Physical Sci.LiB. TC 32^1 C2 A2 N0.76A ^^ LIBRARY ySrVERSITY OF CALIFORNM DAVI<; I! fclSITY iff C«UFO«NU "LiBRARY 1^$^ ^.L.lTV OF CALIFORNIA DAVIS .,AK 9 1961 lUM^ - HARVEY O. BANKS Director Department of Water Resources Cou'f«t>' o' Lot Ange/ci Times STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES Bulletin No. 76 REPORT TO THE CALIFORNIA STATE LEGISLATURE ON THE DELTA WATER FACILITIES AS AN INTEGRAL FEATURE OF THE STATE WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM EDMUND G. BROWN )^^« HAR\ EY O. BANKS n k men LIBRARY U6C6niD6r, I dbU UIJIVERSITY OF CALIFORNU DAVIS Letters STATE OF CALIFORNIA Sptiartmrnt of Mstn VsBouictB SACRAMENTO December 30, I960 Hcnonble Edmund C. Brcnm, Coventor Hembers of the Legislature of the State of OallfoniiB CentleiBen : I have the honor to transmit herewith a preliminary edition of Bulletin No. 76, "Delta Water Facilities". Thle bulletin sunmarlzea the re- stilts of iDvestlgatioos conducted pureuant to the Abshlre-Kelly Salinity Control Barrier Acta of 1955 aod 1957, Chapter 11*34, Statutes of 1955, and Chapter 2092^ Statutes of 1957, as amended by Chapters 1765 and 2038, Statutes of 1959. Bulletin Ho. 76 presents findings and conclusicos regarding the reasl- bility of alternative plans for the Delta feature of the State Water Facilities included in the Bums-Porter Act approved by the electorate on November 8, i960. The Delta water facllltlee would (l) provide adequate water supplies throu^^iout the Delta, (2) transport water acrose the Delta without undue loss or deteriora- tion in quality, (3) provide flood and seepage control to Delta Islands, (1*) provide improved vehicular transportation access, and (5) minimize effects on existing recreation develop^nt and enhance recreation growth. All of the alternative plans would accomplish the first two objectives, and tvo alternative plans would also accomplish the other objectives. Further planning for Delta water facilities should Include considera- tion of Joint financing and construction by federal, state and local Interests. Facilities for flood and seepage control, vehlculor transportation and recreation would not have to be constructed unless local governmental agencies desire these works and are vlUlng to share in certain costs thereof. There would be some conflicts of Interest in operation of these facilities which must be resolved prior to a decision by local Interests regarding the extent of local participation. To this end, it Is recaaBeoded that a period of a few months be allowed for local review and resolution of differences, after vhlch public hearings should be held by the Callforaia Water Commission and the department. Follovlng the public hearings, a final edition of Bulletin No. 76, incorporating any necessary modifica- tions, should be published. Venr truly yours HARVEY 'n. PAffrC.^ HAPVEY'o. EAirKS Director lOARD OF CONSUITING ENGINEERS November I6, I96O 1 Mr. Harvey 0- Banks, Director Department of Water Resources Sacramento, California Dear Mr. Banks: This Boairl of Coosultlng Qigineers which was active in 1958 vas reconvened In April, 196O and has met from time to time with your staff. Thus ve have followed the preparation of this report and have ccBiaented to you following each meeting. The Dslta Water Facilities constitute needed vorks vital to the transfer of northern water Into and across the Delta to provide water for use in the Delta and for export to water deficient areas along the Coast, in the Son Joaquin Valley and to Southern California, to be financed under the California Water Resources Developsent Bond Act. The Boorti is of the opinion that the gross future water require- ments for municipal and industrial purposes in the Delta have been very liberally estimated. The Board is of the opinion that the engineering studies, designs and estimates are adequate for the purpose of this planning report and we support the conclusions and recoBnendatlons embodied therein. We believe that the Chlpps Island Barrier Project should not be authorized or constructed ovlng to its high cost of nearly |aoo million which substantially exceeds project benefits. The Mta Water Project, Including such economically desirable flood control, seepage control, transportation and recreational features as may be agreed upon by local Delta beneficlariea willing to share In costs, would meet all water requirements vlth maxiaua net project benefits, and should be constructed under the Bond Act. Respectfully suhniltted, jjb. /9. £~j — c:i*,<^ R. A. EljiBteln Ray IJ/r Llnsley \Ir Samuel B. Morris, CtMtlnao