On September 25th, the Nevada Irrigation District voted on the future of their proposed Centennial Dam project, a $1 billion project that SYRCL has rallied the community in opposition to since 2017.
In August of 2014, the Nevada Irrigation District (NID) began planning to construct a new 275-foot-tall dam and reservoir on the Bear River between the existing Rollins and Combie reservoirs. The water agency’s proposed new 110,000 acre-foot reservoir with a 275 foot-tall dam on the Bear River would have inundated six miles of the Bear River, completely flooding the Bear River Campground, more than 25 homes and 120 parcels, hundreds of cultural and sacred Native American sites, and the Dog Bar Bridge, the only crossing of the Bear River between Highway 49 and Highway 174.
SYRCL’s position was, and still is, that in a time of record drought and climate change, we need thoughtful and scientifically based solutions to address our local water needs, and that big, expensive dams are mostly a thing of the past. In addition, half of the water that flows in the South and Middle Yuba Rivers already gets diverted to the Bear River, and Centennial could have demanded more. As an organization founded to stop inappropriate and destructive dams, SYRCL is never going to stand by when the Yuba is threatened.
Project Landmarks
NID closed session approves water rights application for Parker Dam
NID filed an application for the annual appropriation of
NID filed an application for the annual appropriation of 221,400 acre-feet of water from the Bear River with the State Water Resources Control Board, the first step in securing state-held water rights to be utilized for what was then known as the Parker Dam.
NID begins studies for a new dam to be located between Rollins and Combie dams on the Bear River. If built, the new dam would have inundated approximately six miles of the Bear River, flooding areas such as the Bear River Campground, over 25 homes, 120 parcels, and hundreds of cultural and sacred Native American sites. Additionally, the Dog Bar Bridge, the only crossing of the Bear River between Highway 49 and Highway 174, would be submerged
NID presents the newly titled Centennial Reservoir and Power Project (CRAPP) at the Nevada County Board of Supervisors meeting.
November 12, 2015
Construction was projected to begin in 2021
Construction was projected to begin in 2021 (coinciding with NID’s 100-year anniversary) and would include powerhouses to generate electricity. The General Manager asserted that the powerhouses would not fall under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s purview because they would have a conduit exemption.
Conservation Groups Question Need for Centennial Dam
April 26, 2016
The Foothills Water Network, a coalition of conservation and recreation organizations, submitted a joint letter to the Nevada Irrigation District…
The Foothills Water Network, a coalition of conservation and recreation organizations, submitted a joint letter to the Nevada Irrigation District (NID) on April 18 (see below), stating its concerns that the proposed Centennial Dam will have significant environmental impacts on the Bear and Yuba River watersheds and surrounding communities.
Nearly 400 people attended two public scoping meetings about NID’s Centennial Dam proposal on March 9th and 10th. Dozens of speakers expressed their concerns about the project’s potential impacts on the environment and…
Nearly 400 people attended two public scoping meetings about NID’s Centennial Dam proposal on March 9th and 10th. Dozens of speakers expressed their concerns about the project’s potential impacts on the environment and surrounding community. NID hosted these meetings so that the public could comment and learn more about the proposal to build a new 275-foot tall dam and 110,000 acre-foot reservoir on the Bear River between the existing Rollins and Combie Reservoirs.
The Foothills Water Network formally opposes NID’s water rights application for the Centennial Reservoir project
Foothills Water Network, a coalition of conservation and recreation organizations, submitted a joint water rights protest (see below) to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) demanding that Nevada Irrigation…
Foothills Water Network, a coalition of conservation and recreation organizations, submitted a joint water rights protest (see below) to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) demanding that Nevada Irrigation District’s (NID) water rights application for the proposed Centennial Dam be denied based on environmental, public interest and legal grounds.
SYRCL’s Wild and Scenic Film Festival signed up 1,300 Dam Watchdogs over a three-day event.
