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Home My WebLink About12/20/2006 - STAFF REPORTS - 5.D. Salton Seer Authority December 20, 2006 Mayor Ronald Oden City of Palm Springs Palm Springs, CA Honorable Mayor Oden: The Salton Sea has suffered for decades due to neglect. We are now facing momentous decisions about the Sea and its restoration efforts. The Sea is the largest body of water in California. It covers over 365 square miles spanning portions of Riverside County and Imperial County. The Sea is home to over 400 species of birds and over 200 million fish. It represents the largest collection of threatened and endangered species in the United States. The Sea is an integral piece of the Pacific Flyway for migrating ducks and geese moving from South America and the Canadian north. According to the Pacific Institute (an environmental research organization) the Sea will be dead within the next decade if nothing is done to restore its ecosystem. By dead they mean that all fish life will be gone. Once the fish are gone, the birds that depend upon the fish population for food supply will disappear. If allowed to continue to deteriorate, the Sea will become a foul smelling salt sink and the receding shoreline will become a source of air pollution. According to the Pacific Institute, that air pollution may make the region uninhabitable. Look only to the experience at the Owens Valley where they drained the Owens Lake to quench the thirst of Los Angeles- The dry Owens Lake bed is the nation's largest single source of particulate emission (dust). Owens Lake is 1/5th of the size of the Salton Sea. The problems of the Salton Sea were exacerbated in 2003 when the state approved an out of basin water transfer to benefit San Diego and other urban water districts resulting in a quarter to one third of the Sea's inflow being diverted away from the Sea. With a massive reduction in inflow, the Sea will shrink thus exposing tens of miles of lake bed. The Salton Sea Authority is a joint powers authority formed in 1993 by Riverside and Imperial Counties, Coachella Valley Water District, Imperial Irrigation District, and the Torres Martinez Tribe of Desert Cahuilla Indians for the purpose of restoring the Sea. The Authority adopted a plan for the Sea's restoration in June, 2006 and revised it in September to incorporate changes requested by various stakeholders, including environmental organizations. Each member organization has followed up and adopted the Authority's plan. The California Resources Agency is conducting a programmatic EIR in which they are trying to decide whether to dry up the Sea and deal with the consequences or retain the body of water and determine what is required to make it usable. The EIR comment period closes on January 17, 2007 with the Secretary making a recommendation to the Legislature on a preferred alternative in April. The Authority firmly believes that retaining the body of water benefits the Coachella and Imperial Valleys and is seeking support from other local governments and agencies in that effort. Beginning in June, the Authority has been conducting community outreach efforts in order to clearly communicate with the public the need to restore the Sea in a fashion that not only protects wildlife, water quality, air quality that are so valuable to the quality of life that we enjoy here, but also creates new economic and recreational opportunities. The Authority has made over 80 presentations to cities, community councils, community service clubs, and other organizations. We have gathered over 5000 individual support cards and 40 resolutions of support from governmental and community based organizations. (See attached list.) The Authority is also seeking financial support in order to conduct these community outreach efforts. So far Riverside County has contributed $150,000, Coachella Valley Water District has contributed $150,000, the cities of Indio and La Quinta have each contributed $20,000, and the City of Coachella has provided $5,000 of financial assistance. I have also provided your staff with the Authority's budget so you can see the level of effort underway. The efforts to save the Salton Sea needs whatever support that the City of Palm Springs can provide, Respectfully Submitted, Rick Daniels Executive Director cc: Mayor pro tem Steve Pougnet Councilmember Ginny Foat Councilmember Mike McCulloch Councilmember Chris Mills 78-401 Highway 111, Suite 7 +• La Quinta, CA 92253 :• (760) 564-4888 •:• Fax (760) 564.5288 Whitewater=River',Wetlands X. — airy.y .vi:r .e 6aY�WL a Statg Park•= 7 I 1 � Ll� - - Saltwak lake - ��• RlJHRSW`oCOYxry , Ilne,Nabtfat`" xrr f�\ Sand Filtration and - i- f Oxidation Process - tY pibbt Zone/ Salt Sink \' 9 Opportunities ,• ��luntin 0 oriunitl pP Fishing Opportunities UL - � �CfJNV BCrvO^gUON dE4 - �•'_• 1 rJ :'\ V 1 4P rION9L N9LCLlFERF,FfIf[ [�4.'• Il�j Recirculation Pumping, natural salt Aeration and _ '., =�••^_, I' ! "�Formation Phosphate Removal 1 r? Managed Salt Deposit ioee-11 -- - ---Are -- aerApplicatlon 1 -�-•- - " Water Sports of her Dust - '\ Suppression Methods N -- Recreationalp r ."Estuary Lake <i l � � Colorado 110 River Water �'. .---- .• ! w✓r Reservoir .•___ ,'., ; r-'! I_ __ 4;C _ J q .� -g - i/ _ _ _'. - eothermal E`xp,anslo ,F n - 7e�UI.HIgnv/aply Gwnta CA 32253 ivim ��llonma cs ovl I New/Alamo River We la - - • • • • • • SALTON SEA REVITALIZATION & RESTORATION • • Salton Sea Authority Piano for • Muni-Purpose Project • i • Executive Summary Salton Sea Authority • Board of Directors Adopted • c ion Seep AvLfhon"Ly ; une 29, 2CCG • • • • - Salton Sea Authority • • • SALTON SEA AUTHORITY • ADOPTION OF • REVITALIZATION AND RESTORATION CONCEPTUAL PLAN • Resolution No: 06-02 • Whereas, the Salton Sea Authority is a joint powers agency formed under the laws of the State of • California by a Joint Powers Agreement dated 1993, and has led the studies and planning efforts in participation with Federal and State Agencies, Universities and other research groups resulting in the • Salton Sea Authority Revitalization and Restoration Conceptual Plan, and, • Whereas,the five member agencies that comprise the Salton Sea Authority are the counties of Riverside, • and Imperial; the Imperial Irrigation District; the Coachella Valley Water District, and the 'Torres • Martinez Tribe of Desert Cahuilla Indians, and, Whereas, the Salton Sea is California's largest inland water body with beneficial uses including fisheries • and wildlife habitat,recreation, and preservation of endangered species, and, • Whereas, the Salton Sea ecosystem is a critical link on the international Pacific flyway and has supported • over 400 species of birds and a productive fishery, and, • • Whereas, the Sea is threatened by increasing salinity and water loss, and a major reduction of inflows greatly accelerates salinity and the threat of particulate matter contributions from exposed lake-bed which • may jeopardize the quality of life in the Imperial Valley, Coachella Valley, and tribal lands and lead to • significant economic interruptions and health impacts, and, • Whereas, under its Salton Sea Ecosystem Restoration program, the California Resources Agency has • been tasked by legislation to prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) that • addresses habitat restoration, elimination of air quality impacts and the protection of water quality, and, • Whereas, the Salton Sea Authority is taking concrete steps in finalizing a conceptual plan leading to • subsequent detailed planning of a restoration and revitalization project, that to the extent feasible, maximizes ecosystem restoration, economic development and recreational opportunities and respects • tribal culture and heritage values, and, • • Whereas, the Salton Sea Authority Revitalization and Restoration Conceptual Plan will foster ecosystem restoration, regional economic development and recreational opportunities by creating a multi-purpose • lakes system, and, Whereas, prior to the fonnal adoption or implementation of any restoration plan, the Salton Sea • Authority will cause any plan to undergo thorough environmental analysis pursuant to the California • Environmental Quality Act. • NOW, TiiEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: • • The Salton Sea Authority hereby approves the conceptual plan entitled "Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan frn�Multi-Pzupose Project" as the Authority's preferred conceptual plan for Salton Sea restoration • and revitalization and urges all member agencies to adopt the plan as their agencies' preferred conceptual • plan. • 7S-401 Highway 111,Suira T•La Qi imza,CA 92253 • TEL 760564�888•E4x 760.564.5288•wwwsaltonsea.ca.gov • • • • • • • BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, The Salton Sea Authority urges the State of California to select the • Salton Sea Authority's conceptual plan as the preferred alternative for Salton Sea restoration. - BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Salton Sea Authority urges the United States Bureau of • Reclamation to include the conceptual plan as the preferred alternative in the Bureau's feasibility study of • restoration alternatives. - BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be sent to Senator Dianne • Feinstein, Senator Barbara Boxer, Congresswoman Mary Bono, Congressman Bob Filner, and the rest of • the Congressional Salton Sea Task Force and other appropriate members of Congress, the Secretary of the - Interior, State Senator Denise Ducheny, State Senator Jim Battin, Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia, Assemblyman John Benoit, Salton Sea Coalition, California Resources Secretary, and the member • agencies of the Salton Sea Authority. • Passed and Adopted by the Salton Sea Authority during a regularly scheduled m�ting on this 29°i day • of June, 2f)O6. � • • Crary W i, Pre n • Salton ea Auth i ety • inda Quesnell, Executive Assistant Salton Sea Authority • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • - RESOLUTION NO. 2006-152 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT - SUPPORTING THE SALTON SEA AUTHORITY - PLAN FOR MULTI-PURPOSE PROJECT I WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority is a Joint Powers Agency formed under the laws of - 2 the State of California by a Joint Powers Agreement dated 1993, and is the regional agency for 3 identifying and implementing corrective measures to preserve the beneficial uses of the Sea; and 4 WHEREAS, Coachella Valley Water District has been a member of the Salton Sea 5 Authority since 1993 and has fully participated in all aspects of the Authority's programs, 6 including the development of the"Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan for Multi-Purpose - 7 Project"("Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan"); and 8 WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority has conducted extensive research and scientific 9 investigation of the Salton Sea and has studied numerous alternative measures to restore and � 10 - revitalize the Sea; and 11 WHEREAS, on June 29, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Salton Sea Authority voted 12 unanimously to adopt the Executive Summary of the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan; and = 13 WHEREAS, Coachella Valley Water District finds that the Salton Sea Authority - 14 Conceptual Plan best meets the needs to provide wildlife habitats,improve water quality, and is protect air quality in our region; and - 16 WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Conceptual Plan also creates major recreational and economic 17 development opportunities in the Riverside and Imperial Valleys; and is WHEREAS,the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan is consistent with Coachella 19 Valley Water District's policies and programs, in particular the Coachella Valley Water 20 Management Plan; and 21 WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan best meets the needs of Coachella - 22 Valley Water District, its constituents, and those living and working in the Riverside and 23 Imperial Valleys; and 24 WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan is superior to other alternatives 25 that the State of California and the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, are 26 considering during their programmatic EIR and alternatives study; and 27 • I WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority has developed a community outreach program to •_ 2 inform the citizens and businesses in the Riverside and Imperial Valleys about the Salton Sea • 3 Authority Conceptual Plan; and • 4 WHEREAS, prior to the formal adopting or implementation of any restoration