California Water Boards. Photo courtesy of California Water Boards


SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) –  As part of the process required to update and implement the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Water Quality Control Plan (Bay-Delta Plan), the State Water Resources Control Board will begin a two-day public hearing on Sept. 25 and 26 to receive oral comments on proposed updates to the Bay-Delta Plan’s Sacramento/Delta components.

The State Water Board initially planned this hearing for earlier in September but has shifted these dates to provide more time for public review of updated modeling information that was released on Friday, Aug. 22.

The board’s proposed updates to the Bay-Delta Plan include two distinct pathways for water users and agencies to comply with water quality requirements: one that incorporates voluntary agreements (VAs) proposed by some state and federal agencies and other water users, known as the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes proposal, and a regulatory pathway for those who are not parties to approved VAs. Both pathways will create legally enforceable requirements.

The hearing will not include sworn testimony or cross-examination of participants, and the board will not take formal action. 

The hearing will be held in person, with an option for virtual participation via Zoom, at the Joe Serna Jr. CalEPA Headquarters in Sacramento, 1001 I Street, Coastal Hearing Room (second floor), on Thursday, Sept. 25, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and Friday, Sept. 26, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

A webcast will be available for those interested in only viewing the hearing. The deadline for public comment on the update is Monday, Sept. 29th. After considering public comments and other information, staff will incorporate appropriate changes into the proposed updates before the board considers adoption.

Background

The Bay-Delta watershed is a critical part of California’s water supply system that provides habitat for fish, wildlife and species with ecological, economic and cultural importance. State law requires the board to adopt a water quality control plan that establishes protective measures, periodically review the terms through a public process and make any necessary changes.

Specifically, the Bay-Delta Plan identifies beneficial uses of water for municipal, agriculture, and fish and wildlife, water quality objectives to reasonably protect these uses, and an implementation program to achieve the objectives, which are largely flow-dependent.

In 2018, the San Joaquin River/southern Delta provisions were updated and a framework was released for possible changes to the Sacramento River/Delta components. Currently, the board is considering updates that incorporate both a regulatory pathway and voluntary agreements water users proposed in 2022 that include both flow and habitat restoration actions.

The State Water Board’s mission is to preserve, enhance and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper allocation and efficient use for present and future generations.