WSP07982 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. 0'". -., ~ dl~J0 March 12, 1993 Issue No. 982 WESTERN STATES WATER '/ -:;:.- THE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF THE WESTERN STATES WATER COUNffi"" Creekview Plaza, Suite A-201 /942 East 7145 So. / Midvale,Utah 84047 / (801) 561-5300 / FAX (801) 255-9642 editor Tony Willardson typist carrie Curvin . ENVIRONMENT/WATER RESOURCES Endangered SpeciesIDeIta Smelt The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) listed California's Delta smelt as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act on March 4. The final rule will take effect April 3. FWS noted that while the smelt's population has been relatively stable for five years, the number of fish has been as much as 90% lower than peak population. Further, population levels have been such that if certain conditions were present, a severe decline could occur within a very short time. Biologists acknowledge that the drought has hurt the smelt's habitat but maintain that other factors, including water resource management decisions and water use, have harmed the smelt as well. Existing restrictions on diversions from rivers that feed the Delta to protect the winter-run salmon will enhance the smelt's habitat. Thus, in the short term, the smelt listing will have only minor effect. However, completion of a study by spring of 1994 which could result in the Bay-Delta being declared 'critical habitat. for the smelt could lead to increased restrictions on water use and management decisions in the future. Reactions to the listing have been mixed. David Behar, Bay Institute Executive Director, called it 'potentially the most significant event for environmental protection of the estuary.' Stephen Hall, Association of California Water Agencies Executive Director, said 'This decision raises several roadblocks in the state's efforts to boost the reliability of its water supply at a time when we can least afford it.' . The California State Water Resources Control Board is in the process of revising its plan to protect the water quality in the Delta ryJSW #970). The board is expected to adopt a proposal in the near future to chairman - Dave Kennedy. executive director - Craig Bell limit pumping that affects the Delta while the board considers a long term strategy for its protection. The board's preliminary proposal for this purpose was challenged by U.S. EPA r,yvSW #976). ENVIRONMENT~NERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission American Rivers and a national coalITion of environmental.and recreation. organizations recently called on the Clinton Administration to reform the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). .This year, three of the five members of the commission, including the chair, will be replaced r,yvSW #969). American Rivers charges FERC is industry-dominated and routinely ignores statutory requirements to give to river conservation, recreation and environmental protection 'equal consideration' with energy development and down plays fish and wildlife and watershed protection issues. The group also asserts that over the last 20 years FERC commissioners have had virtually no environmental experience, WITh four of the five current commissioners previously affiliated with energy or power interests. This year FERC will consider renewing licenses (usually 30-50 year renewals) for 237 hydroelectric dams on 105 rivers. American Rivers points to a nationwide survey showing an overwhelming majority of respondents favor requiring power companies to set aside some hydroelectric revenues (5%) to protect and clean up rivers, and provide ladders and screens to protect fish. A large majority also favor shortening the term of federal power licenses to allow for more review of future operating requirements to improve efficiency and protect the environment. While FERC must relicense more projects in 1993 than in any other year, relatively few are in the Wesl: WA - 6, OR - 3, UT - 3,