. Department of the Interior last Thursday issued a joint release announcing that the agencies have agreed to a schedule for completing an effects analysis and a combined environmental impact statement/environmental impact report (EIR/EIS) as part of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) by June 2012.

The agencies also agreed on a suite of alternatives for evaluation in identifying a proposed project.

The release came last week after an exchange of letters between the California Resources Agency and the U.S. Department of the Interior. In the letters, both agencies emphasized their commitments to completing the BDCP process in a timely manner to ensure the future health of the Delta.

The BDCP is a comprehensive plan being developed to accomplish the co-equal goals of preserving the environment in the Delta and achieving water supply reliability for California.

For more information about the BDCP, and other Delta issues, visit our Bay-Delta page online.

Water Leaders Hold Public Meeting on BDCP

Water leaders from the California Natural Resources Agency, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the California Department of Water Resources, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and the California Department of Fish and Game held another in their ongoing series of public meetings on the progress of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) last Thursday, August 11.

The meeting included a discussion of status and milestones for the BDCP process, a progress update from the BDCP working groups, and a chance for the public to comment. More information from the meeting, including an agenda, Public Meeting Presentation, BDCP Milestones Schedule Handout, BDCP Alternatives Update, California Department of Fish and Game Presentation, May 2011 Alternative BDCP Initial Project Operations Criteria and the February 2010 Steering Committee Proposed Long Term Water Operations Handout is available online.

SCWC is closely monitoring this important dialogue. Stay tuned for information on future public meetings by following SCWC on Facebook.

For more information on SCWC’s involvement in the BDCP and other Delta issues, visit our Bay-Delta page online.

SCWC Director to Present on Stormwater to MWD Leaders, Members

On Friday August 19, SCWC Executive Director Rich Atwater will update Metropolitan Water District of Southern California leaders and member agency managers on the work of the SCWC Stormwater Task Force.

This new Task Force has garnered interest and participation from across the region, leading to the facilitation of a crucial dialogue on Southern California stormwater policy.

For more information on the SCWC Stormwater Task Force, visit our Stormwater page online.

Are you on Facebook? So are We

With so much happening in the world of California water, there couldn’t be a better time to join SCWC on Facebook. To “like” our page and receive up-to-the-minute news, information and resources on California water issues, just visit us at www.facebook.com/socalwater and click the “Like” button. Then, check your news feed often to stay connected.

New to Facebook? Joining is free and easy. Just visit www.facebook.com and follow the simple steps. Then, check out SCWC’s Facebook page and never be out of touch with the latest water news, information and resources.