January 25, 2017
These watchdogs scrutinized the Centennial Dam project and raised awareness about its impacts on the Yuba and Bear Rivers, water supply, and wildlife. In 2017, over 1,700 people became Dam Watchdogs, staying informed and…
These watchdogs scrutinized the Centennial Dam project and raised awareness about its impacts on the Yuba and Bear Rivers, water supply, and wildlife. In 2017, over 1,700 people became Dam Watchdogs, staying informed and participating in outreach and volunteer opportunities. Their involvement included submitting public comments, attending meetings, and educating the community. The Watchdogs attended and spoke at every NID meeting for the next three years. There are alternatives to the Centennial Dam.
This workshop held at SYRCL’s 2017 Wild & Scenic Film Festival, explored alternatives to consider in evaluating the economic and environmental analyses of NID’s proposal. Experts discussed practical water delivery,…
This workshop held at SYRCL’s 2017 Wild & Scenic Film Festival, explored alternatives to consider in evaluating the economic and environmental analyses of NID’s proposal. Experts discussed practical water delivery, demand efficiencies, and watershed scale management opportunities. All agreed that our water challenges and solutions will be a model for California’s sustainable water future. Panelists included:
Jonas Minton, Senior Water Policy Advisor, Planning & Conservation League
Sarah Yarnell, Senior Researcher, UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences
Jeff Odefey, Director, Clean Water Supply, American Rivers
Activists provide NID Board with a cost estimate that showed the dam could reach or exceed $1 billion.
February 27, 2017
This estimate was significantly higher than NID’s earlier projections which ranged from $160 million to $300 million. The full-cost analysis highlighted the potential financial burden and feasibility challenges associated with…
This estimate was significantly higher than NID’s earlier projections which ranged from $160 million to $300 million. The full-cost analysis highlighted the potential financial burden and feasibility challenges associated with the project.
Hundreds Rally at MCWRA Event featuring LaMalfa & McClintock in Auburn
February 28, 2017
South Yuba River Citizen League (SYRCL) volunteers joined the demonstrators to educate and engage others in the “Dam Watchdog” campaign to challenge the Nevada Irrigation District’s plans to build Centennial Dam on the Bear…
South Yuba River Citizen League (SYRCL) volunteers joined the demonstrators to educate and engage others in the “Dam Watchdog” campaign to challenge the Nevada Irrigation District’s plans to build Centennial Dam on the Bear River. And in an unexpected opportunity created by one of the rally’s organizers, Caleb Dardick, SYRCL’s Executive Director, joined a group of community members who met with LaMalfa in the afternoon.
Panel discussion on Centennial Dam presented by the League of Women Voters
March 14, 2017
Rem Scherzinger, General Manager of NID and Caleb Dardick, Executive Director of SYCRL presented their views on the controversial project. Questions from the audience rounded out the two-hour program.
American Rivers includes the Bear River in the national Most Endangered Rivers of the United States Report.
On the evening of Monday, March 13, SYRCL brought together a panel of speakers chosen for their expertise in law, hydrology, ecology, water politics, community activism, and local history. Speakers provided information about the…
On the evening of Monday, March 13, SYRCL brought together a panel of speakers chosen for their expertise in law, hydrology, ecology, water politics, community activism, and local history. Speakers provided information about the scope and cost of the Centennial Dam project, the risks associated with building the dam, sustainable alternatives, and how community members can take action to challenge this contested proposal.
Nisenan tribal leaders invite the public to join in a community discussion of their cultural history and lifeways, and a dialogue on the impacts of the proposed Centennial Dam.
Protesters against the proposed Centennial Dam held up “Save the Bear River” signs Wednesday morning shortly before the NID board meeting was scheduled to begin in Grass Valley.
NID applied to the California Water Commission for funding for the dam project to secure financial support under Proposition 1, a state water bond aimed at funding water storage projects.
December 21, 2017
NID sought this funding to help cover the high costs of constructing the dam, which they projected to exceed $250 million, for construction alone. However, according to grant guidelines, the projects needed to demonstrate public…
NID sought this funding to help cover the high costs of constructing the dam, which they projected to exceed $250 million, for construction alone. However, according to grant guidelines, the projects needed to demonstrate public and environmental benefits besides just water storage, and it was clear that requirement would present a sizeable challenge to the district’s application. SYRCL and our allies showed up and presented letters to the Commission.