plan,the •_ 5 Salton Sea Authority will cause any plan to undergo a thorough and environmental analysis • 6 pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. • 7 NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of the Coachella • 8 Valley Water District as follows: • 9 1. The Coachella Valley Water District hereby supports the"Salton Sea Authority • 10 Conceptual Plan for Multi-Purpose Project'as the District's preferred plan for restoration and • • 11 revitalization of the Salton Sea; and 12 2. Coachella Valley Water District encourages the State of California and the • 13 Department of the Interior to select the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan as their preferred • 14 alternative for Salton Sea restoration and revitalization; and • 15 3. Coachella Valley Water District encourages the Salton Sea Authority to conduct a • 16 community outreach program to fully inform citizens and businesses in the Riverside and • 17 Imperial Valleys about the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan, and to assist them in • is participating in the state and federal process; and • 19 4. Coachella Valley Water District encourages cities and counties and other entities to • • 20 join with it in support of the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan. • 21 ADOPTED this I Ith day of July,2006. • 22 • 23 • 24 Pre/ofoar of Directors of the • Coachella Valley Water District • 25 ATTEST: • 26 • 27 • 28 B d Secretary • 29 • 30 • • • 1 � RESOLUTION OF THE COUNTY OF SERIAL BOARD OF SUPERVISORS APPROVING THE SALTON SEA AUTHORITY CONCEPTUAL PLAN FOR MULTI-PURPOSE PROJECT RESOLUTION NO.2006-066 - WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority is a joint powers agency formed under the laws of the State of California by a Joint Powers Agreement dated 1993, and is the regional agency for identifying and implementing corrective measures to preserve the beneficial uses of the Sea;and WD EREAS, County of Imperial has been a member of the Salton Sea Authority since 1993 and i has fully participated in all aspects of the Authority's programs, including the development of the "Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan for Multi-Purpose Project" ("Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan"); and - WHEREAS,the Salton Sea Authority has conducted extensive research and scientific investigation of the Salton Sea and has studies numerous alternative measures to restore and revitalize the Sea; and WHEREAS, on June 29, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Salton Sea Authority voted unanimously to adopt the Executive Summary of the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan; and - WHEREAS,the County of Imperial finds that the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan best meets - the needs to prmade wildlife habitats, improve water quality, arid-protect air quality in our region; and 'WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Conceptual Plan also creates major-recreational and economic - development opportunities irz the County of Imperial service territory;-and WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan- is consistent with County of Imperial - policies and programs, in particular the County of Imperial's policy to oppose further water - transfers from the Imperial Valley;and WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan best meets the needs of County of Imperial, - its constituents,and those living and working in the County of Imperial service territory, and WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan is superior to other alternatives that the State of California and the U.S. Department of lnterioi, Bureau of Reclamation, are considering - during their programmatic EIR and alternatives study; and WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority has developed a community outreach program to inform the citizens and businesses in the Imperial and Coachella Valleys about the Salton Sea Authority - Conceptual Plan; and WHEREAS,prior to the formal adopting or implementation of any restoration plan,the Salton Sea Authority will cause any plan to undergo a thorough and environmental analysis pursuant to the - California Environmental Quality Act. • NOW, THEREFORE,BE TT RESOLVED that: • The County of Imperial hereby approves the "Salton Sea Authority Conceptual flan for Multi- Purpose Project" as the County's preferred plan for restoration and revitalization of the Salton Sea; and The County of Imperial encourages The State of California and the Department of the Interior to - select the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual. Plan as Their preferred alternative for Salton Sea restoration and revitalization; and • The County of Imperial encourages the Salton Sea Authority to conduct a community outreach program to fully inform citizens and businesses in the County of hnperial service Territory about The Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan, and to assist them__ in participatin.g in the state and federal • process;and • The County of Imperial commits to provide$150,000.00 per year funding for the next two (2) years to assist the Salton Sea Authority with its general administration and community outreach program- PASSED AND APPROVED by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Imperial during its � regularly scheduled meeting on this 23t�'day of July,2006. • • COTNTY OF E\APERJAL - • Victor M- Carrillo, Chairman - Imperial CounTy Board of Supervisors • Sylvia Bermudez, Clerk of the Board • County of Imperial • • • • • • • • • • • • IMPERIAL IRRIGATION DISTRICT • RESOLUTION NO. 17-2006 • • SUPPORT OF SALTON SEA RESTORATION PLAN • THAT FULLY PROTECTS IID'S WATER RIGHTS • • WHEREAS, the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) has senior vested rights to certain • portions of the waters of the Colorado River; and • WHEREAS, Colorado River water that is diverted by IID pursuant to its senior • vested water rights is the vital natural resource to the Imperial Valley and the very - foundation for all present and future economic development; and • WHEREAS, the Salton Sea is an important and valuable resource as a • repository for IID's agricultural drainwater; and • WHEREAS, the Salton Sea is California's largest inland water body, with • beneficial uses including fisheries, wildlife habitat and recreation; and • WHEREAS, with the decrease in California wetlands, the Salton Sea ecosystem • is a critical link on the international Pacific flyway, supporting a productive fishery and • approximately 400 species of birds; and • WHEREAS, recent federal and state legislation recognizes the restoration of the • Salton Sea as a critical environmental concern, requiring immediate identification and • implementation of corrective measures to preserve its many beneficial uses; and • WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority is a Joint Powers Agency and -is the • regional agency responsible for assisting in the identification and implementation of • corrective measures to preserve the beneficial uses of the Salton Sea; and • WHEREAS, the state of California and the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of • Reclamation, are, respectively, the state and federal lead agencies for identifying and • implementing corrective measures to preserve the beneficial uses of the Salton Sea; • and • WHEREAS, any remediation plan for the Salton Sea must respect IID's water • rights and be consistent with the terms and provisions of existing agreements and • legislation; and • WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Alan is consistent with the Ilp • policy opposing further water transfers from Imperial Valley; and • • • • • • • • • • WHEREAS, IID, as a member of the Salton Sea Authority, provided funding to • the Salton Sea Authority to assist it in reaching out to stakeholders and educating them • about IID's rights, goals, policies and objectives with respect to the Salton Sea as set • forth in this instant resolution and prior resolutions. • NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the IID will support a Salton Sea • Restoration Plan that: • 1_ Preserves and protects the water rights of IID; the uses of water by IID; the = right of IID to recapture and reuse agricultural drainage; the terms and provisions of the Quantification Settlement Agreement and Related • Agreements; and the benefits accorded to IID under Water Code section • 1013 and under legislation adopted in 2003 to facilitate the Quantification Settlement Agreement, and SB 277, SB 317, and SB 654. • • 2. Maintains the Salton Sea as a repository for agricultural drainwater from 11D, • 3. Includes a 260,000 acre-foot freshwater reservoir constructed and maintained • as part of the restoration project without expense to IID, with a right for IID to store water in such reservoir. • 4. Accommodates elevation and salinity fluctuations in the Salton Sea reflective • of changes in annual consumptive use and drain volumes within the Imperial • Valley. • 5. To the extent feasible, while fulfilling items 1 through 4 above, includes • recreation compatible open-water lakes, maximizes economic development • and recreational opportunities and preserves tribal, cultural and historical • values, such as those described in the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan. • PASSED AND ADOPTED this 22nd day of August, 2006. • • IMPERIAL IRRIG N DISTRICT • • �pRIGArIpy • 01cANZE0 Presi ent • JUL% 2% ISIX • � 0. c►�,`��t Secretary • • • Salton Sea Rworation • Page 2 of 2 • • • • • • • RESOLUTION NO.2006-312 • • COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE RESOLUTION • APPROVING THE SALTON SEA AUTHORITY CONCEPTUAL • • PLAN FOR ]+MULTI-PURPOSE PROJECT • • WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority is a joint powers agency formed under the laws of the • State of California by a Joint Powers Agreement dated 1993, and is the regional agency for identifying and implementing corrective measures to preserve the beneficial uses of the Sea; and • • WHEREAS,County of Riverside has been a member of the Salton Sea Authority since 1993 • and has fully participated in all aspects of the Authority's programs, including the development of the "Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan for Multi-Purpose Project" ("Salton Sea Authority • Conceptual Plan"); and • • WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority has conducted extensive research and scientific investigation of the Salton Sea and has studied numerous alternative measures to restore and • revitalize the Sea; and • • WHEREAS, on June 29, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Salton Sea Authority voted unanimously to adopt the,Executive Summary of the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan; and • • WHEREAS, the County of Riverside finds that the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan best • meets the needs to provide wildlife habitats, improve water quality, and protect air quality in our region; and • • WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Conceptual Plan also creates major recreational and economic - development opportunities in the County of Riverside set-vice territory; and • WHEREAS,the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan is consistent with County of Riverside • policies and programs, in particular County of Riverside's policy to oppose further water • transfers ti-om the Imperial Valley; and • WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan best meets the needs of County of • Riverside. its constituents,and those living and working in the County of Riverside service • territory; and • NN'FIIEREAS, (lie Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan is superior to other alternatives that the - State of California and the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, are considerimo • &1 in2, their programmatic E1R and alternatives study: and WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority has developed a Comnnrrtit} outreach program to inform • the citizens and businesses in the Imperial and Coachella Valleys about tite Salton Sea Authoriq • Conceptual Plan-land • • 7.25.06 3.3 • • • WHEREAS, prior to the formal adopting or implementation of any restoration plan, the Salton • Sea Authority will cause any plan to undergo a thorough and environmental analysis pursuant to • the California Environmental Quality Act. - • • NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that: • The County of Riverside hereby approves the "Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan for Multi- • Purpose Project" as the County's preFerred plan