Issues and Causes

SYRCL’s Proposed Comments on The Edwards Bridge Replacement Project

SYRCL’s Proposed Comments on The Edwards Bridge Replacement Project

The South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) will be respectfully submitting comments and recommendations in response to the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) by Nevada County for the Edwards Bridge Replacement Project environmental review process as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).  

Analysis of the new Clean Water Act Section 401 Rule
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Analysis of the new Clean Water Act Section 401 Rule

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 projects. 

Salmon Return Numbers So Far: Are They Encouraging?
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Salmon Return Numbers So Far: Are They Encouraging?

Through SYRCL’s participation in the River Management Team (RMT), we get monthly updates on the number of Chinook and steelhead utilizing the fish ladders at Daguerre Point Dam. The latest numbers are in and, at this moment in time, salmon are off to a slow start working their way up the Yuba River.  

The slower start to salmon returns this year compared to previous years isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. During winters with lots of water, salmon tend to spend more time in the Delta and lower in the river system before they start the migration to their historic spawning reaches. This is the trend we saw in 2019-2020 salmon year.