Archived, Public Notices, Scott Valley, Siskiyou

STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD MEETING Wednesday, October 16, 2024 – 9:00 a.m.

The October minimum flow requirement for the Scott River is 40 cubic feet per second (cfs). As of 2:30 pm “OCTOBER 7, 2024” the flow at the USGS Fort Jones gage was 37.5 cfs.  Accordingly, all diversions except for those associated with limited exceptions (e.g., minimum human health and safety) are prohibited.   

Discussion of flow efforts in the Scott River and Shasta River watersheds. This is Item 3 on the agenda, which involves consideration of a proposed resolution regarding flow efforts in these watersheds.

The draft resolution regarding flow efforts in the Scott River and Shasta River watersheds contains several key points:

https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/…/2024/oct/101624_3.pdf

https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/…/oct/101624_3_drftreso.pdf

Background:

    • Emphasizes the ecological importance of these rivers, particularly for anadromous fish like Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead.
    • Notes the cultural significance to Native American tribes and economic importance to commercial fisheries.
    • Highlights the past implementation of drought emergency minimum flows since 2021.

    Current Issues:

      • Acknowledges the need for baseline minimum flows in all water years, not just during drought conditions.
      • Recognizes the limitations of current emergency regulations and the need for more comprehensive economic analysis.

      Directives:
      The resolution directs staff to take the following actions: a) Long-term efforts:

      • Develop a peer-reviewed report on the scientific basis for baseline minimum flow requirements.Analyze economic impacts of implementing long-term baseline minimum flows.Continue modeling and data collection efforts to inform both baseline and water year-specific flows.Report back to the Board by the end of November 2025.
      Immediate-term actions:

      • Solicit input on whether to readopt the current emergency regulation or a similar one before it expires.
      • Seek proposals for alternatives to readopting the emergency regulation, with emphasis on solutions that are:
        • Supported by diverse interests
        • Enforceable
        • Implementable at the local level
        • Extend beyond the one-year term of an emergency regulation

      Considerations:

        • Recognizes the need to balance instream and off-stream water uses.
        • Acknowledges improvements made under emergency regulations but also their limitations.
        • Notes significant private and public investments in infrastructure and conservation measures.
        • Emphasizes the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders.

        Timeline:

          • Sets a deadline for staff to report back on long-term efforts by the end of November 2025.
          • Indicates a need for immediate action regarding the current emergency regulation before its expiration.

          Overall, the resolution aims to transition from relying on emergency regulations to establishing more sustainable, science-based, and economically analyzed long-term flow requirements for the Scott and Shasta Rivers, while considering immediate needs and potential alternatives in the short term.

          To listen in to the meeting, you have a few options:

          1. Attend in person: The meeting will take place in the Coastal Hearing Room on the Second Floor of the Joe Serna Jr. – CalEPA Building at 1001 I Street, Sacramento.

          2. Watch the live webcast: You can view the meeting online at either https://www.youtube.com/user/BoardWebSupport/ or https://video.calepa.ca.gov/ (closed captioning is available). This option is recommended if you only want to watch and don’t plan to comment.

          3. Participate remotely: If you wish to comment on an agenda item or present to the Board, you can participate via telephone or the Board’s online platform. Information on how to participate remotely is available at: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/board_info/remote_meeting/

          It’s important to note that a majority of the Board members will be physically present at the meeting location. If you plan to make a public comment, keep in mind that comments are limited to 5 minutes per person, or otherwise at the discretion of the Board Chair.

          For those needing language services or accessibility accommodations, you can contact the appropriate offices in advance:

          – For language services: Call (916) 341-5254 or email [email protected] at least 7 calendar days before the meeting.

          – For accessibility accommodations: Contact the Clerk at [email protected].

          Remember, if you want to submit written comments, they must be received by 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on October 10, 2024.

          Unless otherwise specified, submittal of written comments must be received by 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on October 10, 2024 and will not be accepted after that time.

          Submittal of electronic PowerPoint presentations must be received by 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on October 10, 2024 and will not be accepted after that time.

          Submittals are to be sent via e-mail to the Clerk to the Board at [email protected]. Please indicate in the subject line, 10/16/2024 BOARD MEETING – ITEM # (fill in bolded subject from appropriate item).

          If you have questions about the agenda, or if you do not have internet access and need a telephone number to participate in the meeting, please contact the Clerk to the Board at (916) 341-5600 prior to the date of the meeting.

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