Concerns Raised Over Delta Water Plans

Auburn, Calif.- Directors of the Placer County Water Agency on Thursday (June 20) voiced concerns that proposed solutions to problems of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta could bring serious impacts to upstream communities including Placer County.

PCWA Director of Strategic Affairs Einar Maisch said Bay-Delta planners have so far shown little understanding of upstream issues involving reservoir storage levels, water supplies and hydroelectric power production.

Maisch and General Manager David Breninger said that efforts to solve environmental issues in the overused Delta and ship more water to the south could impact water supplies across Northern California.

Maisch recommended that the agency’s continued advocacy for the protection of Placer County water supplies be stepped up.  He suggested funding for stream flow modeling studies, more public outreach, collaboration with other agencies on a response to the current Bay Delta Conservation Plan environmental impact report (EIR), and advance preparation for participation in region wide legal action.

Directors took no action on the request but instructed staff to continue to track the Delta process and prepare the agency’s response.  Further consideration and board action is anticipated in coming weeks.

 In other business, directors:

•  heard a briefing from Director of Technical Services Brian Martin on the agency’s long-range water development plans.  Martin said land development is resuming in the county after five years of slow growth and that he and his staff must be prepared to meet future water demand.
• heard a presentation from members of Save Auburn Ravine Salmon and Steelhead (SARSAS) on continuing efforts to reintroduce the fish to the upper reaches of Auburn Ravine Creek, which runs for 33 miles from Auburn to the Sacramento River.
• welcomed Beth O’Brien of The Auburn Journal and Gold Country Media who presented copies of the 2013 “Fire & Water” newspaper supplement of which PCWA is a sponsor.  The publication, which is being distributed through much of western Placer County, includes valuable information on watershed protection, water supply and fire prevention.

PCWA board meetings are open to the public.

Information on PCWA board meetings may be obtained through the Clerk to the Board at (530) 823-4850 or (800) 464-0030.