Got_Water_Cropped_Campana
Aquadoc
Aquadoc

Categories

March 2023

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
      1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31  

About

My Photo
Blog powered by Typepad
Member since 12/2006

Favorite Blogs

  • Authentically Wired
    Water and a lot more from Paul F. Miller.
  • AWRA
    The water resources blog of the American Water Resources Association.
  • Blue Marble Earth
    An articulate Earth scientist with an MS in Geography from Oregon State University, Courtney van Stolk explores the 'whys' of this fantastic planet.
  • California Water Blog
    A biologist, economist, engineer and geologist walk onto a bar…From the Center for Watershed Sciences at UC-Davis.
  • Campanastan
    That's 'Campana-stan', or 'Place of Campana', formerly 'Aquablog'. Michael Campana's personal blog, promulgating his Weltanschauung.
  • Chance of Rain
    Journalist Emily Green's take on water and related issues.
  • Dr. Anne Jefferson's Watershed Hydrology Lab
    Anne blogs from Kent State University on a variety of earth science topics.
  • Great Lakes Law
    Noah Hall's blog about - what else - all things wet and legal in the Great Lakes region!
  • International Water Law Project
    Gabriel Eckstein, Professor of Law at Texas A&M University School of Law, comments on international and transboundary water law and policy.
  • John Fleck
    Former science writer @ Albuquerque Journal and current director of the Water Resources Program at U of NM. Topics: Colorado River basin, Western USA water, more!
  • Legal Planet: Environmental Law and Policy
    From the UC-Berkeley and UCLA law schools, it highlights the latest legal and policy initiatives and examines their implications.
  • Maven's Notebook
    A water, science, and environmental policy blog by Chris Austin, aka 'Maven'. Focus is on California.
  • On The Public Record
    A 'low level civil servant who reads a lot of government reports writes about California water and related topics.
  • Wettit - the water reddit
    Water blog with tons of news items, other blogs, etc.
  • Texas Agriculture Law Blog
    Don't let the name fool you - there are lots of water issues in agriculture and Tiffany Dowell of Texas A&M University does a fabulous job with this important Internet resource. Give it a read - I do every day!
  • The Water Blog
    From the Portland, OR, Water Bureau.
  • The Way of Water
    Dr. Jennifer Veilleux records her fieldwork, research, and thoughts about water resources development and management, indigenous rights, ethics, and a host of other issues.
  • Thirsty in Suburbia
    Gayle Leonard documents things from the world of water that make us smile: particularly funny, amusing and weird items on bottled water, water towers, water marketing, recycling, the art-water nexus and working.
  • This Day in Water History
    Michael J. 'Mike' McGuire, engineer extraordinaire, NAE member, and author of 'The Chlorine Revolution', blogs about historical happenings in the fields of drinking water and wastewater keyed to calendar dates.
  • WaSH Resources
    New publications, web sites and multi-media on water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH).
  • Waste, Water, Whatever
    Elizabeth Royte's ('Bottlemania', 'Garbage Land') notes on waste, water, whatever.
  • Water Matters
    News from the Columbia University Water Center.
  • Watershed Moments: Thoughts from the Hydrosphere
    From Sarah Boon - rediscovering her writing and editing roots after 13 years, primarily as an environmental scientist. Her writing centres around creative non-fiction, specifically memoir and nature writing. The landscapes of western Canada are her main inspiration.
  • WaterWired
    All things freshwater: news, comment, publications and analysis from hydrogeologist Michael E. Campana, Professor at Oregon State University and Technical Director of the AWRA.

Monday, 20 March 2023

Elaine J. Hanford's Bulletin Boards: 1) Geoscience; 2) Environmental Science; 3) Coastal Zone Management - 20 March 2023

From @AWRAHQ - Due 21 March! Be a part of the community, conversation, & connection at #AWRA2023. Submit your topical session proposal today! https://bit.ly/3YKDlJg Hope to see you in NC next fall!

Screen Shot 2023-03-19 at 9.20.54 PM

Enjoy!

*****************************************************************************************

Here are the BBs:

PDF: Download EJH_Bulletin_WW_20March2023Boards

Word: Download EJH_Bulletin_WW_20March2023Boards

The articles displayed herein are selected by Dr. Elaine J. Hanford. I do not necessarily agree with the viewpoints expressed and the article descriptions that precede each link.

******************************************************************************************

Geoscience Bulletin Board – 20 March 2023 – compiled by Elaine J. Hanford 

Speleothem data from Cave of the Mounds strongly suggest warming event between 48,000 and 68,000 years ago in Wisconsin during last Ice Age

Calling pro-glacial Lake Agassiz the “lost 6th Great Lake”

Full-scale unreinforced masonry building to be seismically tested on shake table – didn’t a full-scale test just happen in Turkey?

Geomorphology, exhumation & tectonic deformation reflect crustal & subduction dynamics in Apennines

Cyclonic dust provides basis for formation of ice in cirrus clouds

Detailed measurement of a debris flow using 3D time-lapse lidar sensors

“Houston, we have a problem” and it is called too much space junk

Dunkleosteus terrelli – Devonian armor-plated fish may have been shorter

Mamenchisaurus sinocanadorum – Late Jurassic sauropod had 15-meter-long neck

Dinosaurs evolved hollow bones not just once but at least three times

Applying geophysical methods to characterize aquifer & model groundwater flow in Des Moines River alluvial aquifer in Iowa

GEER report on the 2023 Kahramanmaras, Turkey, earthquake – preliminary virtual report

Layered lacustrine sediment sample extracted from subglacial Antarctica

Using beryllium-10 (Be-10) and carbon-14 (C-14) isotopes to reveal the history of the Argentine Andes

Elegantly modeling abrupt Pleistocene glacial transitions

A nesting colony of pterosaurs in Central Oregon?  Mass of fossil guano may provide evidence

Multiple small to moderate earthquakes in parts of Alberta and British Columbia, Canada

Paper:  Paleo-biodegradation & hydrocarbon mixing in major hybrid petroleum reservoir in Western Canada

Retreating ice exposes fjords in parts of Antarctica

300 myo “blob” fossil was a sea anemone & not a jellyfish

Enforcing building codes will minimize earthquake impacts in Ghana

Lower mantle heat flow affects the magnetic field of Earth

Diapycnal circulation in the Atlantic Ocean controls mixing of heat & carbon

Presence of chromium-rich pyrope garnet may help reveal origins of diamonds

The deep geology of prose

Discovering geology & ecology of Maui

Water on Earth did not originate from melted meteorites

Past, present & future of USGS stream gages

Rare Earth minerals claim staked in Bitterroot National Forest of Montana

Seismic activity along the Walker Lane in Western Nevada

Vineyard Geological Identity links terroir to resulting wine – predicting wine quality

New data & 4 new Mineral Potential Maps in Western Australia

Perspective:  Part 3 – theology and geology

Caltrans geologists tending to hundreds of landslides

Petroleum production affects natural gas seeps in the Santa Barbara Channel

Exploration plans for Manitou Gold Project in NW Ontario, Canada

NASA uses TOPEX/Poseidon data to calculate rate of sea level rise since 1993 – 3.6 inches in 30 years but projects a rise as much as 12 inches in next 20 years – something is wrong with their math

Rethinking the Hydrologic Cycle & connection between groundwater & surface water

M7.1 earthquake in Kermadec Islands, New Zealand

Hail stones big as baseballs in Texas & Oklahoma

Explaining effects of a super-volcanic eruption

Human sabotage of Nord Stream pipeline in dumping ground for chemical warfare stirred up and dispersed toxic contaminants

The future incursion of the ocean into the African Rift

Environmental Science Bulletin Board – 20 March 2023 – compiled by Elaine J. Hanford

IAEA investigating ten drums totaling 2.5 tons of natural uranium missing in Libya – found in a warehouse

Cylinder containing radioactive Cesium-137 missing from power plant in Thailand

Teratogenic effects of dicyclomine (Bendectin) prescribed for nausea in up to 25% of pregnant women in 1960s & 1970s now linked to 3X higher risk of colon cancer in their children – also used to treat spasms of IBS

Self-inflicted wind & solar disaster in Europe – green delusions & investment “eco-bubble” about to burst?