for restoration and revitalization of the Salton • Sea; • County of Riverside encourages the State of California and the Department of the Interior to select the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan as their preferred alternative for Salton Sea • restoration and revitalization; • County of Riverside encourages the Salton Sea Authority to conduct a community outreach • program to fully inform citizens and businesses in the County of Riverside service territory about • the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan, and to assist tbem in participating in the state and • federal process; and • County of Riverside commits to provide S 150,000.00 per year funding for the next two (2) years • to assist the Salton Sea Authority with its general administration and community outreach • progam. • • PASSED AND APPROVED by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Riverside during its • regularly scheduled meeting on this 25th day of July, 2006. • ROLL CALL: • Ayes: Buster, Stone, Wilson and Ashley • Nays: None • Absent: Tavaglivne COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE^' • • By: P00 el • Bob Buster, Chairman • • • By: - • C1er c e Board The foregoing is certified to be a true a resolution du �dopted by said Board of Supervisors • on the, dat herein set forth. . NANCY R ME 0 Clerk of said Board By Deputy r • 7/25/06 3.3 • • • • • • TORRES MARTINEZ DESERT CAHUILLA INDIANS • P.O.Sox 1160—66-725 Martinez Rd. Thermal CA92274 • • RESOLUTION W M-07-06-003 • APPROVING THE SALTON SEA AUTHORITY CONCEPTUAL • PLAN FOR MULTI-PURPOSE PROJECT • • WHEREAS,the Salton Sea Authority is a joint powers agency formed under the laws of the • State of California by a Joint Powers Agreern"dated 1993,and is the regional agency for identifying and implementing corrective measures to preserve the beneficial uses of the Sea; and • • WHEREAS,since time immemorial,the Salton Sea has been a vital cultural and economic resource for the Torres Martinez Desert CaWUa Indians, which continues to own substantial • land adjacent to and under the Salton Sea; and • WHEREAS,the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians has been a member of the Salton Sea • Authority since 2003 and has fully participated in all aspects ofthe Authority's pragrarns, • including the development of the"Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan for Multi-Purpose • Project"("Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan"); and • WHEREAS,the Salton Sea Authority has conducted extensive research and scientific • investigation of the Salton Sea and has studied numerous alternative measures to restore and revitalize the Sea;and • • WHEREAS,on June 29, 2006,the Board of Directors of the Salton Sea Authority voted • unanimously to adopt the Executive Sutnmary of the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan;and • WHEREAS,the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians finds,given the information currently • available,that the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan best meets the needs to provide wildlife habitats, improve water quality,and protect air quality is our region;and - WHEREAS,the Salton Sea Conceptual Plan also orates major recreational and economic development opportunities in the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians service territory;and • • WHEREAS,the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan is consistent with Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians policies and programs,in particular Torres Martinez Desert CahuilIa • Indians policy to oppose further water transfers from the Imperial Valley;and • WHEREAS,the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan best meets the needs ofTbrres Martinez • Desert Cahuilla Indians, its constituents,and those living and working in the Torres Martinez • Desert CahuiM Indians service territory;and • WHEREAS,the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan is superior to other alternatives that the • State of California and the U.S.Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, are considering • during their programmatic EIR and alternatives study;and • • • • • • WHEREAS,the Salton Sea Authority has developed a community outreach program to inform the citizens and businesses in the Imperial and Coachella valleys about the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan; and WIIEREAS,prior to the formal adopting or implementation,of any restoration plan,the Salton Sea Authority will cause any plan to undergo a thorough and environmental analysis pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act; and - NOW,TIiEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED THAT;the Tones Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians hereby approves the"Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan far Multi-Purpose Project" . as the District's preferred plan for restoration and revitalization ofthe Salton Sea;and . BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT;the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians encourages the State of California and the Department of the Interior to select the Salton Sea - Authority Conceptual Plan as their prefcaxed alternative for Salton Sea restoration and revitalization;and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT;the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians encourages the Salton Sea Authority to conduct a community outreach program to fully inform citizens and businesses in the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians service territory about the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan,and to assist them in participating in the state and federal - process; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT;the Tones Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians have - reviewed,and hereby approve,the Authority's Plan as the preferred altemative for the restoration of the Salton Sea. CERTIFICATION The Torres Martinez',Tribal Council at a duly called meeting held on duly 28,2006 by a vote of - "in favor"LI "apposed"and "abstaining"approved iS resalu 'on, Rzymon Torres, Chairman M. Faitt Morreo,Vice-Cbxirmxn - Alesia Reed,See eta Rn rbara Lawson. Treasurer Alltayg,Council Mem r Aarvey Vitro, Council M tuber - Mary aso,Council ember 346cph irelea,Cgnneil Mem r r • • • • • SALTON SEA AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS • AND TECHNICAL COMMITTEES • • • Salton Sea Authority Board of Directors Coachella Valley Water District Patricia"Corky' Larson • Peter Nelson,Vice President • Imperial.County, Larry Grogan • Gary Wyatt,President = Imperial Irrigation District Andy Horne Stella Mendoza - Riverside County Marion Ashley Roy Wilson • • Torres Martinez Al Loya, Secretary Joe Loya • • Technical Advisory Committee • Doug Barnum, U.S.G.S. (non-voting member) • Larry Gilbert, Imperial County Farmer • Bob Ham, Imperial County Dan Martinez,Riverside County • Shirley Palmer,Salton Community Services District • Dan Parks,Coachella Valley Water District • Paul Peschel, Imperial Irrigation District Alberto Ramirez,Torres Martinez • Michael Walker, U.S_Bureau of Reclamation (non-voting member) • Project Finance Committee • • Amy Ammons, Coachella Valley Water District • Rodney Bonner, Tortes Martinez Robertta Bums,Imperial County • Don Cox, Imperial County Fanner - Ted Deckers,Desert Shores Resident • Tim Kelley, Imperial County Economic Corporation Dan Martinez,Riverside County • Mike Wilson,Indio Councilmember • • • • • • • • • • • Public Policy & Planning Committee • Rob Bernheimer, Indian Wells Councilmember • Juan DeLara, Coachella Councliaember • Bob Ham, Imperial County • Ron Hull,Imperial Irrigation District • Al Kalin, Imperial County Farm Bureau Thomas "Bud"Landrum,Westmorland Couneilmember • Debi Livesay,Torres Martinez • Dan Martinez,Riverside County • Pat Nelson, Calipattia Councibmember Dan Parks, Coachella Valley Water District • Shirley Palmer, Salton Community Services District • Jo Shields,Brawley Mayor • Cheryl Walker,El Centro Mayor • Executive Director • Rick Daniels,Executive Director • Dan Cain, Senior Administrative Analyst • Geniene Croft,Administrative Services Officer • Linda Quesnell,Executive Assistant • Consultant Support • Bill Brownhe,Tetra Tech • Ron Eazweiler,Watertech Partners • • • • • • • For additional information,,please contact: • Salton Sea Authority 78 401 Highway 111, Suite T • La Quinta, CA 92253 • (760) 564-4888 • • • • • • • .... ............ rj 01 } \ ~ ` I-ILI Cl) UP � 2 � � / � � 2 / \ \ , �] � � ` � \ LU 1A, 1�, r � : / , ® , . - ��f a � d. »~ a , i . ] ! �\\� � q t9 0 V) 'ci • • • - _ Exemfive Summary • EXECUTIVE SUMMARY • Salton Sea Authority Plan Overview The Salton Sea is located in a closed basin in Itiverside and Imperial Counties in southern California, south of Indio and north of El Centro. The Sea is more than - 220 feet below mean sea level (msl) and has no natural curler. Land under the Sea is under a checkerboard of ownership consisting of. Federal (47/6),Imperial Irrigation District (449/6), tribal (59/6),private (2%), State (19/6) and Coachella Valley Water District (1o/o). The Salton Sea Basin is part of the Lower Colorado River Delta - system (Figure ES-1) and, over geologic timcscales-,lakes have existed in the basin as - the course of the Colorado River shifted,most recently, several hundred years ago. - Prior to the current Salton Sea formation,Lake Cahuilla formed periodically in the . basin and provided support for tribal dwellers in the area. Currently,land owned by the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Tribe (the'rribe) is located along the • northwest shore of the Sea. The Authority's Plan would provide a restored Sea • along the currenr shoreline coupled with the development of habitat areas that could • stimulate development and improve the economic conditions for the Tribe and Imperial and Rivetside counties- • • The current body of water formed in 1905 when a levee break along the Colorado River caused flows from the Colorado River to enter the basin for about 18 moarhs. • Since its formation in 1905,the Sea has been sustained predominantly by drainage • flows from the nearly 600,000 acres of irr*red farmland in the Coachella and • Imperial Valleys. The Sea also currently receives Colorado River Delta agriculnual drainage,urban runoff, and wastewater flows • from the Mexicali Valley and water from storm run-off 3 Indio :,v- ` Historically, the highly productive farmlands in the • ` , Imperial and Coachella Valleys have been irrigated with - iSaZt077 =. j 3.3 million acre-feet/year (AFY) of Colorado River Sea • water- Because farming activity in the Coachella, Imperial 'Al=Fhcr and Mexicali Valleys has remained relatively stable over - ~.:1f-.Lnerrcnn Cnn.d.. =�0 the last 40 years, the quantity of drainage flows reaching • = the Sea has also been relatively stable. Since the 1950s,inflows to the Sea have averaged 1.35 million acre-feet per year (AF�o and remained within the range of 1.17 (- • 13%) to 1.59 (+181/o) million AFY (Table 3-1)- Except for two hurricane flooding events in the late 1970s, the Sea has existed over the last 50 years as a picturesque 360-sq.