A Summary Of The CALFED Record Of Decision (ROD) For Northern California
Click here to view a full copy of the CALFED ROD.
The CALFED Record of Decision (ROD) provides a road map for the CALFED agencies.
"CALFED agencies are committed to working with local agencies to implement these regional supply actions and to support local water management actions including conservation and other local resources." (ROD p. 41) The regional management approach for the Sacramento Valley (north of the American River) contains the following:
Fish Passage Improvements - Red Bluff diversion facilities will be improved for salmon survival and diversion reliability and other unscreened (or poorly screened) diversions will be addressed. (Sacramento Valley Fish Passage Improvements.)
Surface Storage - "Expanding water storage capacity is critical to the successful implementation of all aspects of the CALFED Program. Not only is additional storage needed to meet the needs of a growing population but, if strategically located, it will provide much needed flexibility in the system to improve water quality and support fish restoration efforts. Water supply reliability depends upon capturing water during peak flows and during wet years, as well as more efficient water use through conservation and recycling." (ROD p. 42) Shasta Reservoir will be enlarged (6.5. raise) for Trinity River mitigation, including supplemental yield for water users and for temperature control in the Sacramento River. Sites reservoir will be pursued with a joint planning program embodied in an MOU with Sacramento Valley interests.
Groundwater Management - Conjunctive management of surface and groundwater will be pursued through locally supported and managed projects or through partnerships with local and regional interests. The AB 3030 approach will be the model for basin-level plans, with funding provided through NCWA-sponsored AB 303.
Water Transfers - Water transfers will be considered to minimize the effects of drought and CALFED will facilitate intra-regional transfers within the Sacramento Valley. (ROD p. 71)
Water Use Efficiency - Water users will not enjoy CALFED program benefits without fully implementing their endorsed/ certified water management plans, including agricultural water management plans approved as part of the existing AB 3616 process. Savings though water use efficiency programs will be accomplished through incentive-based, voluntary programs.
Environmental Water - Water for the ecosystem restoration program and the Environmental Water Account (EWA) will be developed through voluntary water acquisitions and/or facilities. Up to 100,000 acre-feet of water will be acquired from Bay-Delta tributaries for ecosystem purposes and 35,000 acre-feet for the Environmental Water Account (EWA).
Flood Protection - Flood management that integrates traditional flood control measures with restoration proposals will be implemented using the Sacramento/San Joaquin Rivers Basin Comprehensive Study currently being developed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Reclamation Board.
Watershed Restoration - Locally sponsored watershed management activities will be funded up to $300 million.
Ecosystem Restoration - A single blueprint and a $150 million annual revenue stream will guide ecosystem restoration activities. The Sacramento River Conservation Area (SRCA) (SB 1086) process will provide the vehicle to implement restoration activities along the Sacramento River. Habitat programs will be continued along Butte, Clear, Deer and Battle Creeks. Fish passage improvements will be pursued on Butte Creek and the Englebright Dam Forum will continue to be funded on the Yuba River.
Landowner Assurances - The acquisition of agricultural land in the Sacramento Valley for habitat proposes continues to pose significant problems for water agencies, landowners, and rural communities. (NCWA Land Acquisition Report) The ROD contains a mitigation strategy for agricultural land that will be tested as land is acquired. The Multi Species Conservation Strategy released concurrently with the ROD included language that requires agencies to address the concerns of neighbors adjacent to restoration projects.