And Farmers Almanac says summer 2023 won’t be as hot as last year nor the Dust Bowl summer

Deadly Cyclone Freddy continuing to hits southern Africa

Concerns about PFAS content in artificial turf

Record snowpack in the Sierra – recorded history is less than 150 years

New Jersey contemplating plastic-asphalt paving & electrically heated roadways & “smart mobility”

Failing levees in California result from age, drought, rodents and neglect

Just when the “global warming” alarmists that they had control, Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe freezes over reflecting that typical 30-year cycle of weather

Lessons should have been learned from the pandemic dogma, dictum, mandate, censorship & misinformation

TCE (trichloroethylene) used as an industrial degreasing chemical may cause Parkinson’s

USDA updated guidelines on how to access historical Soil Surveys

Solar farms lower property values by up to 5.8% in six states – MN, NC & NJ, along with CA, CT & MA

Encina Chemical (plastics) Recycling Plant in Pennsylvania blocked by zoning board – other questions remain

Some younger residents moving to Fukushima 12 years since nuclear accident lured by payments but decontamination effort has stalled – decommissioned by 2051?

US EPA proposes first-ever national drinking water standard for 6 PFAS chemicals – does not address “regrettable substitutions” which replace one harmful chemical by toxic another

Controversy continues over short segment of proposed 11-mile one-lane gravel road cutting through Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in SW Alaska – would provide emergency access to Indigenous residents of King Cove

US District Court Judge orders halt to “Parole+ATD” policy that illegally releases illegals into the US

Toyah, Texas, received first “boil water” notice in June 2018 that is still in effect – civil lawsuit against TCEQ

Southern Nevada Water Authority wants power to shut off water use for single-family residential users that exceed half acre-foot of water per year

“Socialized healthcare” systems are failing – paying the price in long wait times, hidden data & excess deaths

Visualizing the global plastic waste trade – around 2% of plastic waste is traded & only a fraction is recycled

Visualizing oil & gas spills in the US over the past decade

Invasive Apple snails are provided abundant food source for the endangered Everglade snail kite

Bad idea for EU to copy US subsidies for “green technology”

Using free satellite data to monitor natural disasters & environmental changes

Graffiti in Mammoth Cave National Park reflects Branford history

Ever hopeful that they can find a strategy that leads to “sustainability” of freshwater supplies

Time to stop using the term “natural disaster” – Gilbert White would say yes, since “disasters are acts of man”

State of Ohio filed lawsuit against Norfolk Southern to pay all cleanup costs & damages related to toxic chemical spilled during train derailment in East Palestine

Only Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland & New Zealand met the WHO air quality guidelines in 2022

Compounding disasters in Santa Cruz mountains of California – rain deluge on top of wildfires

US public water systems may be local source of phosphorus pollution – used to reduce pipe corrosion

A to Z geography tour of sites across the US

“Race” cannot be defined and therefore should not have a place in science

Compounding disasters in Turkey – flash flood in earthquake zone

Net value of geothermal, wind, solar & solar+storage in Western US

Interactive maps explore human relationship with built & natural environment in Vernier, France (in French)

Brewing battle amongst those responsible for TCE toxic contamination at Santa Maria Public Airport in California

“Close to sinful” to prevent doctors from permanently mutilating children

Developers again want to control the future of the Lake Taho Basin

 

WHO finally exhibiting awareness of the threats of antimicrobial resistant pathogens

Some still hoping to find evidence that pandemic started in animals

Another “end of the world” prediction that proved to be false – Tweet deleted by Greta

Is using sand as alternative to fossil fuels a good idea? – sand resources already being depleted or not?

Glyphosate (Roundup®) linked to significantly increased risk of liver & metabolic diseases in children

Exhuming waterways that humans once buried may facilitate floodwaters

Call for banning vinyl chloride after East Palestine train derailment spill & conflagration

EPA official toured Barnett Shale in Texas to understand fracking concerns

Deadly flash floods in Italy

Long-lasting impacts on cognitive function from taking benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, …) RX for stress, anxiety, insomnia – these drugs are extremely addictive

Leak of 400,000 gallons of radioactive water revealed for Nuclear Power Plant in Monticello, Minnesota, in November 2022 – only 25% of pipeline spill contained so far

With a global population between 7.5 and 8 billion, it is hard to imagine that Earth has a “shortage” of people – carrying capacity of Earth for humans is about 1 billion

River deltas are under threat – subsidence due to human activities

Coastal Zone Management Bulletin Board – 20 March 2023 – compiled by Elaine J. Hanford

Escalating (inflationary) costs curbing offshore wind projects – seeking even more subsidies

Willow Oil Project approved but “greens” say it may never produce

Considering a draw bridge to replace current I-5 bridge across the Columbia River

Lawmakers worry that earthquakes in southern Kansas could trigger another Keystone pipeline spill

Extensive sargassum bloom moving toward Florida coast

Cybersecurity official calls for protection of US energy industry against attacks from China

Another house collapse at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

3 more cliff-top homes lost to erosion on Norfolk coastline in the UK

Melted plastic intertwined with rocks on Trinidade Island in Brazil in remote turtle refuge – human legacy

Salinity controls coastal architecture

Louisiana coastal restoration agency described as being on “solid ground” financially – for now

Comparing value of constructed tidal marshes to naturally occurring marshes in Louisiana

Another episode in the continuing saga of Oceano Dunes

Weighing pros and cons of offshore wind energy in North Carolina

Wire Wall designed to measure speed & volume of overtopping water on wave-by-wave basis

Nesting season has begun for Florida coastal birds

Final investment decision for Dover project subsea tieback in Gulf of Mexico

US Army COE awards $25.5M contract for construction of yet another levee on east bank of Mississippi River in St John the Baptist Parish of SE Louisiana – part of WSLP Hurricane & Storm Damage Risk Reduction system

Worst cargo container traffic in Southern California Ports since beginning of the Pandemic

"Groundwater has been used for domestic and irrigation needs from time immemorial. Yet its nature and occurrence have always possessed a certain mystery because water below the land surface is invisible and relatively inaccessible. The influence of this mystery lingers in some tenets that govern groundwater law." - T.N. Narasimhan -

Posted on Monday, 20 March 2023 at 12:20 AM in Blogs, Twitters, WWW sites, e-Newsletters, & Lists, Elaine Hanford's Bulletin Boards, Events, Readings, Journals, Videos, Films & Visuals | | Comments (0)

| | | |

Sunday, 19 March 2023

CRS InFocus Report: 'Water Resources Development Acts - Primer'

Nicole T. Carter and Anna E. Normand updated (14 March 2023) this CRS InFocus report: 'Water Resources Development Acts - Primer'.

Download CRS_InFocus_WRDA_Primer_14MARCH2023

Here you go - all you ever wanted to know about WRDAs - in two pages! Many other CRS reports are mentioned. I have highlighted them so you can read them. If I missed some or misreferenced some, search here.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is a Department of Defense agency that develops water resource projects, principally to improve navigable channels, reduce flood and storm damage, and restore aquatic ecosystems. Congress often considers, on a biennial schedule, omnibus legislation to authorize USACE water resource activities. Congress regularly refers to this legislation as a Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). WRDAs are distinguished from each other by the year of enactment (e.g., WRDA 1986). Authorization is generally a precondition for USACE activities to be eligible for federal appropriations.

Screen Shot 2023-03-19 at 11.57.23 AMWRDA provisions generally add to or amend existing USACE authorizations and provide congressional policy direction to the agency. Drivers for enactment of a new WRDA typically include nonfederal and congressional interest in new USACE studies and projects as well as adjustments to existing USACE projects, programmatic authorities, and policies. Events such as droughts and floods, along with congressional deliberations on infrastructure investments and other policy initiatives, may shape deliberations of USACE authorization legislation in the 118th Congress. 

Consideration and Enactment of WRDAs
Congress typically consolidates USACE authorization proposals into a WRDA bill rather than deliberating on multiple bills of smaller scope. Historically, most WRDA provisions have focused on USACE’s water resource activities; however, on some occasions, provisions have addressed the agency’s other responsibilities (such as its regulatory responsibilities).