Preface J This bulletin summarizes the engincermg and economic conclusions and recommendations concerning the feasibility of providing salinity control, water supply, flood and seep- age control, transportation facilities, and recreation develop- ment for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and conserv- ing and making the most beneficial use of a major portion of the water resources of the State. Alternative plans for accomplishing some or all of these objectives are presented and compared to indicate their relative merits and to guide the selection of facilities to be constructed. Findings presented herein are the result of intensive stud- ies conducted during a hve-year period. Previous studies and cooperative investigations by various public and private agencies and individuals were utilized in development of the plans. The cooperation of these individuals and agencies is gratefully acknowledged. Study procedures and analyses arc summarized in six- supporting office reports, which are available to interested agencies and individuals. The subjects and titles of these reports are: Salinity Incursion and ^^ ater Resources Delta A\'ater Requirements Channel Hydraulics and Flood Channel Design Recreation Plans, Designs, and Cost Estimates Economic Aspects Salinity Control Studies The Delta Its Geography and Economy Its Role in California's Water Development Delta Problems Salinity Incursion and Water Supplies -Municipal Water Industrial Water Agricultural Water A\ ater Salvage Flood and Seepage Control Vehicular Transportation Recreation Navigation Planning and Design Concepts Cliipps Island Barrier Project Single Purpose Delta Water Project I ypical Alternative Delta \\ atcr Project Comprehensive Delta \\ atcr Project Project Accomplishments Delta \\ ater Supply A\ atcr Salvage Flood and Seepage Control \'ehicular Transportation Recreation Fish and Wildlife Navigation I-.conomic Aspects Benefits. Detriments, and Costs Allocation of Costs Costs of Project Services Repayment Conclusions and Recommendations Advanced Planning, Design, and Operation Studies Acknow Icdffmcnts Salinity Control Studies 1879-1880, WM. HAM. HALL Salinity incursion into the Delta, which was recorded in 1841 and 1871, was recog- nized by the early settlers as a potential problem to water supplies, and a salt water barrier was proposed in the 1 860's. State Engineer W'ni. Ham. Hall subsequently studied a barrier in conjunction with flood control and concluded that, while a physi- cal barrier could be constructed, the costs would exceed the benefits. 1924-1928, WALKER YOUNG INVESTIGATION A series of subnormal water supply years began in 1917 and various proposals for barriers were advanced during the early 1920's. In cooperation with the State of California and the Sacramento Valley De- velopment Association, the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, under the direction of Walker Young, extensively investigated four alter- native barrier sites and concluded that it was ". . . physically feasible to construct a Salt Water Barrier at any one of the sites investigated . . ." It was recognized that without a barrier, ". . . salinity conditions will become more acute unless mountain storage is provided to be released during periods of low river discharge . . ." Eco- nomic analyses of barriers were not made by Mr. Young. 1929-1931, BULLETINS NOS. 27 AND 28 POilowing investigation of the physical feasibilitx' of barriers, the State Division of Water Resources studied the phenomena of salinity incursion and the economics of bar- riers. In Bulletin No. 27, "\'ariation and Control of Salinit\- in Sacramento-San Joa- quin Delta and Upper San Francisco Ba\'," it was concluded that ". . . invasion of salinit)- ... as far as the lower end of the . . . Delta is a natural phenomenon w hich, in varying degree, has occurred each \ear as far back as historical records reveal." It was also concluded that the Delta could be protected from saline invasion and be as- sured of ample and dependable water sup- plies if mountain storage were utilized to provide a controlled rate of outflow from the Delta. In Bulletin No. 28, "Economic Aspects of a Salt Water Barrier," it was concluded that it was not economically justifiable to construct a barrier. With conditions of upstream water use at that time, it was con- cluded that the most economical solution to salinity incursion and provision of ade- quate water supplies in the Delta could be achieved by constructing upstream storage and controlling rates of outflow during pe- riods of insufficient natural outflow. 