NID submitted a proposal to the California Water Commission for $11.95 million. It’s a paltry request for this colossal project. NID’s proposal attempted to sell the unsubstantiated idea that Centennial would create additional habitat and recreational opportunities. SYRCL rallied our allies and to the public to give comments to the California Water Commission. We explained that instead of providing public benefits, the new dam would destroy cultural heritage sites, swimming and fishing holes, 2,200 acres of river canyon forests, and riparian and wetland ecosystems.
Anti-dam activists rally in Sacramento to show opposition to NID’s Centennial reservoir
February 21, 2018
The California Water Commission, which is evaluating the Nevada Irrigation District’s application in pursuit of state funding for the proposed Centennial dam, was greeted by a surprise group of visitors Wednesday….
The California Water Commission, which is evaluating the Nevada Irrigation District’s application in pursuit of state funding for the proposed Centennial dam, was greeted by a surprise group of visitors Wednesday.
Dressed in lifejackets and wielding kayak paddles, about 60 demonstrators stood outside the Commission’s monthly meeting in Sacramento Wednesday to show their opposition to the Centennial project on the Bear River.
The South Yuba River Citizens League has gathered over 3,000 letters from community members opposed to the state funding a portion of the estimated $342 million reservoir. The organization submitted those letters to the Water Commission electronically this month.
Melinda Booth, SYRCL’s executive director, said the demonstration Wednesday — a combined effort between SYRCL, the Foothills Water Network and the Sierra Club — was a visual representation of those letters.
“We wanted to show them the public support we have,” Booth said. “There’s so much support for the Bear River staying as it is. There’s so much anti-dam activity in the community, and we wanted that to be seen in Sacramento, where our legislators and the Water Commission are making these decisions.”
The California Water Commission determines that the Centennial Dam project application is ineligible for Water Storage Investment Program Prop 1 funding, finding that it did not provide sufficient public benefits, assigning it a Public Benefit Ratio of zero, and disqualified it from receiving Prop 1 funding.
May 17, 2018
The Centennial Water Supply Audit Report was presented to the NID Board.
September 12, 2018
The report, prepared by an independent accountant, reviewed expense reports from 2014-2017, revealing that about $11.4 million had been spent on the proposal, even though the project was not yet analyzed or studied. Board members…
The report, prepared by an independent accountant, reviewed expense reports from 2014-2017, revealing that about $11.4 million had been spent on the proposal, even though the project was not yet analyzed or studied. Board members were concerned about property purchases, in particular a 4.8-acre riverfront home that the district paid $1.2 million for.
Public chimes in on issues at Plan for Water workshop
December 2, 2018
Approximately 60 residents turned out for the first public workshop for what will be a two-year process during which the Nevada Irrigation District will update its water plan for the next 50 years.
NID suspends all real estate acquisitions, effective immediately
August 30, 2019
Although district staff stressed the decision, announced Wednesday, was not made because of the controversial Centennial Dam project, property acquisition for the reservoir effectively has been halted for at least 12 to 18…
Although district staff stressed the decision, announced Wednesday, was not made because of the controversial Centennial Dam project, property acquisition for the reservoir effectively has been halted for at least 12 to 18 months.
That move was hailed by water protection watchdogs that have been asking the district to halt spending on Centennial Dam while its Raw Water Master Plan update process is underway.
“SYRCL applauds NID for making the fiscally responsible decision to temporarily suspend property purchases for projects such as Centennial,” said Melinda Booth, executive director of the South Yuba River Citizens League. “SYRCL and allies have consistently asked NID to stop spending on Centennial where legally possible for more than a year, and property acquisition was a majority of that spending.”
An audit released by the water district in August showed the district had spent $12.3 million on Centennial between 2014 and 2017, with $6.147 million of that spent on property and appraisal services. An independent review of NID property purchases in Bear River Canyon, compiled via a public records request, shows an additional $1.6 million spent on property in 2018 — a total expenditure of $7.6 million on 31 parcels.