WRDAs have been enacted as stand-alone bills (e.g., in 2000, 2007, and 2014) and as part of broader bills (e.g., in 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022). WRDA 2022 was enacted in December 2022 as Title LXXXI of Division H of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY2023 NDAA; P.L. 117-263). For more on WRDA 2022, see CRS Insight IN11965, Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA 2022).

USACE Activities and WRDA Authorizations
Although the three primary purposes of USACE studies and projects historically have been improving navigation, reducing flood risk, and restoring aquatic ecosystems, many USACE projects are multipurpose—that is, they might provide water supply storage, recreation, and hydropower, among other benefits, in addition to one or more of the three primary purposes. USACE is directly engaged in the planning and construction of water resource projects.

In WRDAs, Congress generally establishes a general framework and guidelines for implementing USACE water resource projects and activities (e.g., setting standard federal and nonfederal cost shares). WRDAs also authorize USACE to perform specific studies and projects. Most USACE water resource projects require two types of congressional authorization, which are provided at different points in time: (1) authority to study the feasibility of the project and (2) authority to construct (and operate and maintain, as applicable) the project. Authorizations for most USACE studies and projects are geographically specific (e.g., a flood risk reduction project for a specific community along a river or coast).

WRDAs also may adjust the required cost sharing for specific projects or activities, or they may authorize USACE to provide specific financial assistance. For example, in WRDAs since 1992, Congress has authorized USACE to assist with environmental infrastructure (e.g., design and construction assistance for municipal drinking water and wastewater infrastructure) in designated communities, counties, and states. For more on this assistance, see CRS Report R47162, Overview of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Environmental Infrastructure (EI) Assistance.

Authorization for a project or activity on its own is not sufficient for USACE to proceed; once Congress authorizes an activity in a WRDA, USACE must still receive funding for that activity (e.g., Investigation account funding to complete an authorized study). Congress provides appropriations for USACE through the annual Energy and Water Development appropriations process and, at times, through supplemental appropriations. Most USACE appropriations are directed toward specific USACE studies and projects authorized by Congress. For more on USACE funding, see CRS Report R46320,U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Annual Appropriations Process, and CRS In Focus IF11945,U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Supplemental Appropriations.

Although most USACE authorizations do not expire, Congress has limited the duration of some WRDA provisions (e.g., a 10-year pilot program authorization). WRDA provisions may extend or remove the time limitations on these authorities. WRDA provisions also may rescind authority for (i.e., deauthorize) unconstructed projects or projects no longer serving their authorized purposes.

WRDA Development and Process to Propose Activities for Authorization
To develop WRDAs, the authorizing committees for USACE—the House Committee on Transportation andInfrastructure and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works—typically hold hearings to receive testimony from stakeholders, review reports transmitted by the Administration, and solicit input from Members. In Section 7001 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA 2014; P.L. 113-121), Congress established a new process that may assist congressional authorizing committees in identifying USACE studies, projects, and project modifications for authorization. In Section 7001, as amended, Congress requires the Administration to transmit an annual report to the authorizing committees on publicly submitted USACE study and project proposals, along with USACE-developed project decision documents that require congressional authorization. WRDAs in 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022 drew upon Section 7001 reports as the basis for authorizing various geographically specific USACE activities. For more on the Section 7001 process, see CRS Insight IN11118, Army Corps of Engineers: Section 7001 Report on Future Studies and Projects.

Nonfederal Responsibilities
Although USACE projects authorized in WRDAs are federal projects, they often require nonfederal sponsors to share costs and assume other responsibilities. Nonfederal sponsors generally are required to provide land and other real estate interests needed for a project and to share study and construction costs. Most studies are cost shared 50% federal and 50% nonfederal. For various USACE project purposes, Congress has set standard cost shares for construction and for the nonfederal responsibilities following construction. For instance, Congress set the construction cost sharing for restoration projects at a fixed 65% federal and 35% nonfederal, unless otherwise specified. For most USACE flood control and restoration projects, nonfederal sponsors are 100% responsible for operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation costs.

Investing in USACE Backlogged Projects
Numerous activities authorized for construction in previous WRDAs remain unfunded. USACE has a construction backlog exceeding $100 billion, as well as numerous authorized but unfunded studies and operation and maintenance activities. Nonfederal sponsors often remain interested in pursuing these unfunded studies and construction activities. A challenge for federal policymakers is whether, and if so how, to advance these projects. One way is to expand opportunities for greater nonfederal roles in development, construction, and financing of backlogged projects. In WRRDA 2014, WRDA 2016 (Title I of P.L. 114-322, Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act [WIIN Act]), and WRDA 2018 (Title I of P.L. 115-270, America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 [AWIA 2018]), Congress expanded the opportunities for interested nonfederal entities, including private entities, to advance authorized studies and projects.

Another option to facilitate project construction is to expand project financing opportunities. In WRRDA 2014, Congress authorized the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). WIFIA includes authority for both USACE and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)to implement programs to provide credit assistance (i.e., direct loans or loan guarantees) for various types of water projects. For USACE, WIFIA authorizes the agency to financially assist a broad range of water resource projects, potentially including some projects in the USACE construction backlog. Since FY2021, when Congress created an account for USACE to initiate its WIFIA program―the Corps Water Infrastructure Financing Program (CWIFP)―Congress has limited CWIFP financial assistance to safety projects for nonfederally owned dams, a project type that is not part of the USACE construction backlog. For more on CWIFP, see CRS Insight IN12021,Corps Water Infrastructure Financing Program (CWIFP). Other approaches for Congress to address the project backlog include increasing federal funding for this infrastructure and deauthorizing unconstructed projects with older authorizations.

WRDA Oversight and Next WRDA Preparations
After a WRDA is enacted, Congress may oversee its implementation or provide additional implementation direction through the appropriations process. The 118th Congress may review USACE efforts to implement WRDA 2022, as well as authorities in earlier acts. Congress may be interested in the status of USACE guidance describing how the agency plans to implement selected WRDA 2022 and prior WRDA provisions. Congress also may seek information on specific authorized activities, such as agency actions addressing water resource projects for tribes and in economically disadvantaged and rural communities (e.g., §8115 of WRDA 2022; §118 and §165 of WRDA 2020 [Division AA of P.L. 116-260]).

Another potential subject of WRDA oversight may be agency activities related to small water storage projects, including for water supply and water conservation (§155 of WRDA 2020). Congress also may be interested in actions to implement aquifer recharge feasibility studies (§8108 of WRDA 2022) and other authorizations related to drought and western water resources (e.g., §8208 of WRDA 2022).

In addition to oversight, topics that may shape WRDA deliberations in the 118th Congress include how USACE activities interact with broader policy concerns, such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, economic and environmental justice efforts, the role of USACE navigation projects in supply chains, and federal infrastructure spending deliberations (e.g., effectiveness and efficiency of federal funding, federal priorities for flood risk reduction activities). Another consideration may be WRDA provisions’ effects on discretionary spending and mandatory receipts. Other factors shaping WRDA deliberations in the 118th Congress may include the status and authorization of specific studies, projects, and activities. For a primer and resources on USACE authorizations and appropriations, see CRS Insight IN11810, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works: Primer and Resources.

Enjoy!

"A generous person will be enriched and one who gives water will get water."
- Proverbs 11:25

Posted on Sunday, 19 March 2023 at 11:59 AM in CRS, FMSO & GAO Reports, Energy & Water, Policy, Planning, Governance, IWRM & Management, WaSH, Water Quality, Health & Ecosystems, Water Quantity & Availability, Western USA | | Comments (0)

| | | |

Saturday, 18 March 2023

CRS Report: 'Central Valley Project - Issues and Legislation'

Charles V. Stern, Pervaze A. Sheikh, and Erin H. Ward updated (16 March 2023) this CRS report: 'Central Valley Project - Issues and Legislation' . 

Download CRS_Report_CVP_Issues_Legislation_16March2023

I won't go through this in any detail - just post the summary and a few other items. This report gets updated frequently. Click on the graphics to enlarge them. Enjoy!

Summary
The Central Valley Project (CVP), a federal water project owned and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), is one of the world’s largest water supply projects. The CVP covers approximately 400 miles in California, from Redding to Bakersfield, and draws from two large river basins: the Sacramento and the San Joaquin. It is composed of 20 dams and reservoirs and numerous pieces of water storage and conveyance infrastructure. In an average year, the CVP delivers more than 7 million acre-feet of water to support irrigated agriculture, municipalities, and fish and wildlife needs, among other purposes. About 75% of CVP water is used for agricultural irrigation, including 7 of California’s top 10 agricultural counties. The CVP is operated jointly with the State Water Project (SWP), which provides much of its water to municipal users in Southern California.

