Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_09-cv-00407/USCOURTS-caed-1_09-cv-00407-15/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 893
Nature of Suit: Environmental Matters
Cause of Action: 42:4321 Review of Agency Action-Environment

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ORDER RE 706 EXPERT(S) 

CASE NO. 1:09-CV-00407 OWW GSA 

sf-2748739 

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 

THE DELTA SMELT CASES,

1:09-cv-407 OWW GSA

1:09-cv-422 OWW GSA 

1:09-cv-631 OWW GSA 

1:09-cv-892 OWW GSA 

PARTIALLY CONSOLIDATED 

WITH: 1:09-cv-480 OWW GSA 

ORDER RE 706 EXPERT(S) 

Date: October 2, 2009 

Time: 1:30 p.m. 

Ctrm: 3 

Judge: Hon. Oliver W. Wanger 

SAN LUIS & DELTA-MENDOTA WATER 

AUTHORITY, et al. v. SALAZAR, et al. 

(Case No. 1:09-cv-407) 

STATE WATER CONTRACTORS v. SALAZAR, 

et al. (Case No. 1:09-cv-422) 

COALITION FOR A SUSTAINABLE DELTA, 

et al. v. UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE 

SERVICE, et al. (Case No. 1:09-cv-480) 

METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT v. 

UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE 

SERVICE, et al. (Case No. 1:09-cv-631) 

STEWART & JASPER ORCHARDS, et al. v. 

UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE 

SERVICE, et al. (Case No. 1:09-cv-892) 

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Case 1:09-cv-00407-LJO-BAM Document 342 Filed 10/09/09 Page 1 of 3
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ORDER RE 706 EXPERT(S) 

CASE NO. 1:09-CV-004070 OWW GSA 1

sf-2748739 

On October 2, 2009, the Court heard the parties’ submissions, as ordered by the Court, 

concerning the appointment of a Federal Rule of Evidence 706 expert(s) by the Court. Plaintiffs, 

along with California Department of Water Resources and Lester Snow, Director, California 

Department of Water Resources (“DWR”), supported the appointment of a 706 expert and jointly 

nominated three individuals for the Court’s consideration. Doc. # 267, 268. Federal Defendants 

and Defendant-Intervenors opposed the appointment of a 706 expert, but Federal Defendants 

nominated one individual, and Defendant-Intervenors nominated two individuals, for the Court’s 

consideration if the Court elected to appoint a 706 expert. Doc. # 266, 269. Plaintiffs and DWR 

raised specific objections to the nominees of the Federal Defendants and Defendant-Intervenors 

on the ground that, inter alia, each of those individuals was disqualified for bias and conflict of 

interest by virtue of their extensive prior involvement in the academic or agency Bay-Delta 

research community. Doc. # 310, 311, 312. Federal Defendants and Defendant-Intervenors did 

not raise specific objections to the individuals nominated by Plaintiffs and DWR, but continued to 

oppose the appointment of any 706 expert. Doc. # 307, 308. 

The Court has fully considered the briefs, evidence, and oral arguments submitted by the 

parties, and good cause appearing therefore, THE COURT HEREBY ORDERS: 

1. The Court conditionally finds that appointment of a 706 expert(s) would be helpful 

to the Court and is appropriate in light of the complex technical and scientific matters that are 

central to this case. The Court will make a final determination on the appointment of a 706 

expert(s) after it has reviewed declarations submitted by the parties’ experts, as authorized by the 

Court. 

2. By October 14, 2009, the parties shall propose a 706 expert(s), or inform the Court 

that they cannot reach agreement. If the parties cannot reach agreement, Plaintiffs and DWR, as 

one “side,” and Federal Defendants and Defendant-Intervenors, as the other “side,” shall each 

present three nominations to the Court, also by October 14, 2009. 

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ORDER RE 706 EXPERT(S) 

CASE NO. 1:09-CV-004070 OWW GSA 2

sf-2748739 

Dated: October 8, 2009 /s/ OLIVER W. WANGER 

OLIVER W. WANGER 

U.S. District Court Judge 

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