Here is the essence of the Delta Vision Final Report. There are twelve interlinked and interdependent recommendations. The full report takes these in some detail. I just have to comment on these.
1. The Delta ecosystem and a reliable water supply for California are the primary, coequal goals for sustainable management of the Delta.
No. The primary goal is a sustainable ecosystem for the Bay-Delta-Sierra watershed consistant with limited and reasonable water exports.
2. The California Delta is a unique and valued area, warranting recognition and special legal status from the State of California.
No additional special legal status is required as the California Delta is part of a watershed that comprises most of Northern California. Warershed comservation legislation should be expanded to include the entire watershed and applied as needed in individual regions.
3. The Delta ecosystem must function as an integral part of a healthy estuary.
I agree with this but the focus is too narrow. The estuary will not be self sustaining if it is managed separately from the whole watershed.
4. California’s water supply is limited and must be managed with significantly higher efficiency to be adequate for its future population, growing economy, and vital environment.
Yes, but only if the definition of higher efficiency includes significantly higher levels of water recycling and water production from desalination.
5. The foundation for policymaking about California water resources must be the
longstanding constitutional principles of “reasonable use” and “public trust”;
these principles are particularly important and applicable to the Delta.
Yes.
6. The goals of conservation, efficiency, and sustainable use must drive California water policies.
This is a redundant set of goals that are made implicit in preceeding recommendations.
7. A revitalized Delta ecosystem will require reduced diversions—or changes in
patterns and timing of those diversions upstream, within the Delta, and exported from the Delta—at critical times.
Good, but strike the word revitalized and replace it with sustainable.
8. New facilities for conveyance and storage, and better linkage between the two, are needed to better manage California’s water resources for both the estuary and exports.
No, the estuary has no need for conveyance and sufficient water storage is provided by flood plains and current reservoirs. However, more water storage (above and below ground) is advisable for Delta export water.
9. Major investments in the California Delta and the statewide water management system must integrate and be consistent with specific policies in this vision. In particular, these strategic investments must strengthen selected levees, improve floodplain management, and improve water circulation and quality.
Very good.
10. The current boundaries and governance system of the Delta must be changed. It is essential to have an independent body with authority to achieve the co-equal goals of ecosystem revitalization and adequate water supply for California—while also recognizing the importance of the Delta as a unique and valued area. This body must have secure funding and the ability to approve spending, planning, and water export levels.
Yes, but again: you must extend this authority to the entire watershed because all of its parts are interrelated.
11. Discouraging inappropriate urbanization of the Delta is critical both to preserve the Delta’s unique character and to ensure adequate public safety.
Prohibit is a better word than discourage, which has no teeth. Better include all of the floodplains and buffer zones, too.
12. Institutions and policies for the Delta should be designed for resiliency and adaptation.
Great insight, here. This means the whole sustainable design enchilada has to consider the changes which will come with rising sea level and climate change.
