2017 marks the 15th year of the water transfer from Imperial to San Diego. In 2003, the State Water Resources Control Board required that the Sea remain at its then level for 15 years by purchasing water otherwise intended for farms and putting it into the Sea. In the meantime, the State of California was to develop and being implementing a restoration plan. Mitigation water was not effective and the Sea is three feet lower than anticipated. More critically, mitigation water ceased completely in July 2017. The Salton Sea is drying faster each year, leaving thousands of acres of dust-storm causing playa exposed next to homes, farms and businesses.
In 2002-03, CURE urged IID to limit the water transfer to 15 rather than 75 years so that the impacts could be reevaluated. That proposal was rejected. CURE continues to advocate that the water transfer be placed on hold until the State of California adopts and funds a meaningful plan. Delaying the QSA is controversial and San Diego Water Authority vigorously rejects this idea.
At this time, the demise of the Salton Sea and its impact on local communities seems inevitable. On November 7, 2017, the State Water Resources Control Board ruled that the Imperial Irrigation District can divert 100,000 acre feet of water from the Salton Sea in return for the Resources Agency building 15,000 wetlands and 15,000 of salt ponds – about two percent of the surface of the Sea. CURE objected, (SWRCB Submission), along with the West Shores Salton Sea Mayor (Kerry F. Morrison Declaration ) arguing that the cessation of mitigation water is the death knell for the Sea.
In The News:
Salton Sea: State to consider $3B for water import proposals
Comment Letter: Salton Sea in connection with the September 7,2017 workshop on the Proposed Stipulated Order to WRO 2002-2013
Studying dust around the Salton Sea, scientists find initial answers
Energy Briefs: Senate approves SB 701 to support Salton Sea Plan.
April 11 2017 Minutes on Salton Sea Legislation
IID 3-15-17 Petition for Evidentiary Hearing
Salton Sea FFAP Benchmark 5 vol 2- Infrastructure Financing Feasibility Analysis Appendix
Salton Sea FFAP Benchmark 5- Infrastructure Financing Feasibility Analysis
SALTON SEA MANAGEMENT PROGRAM PHASE I: 10 Public Workshop 2017
Comments