Screen Shot 2023-03-18 at 7.52.52 PM

CVP water is delivered to users that have contracts with Reclamation, which is part of the Department of the Interior. These contractors receive varying levels of priority for water deliveries based on several factors, including hydrology, water rights, prior agreements with Reclamation, and regulatory requirements. The Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers’ confluence with the San Francisco Bay (Bay-Delta or Delta) is a hub for CVP water deliveries; many CVP contractors south of the Delta receive water that is “exported” from north of the Delta.

Development of the CVP resulted in significant changes to the area’s natural hydrology. However, construction of most CVP facilities predated major federal natural resources and environmental protection laws. Much of the current debate related to the CVP revolves around how to deal with changes to the hydrologic system that were not significantly mitigated when the project was constructed. Dry conditions have led to significant curtailments of contracted water supplies in recent years. Reclamation has been unable to provide any water supplies to most CVP agricultural water service contractors in 4 of the past 11 years (including 2021 and 2022) and has cut supplies for some senior water rights holders during this time. Wet conditions in the winter of 2022-2023 have temporarily alleviated some of these trends.

Various state and federal proposals are currently under consideration and have generated controversy for their potential to affect CVP operations and allocations. In late 2018, the State of California finalized revisions to its Bay-Delta Water Quality Control Plan that would require more flows from the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers to reach the Bay-Delta for water quality and fish and wildlife enhancement (i.e., reduced water supplies for other users). Voluntary agreements that might replace some or all of these requirements are being negotiated but have not been finalized. The Trump Administration attempted to increase CVP water supplies for users and proposed changes to long-term operations of the CVP in 2019. Those changes were finalized in a record of decision in 2020 after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued a no jeopardy biological opinion after consultation required by the Endangered Species Act (ESA, 16 U.S.C. §§1531-1544). California and some environmental organizations opposed these efforts and filed lawsuits to prevent implementation of the changes. The court issued a preliminary injunction on May 11, 2020, temporarily prohibiting Reclamation from implementing the operational changes. Under the Biden Administration, Reclamation is implementing an interim operations plan for the CVP while the litigation is pending and has requested reinitiation of consultation with FWS and NMFS to assess the effects of proposed changes to CVP operations.

Screen Shot 2023-03-18 at 7.57.08 PM

Congress has engaged in CVP issues through oversight and legislation, most recently in the form of provisions enacted under the 2016 Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act; P.L. 114-322). Among other things, this act authorized changes to CVP operations that were intended to provide increased water supplies for agricultural and municipal contractors under certain circumstances (most of these provisions have since expired). In the same legislation, Congress authorized funding for new water storage projects that are expected to benefit CVP operations. Some of these operational and construction-related provisions have expired. Legislators may conduct oversight on the CVP and may consider legislation that aims to alter CVP water exports compared with current baselines (including extension of previously expired WIIN Act provisions), as well as whether to approve funding for new water storage projects.

Screen Shot 2023-03-18 at 7.59.16 PM

New Storage and Conveyance
Reductions in available water deliveries due to hydrological and regulatory factors have caused some stakeholders, legislators, and state and federal government officials to look at other methods of augmenting water supplies. In particular, proposals to build new or augmented CVP and/or SWP water storage projects have been of interest to some policymakers. Additionally, the State of California is pursuing a major water conveyance project, the California WaterFix, with a nexus to CVP operations.

New and Augmented Water Storage Projects
In recent years, new and augmented water storage projects have been proposed throughout the Central Valley, as well as in other areas of California. While it is unclear whether any of these projects will be completed and/or incorporated into the CVP itself, their status has ramifications for the water supply questions related to the CVP. In the past, construction recommendations for new Reclamation projects have been subject to congressional approval. Section 4007 of the WIIN Act authorized Reclamation financial support for new or expanded federal and nonfederal water storage projects. It also provided that these projects could be deemed authorized, subject to a finding by the Administration that individual projects met certain criteria and were recommended by name in an enacted appropriations act.94 Table 4 shows recent funding for these projects, including regular appropriations and FY2022 funding that was allocated from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58). Most of the projects recommended by current and prior Administrations under this authority have been approved by Congress in enacted appropriations legislation. The only exception was funding that the Trump Administration proposed for the Shasta Dam and Reservoir Enlargement Project in 2019 and 2020, which was not agreed to by Congress.

Screen Shot 2023-03-18 at 8.11.28 PM

Just a bit more...

Enjoy!

"I have little need to remind you that water has become one of our major national concerns." - Ezra Taft Benson, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
- (Opening sentence of the Foreword of the 1955 Yearbook of Agriculture - dedicated entirely to water)

Posted on Saturday, 18 March 2023 at 08:14 PM in Climate Change, Climate & Meteorology, Conflict, Cooperation, Vulnerability & Security, CRS, FMSO & GAO Reports, Extremes: Droughts, Floods, etc., Land, Food & Water , Policy, Planning, Governance, IWRM & Management, Water Quantity & Availability, Western USA | | Comments (0)

| | | |

Friday, 17 March 2023

TGIF! Weekly Water News Summary 11- 17 March 2023

From @AWRAHQ - Due next 21 March! Be a part of the community, conversation, & connection at #AWRA2023. Submit your topical session proposal today! https://bit.ly/3YKDlJg Hope to see you in NC next fall!

Screen Shot 2023-03-19 at 9.20.54 PM

 

 

*********************************************************************************************

The links below represent the week's water news as represented by my Tweets. I do not pretend that this survey is a comprehensive survey of the water news; it's my attempt to keep my readers informed to the best of my ability and available time. Links will not appear in more than two categories (excluding the very first category). I have also added two more 'Daily Water Newsletters' to increase coverage. These are the Midcontinent US Water News Daily (#MCUSwater) and the Southeast US Water News Daily (#SEUSwater). The former samples news media within 500 miles of Kansas City, KS and the latter within Knoxville, TN).  With the other seven dailies this affords pretty good daily coverage for the USA.

Scroll down to 'Positions Open' and 'Previous Weeks' Positions Open' to see the jobs. All my individual job Tweets are archived at #JobWaWi. Previous weekly summaries are archived at:  #WaWiNews or click here. If a link does not work, paste the URL into your browser.
*****************************************************************************************

Top Twenty (More or Less)
From @WaterEdFdn: Testing at the source: California readies a groundbreaking hunt to check for microplastics in drinking water. tinyurl.com/mry3jsjv #cawater 

CRS InFocus Report: 'U.S. Environmental Protection Agency FY2023 Appropriations' bit.ly/3ZUaiEt

From @OPB One year after Superfund designation, Bradford Island cleanup hasn’t started. tinyurl.com/3knsmkck #PNWater 

The @WaterNetwork Newsletter - 17 March 2023. Essential Industry Trending Technology~Editor's Choice~Articles~Knowledge Exchange~Featured Jobs~Featured Events~Questions~More! tinyurl.com/yux2f3ue #scicomm

Is Climate Policy Inundating the SDGs? bit.ly/3ZTQelO #NYWW

From @USATODAY & @janetwilson66: 'Climate Point' - 16 March 2023. Forever no more? @EPA to ban 6 'Forever Chemicals'. Pajaro flooding? Levees inadequate known since the 1960s? Hey, they're just farmworkers. More! tinyurl.com/ycksh9mc #scicom

From @IWAHQ Newsletter - March 2023. The Copenhagen Report; UN Water Conference; @WaterSourceMag, and More! tinyurl.com/mr2xkmew

By @stephaniehanes in @csmonitor: Renewables surge, yet carbon emissions hit record. What gives? tinyurl.com/2mpt4k33

It's H2Oregon - April 2023. tinyurl.com/bdecvvnv #PNWater

From @csmonitor Relay race: How ‘zanjeros’ get Colorado River water to California farms tinyurl.com/29e98vms 

It's @Alliance4Water Adaptation Newsletter. AGWA Updates: UN 2023 Water Conference & NY Water Week Edition #NYWW tinyurl.com/bdhfns8p #NYWW