“The board has decided to press pause on purchasing any more properties for Centennial,” said Traci Sheehan of Foothills Water Network. “They have had some financial challenges recently, so it is fiscally responsible to press pause.”
While it is not known how many more parcels the water district would need to purchase for the Centennial project and at what cost, Sheehan noted one of three parcels discussed in closed session at the board’s Aug. 14 meeting was an estate on the Bear River valued at nearly $2 million.
The board took no action at that meeting. Sheehan added that documents submitted to the Army Corps of Engineers by NID estimated about 500 properties would be impacted by the Centennial dam.
“There is still a lot left to acquire,” Booth said.
The Nevada Irrigation District (NID) launched an update to its Raw Water Master Plan, titled “Plan for Water,” and released Water Planning Projections during a Board meeting.
September 24, 2020
In preparation for a presentation by HDR on the projections on September 24, 2020, the Foothills Water Network (FWN) and California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) submitted letters with questions in advance of the…
In preparation for a presentation by HDR on the projections on September 24, 2020, the Foothills Water Network (FWN) and California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) submitted letters with questions in advance of the meeting. During the presentation, resource agencies and the public raised concerns and questions. Subsequently, on October 19, 2020, FWN submitted further questions regarding the faulty assumptions.
NID sought to have the dam project included as part of the Cosumnes, American, Bear, and Yuba (CABY) Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
February 4, 2021
NID sought to have the dam project included as part of the Cosumnes, American, Bear, and Yuba (CABY) Integrated Regional Water Management Plan, potentially providing the project with regional recognition and possible access to…
NID sought to have the dam project included as part of the Cosumnes, American, Bear, and Yuba (CABY) Integrated Regional Water Management Plan, potentially providing the project with regional recognition and possible access to state funding. However, including the dam project would have caused controversy due to opposition over environmental, cultural, and recreational issues. The CABY Plan focused on collaboration and multi-benefit projects, which did not align with the divisive proposal.
The Administrative Hearings Office (AHO) of the State Water Resources Control Board held status conferences to address NID’s petition for the assignment of state-filed water rights and its application for a permit to…
The Administrative Hearings Office (AHO) of the State Water Resources Control Board held status conferences to address NID’s petition for the assignment of state-filed water rights and its application for a permit to appropriate water for the Centennial Dam project. These conferences were necessary to review the progress of NID’s application, ensure compliance with procedural requirements, and discuss any pending issues related to the proposed use of state-held water rights. The AHO held status conferences on August 31, 2021; January 18, 2022; July 20, 2022; April 25, 2023; October 26, 2023; and March 6 and August 16, 2024, with a final conference
NID re-engaged in an effort to plan for their future water needs.
In July 2020, the NID Board approved a public process that included outreach and education efforts and a technical expert panel. The planning process involved stakeholders through approximately a dozen public workshops held from…
In July 2020, the NID Board approved a public process that included outreach and education efforts and a technical expert panel. The planning process involved stakeholders through approximately a dozen public workshops held from November 2021 to August 2023.
The resulting plan was known as the Plan for Water. The final version reassessed hydrology, water supply, and demand over the next 50 years.
Ultimately, the plan helped NID determine if the region needed additional water storage. This planning process was a crucial inflection point in the campaign against Centennial Dam.
During this process SYRCL engaged in meetings and stressed the importance of community involvement and the engagement of stakeholders with diverse perspectives. SYRCL recognizes and applauds the time and energy that NID invested in this effort.
NID Board votes to withdraw application and cease analysis
September 25, 2024
Citing the fundamental responsibility to provide a reliable future water supply to the community, the Nevada Irrigation District (NID) is moving forward with the storage alternatives evaluated in the Plan for Water process….
Citing the fundamental responsibility to provide a reliable future water supply to the community, the Nevada Irrigation District (NID) is moving forward with the storage alternatives evaluated in the Plan for Water process.
The District’s Board of Directors approved a resolution during its Sept. 25 meeting in support of increasing storage at Rollins Reservoir. It also provides direction to withdraw NID’s State-filed application to build the proposed Centennial Reservoir Project. Also, the District will discontinue all feasibility, environmental and other analyses in support of a Centennial project.
