Public Meeting Questions/Comments and Answers 

December 11, 2008 

Anadromous Fish Restoration Program (AFRP) – (b)(1) 

Comment – The 2002 deadline (fish doubling goal) is important to Water and Power. 

Question - How much has been spent on AFRP since its inception and is there something 

that should have been done differently? 

 

Answer – 2006 and 2007 fish returns were due to poor oceanic conditions. Butte 

Creek has been a success. The Bay Delta ecosystem is a complex ecosystem with 

many variables – actions aren’t in a vacuum. The Independent Review may help 

to pinpoint actions we can take towards goals. We have to address the limiting 

factors. 

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HRP – (b)(1) “other” 

Question – When grants are completed, where can the final data/reports be found? 

Answer – Reports are currently only available through the project managers, but 

they are working to get the reports on the website. The website has a database 

that can be queried. 

Question – Are cost share grants also in the database? 

Answer – The database has all projects listed from 1996. 

Comment – Stakeholders expressed concerns over how projects are selected and how they 

are tied to CVP. 

Question – How are chosen projects tied to the Central Valley Project (CVP)? 

Answer – Projects are in footprint and consolidated place of use. For example, 

Giant Garter Snakes in Cosumnes River were affected by CVP. 

Question – How was Spivey Pond tied to CVP? 

Answer – El Dorado historically received CVP water; red-legged frog was 

impacted by CVP. 
Question – Who does peer review? 

 Answer – In-house, technical review 

Comment – Everyone in California should be responsible, not just stakeholders. 

Question – How can the public get involved on the discussion about measuring success? 

Answer – During CPAR and PART or contact John or Caroline 

Question – Are the actions linked to OCAP? 

Answer – ESA 7A1 programs 

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Red Bluff Diversion Dam – (b)(10) 

Question – Is the mill site a toxic contaminant area that needs clean-up? 

Answer – Yes. The clean-up costs are figured into total cost, but we are not sure 

how much is needed for clean-up. 

Question – Do they have to go to Congress for the new pumping facility? 

 Answer – 3406 (b)(10) was sufficient authorization according to the solicitors 

Question – Will the plant be run on electricity and who will pay? 

Answer – Yes it will run on electricity, but we don’t know who will pay. 

Question - Is there a state split? 

Answer - 25% state matching cost share is required under (b)(10). 

Question – Where does the money that DWR will contribute ($5.5 million) come from? 

Answer – Bond money (Prop 13) that hadn’t been used. 

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Spawning and Rearing Habitat Restoration – (b)(13) 

Question – How is the tonnage goal tied to the overall goal? 

 

Answer – We do the best with the budget to replenish gravel that is blocked. We 

spread money out between rivers to meet species needs. 

Comment – Concerns over how to measure success 

Question – How is gravel source determined? Are there any restrictions? 

Answer – We select sites that are close to the river, solicit bids, and process on 

site. There are no restrictions. 

Question – Are there issues with bringing in gravel (from other watersheds or in 

general)? 

Answer – Yes, they have to be careful 

Question – Who is doing sediment monitoring? 

Answer – North State Resource 

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CAMP – (b)(16) 

Question – Is the fish doubling number the right target (in regards to AFRP doubling 

goals)? 

Answer – Using the language in CVPIA, the AFRP sets targets. 

Question – What is the projection of this year’s run vs. last year’s run? 

Answer – We expect it will be lower. 

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Water Acquisition, Refuge Wheeling and Facilities Construction – (d)(1), (2) and (5) 

Question – Does the program fund improvements to existing conveyance? 

 

Answer – The (d)(5) program provides for improvements and construction to 19 

refuges 

Question – Are targets adjusted for dry and critically dry years? 

Answer – Yes, Incremental Level 4 varies by water year since the hydrology 

affects the water market. 

Question – Does the $200 acre-foot price include conveyance cost? What is the 

conveyance cost? 

Answer – Generally no, the acre-foot price does not include conveyance cost. The 

conveyance cost varies by region. Sonya can provide estimates. 

Question – Instead of buying water, why not build wells? 

Answer – The program is using some ground water, but water quality is an issue 

Question – How much water has been bought this year? 

Answer – None yet. 

Comment – Re-shuffle money to other programs if water is too costly. If you can’t buy 

enough the money may be used better else where.