It's @Water_MDPI, Volume 15, Issue 5 (March-1 2023) 173 Articles bit.ly/3ZEtXIp

CRS Report: 'Drought in the United States: Science, Policy, and Selected Federal Authorities' bit.ly/3TcdaKk #drought #climate

From @AWRAHQ Due next week - 21 March! Be a part of the community, conversation, & connection at #AWRA2023. Submit your topical session proposal today! bit.ly/3YKDlJg

Elaine J. Hanford's Bulletin Boards: 1) Geoscience; 2) Environmental Science; 3) Coastal Zone Management - 13 March 2023 bit.ly/3l8Sre1

Awesome! From @JayLund113 and @UCDavisWater: Explaining water units to real people (who like basketball) tinyurl.com/26r7ft94

From @AP: Atmospheric river floods California towns, brings rain, snow tinyurl.com/2p8923bu #cawater

From @CNN: Feds suspend measures that were meant to boost water levels at drought-stricken Lake Powell. tinyurl.com/yckpn2mc #cowater

Books, Reviews and Related
It's @Nature Briefing - 17 March 2023. Five best science books this week. tinyurl.com/2p9duc6h #scicomm 

Bottled Water, Beer, Drinking Water/TapWater
From @WaterEdFdn: Testing at the source: California readies a groundbreaking hunt to check for microplastics in drinking water. tinyurl.com/mry3jsjv #cawater 

From @LeadCopperRule leadcopperrule.com #scicomm

From NW Kansas Groundwater Management District No. 4 - Great water quotes and more! Thanks to former District Manager Wayne Bossert http://gmd4.org/WaterQuotes.html

Bullshit and Crap Detection
Bad reason to attend the @UN Water Meeting in New York City: to see if @LGAairport has really been 'fixed'. Nahhhh!

California
From @csmonitor Relay race: How ‘zanjeros’ get Colorado River water to California farms tinyurl.com/29e98vms 

Awesome! From @JayLund113 and @UCDavisWater: Explaining water units to real people (who like basketball) tinyurl.com/26r7ft94

From @WaterEdFdn: Testing at the source: California readies a groundbreaking hunt to check for microplastics in drinking water. tinyurl.com/mry3jsjv #cawater 

From @AP: Atmospheric river floods California towns, brings rain, snow tinyurl.com/2p8923bu #cawater

California Water Plan eNews - 15 March 2023. tinyurl.com/57xbna7b #cawater

The @CA_DWR Water News - 17 March 2023. tinyurl.com/5n783hhk #cawater

The @CA_DWR Water News - 16 March 2023. tinyurl.com/yc5vmf4b #cawater

The @CA_DWR Water News - 15 March 2023. tinyurl.com/3fy2zxkh #cawater

The @CA_DWR Water News - 14 March 2023 tinyurl.com/mx2hed9y #cawater

The @CA_DWR 13 March 2023. tinyurl.com/2kms6m9n #cawater

Canada
It's @CanadianWater: Water Canada Newsletter - 13 March 2023. Downstream is coming to @Laurier! tinyurl.com/2yznykht #cdnwater

Climate, Climate Change, and Meteorology
Is Climate Policy Inundating the SDGs? bit.ly/3ZTQelO #NYWW

From @USATODAY & @janetwilson66: 'Climate Point' - 16 March 2023. Forever no more? @EPA to ban 6 'Forever Chemicals'. Pajaro flooding? Levees inadequate known since the 1960s? Hey, they're just farmworkers. More! tinyurl.com/ycksh9mc #scicom

It's @Alliance4Water Adaptation Newsletter. AGWA Updates: UN 2023 Water Conference & NY Water Week Edition #NYWW tinyurl.com/bdhfns8p #NYWW

It's @insideclimate News Weekly: tinyurl.com/y24pnmd8 #scicomm

Colorado
In @FencePostNews: Farmers and ranchers step up with innovative drought resilience strategies. tinyurl.com/2c9yu27h #cowater

Conferences,Webinars, Workshops and Calls for Abstracts/Paper
Last call! Today is #WebinarWednesday w/ #AWRA2023 & Todd Jarvis. He's talking Oregon groundwater sustainability. bit.ly/3ZLsIXE. Can't join live? Register to make sure you get access to recording & slide deck. #PNWater #cawater #cowater #SWUSwater

From @AWRAHQ Due next week! Be a part of the community, conversation, & connection at #AWRA2023. Submit your topical session proposal today! bit.ly/3YKDlJg

From @nataglaw: What's Up with WOTUS? NALC Staff Attorney Brigit Rollins will explain in our next webinar. Registration is free here: bit.ly/3XL83l6 #WOTUS #aglaw #NALCWebinarSeries

From @nataglaw: Have you registered for 2023 conferences? The Western Agricultural & Environmental Law Conference: May 4-5,Reno, NV. #NALCWestern23 Mid-South Agricultural & Environmental Law Conference: June 8-9, Memphis, TN #NALCMidSouth Livestream options available

Conflict, Cooperation, and Security
Is Climate Policy Inundating the SDGs? bit.ly/3ZTQelO #NYWW

Disasters: Droughts, Floods, Wildfires and More
In @FencePostNews: Farmers and ranchers step up with innovative drought resilience strategies. tinyurl.com/2c9yu27h #cowater

CRS Report: 'Drought in the United States: Science, Policy, and Selected Federal Authorities' bit.ly/3TcdaKk #drought #climate

From @AP: Atmospheric river floods California towns, brings rain, snow tinyurl.com/2p8923bu #cawater

Daily Water Newsletters Each entry provides links to articles, videos, etc. on various aspects of water in the state/region indicated. Job openings are often found at the very bottom of each entry.

Hawaii Water News Weekly - 13 March 2023 tinyurl.com/yne5e9ec #HAwater

Eugene Water News Weekly - 13 March 2023. tinyurl.com/yz3yu4ye #EUGwater

California Water News Daily
California Water News Daily - 17 March 2023. tinyurl.com/4ew6rrvr #cawater

16 March 2023. tinyurl.com/4vrc93p4 #cawater

15 March 2023. tinyurl.com/4u3cx4br #cawater

14 March 2023. tinyurl.com/bddnbp9v #cawater

13 March 2023. tinyurl.com/p3sdbcrw #cawater

12 March 2023. tinyurl.com/2p8y4tam #cawater

11 March 2023. tinyurl.com/2p8jar69 #cawater

Colorado Water New Daily
Colorado Water News Daily - 17 March 2023. tinyurl.com/589pfw5a #cowater

16 March 2023. tinyurl.com/3ux329aw #cowater

15 March 2023. tinyurl.com/5n83fxp9 #cowater

14 March 2023. tinyurl.com/44934bke #cowater

13 March 2023. tinyurl.com/4bhw38bh #cowater

12 March 2023. tinyurl.com/4j6r36tn #cowater

11 March 2023. tinyurl.com/2p8k7tfz #cowater

Florida Water News Daily
Florida Water News Daily - 17 March 2023. tinyurl.com/59j9buec #FLwater

16 March 2023. tinyurl.com/yc6x4y5k #FLwater

15 March 2023. tinyurl.com/bde6583k #FLwater

14 March 2023 tinyurl.com/2p998wdn #FLwater

13 March 2023. tinyurl.com/3ymtz3j8 #FLwater

12 March 2023. tinyurl.com/5d3z8ehc #FLwater

11 March 2023. tinyurl.com/5d3z8ehc #FLwater

Midcontinent US Water News Daily
Midcontinent US Water News Daily - 17 March 2023. tinyurl.com/4kxfajfb #MCUSwater

16 March 2023. tinyurl.com/2ktwx8zd #MCUSwater

15 March 2023. tinyurl.com/2msutkbs #MCUSwater

14 March 2023. tinyurl.com/4ehravc2 #MCUSwater

13 March 2023. tinyurl.com/mrxnezz8 #MCUSwater

12 March 2023. tinyurl.com/mrxnezz8 #MCUSwater

11 March 2023. tinyurl.com/2s3db73z #MCUSwater

Northeast US Water News Daily
Northeast US Water News Daily - 17 March 2023. tinyurl.com/3k5rnh8z #NEWater