-mile lake at a relatively stable elevation of—228 • ~kf feet msl(±1.5 feet). - Fa�ta — The Salton Sca was a major regional recreational • Figure ES-1. Salton Sea Setting within destination in the 1950s and 60s attracting more visitors • Colorado River Delta annually than Yosemite National Park.Nascent seaside • • 1 • • • • • Salton Sea Authority Plan for Multi-Purpose Project • resort and residential communities,like Salton City,North Shores and Salton Sea • Beach, sprung up along the Sea's 90-mile shoreline.While the Sea continues to remain a regional recreation resource for campers, fishing,boating,hunting,bud • watching and passive activities,the Sea's increasing salinity and other water quality • problems have curtailed recreational use in the area beginning in the early 1970s. . The Sea and its adjacent areas have supported a diverse wildlife habitat for over 400 • bird species.The Sea also serves as a critical link on the 5,000 mile international • Pacific flyway for bird migration. • Another important resource neat the Salton Sea is the geothermal energy field at its • south end. This important source of green energy currently has geothermal energy - plants with a combined generation capacity of about 300 MW. It has been estimated that the energy field can support up to 2,000 MW of generation capacity. Part of the • energy field is now under water_ Under the Authority Plan,more of this area will be - dry,making more geothermal production practdcaL The geothermal field is partially • located in an area that has important shallow water habitat value. As the Authority's Plan moves from the conceptual phase to the detailed design phase, specific plans will need to be developed to minima a conflicts between these two important assets. - Even though the Sea has been telatively stable in size and elevation over the last 40 • years, the dissolved salts present in the inflow water (about 3 tons per acre-foot)have been continuously accumulating in the water (except for the amount that - precipitates and falls to the bottom). Consequently,salt concentrations are rising And are currently about 44 grams per liter (g/L).This is about 25%saltier than ocean • water. If no remedial actions are taken,the Sea will become so saline within 15 years • (over 60 g/L salt) that the sport fishery and the fish that serve as a food source for • birds will be effectively eliminated. If the cr rzent inflow projections are correct, within 30 years,the Sea will evolve into a hyersaline water body (over 120 g/L salt) similar to Mono Lake in Inyo County. Some have suggested an even mote rapid • deterioration in habitat values (Pacific Institute,2006).As inflows are reduced by - water transfers and other factors as discussed below,the Sea will eventually become a semi-solid brine pool (over 200 g/L salt) surrounded by hard-surface salt Rats • similar to the Great Salt Lake in Utah and the Laguna Salada basin southwest of - Mexicali. • In addition to high salinity, the Sea is also highly eutrophic,meaning that it has high • levels of nutrient compounds of phosphorus and nitrogen that result from • Agricultural and urban ru, off. Nutrients cause algal,growth which creates oxygen deficiencies in the water.The near absence of oxygen in the deep bottom-water of • the Sea leads to the formation and accumulation of substances such as hydrogen • sulfide and ammonia that have unpleasant odors and can be toxic to fish_When - wind events overturn the Sea's natural stratification,these harmful substances rise to the surface and in the past have caused sudden fish kills that have involved millions • of fish_The Sea's eutrophic State also causes the unpleasant odors that permeate the residential areas surrounding the Sea (and occasionally the entire Coachella and • Imperial Valleys) in certain months of the year. • • 2 • • - Exua dhw Swwmag - Projected inflow reductions in the upcoming years will shrink the Sea's wetted surface area and further concentrate salinity and increase eutrophication problems. There are two Primary reasons for the projected inflow reductions. First, the - Quantification Settlement Agreement (QSA) was signed in October 2003 among - Imperial Irrigation District (IID),Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), other California Colorado River water users, the U.S.Department of Interior, and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). Under this landmark agreement, about 300,000 AFY of Colorado River water (counting both contractual transfers - and other reductions) that previously flowed into the Salton Sea will be supplied instead to other Colorado River water users. Second,New River inflows from Me2dco, now about 130,000 AFY,are estimated to decline as a result of plans by Mexicali to reclaim treated-effluenr and farm-dramage flows- Notwithstanding these factors,the Authority believes that inflows to the Salton Sea .yill remain above 800,000 AFY over the 75-year restoration project evaluation - period. This assumption is based upon several key assumptions including a review - of area regional water management plank. This quantity assumes full utilization of TID's and CVWD's contractual Colorado River Entitlements over the 75-year QSA term with return flow percentages nearly equivalent to current irrigation and water - use practices. The basis for the Authority's 800,000 AFY inflow projection is shown - in Table ES-1 which presents a regional water balance through 2075 and is supported by the assumptions shown in Figure ES-1. • r.;-0U:000 � Sources of design Basis for SSA ProleCt Salton Sea - Q 1, 00000 Inflow Wafer. � ; 1,000.000 e i - 600.000 — - - ❑Local Watershed i o 0 60,000 it ❑Mexico d, �o,iioo y ©Municipal Effluent 200,000 ©Farm Drainage& Spills o I - 1950- 2003 2020 2045 2060 2075 2002 QSk Historical Base Pmjecnes---------------� - Ye:.: Figure ES-2 Projected Long-Tenn Salton Sea Inflows under Regional Water Management Plan - 3 • • • Salton Sea/3ntbority Plan forMultz-Purpw'e Project • 9s6.zag2 zees 2o29J 2a Hisfonc Besc Year - Pro ecbons---------� 45 2060 2075 GSA 5a�e Term Extension(Optionao' • Colorado River Supply �� • li&CVWO Colorado River Water 13051 of Net QSA Entitlements' 3,450,000 3,360,190 c 3,019,300 3,066,800 3,066,800 3,066,800 • plus CVWO SWP Transfer Wafer" 0 p 0 35,000 35,000 35,000 • less enrrtlement enforcement o (50 210 1 I 0 0 0 0 loss conveyance&storage losses 1ff Or"M (.%G1040, (Irtl 11,an (104 rinm i,194 r1ni1) lino nnIn • Net Available for Beneficial Uses 3,150,0001 3,099,751 - 2,332,142 2,882,792 2,882,792 2,882,792 • Agriculture use I • Farmland In Production acres• 600,000 560,039 485,646 472,806 461,300 4,63,716 Applied Irrigation Water 3,240,000 2,977,459 2,568,327 2,419,666 2,351,194 2,259,369 • Farm Drainage&Operational Spit 1 134 coo 953 42: 789.322 705,810 673,290 649,851 • %discharge to applied water 35% 32% 3155 29% 29% 29% • Municipal 6 Industrial use hbupmc films°' n tins 7E,000 51500 1<0,827 3a8,�E 438 703 496,761 • Residential Service 125,00 30,750 JJ 70 410 194 223 219,051 248 MO • Commercial,Golf Courses,Parks,etc 50 000 120 000 105 861 186,159 215,503 254 471 - CVWD Recharge Program 0 0 80 000 120 000 135 000 150 000 Total M&I and Recharge Water Uco 72,500 150,750 296,271 500,382 569.554 652,952 • E4'ruent Runoff& suhsurace Flows 18,125 29 57a C 652 s4,653 99 537 115,4d9 • %discharge m epplled water 25% 2o% 14% 17:8 17% is% • Inflows from Coloratlo River Water 1,152,125 982,993 841,474 790,473 777,947 766,290 '16 Use cf Coloroda River V✓arcr Entitlements 10300 105°e 10103 1000c 100°° loops • Mexicama9e&Munlcipol�fllui _..._--...--._..-. 90 000 ...� ..w90 000 ".. C...�._. �..0 o... . .Fam 0 • tin-saweraged&Storm Flaws 70 000' 70707 000 60 000 -0 000 20 000 20 0, 00 subtotal•Pleweo Inflows 150 000 '00 000 50 000 =o,000 20 JOG 20,000 • Local Watershed • Groundwalar" 18 000 18 000 18 OOo 18 OGO 18 cop 18,000 • Creeks S.Sprincs 8 000 8 0 00 88000 80,10 8 000 8 000 Subtotal Locnt Wete•shed 28.000 25 000 26 000 26.000 2G OOC 2G,000 • Total Salton Sea Inflows 1,338,125 1,168,998 927,474 356,473 823,947 812,290 • 'The figure shown Mere in Column 1 Formal average hisione inflows(md precipitation)is consistent vith the D%VfR hydrology raper,(Table 3 1) • Thu Dllrq figure for lnl3l inflows for the 2003 OSA Boselne in Column 2 is 1 090 181 A-'Title 3 2) • `-The figures in these columns sl iould be considered 5"year averages Actual inflows in any single year mayvary by -?00o buses an historical data • -IID may elect not to renew,the 200 000 AFY IID:San Diego County Water Audlonp transfer in 2047 If this 200 000 AFY of supply is regained by IID and put to 6cne4pal we in Imperial County for re;ioenkal sa_mce Salton 56F inflows would nommally increase by 40 000 A1' • ' Source "Exhibit B Quantification&Tr.nSfeW Colorado River Water Dcluery Agreement Oct 10 2003 among Dept of Interior HID OvV)D et at Includes 109 000 AFY entitlement Overrun Ina[mil be paid back as par,of the IOPP entitlement enforcement adjustment • Slating 112025 C\'VVD will being receiving 35 000 of State Water Project(SWP)water through the Coachella Cartel under a transfer from IdWD 'Payback for prior year appomonri Ovemins Once the IID in-district storage reoenroins construele0(2018) this factor avtll be eliminated • °Includes 67 000 and 7.6 000 AFY in AII-American&Coachella Canal losses IMat wdl be recovered by lining pmlect-and transferred to other GSA parties °Include;all homes in IID 0 service area homes in Loam ID'-1 in C=lD(Thermal Nieces&Oa5is area) and`250 000 neh homes m the SSA Dutnct • hlcmcali officials plan to upgraoe,heir wastewater collection and treatment systems over next 20-years and clini inost bows into U S • Source A S:uay on Seepage&Subsurface Inflows;to Salton Sea and Adjacent Wetlands(July 1999) Table ES-1 Salton Sea Inflow Projections under Long-Tenn Regional Water Management Plan(AFY) • • • 4 • • • • • • • Exemlive Sxmmag • Given the current conditions and the expected future conditions,the Authority has developed and is advancing a combined,multi-purpose revitalization/restoration • project aimed at concurrently: (1) restoring the Sea as a nationally important wildlife • refuge; (2) maintaining the Sea as a vital link along the international Pacific Flyway; - (3) preserving local tribal heritage and cultural values associated with the Sea; (4) reducing odor and other water and air quality problems; (5) reestablishing the Sea as • a tourist destination and recreational playground;and (6) revitalizing the Sea as a • local economic development engine. These project objectives ate derived from and • consistent with the Salton Sea Authority (Authority) Board Policy Positions that were enacted in October 2005 and reaffirmed at an Authority Board workshop • meeting held in April.2006 and are listed in no order of priority. The Authority's • Plan implements these objectives_ • The Authoritys proposed project design is also being considered as an alternative in • the separate Salton Sea restoration project feasibility studies being conducted • concurrently by the Resources Agency of the State of California (the Agency) and • the U.S Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation). The Authority's project objective is to achieve the habitat restoration and air and roarer quality goals set out in State and • Federal legislation,while simultaneously meeting the needs of the residents of the • region,local property owners, and civic leaders in the Imperial, Coachella and • Mexicali Valleys. These interests desire a large, sustainable recreational lake with reduced odor that serves as a catalyst for regional economic development This lake • would also provide critical habitat values as it has in the past. Historically, the Salton • Sea fish population has been an important food source for tesident birds and those • migrating along the Pacific Flyway. • A unique feature of the Authority's "large lake"project design is that it is essentially - self-mitigating with respect to selenium bioaccumulation and air-quality impacts.The 50-foot-deep saltwater lake in the Authority project is designed to maintain anoxic • conditions in the sediment-water interface and trap selenium in immobile forms as • currently occurs in the Sea. Selenium sequestration in sediments acts as a control on • the bioavailability of this naturally occurring contaminant in the Sea and is the mechanism that has prevented selenium-related wildlife impacts to date at the Sea. • • The current lakebed in the 60,000-acre salt deposit area in the south basin in the Authority project design will be coveted with a thick,hard-surface sodium-chloride • salt deposit that will control dust emissions as the water level recedes in that basin. • These deposits will be similar to the salt formations that occur within the 40,000-acre • commercial salt complex in the southern end of San Francisco Bay. Other dust control methods identified by the State and posted on their website could be used if • needed in selected areas. It is expected that the need for additional measures will.be - limited, especially since the exposed areas in the Authority Plan will be isolated from - residential areas by surrounding bodies of water and will be downslope of water features and are likely to be in more damp soil conditions. By contrast,alternatives • that include recession of the current shoreline would have exposed areas immediately • adjacent to residential areas and will be upslope from water bodies. • • • 5 • • • • • Salton Sea Authority Plan forMuld-Purpose Project • Finally,the Authority Plan includes a local funding component The critical • components in the Authority project design can be financed in significant part with local funds and all project components can be completed within 20 years. Overall • the project is envisioned as a jointly funded project that will have Federal,State and • local participation. • The basic features of the Authority Plan and major components of the current • project design are briefly described in the remainder of this Executive Summary.The • body of this teport covers in greater detail the history,inflow analyses,design considerations,technical features,pilot projects