With the Notice of Preparation for the Delta tunnel, a list of scoping meetings has been announced for public participation component as required by law for proposed new projects.
We see these meetings as a mixed bag. It is essential for our members to share their concerns about the project and to get them into the legal record. So attendance and being prepared to make comments is essential.
DWR has clarified that the meetings will NOT be open house style. Yes, your comments will be taken in by a court reporter, but there will be a short presentation and comments can be made to the entire community. We received incorrect information on open house meetings from a different government source. It was clarified for us yesterday at the Stakeholders Engagement Meeting with the Design Construction Authority.
We also understand that the eastern alignment for the tunnel is the preferred route for the tunnel, so Delta residents need to study the map carefully and think through the impacts associated with this alignment of the project.
Nevertheless, getting your questions, comments, objections and concerns into the record is essential. So we are encouraging our members throughout the state to attend.
SCOPING MEETINGS STATEWIDE
Sacramento: Monday, February 3, 2020, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. California Environmental Protection Agency Building, 1001 I Street
Los Angeles:Wednesday, February 5, 2020, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Junipero Serra State Building, 320 West Fourth Street
Walnut Grove: Monday, February 10, 2020, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Jean Harvie Community Center, 14273 River Road
San Jose: Wednesday, February 12, 2020, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Santa Clara Valley Water District Board Room, 5750 Almaden Expressway
Stockton: Thursday, February 13, 2020, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. San Joaquin Council of Governments Board Room, 555 Weber Avenue
Clarksburg: Wednesday, February 19, 2020, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Clarksburg Middle School Auditorium, 52870 Netherlands Road
Brentwood: Thursday, February 20, 2020, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Brentwood Community Center Conference Room, 35 Oak Street
What to Say and Background Reading to Prepare your Comments
Members in Southern California and Santa Clara Valley need to ask hard questions about water delivery, reliability during drought, and cost-benefit ratios. Ratepayers need comparisons to a no-tunnel option in terms of financing.
Delta area members — you know the fire drill in terms of impacts. The concerns with two tunnels stand with one super-sized tunnel. What is crucial is for our members to look at the map with the NEW two possible alignments. With the eastern alignment there is a significant number of increased urban impacts for all residents, and huge impacts for residents living near the Port of Stockton.
We also encourage Delta residents to study our Harmful Algal Blooms handout and think about how tunnel construction and operation will contribute to HABs conditions.
The Notice of Preperation is linked here.
DWR’S NEW Delta Conveyance Project website.
Restore the Delta’s statement on Single Tunnel “Notice of Preparation”
Yours in service,
Restore the Delta.