The Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long-Term Sustainability (CVSALTS) Salinity Working Group convened last week to initially determine which salt-sensitive crops to designate for study in the Delta-Mendota pilot area, which extends roughly from Patterson south to Mendota. Almonds, walnuts, cherries and apricots are the crops tentatively set for study. Next step is setting target ranges for ground and applied water.
The agricultural members of the working group are managing this portion, and yesterday provided detailed lists of crops, acreage and basic salinity levels. The group, working with hydrogeologic consultants, is also developing by early 2025 tools to map applied water management, mixing with groundwater and surface water and to track salt levels. Setting target ranges for the latter is complex and will require approval by the water boards.
One of the major near-term goals is to protect groundwater, while identifying areas where degradation can occur. Sub-basin variations will be incorporated, the consultants said. The Salinity Group is open only to CVSALTS members, and the Central Valley Water Board provides senior staff, as requested. CIPA is engaged in the CVSALTS effort.
Three things for CIPA members to understand about CVSALTS:
Kern County is a tier 2 basin. The activities described above initially roll out in tier 1 basins. Kern County is roughly 1-2 years behind this schedule.
Producers in the Central Valley Water Board (CVWB) jurisdiction participate in the CVSALTS Salinity Project via local coalitions, just like the nitrate coalitions, which will manage the regional program design, development and then groundwater salt mitigation and remediation. Producers will begin receiving fee notices later this year or early next year. The other option is individual participation through waste discharge permit, which Central Valley Water Board official say will be much more expensive.
The State Water Resources Control Board Members (SWRCB) – who are appointed by the governor and not oil industry supporters – have high regard for CVSALTS and the oil industry’s pioneering efforts to remediate drinking water for disadvantaged communities in the San Joaquin Valley. This provides CIPA with “good will” involvement in enhancing water quality.
CIPA staff will keep the membership up to speed regarding the long-term progress of CVSALTS.
For more information, contact Bob Gore or Sean Wallentine.