Issues and Causes

Victory for Environmental Protection: Clean Water Act Prevails in PG&E Hydropower Projects on Yuba and Bear Rivers
|

Victory for Environmental Protection: Clean Water Act Prevails in PG&E Hydropower Projects on Yuba and Bear Rivers

Posted

Marking the culmination of a multiyear struggle where Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) had sought to evade regulation of hydropower projects under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) shared that on September 5, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an Order that reaffirms the California State Water Board’s authority to enforce a “water quality certification” for new hydropower licenses granted to projects such as the Upper Drum-Spaulding, Lower Drum, and Deer Creek hydroelectric ventures.

The Possible Impacts of the EPA Redefining “Waters of the United States” on the Yuba Watershed

The Possible Impacts of the EPA Redefining “Waters of the United States” on the Yuba Watershed

Posted Updated

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of the Army announced a final rule amending the 2023 definition of ‘waters of the United States’ to conform with the recent Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA. The agencies are committed to following the law and implementing the Clean Water Act to deliver the essential protections that safeguard the nation’s waters from pollution and degradation. This action provides the clarity that is needed to advance these goals, while moving forward with infrastructure projects, economic opportunities, and agricultural activities

Successful Outreach Meetings about Rotary Screw Traps in Downieville and Nevada City

Successful Outreach Meetings about Rotary Screw Traps in Downieville and Nevada City

Posted

In late August, SYCRL coordinated two public safety outreach meetings to help our community get answers to their concerns about the placement of two rotary Screw Traps in the North Yuba River. The rotary screw traps are being placed in the North Yuba as one of the initial data gathering steps of the Yuba Salmon Study. 

Understanding the Rhythms of Rivers: Exploring Natural Hydrographs and the Impact of Dams on Watersheds
| |

Understanding the Rhythms of Rivers: Exploring Natural Hydrographs and the Impact of Dams on Watersheds

Posted Updated

Dams create a number of issues for the overall health of a watershed. One of the primary issues is that they modify the volume (discharge) and timing of when and how water flows in the portion of the river downstream. Dams trap and store water in the wet periods of time, and then release additional water during the dry, hot periods of time to meet human need.