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Delta Comes Up for Air

For anyone who missed the December 15 state-federal agreement to save the Delta - which was endorsed by urban, agricultural and environmental interests - here are its key elements:

• An Estuarine Habitat Standard that adds more fresh water to the Delta in late winter and spring when smelt, bass and other fish most need it. The standard is to be met by making sure there's enough outflow to keep the 2 ppt salinity line (parts per thousand of salt to water) in Suisun Bay - prime fish habitat - for up to 150 days between February and June, depending on the weather.
• Pumping controls that limit state and federal water project exports to no more than 35% of total inflow between February and June and 65% between July and January, but that provide new management and operational flexibility.
• A requirement that the San Joaquin River contain base flows of 1000 cubic feet per second (cfs) February through May when the river's fall-run salmon are migrating, and get 3000-8000 cfs pulses over 30 days in the most critical part (April-May) of the migration window.
• Gate closures and/or barrier use at the Delta Cross Channel, Old River and Georgiana Slough to minimize fish losses to pumps and export operations.
• Restrictions on the take of endangered species.
• A $180 million fund for non-flow related improvements.

Many of these elements have a complex series of caveats designed to maximize environmental benefits while minimizing water supply impacts. Pulling off this balancing act will be a feat measured not in the words of the agreement but in the deeds of those who implement it. The agreement is now being finalized in a state water quality control plan for the Delta. For a copy: (916)657-2390

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