16 March 2023. tinyurl.com/2p9fzfam #NEWater

15 March 2023. tinyurl.com/4r36sy5j #NEWater

14 March 2023. tinyurl.com/3xrpjybz #NEWater

13 March 2023 tinyurl.com/d7xavu5z #NEWater

12 March 2023. tinyurl.com/4mkzjh3e #NEWater

11 March 2023. tinyurl.com/5n7x8j8r #NEWater

Pacific Northwest Water News Daily
Pacific Northwest Water News Daily - 17 March 2023. tinyurl.com/8j3d2bhn #PNWater

16 March 2023. tinyurl.com/97a2tejw #PNWater

15 March 2023. tinyurl.com/yzn3fwb7 #PNWater

14 March 2023. tinyurl.com/yckb7suw #PNWater

13 March 2023. tinyurl.com/2sxh8v8y #PNWater

12 March 2023. tinyurl.com/mt6rrp87 #PNWater

11 March 2023. tinyurl.com/4r4jzj84 #PNWater

Southeast US Water News Daily
Southeast US Water News Daily - 17 March 2023. tinyurl.com/aj33yh8t #SEUSwater

16 March 2023, tinyurl.com/2p942atw #SEUSwater

15 March 2023. tinyurl.com/249dakba #SEUSwater

14 March 2023. tinyurl.com/4n8sms2s #SEUSwater

13 March 2023. tinyurl.com/5n76ks8v #SEUSwater

12 March 2023. tinyurl.com/4cwhs6u4 #SEUSwater

11 March 2023. tinyurl.com/ruv52283 #SEUSwater

Southwest US Water News Daily
Southwest US Water News Daily - 17 March 2023. tinyurl.com/5x98bam5 #SWUSwater

16 March 2023. tinyurl.com/3e6yv4up #SWUSwater

15 March 2023. tinyurl.com/3yvrccwn #SWUSwater

14 March 2023. tinyurl.com/2p8ddaj6 #SWUSwater

13 March 2023 tinyurl.com/2n2pa7pk #SWUSwater

12 March 2023. tinyurl.com/mry2yrpb #SWUSwater

11 March 2023. tinyurl.com/25kwpcft #SWUSwater

Texas Water News Daily
Texas Water News Daily - 17 March 2023. tinyurl.com/cnk99fen #txwater

Education, Events, and Opportunities
From @AWRAHQ Due next week! - 21 March! Be a part of the community, conversation, & connection at #AWRA2023. Submit your topical session proposal today! bit.ly/3YKDlJg

From NW Kansas Groundwater Management District No. 4 - Great water quotes and more! Thanks to former District Manager Wayne Bossert http://gmd4.org/WaterQuotes.html

From @OSUCEOAS: 'On the Horizon' Newsletter - 17 March 2023. tinyurl.com/2ykj2byj  #PNWater

E-Newsletters and E-Newspapers
It's @Nature Briefing - 17 March 2023. How stem cells make a human brain; First 3D structure of odor receptor; GPT-4 is here: the thinking? How to tackle a toxic mentoring relationship; 5 best science books this week;Podcast: A virus-proof cell. tinyurl.com/2p9duc6h #scicomm

It's @Nature Briefing - 16 March 2023. Volcano eruption spotted on Venus; Sweetener reduces mouse immune response; Nord Stream blasts stirred toxic sediment; Science needs to fill gaps in high seas treaty; Reframe climate change as an opportunity. tinyurl.com/4zktmtej #scicomm

It's @Nature Briefing - 15 March 2023. How the SVB collapse impacts science; Heartbeats shape our time perception; Fungus is wiping out amphibians in Africa; 5 steps to MRI scanners for everyone; How to create gender equity in conservation. More! tinyurl.com/bddd5wrm #scicomm

It's @Nature Briefing - 14 March 2023. How a transparent fish gets its shimmer; China bumps science up the national agenda; A bad case of ‘plasticosis’ in wild birds; 4-day week doesn’t hurt productivity; Protein synthesis: just add water. More! tinyurl.com/2p9ftr3e #scicomm

It's @Nature Briefing - 13 March 2023.First full brain map of a complex animal;Why CRISPR babies are still too risky;Culling rabid vampire bats doesn’t work; India opens its doors to foreign universities;Iranian schoolgirls have mysterious illness tinyurl.com/tk9xu4zj #scicomm

It's @insideclimate News Weekly: tinyurl.com/y24pnmd8 #scicomm

It's @Alliance4Water Adaptation Newsletter. AGWA Updates: UN 2023 Water Conference & NY Water Week Edition #NYWW tinyurl.com/bdhfns8p #NYWW

From @IWAHQ Newsletter - March 2023. The Copenhagen Report; UN Water Conference; @WaterSourceMag, and More! tinyurl.com/mr2xkmew

It's H2Oregon - April 2023. tinyurl.com/bdecvvnv #PNWater

It's @CanadianWater: Water Canada Newsletter - 13 March 2023. Downstream is coming to @Laurier! tinyurl.com/2yznykht #cdnwater

Elaine J. Hanford's Bulletin Boards: 1) Geoscience; 2) Environmental Science; 3) Coastal Zone Management - 13 March 2023 bit.ly/3l8Sre1

The @WaterNetwork Newsletter - 17 March 2023. Essential Industry Trending Technology~Editor's Choice~Articles~Knowledge Exchange~Featured Jobs~Featured Events~Questions~More! tinyurl.com/yux2f3ue #scicomm

Ethics, Gender, Indigenous People, Rights
Support Women in Water Scholarship Fund-Donate Now! bit.ly/2S63TVr

Florida Water
In @TB_TimesFlorida’s $4 billion bet on the Everglades: Is it enough? tinyurl.com/yc7tw26s #FLwater 

Global Water
It's @Water_MDPI, Volume 15, Issue 5 (March-1 2023) 173 Articles bit.ly/3ZEtXIp

The @WaterNetwork Newsletter - 17 March 2023. Essential Industry Trending Technology~Editor's Choice~Articles~Knowledge Exchange~Featured Jobs~Featured Events~Questions~More! tinyurl.com/yux2f3ue #scicomm

Groundwater and Hydrogeology
From NW Kansas Groundwater Management District No. 4 - Great water quotes and more! Thanks to former District Manager Wayne Bossert http://gmd4.org/WaterQuotes.html

Hydrofracking, Shale Gas, and Energy
By @stephaniehanes in @csmonitor: Renewables surge, yet carbon emissions hit record. What gives? tinyurl.com/2mpt4k33

From @insideclimate News: Landowners Fear Injection of Fracking Waste Threatens Aquifers in West Texas. tinyurl.com/29b4zxet #txwater

NE Water
From @usatoday: White House blames Trump administration and Republicans over East Palestine, Ohio spill tinyurl.com/yxbaetxc #NEWwater

Personal, People, Interviews, and Quotes
Quote of the Day -“When we’re talking about risk factors for extreme hot weather,schizophrenia needs to be near the top of the list.”Environmental epidemiologist Sarah Henderson says plans to protect people from heat waves fail to recognize they've high risk of heat-related death

Quote of the Day - “I was a paid-up member of the male–female brain brigade. It took me several years and a long struggle to realize that I was just not finding the kinds of differences I expected.” Neuroscientist @GinaRippon

Quote of the Day - "Humans lie and manipulate each other’s emotions all the time, but at least we can reasonably guess at someone’s motivations, agenda and methods. With AI, we can’t.” Ethicist @CarissaVeliz argues that chatbots that use emojis are emotionally manipulative.