1953, ABSHIRE-KELLY SALINITY CONTROL BARRIER ACT Shasta Reservoir on the Sacramento River w as constructed and began operation 111 1944 for salinity control and other pur- poses. Expanding water requirements in the Central \'alle\' and San Francisco Bay area stimulated reconsideration of barrier plans for water conservation and related pur- poses. Se\en alternative plans for barriers in the Bay and Delta system were investi- gated by a Board of Consultants and the State Division of A\'ater Resources for the California \\ ater Project .-Xuthorit)-. The Board of Consultants concluded that bar- riers in the San Francisco Ba\' system would not be functionally feasible due to the uncertaintN' of the qualit\' of \\ ater in a bar- rier pool. It was recommended 1)\ the Divi- sion of W ater Resources that "Further con- sideration be given only to . . . barriers ... at or upstream from the Cliipps Is- land site" at the outlet of the Delta. 1955, ABSHIRE-KELLY SALINITY CONTROL BARRIER ACT Additional legislation specified study of a system of works in the Delta, referred to as the Junction Point Barrier Plan, and the Chipps Island Barrier Plan. Ihc principal purposes of these studies were to develop complete plans for water suppl\- in the San Francisco Ba\' area and to provide salinitv control and urgentl\' needed flood protec- tion in the Delta. CHAPTER 1434 An act to provide for a study of tkt junction point harrier < and appurtenant facilities, the AhsXire-KeUy Saiinity Con- trol Barrier Act of 1955, relating to harriers for salinity and flood control purposes, declaring the urgency thereof, to take efeet immediately. The people of the State of California do enact at foOom: Section 1. There is hereby appropriated to the Water Project Authority the stun of one hundred thousand doUars ($100.0001. payable from the Flood Control Fund of 1946, to initiate the further investigation and study of the Junction Point Barrier and Chipps Island Barrier and appurtenant fa- cilities, as such barriers and facilities are described in the report of the Water Project Authority to the Legislatnre entitled "Feasibility of Construction by the State of Barriers in the San Francisco Bay Sj-stem, ' ' dated March, 1955. for the purposes of developing complete plans of the means of accom- "* plishing delivery of fresh water to the San Francisco Bay area, including the Counties of Solano. Sonoma. Napa. Marin. Contra Costa. Alameda. Santa Clara. San Benito, and San Mateo, and the City and County of San Francisco, providing urgently needed flood protection to' agricultural lands in the • Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, conducting subsurface explor- ation work in the delta and designing facilities appurtenant to the cross-delta aqueduct, obtaining more complete informa- tion on the hydrology of the delta, and stud.ving integration of the proposed project in the California Water Plan. Sec. 2. The Water Project Authority may contract with such other public agencies, federal, state, or locaL as it deems necessary for the rendition and affording of such services, facilities, studies, and reports to the Water Project Authority as will best assist it to carry out this act. The Water Project Authority may also employ, by contract or otherwise, such private consulting engineering and other techni(:al services as it deems necessary for the rendition and affording of such • services, facilities, studies, and reports as will best assist it to carry out this act. Sec. 3. It is the intent of the Legislature that in conduct- ing the study and investigation the Water Project Authority shall confer and exchange information with and shall seek tbe • participation of the United States Xavy, the United States Bu- reau of Beclamation, the United States Corps of Engineers and the local port districts to the extent possible. Sec. 4. The Water Project Authority shall report to the Legislature the result of its study and investigation not later than March 30, 1957. Sec. 5. This act shall be known and may be cited as the Abshire-Kelly Salinity Control Barrier Act of 1955. Sec. 6. This act is an urgency measure necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety within the meaning of Article TV of the Constitution and shall go into immediate effect. The facts constituting such , necessity are : The areas adjacent to the San Francisco Bay urgently need an adequate supply of fresh wBter for domestic and industrial uses. It is essential to the public health, safety and welfare that a study