Russian River Weekly Update 7/1/24
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Reservoir Storage & Operations:
Water supply information provided by Sonoma Water (find more water storage info here).
PG&E Eel to Russian River Flow Variance - FERC approves 2024 flow variance to Russian River
From the approval document:
"We find that approval of PG&E’s temporary variance request would help ensure that it has adequate water storage capacity to provide flows and temperatures necessary for the protection of threatened species. The proposed variance conserves limited water resources, minimizes the risk of operational and dam safety effects at Lake Pillsbury, and maintains flows within the bounds of Article 52 of the license. While the Russian River watershed would receive reduced flow allocations, the proposed variance would appropriately balance competing interests by only further reducing flows to the Russian River below 25 cfs as necessary for the protection of Eel River salmonids or dam safety. In addition, the proposed variance would avoid new effects to Eel River environmental resources while minimizing any effects to aquatic resources in the East Branch Russian River. Finally, approval of the proposed variance would allow additional time for PG&E to complete the outstanding elements of its July 31, 2023 request for a permanent amendment to modify its minimum flow requirements and for the Commission to review and analyze the completed application. Therefore, we approve the temporary variance from the minimum flow and maximum release requirements in Article 52, subject to the conditions outlined below."
2024, 6-27 FERC approval of PG&E flow variance request.pdf
FERC Approves PG&E’s Revised Schedule for Filing Surrender Application
On July 1, 2024, FERC issued acknowledgement and acceptance of PG&E’s request to delay the submission of the Potter Valley Project decommissioning plan by six months.
2024, 7-1 FERC approval of PG&Es revised decommissing plan schedule.pdf
Russian River Water Forum
The materials from the May 15 meeting, including the meeting summary, have been posted on the Russian River Water Forum website under the Planning Group page here.
Further Education Opportunity: Groundwater 101 Week
"Groundwater 101 Week," hosted by GRA from July 15-19, 2024. Register now for this informative multi-day virtual event packed with insightful sessions tailored for professionals and students passionate about groundwater research and management. Government, Academic, NGO, and student pricing available. the agenda is now available for review.
Recently Published Reports, Fact Sheets, and newsletters
PPIC: Agricultural Land Use in California, June 2024
PPIC Policy Brief: Drought and Groundwater Sustainability in California’s Farming Regions, June 2024
DWR Sustainable Groundwater Management News: June 2024 Newsletter
Mendocino County Resource Conservation District Weekly Newsletter: Purple Martins and Otters!
In the press:
- KCRA 3: Beavers released into California river in effort to combat drought, restore native species, 6/25/24
- PPIC: Data Is Key to Protecting California’s Groundwater, 6/27/24
- Wine Business: Museum Educates Public About How Farmers Work Hard to Use Less Water, 6/27/24
- Phys.org: Scientists develop map-based tool to address water scarcity in Southwest, 6/267/24
- CalMatters: Drinking water of almost a million Californians failed to meet state requirements, 6/25/24