BDCP Steering Committee Handouts

There was some good reading in yesterday's BDCP handouts. Basically, it supports what I've been thinking the last couple of years. The proposed conveyance can improve Delta export water quality. It could improve environmental conditions significantly especially when paired with habitat improvements outlined by BDCP. However, those benefits would be lost if the conveyance is used to increase water exports.

The 15K cfs capacity of the proposed conveyance is OK. That slightly exceeds the output capacity of the SWP and CVP pumps in the South Delta but there are times of the year and water conditions that could safely support this kind of operation. This brings back the old "big gulp" theory that was proposed for wet year storage years ago.

Basically, the BDCP drafts offer a lot of environmental benefits for the Delta if increased water exports are not a goal. This realization (the Feds get it) is why Westlands Water District had a major falling out with the Interior Department last week in Washington. It's why the water interests will not support an alternative conveyance plan unless increased water exports are part of the deal.
 
Has Restore the Delta plowed through the reading yet?
 
I haven't gotten anything from RTD yet, but I would have a difficult time believing anything the BDBC, et al, say. They consistently lie and mislead and their goals are driven by Westlands Water District who only gains by increased water exports to resell to SoCal.

Be very very careful.......
 
I'd advise against keeping a head in the sand on this one and read what BDCP is proposing in these important draft stages. The BDCP has specifically avoided the issues of increased exports or export reduction. This is where they are running into trouble, but at this stage of the plan they have time to address this issue in an objective way before producing a final draft report.

BDCP left the door open on export limits with this in Chapter 4... "The regulatory mechanism of the ESA that will be used to provide regulatory coverage to the CVP contractors has yet to be determined. Also, it has not yet been determined if coverage will be provided or what mechanism may be used to provide coverage for 10 other diversions in specific areas of the Delta."

Personally, I'd like to see the conveyance built at the current size to deliver somewhat reduced water exports. Short of a significant increase in San Joaquin River flow there is no other way to stop the destructive backflow across the Delta. Also, something will have to be done to restore the dendritic stream pattern of the lower San Joaquin River. False River is the major (but not the only) offender.
 
"BDCP left the door open on export limits with this in Chapter 4..."

Yup, that is Westlands' loophole. Believe me, all is not what it seems with these folks. Over and over and over again.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Flutterby

"BDCP left the door open on export limits with this in Chapter 4..."

Yup, that is Westlands' loophole. Believe me, all is not what it seems with these folks. Over and over and over again.

Click to expand...

It helps to excercise some logic. A door left open can be traveled both ways.

You have it backwards. ESA is Westland's worst nightmare. Why do you suppose that Westland walked out on the Interior Dept. last week?
 
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