'Biological Assessment' Released for Big California Tunnels Project

The plans for one of California's most expensive, and controversial, projects are moving forward as the clock ticks on the Obama Administration's time in power.

1 minute read

August 4, 2016, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Bay Delta

The Iselton Bridge over the Sacramento River. | Shutterstock

"California officials Tuesday released a detailed environmental blueprint for Gov. Jerry Brown’s controversial Delta tunnels project," reports Dale Kasler, "saying the $15.5 billion plan 'minimizes potential effects' on endangered fish species whose populations have dwindled following decades of water pumping."

The California Department of Water Resources released the revised "biological assessment" (after releasing a draft version last fall) as a necessary step in the lengthy planning process for the tunnels project. "Two federal agencies responsible for overseeing the Delta’s fish population, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service, now have to take the document and decide whether the tunnels would violate the Endangered Species Act," adds Kasler. California officials are hoping to have federal approval for the project before President Obama leaves office.

The tunnels project, of incredible significance to the state of California for its potential effect on water supply infrastructure and the environment, "would divert a portion of the Sacramento River’s flow near Clarksburg, and send that water via twin tunnels 30 miles to the Delta pumping stations near Tracy."

Tuesday, August 2, 2016 in The Sacramento Bee

stack of books

Planetizen’s Top Planning Books of 2023

The world is changing, and planning with it.

November 24, 2023 - Planetizen Team

Close-up of 'Red Line Subway Entry' sign with Braille below and train logo above text in Chicago, Illinois.

Chicago Red Line Extension Could Transform the South Side

The city’s transit agency is undertaking its biggest expansion ever to finally bring rail to the South Side.

November 24, 2023 - The Architect's Newspaper

Row of brick three-story townhomes in Britih Columbia.

More Affordable Housing for People, Less for Cars

Most jurisdictions have off-street parking requirements that increase motorists’ convenience but reduce housing affordability. It’s time to reform these policies for the sake of efficiency and fairness.

November 20, 2023 - Todd Litman

View of downtown Seattle with construction cranes and cloudy sky as seen from top of Space Needle.

Seattle Council Rejects Transportation Impact Fee

Councilmembers who opposed the proposal say the fee would have slowed housing development and raised housing costs.

2 hours ago - The Registry

Close-up of driver's side of silver truck with cloud of dirty emissions from tailpipe.

FHWA Issues Emissions Tracking Rule

The agency will require states to monitor transportation emissions and create plans to address air pollution.

3 hours ago - Route Fifty

Close-up of bus driver from behind with only hand visible on steering wheel.

FTA Proposes Measures to Prevent Transit Operator Fatigue

Public transit is the only type of transportation not already subject to ‘hours of service’ and fatigue risk management regulations.

5 hours ago - Safety & Health

Assistant/Associate Professor in Indigenous Planning

University of New Mexico - School of Architecture & Planning

Principal Planner

Placer County

Coastal Program Analyst III

San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC)

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.