The Bay-Delta Plan is a water quality plan typically updated every three years by the State Water Resources Control Board. It sets objectives for water in the Delta and how to implement those objectives.
Phase 1 of the Bay-Delta Plan seeks to increase flows along the San Joaquin River and its tributaries, the Merced, Stanislaus and Tuolumne Rivers, every year from Feb. 1 to June 30 in a range from 30 to 50 percent of unimpaired flow, with a starting flow of 40 percent (Merced River is currently at 26 percent).
To address the plan’s impacts, a Substitute Environmental Document is developed for Phase 1 of the plan in lieu of a CEQA Environmental Impact Report.
Recently, a broad coalition of government agencies across the Valley banded together in opposition to the proposal, as it would create a significant negative impacts to the local economy, groundwater supply and groundwater quality.
Tuesday’s update will take place at 1:30 p.m. in the Board Chambers of the Merced County Administration Building at 2222 M Street in Merced.
Source: Merced County