From News Line, a daily compilation of farm water news distributed to CFWC members and others upon request. To receive News Line, click here.

Delta tunnel fight to be long, costly, panelists warn

Coalition response…Concerns about how water decisions might affect Stockton businesses and the region’s economy deserve consideration, as do the impacts felt in San Joaquin Valley’s rural communities when water deliveries are reduced. Farmers, cities and businesses south of the Delta have experienced water losses for the past 20 years. Business owners in the western Fresno County community of Firebaugh are reporting losses of 25-30 percent this year because of water deliveries being cut back by 20 percent. See “Farm Water and the Business Crisis” at http://bit.ly/1cIxKqD.

The Bay Delta Conservation Plan’s (BDCP) two objectives, as mandated by the State Legislature, will restore the Delta ecosystem and create a reliable supply of water. Fears that accomplishing these two goals might drain the Sacramento River are baseless. The State Water Resources Control Board establishes required flows through the Delta and BDCP must adhere to those standards.

Any suggestion that construction on BDCP could have already started ignores the legal requirements to conduct an Environmental Impact Study, which has not yet been completed. Federal fishery agencies must also approve the Plan before it is implemented, something that also has yet to get underway.

Factual information regarding the Bay Delta Conservation Plan is available at http://baydeltaconservationplan.com.