of salinity control barriers as a means of securing , such a supply of fresh water, be undertaken without delay. A four-year investigation was contem- plated, and an interim report. Bulletin No. 60, "Salinity Control Barrier Investigation", was published in .March 1957, by the De- partment of Water Resources. This report outlined a water plan for the San Francisco Bay area, and recommended that the North Bay Aqueduct be authorized for construc- tion. The North Bay Aqueduct was author- ized by the Legislature in 1957. The report also compared the Biemond Plan, a system of works in the Delta, with the Chipps Island Barrier Plan, and recommended that further studv be limited to the Biemond Plan. 1957, ABSHIRE-KELLY SALINITY CONTROL BARRIER ACT The Legislature concurred in limiting further study to the Biemond Plan and stressed the need for improving the quality of water in the Delta and making the most beneficial use of the water resources of the State. A report on the further studies was scheduled for release by .March 30, 1959. CHAPTER 2092 An act relating to harriers for salinity and flood control purposes. [Approved bv Governor July 8. 1957. Filed ^th Secre^aTT ot Sute jQlv 10, 1937.1 The people of Ike State of California do enact as foOoKS: Sectidx 1. The Department of Water Resources may limit its studies of salinity control barriers to the Biemond Plan as described in Bulletin No. 60 of the Department of Water Resources entitled "Salinity Control Barrier Investigation." dated March. 1957, subject to such modifications thereof as the department may adopt, said studies being for the purposes of developing complete plans of the means of accomplishing de- livery of fresh water to the Counties of Solano, Sonoma, Napa and Marin, providing iirg«nlly needed flood protection to agri- cultural lands in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, ac- complishing salinity control, improving the quality of water exported from the delta to the San Francisco Bay area, San Joaquin Valley, and southern portions of California, making the most beneficial use of the water resources of the State, and studying integration of the proposed project in The Cali- foiyiia Water Plan. Sec. 2. The department may contract with such other public agencies, federal, state or local, as it deems necessary for the rendition and affording of such services, facilities, studies, and reports to the department as will best assist it to carrj* out this act. Sec. 3. It is the intent of the Legislature that in conduct- ing the study and investigation the department shall confer and exchange information with and shall seek the participa- tion of the United States Xavy, the United States Bureau of Reclamation, the United States Corps of Engineers, and the local port districts to the extent possible. Sec. 4. The department shall submit a report to the Legis- lature stating the result of its study and investigation not later than March 30. 1959. Sec. 5. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Abshire-Kelly Salinity Control Barrier Act of 1957." 1959, ADDITIONAL LEGISLATION The potential expansion of water require- ments of the urban and industrial complex in the western Delta area, and greater up- stream water use with resultant depletion of inflow to and outflow from the Delta, indicated need for more concentrated study of the water requirements and supplies of the Delta. Legislation was enacted in 1959 to undertake studies of the type and extent of future water requirements of lands which can be served from present channels in the western Delta, effects of upstream water uses on Delta supplies, plans for water ser\"- ice and costs thereof, and economic and financial feasibility of the plans. Additional legislation authorized studies of the most economical and efficient procedures of con- structing levees for flood control. CHAPTER 17G5 -'In act providing far the investigation of water mippiies and flood control levees for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and making an appropriation therefor. [Approvrd by Guvcmnr July 10. 