in progress, conceptual land-use • conservation and development plan, financing strategy,and the Authority's proposed • local public/private partnership implementation approach.Results of investigations • and expert opinion letters supporting the proposed project desiga for the Authority Plan are contained as appendices to this report Other supporting research is • referenced throughout the report and in the appendices. • • The Locally Preferred Project: A Vision for the Future • The basic conceptual project design for the Authority Plan is illustrated in Figure • ES-3.This locally-preferred project design includes the following essential • components: • • In-Sea Barrier&Ci.cnlatinn Channels to separate the current Sea into two • separate bodies (an outer"two lake"water system and multiple habitat complex • areas,salt deposit area, and brine pool)with a cbannel for circulating water • between the two lakes in the outer water system • • Water Treatment Facilities to improve both the existizag water in the Sea and the • inflow water as necessary to lessen or greatly reduce the Sea's eutsopbication • problem and to improve the clarity and quality of the water in both lakes to meet the recreational water quality standards set by the Regional Water Quality • Control Board • • Habitat Enhancement Features to meet the needs of fish and bud populations • consistent with State laws that require the "maximum feasible attainment"of • specified ecosystem restoration goals • • Colorado River Water Storage Reservoir to enable the water agency to store • Colorado River water to have greater flexibility for balancing supply and demand • of Colorado River water use • • Park, Open Space and Wildlife Areas including the Salton Sea State Recreation • Area and the Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge will be preserved although it • is envisioned that the boundaries of the Refuge will be modified to snatch the • newly created habitat features. • • G • • • • • • • • Exec'vure Sumnsag • • • \''.V" p !,!°I° T .1....1 i�lverslde Count' 1. L • 11Yr�ILFyfi -i I' V`a:+''r nJ tir dr •%,'.- Ioo;Ami � • .nwYr v, d •yA wlmn.5`r";ie� .., }ty • j/��rl,i- i(I i Rrenauorul �'r� �M Ilrh#NIj>rrr[HYMf_1TARj ^ . �, '* SanrnrerLaAe .',4.' • i dlr� II Deep omm "�� '\q�r}OAM I � Nrmt �_pr rs.rv,..u.,wa.b^J yWAygrku,,: :��f a,'�•G � �� ,%`�� I Ssnd nlvnllen • - F'�Cxreatmn "" • ,. r _w�N iY�. ^�.� " \'m x _\\ ��1r..k'Wf�'JJW�"y,uu�.w..ten,, • rrwxn u6^n-n 1 C `^�_�`�_ wI,n44 .. Iwt 11 alayGLM.116 f �llj ,y 1, ��y�._y�y�icYi'. 1 Roc,rculrncn Cnn,i, • n �'}1YY 1'. I :iti�T``C Ftl 1`� 'C j��V!'�n �`�� Irom NOM Lake • � �1'IfllNnll rj'. +i...`�a• �� "{�"�k�r}.r►►• I, �� I ' `c•Y _ ySallneKrr� � ~e Sat(Sink atirtrt y.r \ • San Diego �— ;� T,., �aHcomPt�,. I • County • 1 _—I •( �'�Ir�,41 IIRve,reul.rum,Pwnninn nO Aora[lon • It�1�1, .. —«�-I I_.—•_..�.•—Tir .,IY �x� Pho:Cnirr Rrmova • =1 �— _-.y / a dma d;_ =1 P,en,en ln0o Y Ponnrc[er O,Nc � PmPenvr • Legend .an. r „ nO G.I.do srrr,/Y� • . n.�•' — . / Fryer "x.wn� f. m . . .,.'Y•.tA ;, ! Res we IIYrIhF' 1 p tlon RYe[rtua! >> • � r rrweL r.,"..ror'�r-I "--�1' � `••eC mart/LaXc 4 -1 • ��rcep ual L,ad O:e ._. � - l��a,'-Y'',.pr .re. ,._ I ' • Impena? COLML'Y ,r, . ,. ., „ .rb Ln�uu.Liu, l p'�tefOo�I�.Y,nG --,•�` L.— 1 Imlow stMam: ~ E+,•.•.r Note: Exact locations and facilities will be • I- determined during subsequent project-specific i • -"' " environmental reviews and entitlements. V\-- r.. iaragon Treatment n M. - Inam iu M1loa_�o - Figure ES-3 Conceptual Plan for Salton Sea Revitalization &Restoration Including land-Use Plan for the Authority's 300,000 acre Planning&Financing District Surrounding the Sea • • • 7 • • • • • • Salton Sea Authority Plan forMvIW-Purbose Pmjea In addition to the features discussed above that ate designed to address water quality • problems and the potential air quality concerns associated with exposed lakebed, a plan for development of areas around the Sea has been prepared. The plan was • prepared to guide cteation of"Seaside Villages" and the build-out of over 250,000 • new homes with accompanying entertainment,recreational,retail and business • establishments within specified areas of the Authority's 300,000-acre planning and - financing district around the Sea. The project has been developed to a conceptual level at this time. The conceptual = project features are discussed briefly below and in more detail in the main body of this report. Greater details will be developed in concert with site-specific • environmental documentation and entitlements at the next stage of analysis. Exact • locations and facilities will be determined during these subsequent reviews and a site- • specific Environmental 1aipact Statement/Report (EIS/EIR) will be prepared. Reviews of this documentation will involve numerous local, State and Federal • regulatory agencies. . In-Sea Barriers and Recirculation Canal • Once the requited environmental documentation permits and approvals are finalized • (including the permitting of one or more local rock sources), construction will begin • on the signature feature of the Authority project an approximately 33.5-mile-long, • rock-fill,in-Sea barrier located as shown in Figure ES-3.This engineered structure will separate permanently the present 360-sq.-mile Sea into two separate water • bodies,namely_ • a) An outer 180-sq.-mile lake water system.This outer water body will be held • at a relatively stable elevation so the shorelines of the two newly created lakes and the interconnecting boating channel on the west shore will remain • unchanged as long-tetra inflows decrease_The water in the two joint-use recreational/habitat lakes will be treated as requited and circulated to • maintain recreational water-quality standards.The larger northern salt water • lake (140 sq.miles) will be maintained at ocean-like salinity(35,000 mg/L • salt),and the smaller southern estuary lake (40 sq.-miles)will be held at a lower salinity (20,000 mg/L salt). The south lake elevation (-228'msD will be • held about 2 fect above the north lake (-230'msi) since a slight hydraulic • gradient is needed for circulating the water in both lakes in a continuous • counter clockwise loop for blending and aeration.An earthen channel will be excavated along the east shore of the south basin to convey north lake water to the south lake and to support the 12,000-acre saline habitat complex in the south basin.A pumping plant will be built at the end of this channel to lift • the extracted and treated north lake water into the south lake to blend with the Alamo and New River inflows. • b) An inner 180-sq.mile habitat and salt deposit area in the south end of the - current Sea- The wetted surface area of this inner water body will shrink and its elevation will decline as inflows decrease over time.A salt-purge stream � from the north lake will be discharged into the inner basin after being used in . • 8 - - • • • • • .Executive Summmy - the saline habitat complex.The purpose of this purge streatu is to balance salt inflows and outflows in the outer lake-water system.By sending salt to • the inner basin in this manner, the two lakes can be held at relatively • constant,controlled salinity levels.The lower inner basin will also serve as an • overflow basin in the event of storm events. Salt pond pilot projects - conducted at the Salton Sea indicate that as the sboreline inside the inner basin recedes,hard-surface salt deposits 12-to-24 inches thick will form on top of the old lakebed. The cement-like salt deposits will prevent blowing . dust. Other ait-quality mitigation techniques will be used if needed. A . permanent hyersaline brine pool will eventually form in the lower depths. • Construction of the in-Sea barrier will require the excavation, sizing,transport,and placement by bottom-drop barges of approximately 64 million cubic yards of rock. The barrier will be built to seismic dam-design standards. This will require extraction by suction dredges of approximately 20 million cubic yards of soft sediments so the - placed rock rests directly on the underlying stiff lacustrine clay deposits.The height - of the barrier will range from 15 to 50 feet(including 10 ft of freeboard) depending on water depth. • Water Treatment Facilities • While investigations axe on-going to better define treatment needs,it is currently anticipated that water trearment facilities will include a bottom drain and treatment • system for removing and destroying hydrogen sulfide,ammonia, and other cont?+*�rants from the 50-foot-deep saltwater lake.A second treatment plant will - remove phosphorus and other contuninants from the Alamo River inflows. The lake-water circulation system is designed to changeout the larger saltwater lake's • water volume every four to five years.The circulation system will also serve to increase oxygen levels and avoid stagnation in the saltwater lake, and reduce • selenium levels in the southern estuary lake. In concert these measures will improve overall water quality and fish habitat and greatly reduce odors. • • Whitewater, New and Alamo Rivers Wetlands . With the Authority's assistance, the Citizens Congressional Task Force is completing . the design and pelt sitting and is beginning constmetion of a system of several thousand acres of water treatment wetlands along the New and Alamo Rivers in • Imperial County. Similar wetlands are planned on Tortes Martinez tribal land along - the Whitewater River_ (These wetlands coupled with a stable,better quality lake should significantly improve conditions for the Tribe and stimulate econot& opportunities.) Although designed primarily for improving water quality (Le., • removing silt,nitrogen and phosphorus and increasing dissolved oxygen levels), • these wetlands also provide significant wildlife habitat. Habitat Enhancement Features • The Authority believes the greatest ecosystem benefit of its conceptual project design is the retention of a 90,000-acre, 50-foot-deep lake that will be restored to . ocean-like salinity (35 g/L salt) and will be managed to maintain habitat-safe water • 9 • • • Salton SeaAutbority Plan for[Ylulti-Putpose Project • quality.This restored saltwater lake will enhance the existing fishery and thus • reestablish an abundant food source for the fish-eating birds that have historically resided at the Sea or migrated along the Pacific Flyway.The Authority project design • also includes a 12,000-acre saline habitat complex located in the south and a 1,250- • acre estuarine habitat complex near the mouth of the Whitewater River. In addition, • half of the 26,000-acre estuary lake located in the south basin and a 6,000-acre area in front of the barrier across the north lake will be designated"habitat zones"in • which motorized watercraft will be prohibited. • Colorado River Water Storage Reservoir : IID seeks a storage reservoir within the district's water system. A storage reservoir has been incorporated into the Authority flan project design to provide for this • need.This facility will be created by constructing a second barrier in 30-foot of water ! outside the initial barrier.The enclosed 11,000-acre area will create a 250,000 AF • storage reservoir creating wildlife habitat. In addition,the reservoir will provide air quality mitigation by covering areas that would otherwise have exposed sediments. • • Park, Open Space, and Wildlife Areas • Park, open space,and wildlife areas around the Salton Sea will be preserved. These • areas include the Salton Sea State Recreation.Area (SRA, commonly referred to as the Slate Park) and the Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge.While the Wildlife • Refuge will be preserved,it is envisioned that the boundaries of the Refuge will be • modified to thatch the newly created habitat features. The SRA provides camping, • fishing and boating opportunities and the Wildlife Refuge provides bird watching opportunities.With five campgrounds totaling approximately 1,600 campsites,the • SRA provides more public access points than any other single shoreline access area.The estimated historic peak seasonal use of the SRA was approximately 660,000 • visitors in 1961-62,and the last three years reveal evidence of a resurgence in public attendance,with a doubling of the total number of visitors in that period to 275,000. • With improved water quality and habitat values at the Salton Sea, the recreation • experience at both the SRA and the Wildlife Refuge is expected to be significantly • improved. • Master Plan for Planning District around the Sea • In December 2005,the Authority released a Master Development Plan for the • 300,000-acre plannin district surrounding the Sea. Conceptual plans for creating