Wolk wants new Delta agency

Wolk's decision came after hearing testimony Thursday from state and federal agencies about November's massive fish kill on Prospect Island.

The repair of a levee breach, coordinated by the Bureau of Reclamation, had left a pool of standing water that, when drained, resulted in the deaths of thousands of stranded fish.

The pumping of water was stopped when a local fisherman spotted the dead fish and alerted officials.

Representatives from the bureau and the Department of Fish and Game who testified at the hearing stated that prior to starting the repair project, which cost $2.5 million, the bureau had consulted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service about the presence of endangered species during the season. The agency was told that Delta smelt would not be on the island.

A bureau evaluation also showed that salvaging fish would have cost $100,000 and led to the decision that to do so would be "impractical," said John Davis, Bureau of Reclamation regional director.

Furthermore, Davis said, the bureau notified Fish and Game that no fish would be salvaged and received no objection.

Fish and Game Regional Manager Chuck Armor did not dispute Davis' testimony, however, he acknowledged that no Delta smelt or other endangered species have been found dead.

The department is conducting a formal investigation and a report is expected at the end of December, he said.

"The state needs a plan in place so that we are able to respond swiftly and efficiently in the even of future incidents like this," Wolk said.

The assemblywoman noted some necessary questions were overlooked, such as whether the repair was even needed and if the levee could remain breached.

"You look at how many agencies are involved here - but no one's in charge," Wolk said. "Unless someone really pulls things together, this will happen again."

Wolk also criticized the delays in using volunteer assistance to rescue the fish. Representatives from the fishing community testified that volunteers were turned away until November 30, several weeks after the first reports of dying fish.

So far, about 6,000 fish have been rescued by volunteers, according to officials. Fish and Game officials are also working to remove the dead fish and improve water conditions for the surviving fish.