Quote of the Day - “I have learned that the forest, humans and animals are interdependent, and if the forest is sick, then the animals will be sick, and animals will surely impact humans’ health too.” Jocelyn, once survived by illegal logging in Madagascar is a ‘forest guardian’

"Man is a complex being; he makes deserts bloom and lakes die." - Gil Stern

"Water is the mother of the vine, the nurse and fountain of fecundity, the adorner and refresher of the world." - Charles Mackay

"Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby." - Langston Hughes

"Water and its availability and quality will be the main pressures on, and issues for, societies and the environment under climate change." - @IPCC_CH (2007)

PNW Water
From @OPB One year after Superfund designation, Bradford Island cleanup hasn’t started. tinyurl.com/3knsmkck #PNWater 

It's H2Oregon - April 2023. tinyurl.com/bdecvvnv #PNWater
 
From @OSUCEOAS: 'On the Horizon' Newsletter - 17 March 2023. tinyurl.com/2ykj2byj  #PNWater

Policy, Planning, Law, Governance, Economics, IWRM, and Management
From @nataglaw: Have you registered for 2023 conferences? The Western Agricultural & Environmental Law Conference: May 4-5,Reno, NV. #NALCWestern23 Mid-South Agricultural & Environmental Law Conference: June 8-9, Memphis, TN #NALCMidSouth Livestream options available

Positions Open    
Josh's Water Jobs and More! 14 March 2023 ~300 Jobs! bit.ly/3mOx7Lg #globalwater #NYWW

Previous Weeks' Positions Open    
Josh's Water Jobs & More! 7 March 2023 - 346 Jobs! bit.ly/3L1Nr5h #globalwater

Previous Weekly Water Summaries - Go To #WaWiNews
TGIF! Weekly Water News Summary 11- 17 March 2023 https://bit.ly/3JOCuDe

TGIF! Weekly Water News Summary 4 - 10 March 2023 bit.ly/3FdSiww

TGIF! Weekly Water News Summary 25 February - 3 March 2023. tinyurl.com/czy5h9me

TGIF! Weekly Water News Summary 18 - 24 February 2023 bit.ly/3ISmlMI 

TGIF! Weekly Water News Summary 11 - 17 February 2023 bit.ly/3k6hFcm

TGIF! Weekly Water News Summary 4 - 10 February 2023 bit.ly/3RSxGzd

Reports, Publications, and Journals
CRS InFocus Report: 'U.S. Environmental Protection Agency FY2023 Appropriations' bit.ly/3ZUaiEt

CRS Report: 'Drought in the United States: Science, Policy, and Selected Federal Authorities' bit.ly/3TcdaKk #drought #climate

It's @TexasPlusWater Volume 6, Issue 2 (February 2023 tinyurl.com/2a9xxpe9#txwater

It's @Water_MDPI, Volume 15, Issue 5 (March-1 2023) 173 Articles bit.ly/3ZEtXIp

Science, Medicine, Health, and Technology
It's @Nature Briefing - 17 March 2023. How stem cells make a human brain; First 3D structure of odor receptor; GPT-4 is here: the thinking? How to tackle a toxic mentoring relationship; 5 best science books this week;Podcast: A virus-proof cell. tinyurl.com/2p9duc6h #scicomm

It's @Nature Briefing - 16 March 2023. Volcano eruption spotted on Venus; Sweetener reduces mouse immune response; Nord Stream blasts stirred toxic sediment; Science needs to fill gaps in high seas treaty; Reframe climate change as an opportunity. tinyurl.com/4zktmtej #scicomm

It's @Nature Briefing - 15 March 2023. How the SVB collapse impacts science; Heartbeats shape our time perception; Fungus is wiping out amphibians in Africa; 5 steps to MRI scanners for everyone; How to create gender equity in conservation. More! tinyurl.com/bddd5wrm #scicomm

It's @Nature Briefing - 14 March 2023. How a transparent fish gets its shimmer; China bumps science up the national agenda; A bad case of ‘plasticosis’ in wild birds; 4-day week doesn’t hurt productivity; Protein synthesis: just add water. More! tinyurl.com/2p9ftr3e #scicomm

It's @Nature Briefing - 13 March 2023.First full brain map of a complex animal;Why CRISPR babies are still too risky;Culling rabid vampire bats doesn’t work; India opens its doors to foreign universities;Iranian schoolgirls have mysterious illness tinyurl.com/tk9xu4zj #scicomm

Elaine J. Hanford's Bulletin Boards: 1) Geoscience; 2) Environmental Science; 3) Coastal Zone Management - 13 March 2023 bit.ly/3l8Sre1

Southwest Water  #SWUSwater
It's Sibley's Rivers 'Romancing the River: Meanwhile Back in Central Arizona' tinyurl.com/t36m4dbx

Streams, Wetlands, Dams, Lakes, and Ecosystems
From @CNN: Feds suspend measures that were meant to boost water levels at drought-stricken Lake Powell. tinyurl.com/yckpn2mc #cowater

From @UCDavisWater: 'Hiding in plain sight: newly described freshwater fishes from the Los Angeles area and elsewhere in California.' tinyurl.com/2p8tt3nm #scicomm

Texas   #txwater
From @insideclimate News: Landowners Fear Injection of Fracking Waste Threatens Aquifers in West Texas. tinyurl.com/29b4zxet #txwater

It's @TexasPlusWater Volume 6, Issue 2 (February 2023 tinyurl.com/2a9xxpe9#txwater

Today's Tunes 
Today's Tune - Special St. Patrick's Day Edition. Tom Jones is a Welshman but that's closes enough. So here is 'Green, Green Grass of Home.' Not real joyful, but it's a great song. Tears and all that. youtu.be/j64H2aWWU0E #aquadocaudio

Today's Tune - 17 March 2023. Yeah, The Monkees had the big hit with 'I'm A Believer' but Neil Diamond wrote it. So let's give some props to ND! youtu.be/7ePXck9H1pI #aquadocaudio

Today's Tune - 16 March 2023. When folks heard Stevie Winwood (then w/ The Spencer Davis Group) singing "Gimme Some Lovin'" few could believe he was a white British teenager from the Midlands. Now Steve is an icon! youtu.be/BuQ3PaFyb9A #aquadocaudio

Today's Tune - 15 March 2023 (The Ides of March). Yes, that's the name of the band and here is their big hit 'Vehicle' (1970). The band still rocks The House of Blues in Chi-Town. Lead singer/guitarist Jim Peterik has quite a line! youtu.be/V-edYT-NF1g #aquadocaudio

Today's Tune - 14 March 2023. Well, some great licks here! Status Quo and The Beach Boys doing 'Fun Fun Fun'. tinyurl.com/4x9snwad #aquadocaudio

Today's Tune - 13 March 2023. 'Nothing But A Heartache' - That's what The Flirtations have every day! Love the arrangement! youtu.be/PBrNklk1aUI #aquadocaudio

Today's Tune - 12 March 2023. Always loved this song, even without the hyperactivity. Katrina and the Waves are 'Walking On Sunshine' or maybe something else - what's with the balls? But keep it going! FABULOUS! youtu.be/lBW0pGZn-lU #aquadocaudio

Today's Tune - 11 March 2023. Neil Sedaka in the UK (1983): 'Oh Carol' (for Carole King); 'Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen', 'I Go Ape'(hit in UK - not USA) & 'Calendar Girl'. This guy belongs in the R'n'R HoF! Criminal! youtu.be/PNtQrN9pvV4 #aquadocaudio

Visuals, Audios, Podcasts and Infographics
It's @thewaterloop Episode #172: 'EPA's Move To Regulate PFAS' with @EPAMichaelRegan  https://youtu.be/cYpK0oV_JkA

Water/Land Quality and Contamination
From @OPB One year after Superfund designation, Bradford Island cleanup hasn’t started. tinyurl.com/3knsmkck #PNWater  

It's @thewaterloop Episode #172: 'EPA's Move To Regulate PFAS' with @EPAMichaelRegan https://youtu.be/cYpK0oV_JkA

From @LeadCopperRule leadcopperrule.com #scicomm

From @nataglaw: What's Up with WOTUS? NALC Staff Attorney Brigit Rollins will explain in our next webinar. Registration is free here: bit.ly/3XL83l6 #WOTUS #aglaw #NALCWebinarSeries

Water Supply, Quantity, Reuse, Conservation, Infrastructure
From @csmonitor Relay race: How ‘zanjeros’ get Colorado River water to California farms tinyurl.com/29e98vms 

From @CNN: Feds suspend measures that were meant to boost water levels at drought-stricken Lake Powell. tinyurl.com/yckpn2mc #cowater

WTF?
By @stephaniehanes in @csmonitor: Renewables surge, yet carbon emissions hit record. What gives? tinyurl.com/2mpt4k33


"When you drink the water, remember the spring." - Chinese Proverb

Posted on Friday, 17 March 2023 at 09:17 PM in Blogs, Twitters, WWW sites, e-Newsletters, & Lists, Readings, Journals, Videos, Films & Visuals, Tweets Galore It's Friday!, World Water | | Comments (0)

| | | |

Thursday, 16 March 2023

CRS InFocus Report: 'U.S. Environmental Protection Agency FY2023 Appropriations'

Angela C. Jones penned this CRS InFocus report (16 March 2023): 'U.S. Environmental Protection Agency FY2023 Appropriations'.