separate and distinct seaside villages incorporating smart growth and sustainable • development concepts have been developed. This plan could accommodate 250,000 • new homes with associated entertainment,recreational,retail and business • establishments being built over the next 75 years on 78,000 acres (less than 25% of the 300,000-acte planning district). Under this plan,over 50% of the land around the � Sea would remain as habitat,parks and open space;and 20%would remain as • farmland.This plan is shown in Figures ES-3 and ES-4 and is preserved in greater ! detail later in this tepott_ • • 10 ! ! • • • • exec five,S rrnmary • = Current Land Ownership in SSA Planning District (acres) • 7% 6% - 14% 1E1000 13Private(58%) • 0Federal Government(19%) 47,000 - • ■Local Agencies(14°/,) 17a,000 • 59,000 L7State of California(3%) src • 19% OTorres Martinez(6%) • • - Existing Land Uses(aces) in SSA Planning District - 7.U,747 5� ❑Agricultural(25%) 4% - ❑Undeveloped(64•/.) - .maw 77s79 4 Habitat/Parks/open Space(4%) ' 13 Military(2%) }i'" 0"i " E Commercial&Industrial(<I%) 196,330 - 0 Residential&Mixed Use(n1%) m Highways&Public Services(1%) 17 Water(2%) • • Planned Land Uses(acres) under SSA Plan • 20% ❑Agricultural(20%) 24% 60"367 0 Habitat/Parks/Open Space(51%) - 7Z,526 • l 0 Residential&Mixed Use(24%) i ©Commercial&Industrial(2%) -_- _ - El Water(2%) - - -- ^�n51% 1 ©Highways&Public Services(1%) • • • Figure ES-0 Land Ownership and Land-Use Statistics for 300,000 acre Authority Planning District • - 11 • • • • • Salton SeaAutborily Plan forMuld-Purpose Pmjea - Cost Estimate, Financing Plan & Implementation • As shown in Figure ES-5,the total preliminary capital cost estimate is $2.2 billion for all components of the current Authority Plan.The various individual components of • the overall project will be constructed in a phased manner over the next 20 years as • funds become available from Federal, State and local sources. A significant portion of the capital costs of a locally supported Plan can be locally - financed through the funding mechanisms applied within.the Authority's 300,000- acre planning and financing district around the Sea.These local funding mechanisms include a combination of (1) the formation of tax-iaa.'ement financing and benefit assessment districts; (2) public laud acquisitions, transfers, and sales; (3) developer • payments and impact fees;and (4) use of public-private partnerships for the construction and operation of the treatment plants. • The balance of the required capital funding is presumed to come from State and/or = Federal sources. The State of Califomia has historically funded major habitat restoration and water projects from both voter approved bonds and general funds. • The Authority,member agencies will work to have the Salton Sea included in future - State bond issues and future State ballot measures_At this time,the only known State or Federal funding source is the$90 million that contractually has been (or will be) paid into the Salton Sea Restoration Fund (SSRF)by the QSA parties under the 2003 • State legislation.Another$1 SO million of QSA-related funding is possible should the • Resources Secretary determine that it is feasible to sell the balance of the mitigation • water earmarked for stabilizing the Sea until a restoration project is in place. As shown in Figure ES-S, the best case is that facilities could be in place in time to • obviate the need for the last two years of mitigation water. If this happens,it would • add$70 million to the SSRF. There is also a water and parks bond measure on the - November 2006 ballot in California with$47 million earmarked for the SSRF and another potential$100 million for wildlife habitat and water quality projects. The iu-Sea barrier in the Authority Plan project design should be constructed within 10 years and the water duality improvements necessary fox returning the Sea to • recreational quality water standards can be achieved within 15 to 20 years.This • project implementation schedule is shown in Figure ES-5.Water system design& • operating flows at design-case conditions are illustrated in Figure ES-6. • Next Steps • • The Authority Plan presented in this document has been developed to a conceptual - level. Specific project details and designs will be developed in concert with site- specific environmental documentation and entitlements at the next stage of analysis. Exact locations and facilities will be determined during those subsequent reviews and a site-specific Environmental Impact Statement/Report (EIS/EIR) will be • prepared. Reviews of the plans, designs and environmental documentation will be accomplished in conceit with appropriate local, State and Fedetal regulatory • agencies. • • 12 • • • T IQ m Projected Capital Funding Requirements and Tlmellne for Phased I mpl a mentallon of Salton Sea Authority Plan m {$million} V] N Calydv Yur Cos! 2600 -0107 20:d 20r9 2010 2011 2012 9:13 NIL Fills 2016 Nil 201d 2073 2pd3 2021 2022 2025 202; 2025 2025 i027 S72B 2029 2030 T y FjgWY arhem9trl» SM 0 1 E i 4 6 G ] 6 9 10 71 f2 13 1s f6 !6 47 III aaU 2t 2 2 ]] 21 26 C h'i %id2edon WArprr USA y wf) 4 5 a I a 9 f0 Ef 0 1] f4 15 QYNEfybYYHF(WMMQ 72M OIN 25.602 ?W0 36,L00 (9,00 db:K.3 R't's,Si,"? 10.1-1 130,1W FS'J,p$ " C VWRdSo!3({niVAuf 159 $93 l ] Si.S R..e mnn 5115 w5 W5 1,75 $32..5 M5 3 CL 65A ComOonenl: 4rdx Chsun rC Env,.13 -9.a re d P�mlfn3 S 5 N Qe313n RAppmeah 6arrkr u" S 59 &%RP`,Tvd Sm i2.5 S1P ] C Cw tnn cl In See Ua'n:n 5 1020 i1020 -..� 5b8ir:re --> OmMmrnt o! x aY b wti harm My Tre•M:nIFIm1 5 125 G.MyLl'f W,ud pJ ry25 3 HeM Lace DrCn and Wp: O 5 5) f m L=ee MnnvhkfTle_Y W,PI:nl S 12s WO P%tid17 N2d N Rtticu3WC:na:d Popp PhM S S) SW m lVal:r Su,,,Ir Rea-0Ly A(Gn> TE•) —Prx'm a;nsda nsasnsxssarybmss:laond:as>Ek],CCA a 11 ;I 59A ComponaMs by Yur S 11418 $5 $25 SIM SI C30 5 5 1S5 5 60 a s] :01r 110l35A Ccmwnenl ID Re:emrd Co,"--y a 1 300 i=9 O � hdm7 COmocnmis FmimncenbI Ccmfianee 5 SS SS fN] N°wd Ramo Rrrerll@Fs.: 5 D) F i2o iio i2d $20 120 pa Sn {20 {m i26 !Z Rea up of Wim Sea Ts I Bare• $ `.7 525 S26 Faderal Cc.mpmwa by Year S 255 5 : $ 15 S 45 $ 20 S 20 $ A S 20 i 20 $ 20 S 20 $ 20 a 3 81A[a C4mgOm"h EOPollSGS hafa!".•dsY.V'y--- + Qsynci HLLEIFeaVas $ 5 SS 53 j IIm S:Ine]iah2lGm;iei $ 2$ S26 p 1'a'SrL=Ease-9fd]rn Fanna 6 S bi S10 {IO {70 NO S10 7 Sou.SJne H,Lp4G.T+ei i 10) i3 i] SS 13 111 13 u y] S3 53 i]a ii0 O D P1ri AtfKhalmi Arh:ni i b) LSSWR�Np'3?:Is-> 7a $6 i5 iA IS 1d u J3 W 52 n. Wm Ccr.,px"sb/Yur $ 210 i 53 $31 $3 $11 d53 $13 V3 515 Sl $ 5 d0 535 345 55 55 55 33 55 57 5P m O •� Totbl Pmfed JJMl T4 272H i • i 5 10 1 SUE i193 il,[a3 i U i MIS ]S i 11 11 S23 i d] { 2011 31 { (a[{ d i + i d i a i d i 0 i 2 1 'I.df[m le].9 m:uirlTSTlxSz:m y:d p{<fe QSL u�z•:�1m�,--_"mn7.r r.alti�Id ttr 6t5'4F lu fni�.Crr h. dhere ig.rer we Omnus:in[a no 4sgn sl-_:s ar ale lnx:U3aEo n hn•_be:n paidad.OY u cm 6a,ms are Erf,!,aHe al eebnel,. `O 7 Ga :N '`y • • • • Salton SeaAulborily Plan for.Multi-Pwr ose,Project • Water Stystem Design and Flow Rates at Design-Case Inflow Conditions • Whitevlater River All numbers are acre-feetlyear • T8,000 SHC=Saline habitat complex • Tribal wetlands&SHC III • CvvVP ills y— 1,316 Salt Creek • Direct 24,000—► • Drains North Dram 420,000 FlltrationlOZone Sdttb.71 Saltwater Oa.................. �— Treatment an • Sub Lake • Surface 0,450 Sun'ace Discharge 300,000 Residuals • Flows 21 000 Stream 21,000 • 599,W P • San Felipe Creek 5,234 ---0 Spit 76-1 40,811, • Brine St1C Deposit • Pool Aroma 30,000 Supplemental • 7,082,577 54,036 Habitat Water' IID-Direct �— 3Z,000 Drains • fi90 7d9 • South Lake • III)Direct Drains 32,000 ----► Pumping Plant • 2,10?52 311482 Residuals . Pupfish 20,000 - By-Pass CTSS Phosphorus 12,300 333,664 Removal Plant • • Nign Flow By-Pass Munn............................ .... . 64,036 • • Water Water Treatment 9,6dS 4 - a,472 Treatment • Wetlands Wetlands - 20,000 190,000 410,000 • IID-New River IID-Alamo River • Mexico 'Alamo River water can be supplied direcily ro SCH sublect to approval of regulatory agencies. - Figure ES-6. Water System Design&Operating Flows at Design-Case Conditions. Note:IID Colorado River • water reservoir not shown since it is not part of Salton Sea water system • 14 - • • • • • • - Executive 5mmmmy Bibliography of Selected Salton Sea Authority Completed Projects • A Study on Seepage and Subsurface Inflows to Salton Sea and Adjacent Wetlands, • 1999,Tetra Tech A Viable Fish Recovery System for the Salton Sea,2001,Robert Allen Ltd. = Air Quality Monitoring Program,2001,Tetra Tech • Algan Toxins,2000, Scripps Institute of Oceanography • Analysis of Salton Sea Restoration Plans,2001,Parsons - Assessment of Chemical Concentrations in Salton Sea Tilapia, 2001, San Diego State University = Assessment of Salinity&Elevation Control for Varied Inflow,2002,Tetra Tech • Avifauna of the Salton Sea:Abundance, Distribution and Annual Phenology, 199'9, • Pt. Reyes Bird Observatory • Chatacted7ation of Shallow Subsurface Sediments of the Salton Sea,2003,Agrarian • Research • Chemical&Physical T,imnology of the Salton Sea, 1999,U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Data Collection and Analysis for Calibration and Verification of a Three- Dimensional Hydrodynamic Model, 1999,University of California,Davis Developing a Preferred Salton Sea Restoration Project,2004,Tetta Tech - Ecological Risk Assessment for the Solar,Evaporation Ponds,2004,Tetra Tech - Ecology and Management of Avian Botulism in Fish-Eating Birds at the Salton Sea, - 2003,U.S. Geological Survey • Environmental Reconnaissance of the Salton Sea Sediment Contaminants, 1999, • Levine-Fricke Establishment of Salinity I units for Salton Sea Fishery,2005,San Diego State - University Evaluation of Existing Information for Chemical Contamination within the Salton - Sea, 2005, San Diego State University • Examination of the Commercial Uses for Salton Sea Tilapia, 2001,Aqua-Terra • Fish Biology and Fisheries Ecology of the Salton Sea,2001, San Diego State University • • • - 15 • • • • • • Salton Sea rlutboraty Plan for vlti-Purpose Pmject • Identification and Ecology of Disease-Causing Agents for Eared Grebes at the • Salton Sea,2003,U.S. Geological Survey • Investigation of the Canse of Eared Grebe Mortality at the Salton Sea:Algal Blooms • and Biocoxins,2003,Wright State University New&Alamo Rivers Project,Preliminary Data Collection and Analysis for • Development of • 1 Tydtodynamic and Water Quality River Models,2000,University of California, • Davis • Nutrient Cycling in the Salton Sea, 2002,Uruvetsity of California,Riverside • On Water Fish Recovery System,2005,Environmental Recovery Solutions • Reconnaissance of the Biological Limnology,2001,San Diego State University • • Recreation&Economic Opportunities Assessment fox the Salton Sea,2005,Tetra • Tech • Reducing Eutrophic Conditions of the Salton Sea,2005,University of California, • Riverside • Salton Sea Biological Remediationa Program,2003,Kent SeaTech • Salton Sea Desert Pupftsh Movement Study,2000,U.S.Bureau of Reclamation • Salton Sea Pilot Ponds Project,2003,Agrarian Research • • Salton Sea Salinity Control Research Project,2003,U.S. Bureau of Reclamation • Shoreline Cleanup,2004, Salton Community Services District Solat Evaporation,2002,Dave Butts Salton Sea Restoration Project Environment Impact Statement/ Environmental - Impact Report,2000,Tetra Tech • Survey of Selected Pathogens in the Salton Sea,2000,U.S_ Geological Survey • Tax Increment Financing Feasibility Study,2003,Rosenow Spevacek Group • The Feeding Ecology of Salton Sea Tilapia,2001, University of Southern Mississippi • • Tilapia Testing for Fish Meal/ Fertilizer,2001, San Diego State University . • • • • • 16 • • Y whitewa_fer-River Wetlands !� - ' State Park• - . - -' — tkmrnario.al - _ s.MwMer Lake I I 1Sallne �abltat_ _ - ( \ Sand Filtration and Oxldano"Pmces nedicatod McYitet �, n - Ze Salt Sink +`\L�\ ! 1`Ff blunting Opportunities Fishing Opportunities Y � 3p 1 .OIJNYHON095L-ON SEY _ - 1 i__I NATIONAL INLULrFH I�CFUGL '(�� I•, - _ It T _.1 _ Recirculation Pumping - --r`++_1 Natural Salt � _ ACrdtlOn and \y Pe'0 -t r_ .J r,,jr , ... - r 1 11dicalt Phosphate Removal Formation -- a L. ' - d��„�,,, Managed Salt Deposit �� Area or Application I Water Sports of other oust Suppression Methods -i �_ I i.- . II_ _J----.. rr--- " ,Esluaty Lakei IIR Colorado r._..i ,P�L I. _-— - - _ •_ - .. - - Riven'Water _- ia�,. - - - � Reservoir �.-': -�.: ---- _- � � -_ �•.} �- � - a A anslon i= �sfe� ?Ian afia� nnaiM%•i+.��.a��.