Worried that an earthquake could collapse a big dam south of San Francisco, officials have ordered its reservoir to be completely drained by October to reduce the risk of floodwaters spilling into Silicon Valley. The 240-foot (73-meter) high earthen Anderson Dam, built in 1950 between San Jose and the community of Morgan Hill, poses too […]
Tree nut growers are 23% more likely than other farmers to take advantage of drought assistance, even if it costs them more money in the short term, according to a university study. Growers of nuts – particularly almonds – place a higher dollar value on USDA monetary and technical aid and are willing to take […]
Last week, President Trump inserted himself directly in a decades-long internal water battle between Northern and Southern California. Now, the debate is heading to court. “I’m very disappointed the Governor decided to sue. We’ve been working very closely with the State of California,” Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Burman said. After years on the sidelines, the Bureau […]
The Bay Area is dotted with at least 145 dams where failure or misoperation could result in death or property destruction, yet many lack required emergency plans, according to an analysis of state data. Most of these “high-hazard” dams were built before 1960. While not at a higher risk of failure, they could endanger countless […]
Despite President Donald Trump’s highly publicized signing of a memo last week directing more water to San Joaquin Valley farmers, the Bureau of Reclamation’s initial allocations announced Tuesday more closely reflected the below-normal Sierra snowpack and scant winter rain. Farmers in the Friant Division will receive 20% of their Central Valley Project contract allocation while South-of-Delta growers […]
California could one day have a quick-strike panel focused on spotting emerging contaminants in drinking water to see if they pose a danger and need immediate attention. The state also could certify labs to increase the amount of so-called forever chemicals that can be tested for in drinking water, aquifers, lakes, and streams. The two […]
Earthquake Risk Prompts Order to Drain California Dam
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /The San Diego Union-TribuneWorried that an earthquake could collapse a big dam south of San Francisco, officials have ordered its reservoir to be completely drained by October to reduce the risk of floodwaters spilling into Silicon Valley. The 240-foot (73-meter) high earthen Anderson Dam, built in 1950 between San Jose and the community of Morgan Hill, poses too […]
Tree Nut Growers More Likely to use Drought Assistance
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /Western FarmPress by Tim HeardenTree nut growers are 23% more likely than other farmers to take advantage of drought assistance, even if it costs them more money in the short term, according to a university study. Growers of nuts – particularly almonds – place a higher dollar value on USDA monetary and technical aid and are willing to take […]
California Water Debate Heads to Court After Trump Joins Discussion
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /Fox 5by Nexstar Media WireLast week, President Trump inserted himself directly in a decades-long internal water battle between Northern and Southern California. Now, the debate is heading to court. “I’m very disappointed the Governor decided to sue. We’ve been working very closely with the State of California,” Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Burman said. After years on the sidelines, the Bureau […]
Dozens of High-Risk Bay Area Dams Lack Required Emergency Plans
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /San Francisco Chronicleby Joaquin PalominoThe Bay Area is dotted with at least 145 dams where failure or misoperation could result in death or property destruction, yet many lack required emergency plans, according to an analysis of state data. Most of these “high-hazard” dams were built before 1960. While not at a higher risk of failure, they could endanger countless […]
Westlands Says 15% Water Allocation Is ‘Good News’ in Dry Year
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /GV Wire (Fresno, Calif.)by Bill McEwenDespite President Donald Trump’s highly publicized signing of a memo last week directing more water to San Joaquin Valley farmers, the Bureau of Reclamation’s initial allocations announced Tuesday more closely reflected the below-normal Sierra snowpack and scant winter rain. Farmers in the Friant Division will receive 20% of their Central Valley Project contract allocation while South-of-Delta growers […]
California Bills Tackle Water Contamination, PFAS, Wildfire
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /Bloomberg Environmentby Emily C. DooleyCalifornia could one day have a quick-strike panel focused on spotting emerging contaminants in drinking water to see if they pose a danger and need immediate attention. The state also could certify labs to increase the amount of so-called forever chemicals that can be tested for in drinking water, aquifers, lakes, and streams. The two […]