Rep. Costa Statement on Delta Smelt Agreement to Keep Pumps Turned On

Washington,D.C. –Following Judge Oliver Wanger's May decision that federal regulationsrestricting Valley water are flawed, Valley water users and environmentalgroups reached an agreement regarding the Delta smelt that will keep the pumpsmoving water south of the Delta turned on through June. All pumpingrestrictions required under the smelt biological opinion will cease as of July1st, allowing water to flow freely to the Valley through the end ofthe year.

"Thisagreement will allow the pumps to stay turned on through June. This means morereliable water deliveries for our Valley economy," said Costa. "Ourbattle against the flawed regulations cutting off our water is producingresults, and Judge Wanger's decision is a key step forward in our fight. Morework remains in reforming these misguided water restrictions, but I am pleasedthat we have been able to increase the predictability of water flowing to ourValley in the short term."

Under the terms of the negotiated agreement by the water users andenvironmental groups:

• The CVP and the SWP jointly will conduct pumping operations that maintain the Old and Middle River (OMR) flows so as not to be more negative than -5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs).

• The FWS may require reduced pumping operations in order to maintain OMR flows less negative than -5,000 cfs if the numbers of smelt harmed (salvaged) at the pumps exceeds agreed upon levels or if trends of smelt salvaged at the pumps show an imminent threat to the species.