Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_05-cv-01207/USCOURTS-caed-1_05-cv-01207-24/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 893
Nature of Suit: Environmental Matters
Cause of Action: 05:702 Administrative Procedure Act

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE

COUNCIL, et al.,

Plaintiffs,

v.

DIRK KEMPTHORNE, in his official

capacity as Secretary of the

Interior; and H. DALE HALL, in

his official capacity as

Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service,

Defendants,

________________________________

SAN LUIS & DELTA-MENDOTA WATER

AUTHORITY, WESTLANDS WATER

DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU

FEDERATION, GLENN COLUSA

IRRIGATION DISTRICT, et al.,

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF WATER

RESOURCES, STATE WATER

CONTRACTORS, KERN COUNTY WATER

AGENCY,

Defendant-Intervenors.

 

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1:05-cv-1207 OWW TAG

ORDER FOR PRESENTATION OF 

EVIDENCE AT HEARING ON

REMEDIES

A hearing is set for the determination of appropriate 

remedies based on the Court’s decision that the 2005 OCAP

Biological Opinion respecting the Delta smelt and the Delta Smelt

Case 1:05-cv-01207-DAD-EPG Document 426 Filed 08/02/07 Page 1 of 4
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Remedial Action Measures are unlawful. Material evidentiary

disputes have arisen among the parties over issues that are

pertinent to the selection of remedies. 

To enable the Court to be fully informed, the parties shall

produce evidence at the August 21, 2007, hearing on the following

issues:

1. The effect of 24 hour pumping by the Federal and State

Projects on the viability of Delta smelt.

2. The effect of an attenuated pumping schedule for the

Federal and State pumps on the viability of the Delta smelt.

3. The effect of reduction of pumping at Federal and State

pumps on water users.

4. Current estimates as to the number of Delta smelt

killed at Federal and State pumps between the period June 1,

2007, through August 20, 2007. 

5. Whether minimum safe pumping levels, around 850 cfs,

results in the killing of Delta smelt.

6. Best current estimate of the entire population of Delta

smelt in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and adjacent areas. 

7. The effect of water temperature on the survival of

Delta smelt and particularly whether 25EC (77EF) is the lab

lethal limit for smelt, and if 25EC water temperature has lethal

effect on Delta smelt in their habitat. 

8. Other alternative remedial measures that will protect

the viability of the Delta smelt. 

9. Current recommendations by the Delta Smelt Working

Group for protection and survival of the Delta smelt species and

any other scientific views held by parties to this case

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concerning viability and survival of Delta smelt. 

10. The effects on Delta smelt of increased pumping levels

to a maximum of 3500 cfs or higher at the Federal and State Water

Projects and related pumping facilities.

11. Alternative water sources and measures to mitigate harm

to the Delta smelt.

12. Whether Old and Middle Sacramento River flows can be

held greater than or equal to zero and under what conditions. 

13. Whether any adverse impacts to other protected species

will be caused by Delta smelt mitigation measures.

14. The reliability of most current data concerning the

population and recovery and survival of Delta smelt.

15. Whether there is any credible scientific disagreement

concerning the benefits of reduced or no pumping at the Federal

and State Projects on Delta smelt. 

16. Whether migration patterns of the smelt following June,

take them out of risk of entrainment at Federal or State pumps

and the reliability of the information about the smelt migration

patterns.

17. Realistic appraisal of harmful effects of pumping

reductions on other water users.

18. Mitigation alternatives and their feasibility to

pumping reductions.

19. Realistic effects on emergency services and other

critical water supplies from reduced pumping at Federal and State

Water Projects.

20. Whether there are other causes that are currently

materially contributing to decline of the Delta smelt.

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21. Whether the Delta Smelt Working Group members are

qualified to prescribe the water management and operating regime

for the Federal pumps and CVP water management. 

22. Any other facts that bear on selection of the most

appropriate remedy. 

A telephonic status conference shall be held August 9, 2007,

at the hour of 10:00 a.m. to determine logistics for the hearing,

what witnesses will be called and what time will be needed for

the presentation of evidence. 

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: August 1, 2007 /s/ Oliver W. Wanger 

emm0d6 UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

Case 1:05-cv-01207-DAD-EPG Document 426 Filed 08/02/07 Page 4 of 4