� — _ __ '� I, _: . . ]t4n01 Wghvnp tl 1,.Slalr•T "�J�--�`"'•�—'r? ' � - �. -� o,ec,-,des Flew/,4lamo River Wetlands Invn sallcnsea ca 9ov -- Boardoocnrceo.012uloc �' "- r A Salton Sea Authority Plan for Multi-Purpose Project Proposed Substantive Changes to Draft for Board Review Dated July 2006 Overview The substantive changes to the Salton Sea Authority Plan for Multi-Purpose Project as outlined below are based on discussions with the Environmental Coalition and meetings with DWR and consultation the Salton Sea Authority Technical Advisory Committee (T ,C). Additional editorial comments from the TAC will also be incorporated. Saline Habitat Complex The plan will include an expanded discussion of how certain saline habitat features can be developed early in the timeline. In addition, the use of Alamo River water as a supply source blended with lake water will be included as part of the base plan rather than as an option. Water Quality Some have raised the issue of water treatment facilities inclusion in the Plan. Originally these treatment plants were proposed on the Alamo River to remove Phosphorous and a second plant to remove Hydrogen Sulfide from the anoxic layer in the deeper north lake. Those questions have focused on whether the removal method would work and at what cost. The cost estimates developed by Ron Enzweiler were about $300 million for both plants The Authority is conducting a pilot project this Fall to answer these questions. This work is being funded by a grant of $1.8M from the Bureau of Reclamation. This work includes additional in-Sea and quarry geotechnical investigations, review of unit costs and conceptual embankment designs, water quality modeling, a pilot project for treatment technologies, and revised cost estimates for treatment plants. The work will be completed over approximately the next six months. In the event that the treatment methodology will not work or cost estimates prove infeasible, then the Authority will consider other options including lowering the lake level by 10 feet, a point at which some scientists believe that the Sea will naturally mix and eliminate the hydrogen sulfide build up and catastrophic releases which create fish kills and significant odor problems. Retaining the treatment plants as the only method to deal with the hydrogen sulfide problem without sufficient research causes Plan reviewers to discount the value of the north lake as a wildlife habitat resource. Map Plan Configuration The map plan configuration shown in Figure ES-3 (p. ES-7) and Figure 4-1 (p. 29) will be replaced with the map shown on the following page. The revised configuration will function at lower design inflows that the State is using for the Programmatic EIR yet accommodate the 800,000 APY inflows projected by the Authority Additional changes have been made to the Plan Map to remove the land use designations for reasons described below. Development Conflicts The Plan Map should not show the land use designations. The land use designations were initially added to show a development scheme that is possible and the potential local revenue that could be generated. The land use designations are not an integral part of the facilities plan and are not being authorized by this process. The two counties will determine actual land uses around the Sea as a result of private party development applications and subsequent environmental review. The potential land use map will be retained in the finance section of the Technical Appendix as an example of a development scheme that could generate significant local revenues. Design Inflow and Inflow Requirements The design inflow referenced throughout the Authority's Plan document as 812,000 AFY or about 800,000 AFY will be changed to 715,000 AFY to be consistent with the mean future inflow being used by DWR. The new requirement of 715,000 AFY reflects the reduced surface area of the lake and includes 25,000 AFY for dust control and some additional water for habitat. Additionally the saline habitat complex will receive priority for water use. The inflow water requirements shown in the Plan on Table 4-2 (p. 59) will be revised to show the new system requirements indicated in the table below. Note that although the draft report indicates that the design-case inflows were 812,000 AFY, the system requirements were listed as only 747,964 AFY not including water for dust suppression. The text stated that the approximate difference of 65,000 AFY could be used for other purposes such as to support additional habitat or for dust suppression. The calculations for the expected future inflow of 812,000 AFY will be retained; however this inflow value will be referenced as the planned future inflow rather than the design inflow. A discussion of the beneficial uses of the 97,000 AFY difference between the design flow 715,000 AFY and the expected future inflow of 812,000 AFY will be included. SSA Plan Water Requirements: Revised Plan Area Water Required Feature (acli (AFY) Evaporative Losses in the Lake n 5 ft peep 92,760 513,300 Evaporative Losses in the Lake r 5 ft Deep 9,000 49X0 Wetlands Along the New and Alamo Rivers 4,000 25,000 Shallow Saline Habitat Areas in the North and South (50%Wetted) 17,000 51,000 Water for Dust Control 25,000 Losses from Lake Water Treatment 22,000 Losses from River Water Treatment 21.000 Discharge to Brine Pool 8,000 TOTAL 122,760 715,100 Conceptual Salton Sea Authority Plan C Combined North and South Lakes Design S."twit.r Lake - - C r_ J r -- — RIVEI s'Ides�nllnly ' ' sml[r Bdagn and Fn_.,npnj old I_Pmce_� sm..— L -�arp„ le _ 1a' - -�� Heclaula Lanai •I` `! `,�� Uorn NOrtO Ltb l 1 5�Jla0 uu,rnm re Salt Sink Complex r' L,ounry - 1 ' RdW1.1u1en PUin I", and gprallon rrn 1 M1` F1.rar ---.—.—._ r P--plmI Fempyal —_ Prprpprme om;e3rbi♦ ,I,4 Plant on lnnpm 5 Podm"pr Od,� SalI F1aI r41 H.i61wI 2m, LEGEND - �r''"sl'" r'"- r I no wblo.,,d rdr __ CoUlllyeapnd,ry .r',,'e.an,. J e -_--- `1 Sallon yes Tax Fluance LId iril pry, OI: BOUPtlary 1e / Rrnrcanp � — ryLaXn --^$nllOn Sea Teg ease Boundary E1rNi � ram, $Tp,'3 Sallne hlabllal Complex PmIedllvc Sall Flat -r � Sall SlnR wmer gonaly In1��0� Li MarneSin, m rc naw 5l cola Ilp Celoladadp River Wsler Ccd¢aled hldbllal.one Tones M,mme2 Nglnv Amerman Land Above.235 Existing Farmlands Note; Exact locations and facalhe; will be delorm0sed Slslr,RarkOddhk Refuge dunng aubsequcnl prof ect•-peoflc Pnvlrpnmeptol eevlcws and enullement, Culmlil Developcd Areas [- Revised Figure ES-3 (p. ES-7) and Figure 4-1 (p. 29) Cost Estimates Cost estimates shown in Tables 4-4 and 4-5 (p. 64) and Tables A-3 and A-4 (p.93) will be revised to be consistent with the revised dike alignment and to incorporate the Tetra Tech recommendation that owner costs be estimated at 30% of direct construction costs rather than 15% The revised in-Sea barrier costs are as follows: Cost Summary(SM) New Old Central Barrier $431 $402 Southern Area Barriers $550 $528 Total Contracted Cost $981 $930 5 5% Change Owner Costs $294 $140 Total Barrier $1,276 $1,070 As discussed in the document, owner costs include environmental compliance, design, permitting and construction management and oversight The revised cost details in the appendix will be as follows: Table A-3. Lengths, depths and Material Requirements for In-Soa Barriers water Depth»> S 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 Total Cum Contral Barrior Volume(Mc /mt) 0.55 1.10 1S5 2.08 2.45 3.13 3.76 4 29 4.84 South&West Volume(Meylmi) 0.55 1.07 1,42 1.84 2.13 2.88 3.37 3.85 4.31 Central Lengths(mi) 02 03 0.4 05 07 11 25 19 78 76 Roekfll MCY 00 D2 05 0.7 12 20 40 106 $5 277 277 ri0er M3L�rial MCY 00 00 00 00 01 01 02 05 04 15 15 Wast Lengths In)» 8 9 $9 165 Rockfill MCY 00 5.7 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 5.7 5G4 Filter Material MCY 0.0 06 0.0 00 00 00 00 00 0❑ 08 23 South Longths(n)l) 0.7 30 72 53 0a 170 335 Rock011 MCY 03 3D 94 90 15 00 00 Do 00 232 596 Filter Mstennl MCY a 03 0a 07 01 00 00 00 00 20 43 Note Vinyl shrclplle care and 15 ores[w1din for dikes up to 10 depth slurry wall and 00'crest width for deeper dikes Table A-4. Contract Cost Estimate for In-Sea Barriers Water Depth>55 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 Total Cum Central Dam Cost(Swirl) 59.57 S17 33 523 33 530.49 53522 $44.13 $52 14 S5a.76 $65.38 South&West Barrier Cost($Mimi) $9.57 SIC 86 821.46 $25 99 330,50 537.55 546.47 552.25 $57.71 Central Lengths(mi)» 01 01 01 D1 02 05 11 25 29 76 76 Cast 51 $2 52 $3 17 32P S57 5147 $190 $431 5431 Wost Lenglns(mi) 56 26 02 04 01 89 155 Cost .0 $94 $56 88 sip 34 so so so $172 5003 South Lengths(mi) 07 30 72 53 08 170 335 Coll S7 551 $155 $142 524 50 $0 50 SD 3379 3081 Bomh5y Lengths(rm)>% 00 0 0 33 5 Cost So so so 20 so So 30 $0 so $0 $981 Cost SUni naN(SMI Central Barnor 5431 Southern Area Barriers $550 Total Contrasted Cost 5981 Timeline The timeline presented in Figure ES-5 (p. ES-13) and Figure 8-1 (p. 80) will be updated to show a six-year construction for the in-Sea barriers beginning in 2012 and concluding at the end of 2017. The presentation of the timeline will also discuss how various habitat components could be added early in the schedule. Other adjustments to the timeline and budgets shown in the timeline will be made commensurate with the changes discussed above and the cost estimate updates. Salt Deposit Model and Discussion The predictive model for the salt deposit area shown in Figure 4-17 will be updated using the revised configurations of the north and south basins, and the updated timelines and design inflows. The map in Figure 4-18 will be updated to show the revised natural salt deposit formation It is expected that the revised Figure 4-18 will be approximately as shown below. The document already discusses mitigation measures that could be implemented in the small strip of land that would not be covered by natural salt deposits. / 1- Smwarnr - Sallun .-L• APPraxlnmte r .yil 355 FJevslou �,� conmur n,annel l° salt 5lnk 1 Nortn L•,ke as L._1 t I sera 6a:oY�AI nfmg.\ ssro_I 1 nc. L.—t._.—.—_—_,_. ``h Natural Salt Deposri Planl 1 Formation Are, / Di�tisated Perlmnror , Dlkc � , / o APr / YSO,co _ / oC.11 lR o� tor r/ 1 II Coloma .` We,W.itBY Managad Salt Deposit Area or i � � Appllcarlon of Other Dust Suppression Mathotl: - , % �oorl,.m,;1 ,e � Frsu eallonal � ' `' E�niary Leke Design Inflow and Inflow Requirements The design-inflow gro ections referenced throughout the Authority's Plan document ae-is 812,000 AFY-0 algout 88( 8+09�4F��w'n �"e ^ n a value greater than the 715,000 AFY-te h,e�e_;;t ,�4I44e mean future inflow being used by DWR_ knew r_r eme��f=i 1'.000 AFY-refler s ''ha FedUQed syr#a,ee 2pe2 Gf;4e_4a-ke-and inelude&-2-5-0OGAFY of s esRusLa-�:rd seanceadditiona' ' 'ateF `^r 1 'L942t-It is understood that water is needed for dust suppression and that lake manaaement strategies may lower lake elevations and increase lake salinity levels during extreme drought periods.-Ad�'�ra"To address environmental concerns, water for saline habitat complex uses will receive priority over water for water--other use. The inflow water requirements shown in the Plan on Table 4-2 (p. 59) will be revised to show the+-e minimum system requirements indicated in the table below. Note that although the draft report indicates that the design-case inflows were 812,000 AFY, the system requirements were listed as only 749,964 AFY not including water for dust suppression. Tie tee# s#a#ed-that the appiah+made dlne ae 6I 01S AFv eau eauld be used urpases ^ aT�-sa-ppg#-additional-habitat-or-for-dust-suppress+er� The calculations for the expected future inflows of 812,000 AFY will be retained; however this inflow value will be referenced as the planned future inflow rather than the minimum design inflow. A diseussioR of the ba efisial uses afth ticvd r 15 OOGAF and expc�tad u#ttre is#aevv�f 2 9B0-AFY .