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Feinstein Objects as State and Federal Regulators Hold Back on Delta Exports

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The Sacramento Bee ran an article on March 11, 2016 that reported how state and federal water managers have limited Delta exports to protect endangered salmon and smelt. The article also reported that Senator Feinstein had called for increased exports, and quoted a representative from Westlands Water District lamenting the loss of stormwater to the ocean.1

The facts are that limiting exports to about 6,000 cfs (maximum is 11,400 cfs) under present rules is reasonable given the risks to endangered Winter Run salmon and Delta smelt. As stated in the article, most of remnant Winter Run salmon and Delta smelt are in the Delta.

It was not so long ago that high late winter exports contributed to the decline of both species. In 2001, late winter exports of 8,000-11,000 cfs resulted in high salvage counts of salmon (Figure 1 – up to several hundred per day of Winter Run) in contrast to several hundred for the entire winter in 2016. Delta smelt salvage at South Delta Fish collection facilities reached several hundred per day in 2001 (Figure 2), in contrast to only a total of 12 in winter 2016. Winter 2001 Delta outflows were also high (Figure 3), but exports rules were not as strict.

Also noteworthy is the fact that the multi-agency Smelt Working Group has been recommending even lower exports this winter2 because of the record low numbers of smelt and the high risks to smelt from exports.

Restrictions on exports are reasonable and necessary to protect smelt and salmon.

Chinook salmon salvage at South Delta fish facilities in 2001

Figure 1. Chinook salmon salvage at South Delta fish facilities in 2001. CVP is federal Tracy facility. SWP is state Clifton Court facility. Export rates are in acre-ft per day. Daily export rate in cubic feet per second (cfs) is approximately 50% of the rate in acre-ft. Winter 2016 salvage totals in contrast total only several hundred. (Source3)

Delta smelt salvage at South Delta fish facilities in 2001

Figure 2. Delta smelt salvage at South Delta fish facilities in 2001. CVP is federal Tracy facility. SWP is state Clifton Court facility. Export rates are in acre-ft per day. Daily export rate in cubic feet per second (cfs) is approximately 50% of the rate in acre-ft.

Delta outflow in winter 2001

Figure 3. Delta outflow in winter 2001. Winter 2016 outflow ranged from 10,000 to 66,000 cfs. (Source: CDEC)