May 2013, Newsletter: Estuary, Fees, and Recycled water

Spring is here; temperatures have warmed; the river area is spectacular, and we are raring to go.  There is so much to tell you in a limited space; we won’t waste any time!

Estuary Project Update…….

As promised in RRWPC’s legal settlement with Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA), an annual community meeting will be held on Thursday, May 16th at the Monte Rio Community Center (adjacent to paved beach parking lot) from 6 pm to 8:30 pm, to update citizens on the project’s progress. Please try to attend and also pass the word to neighbors and friends about the meeting.  The agenda will include information on fish counts, water quality and jetty studies, harbor seal monitoring and summer project plans.  Unfortunately, SCWA does not plan to discuss ‘low flow’, in spite of our request.

Please email Grant Davis, general manager of SCWA Grant.Davis@SCWA.ca.gov, and Fifth District Supervisor Efren Carrillo, (also SCWA Board of Director member)  Efren.Carrillo@sonoma-county.org  asking them to please include an update on the Temporary Urgency Change Petition (i.e., low flow) as part of the agenda.  This summer flows may decrease 45% down to 70 cubic feet per second (cfs)  from the 125 cfs normally maintained.  RRWPC is concerned that they have refused to discuss this item, even though low flow is required by the Biological Opinion.  Please send emails expressing your concern, and also raise this issue during public comment.

RRCSD fees set to increase next year; Meeting May 21st….