Delta Happenings
Your Delta Updates
In this issue...
- Provide comment on the Delta Conveyance Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement
- Prepare for the Delta Residents Survey
- Join the New Year's Bird Count at Big Break
- View this week's HABs report
Delta Conveyance Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement Released for Public Comment
Comments due by February 14, 2023
The US Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District (USACE) has released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) for the Delta Conveyance Project (also known as the Delta Tunnel). Comments on the Draft EIS are due by February 14, 2023.
The USACE is holding three public meetings to receive comments from the public on the project and the Draft EIS on:
- Tuesday, January 10, 2023, from 9 AM to 11 AM
- Thursday, January 12, 2023, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
- Wednesday, January 18, 2023, from 12 PM to 2 PM
How is this different from the Draft Environmental Impact Report?
The California Environmental Quality Act (commonly referred to as "CEQA") requires state and local government agencies to inform decision makers and the public about the potential environmental impacts of proposed projects, and to reduce those environmental impacts to the extent feasible. Draft Environmental Impact Reports (Draft EIR) are one type of document prepared under CEQA.
Federal agencies must comply with a similar law called the National Environmental Policy Act (or "NEPA") if they approve, permit, or fund a project. The agencies are required to determine whether the proposed project will significantly affect the quality of the human environment. Draft EIS are one type of document prepared under NEPA.
In short, the Draft EIR was prepared for compliance with state law. The Draft EIS was prepared for compliance with federal law.
The Draft EIR for the Delta Conveyance Project was prepared by the California Department of Water Resources. The comment period for the Draft EIR ended on December 16, 2022. As a federal permitting agency, the USACE prepared the Draft EIS. Comments are due by February 14, 2023.
Stakeholders and impacted members of the community are encouraged to provide comments on both the Draft EIR and Draft EIS.
 Coming Soon: Delta Residents Survey
In January 2023, a research team from University of California’s Sea Grant and California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) will be conducting a Delta Residents Survey to better understand Delta residents’ perspectives and needs. Data from the survey will be used to better understand Delta residents’ livelihoods, well-being, priorities, and concerns for the region to develop balanced approaches to policy and management.
Invitations to participate in the survey will be sent via postal mail to all households in the interior Delta and a sample of households in the urban and suburban Delta in January.
Please share this survey announcement with your networks and encourage survey participation. To learn more, contact lead researcher Dr. Jessica Rudnick at jrudnick@ucsd.edu or (916) 902-6596.
 New Year's Bird Count
Sunday, January 1
9 AM to 10:30 AM
Big Break Regional Shoreline, Fishing Pier
69 Big Break Rd, Oakley, CA 94561
Start out the new year by meeting some of Big Break's colorful bird residents. Join this new annual tradition to track what species of birds are overwintering in the Delta. Meet Big Break staff at the Fishing Pier and then hike the park. All skill levels are welcome. This is a drop-in program, no registration is required.
 Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Weekly Report
There are currently no HAB advisories in the Delta. This information may change after the release of this notice. To check for the most updated information including other alert levels in the Delta, visit the HAB Incident Reports Map.
Send us your Delta news, events, or 'Delta Photo of the Week' submissions!
submit@delta.ca.gov
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Delta Protection Commission
2101 Stone Blvd Suite 200, West Sacramento, CA 95691
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