^ e+uded- SSA Plan Minimum Water Requirements: Revised Plan [table] Design Inflow and Inflow Requirements The inflow projections referenced throughout the Authority's Plan document is 812,000 AFY, a value greater than the 715,000 AFY mean future inflow being used by DWR. It is understood that water is needed for dust suppression and that lake management strategies may lower lake elevations and increase lake salinity levels during extreme drought periods. To address environmental concerns, water for saline habitat complex uses will receive priority over water for other use. The inflow water requirements shown in the Plan on Table 4-2 (p. 59) will be revised to show the minimum system requirements indicated in the table below. Note that although the draft report indicates that the design-case inflows were 812,000 AFY, the system requirements were listed as only 749,964 AFY not including water for dust suppression. The calculations for the expected future inflows of 812,000 AFY will be retained; however this inflow value will be referenced as the planned future inflow rather than the minimum design inflow. SSA Plan Minimum Water Requirements: Revised Plan [table] Salton SeaAufhority Salton Sea Authority Resolutions Received as of December 20, 2006 Organization Resolution Status Funds Received Building Industry Association Received S 25,000 City of Coachella Received 5,000 City of La Quinta Received 20,000 Coachella Valley Water District Received 150,000 County of Imperial Received 150,000 County of Riverside Received 150,000 Imperial Irrigation District Received 150,000 Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce Received Salton Community Services District Received Torres Martinez Received West Shores Chamber of Commerce Received Coachella Valley Economic Partnership Received Coachella Valley Association of Governments Received Coachella Valley Enterprise Zone Received Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airporl Authority Received Imperial Chamber of Commerce Received Mecca Community Council Received Calhedral City Council Received Indio Chamber of Commerce Received Calexico Chamber of Commerce Received Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce Received Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce Received Brawley Chamber of Commerce Received La Quinta Chamber of Commerce Received Imperial Valley Joint Chambers of Commerce Received Coachella Chamber of Commerce Received Oasis Community Council Received El Centre Chamber of Commerce Received North Shore Community Council Received Sky Valley Community Council Received Riverside County Workforce Development Board Received India City Council Received 20,000 Imperial Valley Board of Realtors Received Calexico City Council Received Mt. San Jacinto Winter Park Authority Received Indio Wills Community Council Received Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation Approved Desert Hot Springs City Council Approved Hot Springs Community Council Approved OF PALM S LIFp v,NNP City Council Staff Report cqL 7 F DATE: December 20, 2006 New Business SUBJECT: Resolution of Support for the Salton Sea Authority's Multi-Purpose Project Concept FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager BY: Assistant City Manager—Administrative Services SUMMARY The Salton Sea Authority has developed a plan for a Multi-Purpose Project to restore and revitalize the Salton Sea. The Authority has requested the City Council join other valley cities and organizations in support of its Multi-Purpose Project, and to contribute $5,000 for community information and education outreach efforts. RECOMMENDATION- 1. Adopt Resolution No. "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING THE SALTON SEA AUTHORITY'S MULTI-PURPOSE PROJECT CONCEPT AS THE PREFERRED PLAN FOR RESTORATION AND REVITALIZATION OF THE SALTON SEA. 2. Adopt Minute Order No. approving a contribution of $5,000 to the Salton Sea Authority for a public education and information campaign to inform and educate the public about the restoration plan and the potential consequences of failure. 3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents. STAFF ANALYSIS: The Salton Sea, located in the southeastern corner of California, is actually a lake, which occupies a desert basin known as the Salton Sink. This body of water covers a surface area of 376 square miles, making it larger than Lake Tahoe and Mono Lake. In fact, the Salton Sea is the largest lake in California. The Sea's current elevation is about 227 feet below mean sea level, its maximum depth reaches 51 feet and its total volume is about 7.5 million acre-feet. Item 5 . D . City Council Staff Report December 20 — Page 2 Resolution of Support for Salton Sea Restoration Plan The Salton Sea has a unique make-up. By virtue of its location in the Colorado Desert ecosystem, an area with average annual precipitation of less than 3 inches per year, the Sea receives minimal inflow from rain. The very thing that makes this lake so unique and such a rich source of abundant life is placing the Sea's existence at risk. The nutrients that provide such an abundant source of food for fish are at levels that alter the available oxygen in the water. Its salt content, which causes water vessels to be more buoyant, and thus the fastest lake in the nation to boat upon, is compromising the reproductive ability of fish and, thus, their survival. Without fish, the hundreds of species of birds that rely on fish for food, and the economic status of the Sea as a productive fishery, would be threatened. The Salton Sea Authority has recognized the Sea's challenges and has begun the restoration process to not only sustain the Sea, but also revitalize it as an environmental and economic wellspring. To this end, the Salton Sea Authority has developed and is advancing a combined, multi-purpose revitalization/restoration project aimed at concurrently: (1) restoring the Sea as a nationally important wildlife refuge; (2) maintaining the Sea as a vital link along the international Pacific Flyway; (3) preserving local tribal heritage and cultural values associated with the Sea; (4) reducing odor and other water and air quality problems; (5) reestablishing the Sea as a tourist destination and recreational playground; and (6) revitalizing the Sea as a local economic development engine. The Authority's project objective is to achieve the habitat restoration and air and water quality goals set out in State and Federal legislation, while simultaneously meeting the needs of the residents of the region, local property owners, and civic leaders in the Imperial, Coachella and Mexicali Valleys. These interests desire a large, sustainable recreational lake with reduced odor that serves as a catalyst for regional economic development. This lake would also provide critical habitat values as it has in the past. Historically, the Salton Sea fish population has been an important food source for resident birds and those migrating along the Pacific Flyway. The restoration of the Salton Sea is vital to protect our quality of life, including air and water quality, as well as to preserve the wildlife habitat, tourism and recreational activities of the Coachella Valley. If nothing is done, the Salton Sea's surface elevation will drop by more than five feet over the next 12 years. By 2018, due to the 2003 water-transfer agreements and changes in Mexico, inflows to the Sea will decrease dramatically, causing the Sea to reach a critical tipping point. Among the devastating changes: • Between 2018 and 2030, the Sea will drop an additional 20 feet; • By 2021, rising lake salinity will mean the loss of nearly all fish life. Tens of thousands of resident and migratory birds will lose breeding and roosting habitats and food sources; • By 2036, the southern shore will have receded 4 to 5 miles, and the shrinking Sea will expose more than 130 square miles of dusty lakebed to the desert winds—an area nearly three times the size of San Francisco; and City Council Staff Report December 20 -- Page 3 Resolution of Support for Salton Sea Restoration Plan • In 60 years, the Sea will be little more than a shallow algal/bacterial soup. Some experts believe that, as the Sea becomes shallower, desert winds could kick up an average of 86 tons per day of talcum powder-like dust into the region's air causing a variety of health-related problems for people with asthma and other respiratory aliments. In addition to consideration of a resolution of support, the Salton Sea Authority is requesting that the City join other local cities in contributing $5,000 for community information and education efforts. The Authority is conducting a significant community outreach effort to inform and educate the public about the restoration plan and the consequences of failure that include the potential for significant negative impacts to our quality of life and public health as well as the transfer of water currently going into the Salton Sea to coastal urban communities. The Authority is conducting presentations before municipalities, trade and civic groups and non-profit clubs and organizations and has mailed a flyer to residents throughout the Coachella Valley. A 30-second public service announcement has been produced and is airing on local television. Future plans include a video documentary on the Sea that will be aired after the first of the year. The cities of Coachella and Indio have each committed $5,000 to the education campaign. The City of La Quinta has committed $20,000 and the Building Industry ,Association and the Torres Martinez Tribe have each committed $25,000 for the unformation and education campaign. FISCAL IMPACT: It is widely believed that failure to restore the Salton Sea will have serious environmental consequences on the region which could threaten both the tourism and the agriculture industry. Although the actual impact on these industries is difficult to ascertain, most experts agree that our local economy will be impact. The Salton Sea Authority is requesting a contribution of $5,000 to help fund a public education and information campaign to raise public awareness on the plight of the Sea and their Multi-Purpose Plan to restore it. If the Council elects to contribution to this educational campaign, funding is available in the Unallocated Council Priorities Program. ro L. Butzla stant City Manager David H. Ready, City Ma r Atta ments: 1. Resolution 2. Minute Order RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING THE SALTON SEA AUTHORITY'S MULTI-PURPOSE PROJECT CONCEPT AS THE PREFERRED PLAN FOR RESTORATION AND REVITALIZATION OF THE SALTON SEA WHEREAS, the Salton Sea is California's largest inland water body with beneficial uses, including fisheries and wildlife habitat, recreation, and preservation of endangered species; and WHEREAS, the Salton Sea ecosystem is a critical link on the international Pacific flyway and has supported over 400 species of birds and a productive fishery; and WHEREAS, the Sea is threatened by increasing salinity, high nutrient loading, and water loss; and WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority, a joint powers agency formed under the laws of the State of California by a Joint Powers Agreement dated 1993, is the lead local agency for identifying and implementing corrective measures to preserve the beneficial uses of the Sea; and WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority is taking concrete steps in finalizing a conceptual design for the detailed planning of a remediation project that protects air quality, water quality and wildlife habitat, creates economic development and recreational opportunities on a regional basis and respects tribal culture and heritage values; and WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority Revitalization and Restoration Conceptual Plan will restore the Sea's ecosystem in a manner that also fosters regional economic development and recreational opportunities and minimizes environmental impacts by creating the second and fifth largest lakes in the state WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan is superior to other alternatives that the State of California and the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, are considering during their programmatic EIR and alternatives study; and WHEREAS, prior to the formal adopting or implementation of any restoration plan, the Salton Sea Authority will cause any project to undergo a thorough and environmental analysis pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California does hereby support the "Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan for Multi-Purpose Project" as the preferred plan for restoration and revitalization of the Salton Sea. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Palm Springs encourage the cities and counties and other entities to join with it in support of the Salton Sea Authority Conceptual Plan. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs held this day of 2006. Ron Oden, Mayor ATTEST: James Thompson, City Clerk MINUTE ORDER NO. APPROVING A CONTRIBUTION OF $5,000 TO THE SALTON SEA AUTHORITY FOR A PUBLIC EDUCATION AND INFORMATION CAMPAIGN TO INFORM AND EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE RESTORATION PLAN AND THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE. --------------- I HEREBY CERTIFY that this Minute Order, approving a contribution of$5,000 to the Salton Sea Authority for a public education and information campaign to inform and educate the public about the restoration plan and the potential consequences of failure was adopted by the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, in a meeting thereof held on the 20°i day of December, 2006. James Thompson City Clerk