Water groups turn in rewrite of Delta Plan
Heather Hacking
OrovilleMR.com
06/13/2011
Big players in state water use haven't been satisfied with the direction of the Delta Plan, due in January. So rather than send in a letter with comments on the most recent draft, they wrote their own plan.
The 28 groups have also asked that their 50-page document be one of the alternatives analyzed when the Delta Plan reaches the environmental review stage.
One of the main differences in the water-users' plan is that it seeks to improve state water supplies for all areas of the state, while keeping with the goal of ecosystem improvement in the Delta, the group states in a cover letter.
The document also includes the type of detail that has not yet been released by the Stewardship Council, such as calling for studies of ammonia and nutrients in waterways, looking at the impact of ocean fish harvest and lifting the catch limit on non-native bass species, as just a few examples.
The alternative plan also specifically calls for protection of the pre-1914 water rights held in Northern California, and ways to measure whether strategies are working.
"We believe that the Stewardship Council is off track," said David Guy, president of Northern California Water Association. "We have offered a fundamentally different approach to the Delta Plan."
The group began working on their alternative plan just a few months ago, and pulled in the ideas of water managers throughout the state, he explained.
"The Council members have challenged us to bring forward an approach and help them solve problems in the Delta. And here we are," Guy said.
In a way, the water users gave warning they weren't happy with the direction the plans were going.
In mid-March 60 groups signed a letter stating the Stewardship Council was exceeding the authority of the Delta Reform Act. That letter said local governments should retain control over their water planning.
Jeff Sutton, manager of the Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority said the Stewardship Council draft reports are taking a regulatory approach.
"Whereas what has been offered will result in working together to create an approach we think has a chance of success," Sutton said.
"What we'd like to do is get this back on track and have it result in something folks can support and rally around," Sutton said.
The fact that so many water leaders are in agreement on the alternative plan is a sign this approach was needed, he said.
The alternative draft is so specific because there were a lot of people who know water issues, and could see what needs to be done, Guy said.
"I think you have a lot of folks involved in the drafting who have been around for a lot of years," Guy said. The proposals represent "good ecosystem management and strong principles."
