EPA Weighs in Against Bay Delta Conservation Plan

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9 Administrator Jared Blumenfeld is raising questions about potential environmental impacts of the proposed Bay Delta Conservation Plan water tunnels.  Blumenfeld asserts that “operating any of the proposed conveyance facilities…would contribute to increased and persistent violations of water quality standards in the Delta.”  The EPA also raises concerns about concentrations of mercury, selenium, and pesticides in the Bay Delta because of water diversions.  While Region 9’s comments do not reflect the final position of the EPA on the $25 billion Bay Delta Conservation Plan, it seriously questions the proposed plan, and claims that other alternatives such as conservation and additional levee improvements have not been adequately considered.  The Department of Water Resources (DWR) recently announced that some portions of the plan will be revamped and announced early next year, after which an additional public comment period will be opened.