Download CRS_InFocus_EPA_FY2023_Appropriations_16March2023_IF12349

Click on the graphics to enlarge them. 

Enacted on December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328) provided funding for the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, including funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). P.L. 117-328, Division G, Title II provided a total of $10.14 billion in appropriations for EPA, including rescissions. In addition, Division N, Title VII, of P.L. 117-328 provided $1.67 billion in supplemental appropriations for EPA for FY2023 in 2 of EPA’s 10 appropriations accounts. Division J, Title VI of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA, P.L. 117-58), enacted on November 15, 2021, provided an additional $11.21 billion for EPA in advanced appropriations for FY2023. Together, P.L. 117-328 and P.L. 117-58 provided a total of $23.01 billion for EPA for FY2023. Figure 1. shows the breakdown of FY2023 EPA regular, supplemental, and advanced appropriations.

Screen Shot 2023-03-17 at 9.31.40 AM

EPA’s FY2023 regular annual appropriations of $10.14 billion, including rescissions, are $1.74 billion (14.7%) less than the President’s FY2023 request for EPA of $11.88 billion and $575.9 million (6.0%) more than FY2022 regular enacted appropriations of $9.56 billion. Total EPA FY2023 enacted appropriations of $23.01 billion (including supplemental and IIJA advanced appropriations) were $605.8 million (2.6%) less than total FY2022 enacted appropriations of $23.62 billion (including IIJA supplemental appropriations). Note: for the purposes of comparisons in this report, FY2022 enacted amounts do not include $41.46 billion in mandatory appropriations provided to EPA for FY2022 in P.L. 117-169, the measure commonly referred to as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Trends in requested and enacted appropriations for EPA since FY2014 are shown in Figure 2.

Screen Shot 2023-03-17 at 9.32.09 AM

From the beginning of FY2023 to the enactment of P.L. 117-328, EPA (and other federal departments and agencies) operated under the terms and conditions of a series of three continuing resolutions, generally at FY2022 regular enacted levels.

EPA Appropriations Accounts
Funding for discretionary spending is annually appropriated to EPA among 10 statutory accounts established by Congress over time. These include State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG), Environmental Programs and Management (EPM), Hazardous Substance Superfund (“Superfund”), Science and Technology (S&T), Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund Program, Buildings and Facilities, Office of Inspector General, Inland Oil Spill Program, Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund, and Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program accounts.

As indicated in Figure 3, the proportional distribution of funding among these accounts has remained similar for more than a decade, except for FY2022 with IIJA supplemental appropriations. Historically, the STAG and EPM accounts have received the largest share of funding, followed by the Superfund and S&T accounts. The STAG account funds grants for water infrastructure, brownfields site assessment and remediation, diesel emissions reduction, targeted airsheds, and “categorical” grants to delegated states and tribes for implementing pollution control programs. The EPM account funds additional grants and many cross-cutting agency activities. The Superfund account supports the environmental remediation of priority sites on non-federal lands designated for federal attention in coordination with the states in which the sites are located. The S&T account funds research that supports agency regulatory decisions.

Screen Shot 2023-03-17 at 9.32.34 AM

FY2023 total appropriations in P.L. 117-328 and P.L. 117- 169 funded increases in 7 of the 10 EPA appropriations accounts and a decrease in 1 account compared with the FY2022 enacted appropriations. For example, total FY2023 appropriations were $16.97 billion for the STAG account, including rescissions and $10.82 billion in IIJA advanced appropriations. This is a $2.48 billion (17.1%) increase compared with FY2022 total enacted appropriations of $14.50 billion for the STAG account.

Total FY2023 appropriations were $3.67 billion for the EPM account (including $386.8 million in IIJA advanced appropriations). This is a $297.3 million (8.8%) increase compared with FY2022 total enacted appropriations of $3.38 billion for the EPM account. FY2023 appropriations were $1.28 billion for the Superfund account. This is a $3.45 billion (72.9%) decrease compared with FY2022 enacted appropriations of $4.73 billion for the Superfund account (which included $3.50 billion in supplemental IIJA appropriations).

Selected EPA Funding Issues
In recent years, a variety of EPA funding issues have been the subject of congressional debate during the annual appropriations process. These issues are likely to continue to be the subject of discussion in the 118th Congress.

Assistance to States and Other Entities
Congress appropriates funds to EPA to support the agency’s primary responsibilities under multiple federal environmental pollution control statutes in coordination with states and tribes. The adequacy of funding for this support has been a perennial issue. EPA awards categorical grants to states and tribes (and local governments under certain statutes) with delegated authority to implement and enforce federal pollution control requirements. Typically, Congress allocates the largest categorical grant amounts for EPA assistance to states and territories for two state revolving funds for water infrastructure: the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. For FY2023, Congress appropriated $2.76 billion total for these funds and appropriated $1.16 billion for other categorical grants in the STAG account. EPA also awards competitive grants for a range of programs and purposes. Entities eligible for assistance and other eligibility requirements vary among the competitive grants.

Air Quality and Climate Change
Congress also appropriates funds to EPA for addressing air pollution and climate change, including assistance to states, local governments, and tribes. Air quality and climate change have been a subject of congressional appropriations discussions in recent years. For FY2023, P.L. 117-328 provided $556.8 million within the S&T and EPM accounts for clean air and climate, a $36.7 million (7.1%) increase compared with FY2022 appropriations of $520.0 million. This funding supports programs for climate change research and adaptation, air monitoring networks, federal support for air quality management, renewable fuel standards, greenhouse gas monitoring, and wildfire smoke research, among others. In addition, in the Explanatory Statement accompanying P.L. 117-328, Congress directed specific funding within the STAG account to air-related grants, such as the diesel emissions reduction, wildfire smoke preparedness, and categorical grants specifically related to air quality.

Environmental Justice
Funding levels for EPA environmental justice-related programs and activities have been a long-standing issue in appropriations discussions. Two executive orders (E.O. 12898 and E.O.14008) generally direct EPA and other agencies to integrate environmental justice into their respective missions to “the greatest extent practicable and permitted by law.” Congress has recently increased specific allocations for environmental justice activities at EPA. For FY2022, enacted EPA appropriations for environmental justice were $100.0 million, an $88.2 million increase from FY2021 enacted appropriations for the program area. For FY2023, P.L. 117-328 provided EPA with $108.0 million for environmental justice within the EPM and Superfund accounts, an increase of $8.0 million (8.0%) above FY2022 appropriations.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
Legislation has been enacted and other bills have been considered in recent Congresses to address potential risks associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Multiple departments and agencies, including EPA, are involved in responding to the potential risks associated with PFAS. The Explanatory Statement accompanying P.L. 117-328 (Congressional Record, December 20, 2022, pp. S8655-S859) allocated $8.0 million within the S&T account for EPA to conduct “research that will help farmers, ranchers, and rural communities manage PFAS impacts in agricultural settings and communities.” The Explanatory Statement also allocated $12.0 million in EPA Public Water System Supervision categorical grants to address PFAS and other contaminants of emerging concern. EPA may also use funds from other appropriations accounts for eligible activities related to addressing PFAS in the environment.

Enjoy!

"Man is a complex being; he makes deserts bloom and lakes die."
- Gil Stern

Posted on Thursday, 16 March 2023 at 08:42 PM in Climate Change, Climate & Meteorology, CRS, FMSO & GAO Reports, WaSH, Water Quality, Health & Ecosystems, Wastewater, Stormwater & Infrastructure | | Comments (0)

| | | |

»

Translation


Visitors

  • Visitors
    Locations of visitors to this page
Top_50_water_blogs
Geology Site that Rocks!
Featured in Alltop
TheReefTank
proudly awards
this site as
Recommended Reading
Please vote for it
in the community!





Vote for us!

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Subscribe to WaterWired

Find the best blogs at Blogs.com.

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Archives

More...

Categories

Archives

More...

WWW sites