Yuba River hearings seek balance to water, cash flow

The Bureau of Reclamation and the Yuba County Water Agency have scheduled four meetings tomorrow and Wednesday to receive public comments on the proposed Lower Yuba River Accord.

A joint environmental impact report/environmental impact statement is being prepared for the accord, which establishes a new flow regime for the Yuba.

The public can raise significant issues and alternatives that should be addressed by the bureau and YCWA in the environmental study.

The Water Agency is proposing to resolve instream flow issues associated with Bullards Bar Reservoir in a way that protects and enhances the lower Yuba River fisheries and local water supply reliability.

The accord, negotiated among the Water Agency, environmentalists and state and federal agencies, attempts to settle long-standing disputes about the Yuba.

The proposed accord calls for increased river flows while assuring the Water Agency a steady flow of income - at least $35 million - for water sold through 2015.

Seventeen years ago, the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance filed a complaint with the State Water Resources Control Board about the Yuba. The complaint spawned years of hearings before the board, an order and, ultimately, the proposed accord.

The environmental study is required as part of the settlement.

Last month, CSPA attorney Michael Jackson said his group opposed the accord and wants to litigate. Lawsuits related to the Yuba River issue are now in San Joaquin County Superior Court.

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