1950. Flk-d vrltli Secretary of Slate July 13, 19S9.] Th'' people of the Slate of California do enact as foUoivs: Section 1. The Department of Water Kesoun-cs shall in- vestigate the water supplies for the SacranuMito-San Joaquin Delta. The inwstirratioii sluill im-Iude, ainon^' other things: (1) the type an | west of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta via the Delta ; wat«r surphis to the needs of the areas in which it originates is I gathered in the Delta and thereby provides a common source of fresh water supply for water-deficient areas. It is, therefore, hereby declared that a general law cannot be made applicable*^ i to said Delta and that the enactment of this law is necessary ! for the protection, conservation, development, control and tise I of the waters in the Delta for the public good. 12201. The Legislature finds that the maintenance of an j ade'iuate water sujiply in the Delta sufficient to maintain and | expand agriculture, industry, urban, and recreational develop- ' ment in the Delta area as set forth in Section 12220, Chapter \ 2. of this part, and to provide a common source of fresh . water for export to areas of water deficiency is necessary to ' the peace, health, saftey and welfare of the people of the State, except that delivery of such water shall be subject to the provisions of Section 10505 and Sections 11460 to 11463, inclusive, of this code. 12202. Among the functions to be provided by the State ^ Water Resources Development System, in coordination with the activities of the United States in providing salinity control for the Delta through operation of the Federal Central Valley Project, shall be the provision of salinity control and an ade- quate water supply for the users of water in the Sacramento- * San Joaquin Delta. If it is determined to be in the public interest to provide a substitute water supply to the users in said Delta in lieu of that whieh would be provided as a result of salinity control no added financial burden shall be placed upon said Delta water users solely by virtue of such substitution. Delivery of said substitute water supply shall be subject to the provisions of Section 10505 and Sections 11460 to 11463, inclusive, of this code. 12203. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State that no person, corporation or public or private agency or the , State or the United States should divert water from the chan- nels of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to which the users within said Delta are entitled. ^ 12204. In determining the availability of water for export from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta no water shall be ex- j ported whieh is ueeessary to meet the requirements of Sections 12202 and 12203 of this chapter. 12205. It is the policy of the State that the operation and ^ management of releases from storage into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta of water for use outside the area in which such i water originates shall be integrated to the maximum extent j possible in order to permit the fulfillment of the objectives of this part. Til is Icgishuioii also described the area of j the Delta to which the general polic\- ap- ' plies. The boundary of the Delta, as de--" scribed in Section 12220 of the Water Code, is indicated on the facing map. The area considered in the intensive studies of i water requirements and supplies is described as the Western Delta Studv Area. ; SCALE 0*^ MILES — its geography and economy The Delta, located at the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers system, is a unique feature of the California land- scape. The Delta encompasses some 738,000 acres, interlaced with 700 miles of meandering waterways covering 50,000 acres. About 415,000 acres of land, referred to as Delta Lowlands, lie between elevations of 5 feet above and 20 feet below sea level. This area is composed of peat, organic sediments, and alluvium, and is protected from flood water and high tides by man-made levees. The extensive waterways afford opponunity for shipping and provide a wonderland for boating and water sports. These same waterways must safely discharge flood waters of the Central Valley. ' The fortunate combination of fertile soils, convenient water supplies, and shallow-draft shipping to central California markets led to development of an intensified agricultural economy in the Delta. Initial reclamation of the marshlands began slowlv in the 1850's, but rapidly expanded after state assistance was provided by a swampland act in 1861. By 1930, all but minor areas of the swamplands had been leveed and were in production. The Delta has historically been noted for its asparagus, pota- toes, celery, and varied truck crops. Recently, greater emphasis has been placed on field corn, milo, grain, and hay, although the Delta still produces most of the nation's canned asparagus. The Delta's agricultural economy for many years was dependent upon repulsion of ocean salinity by fresh water outflow, which fluctuated widely, but during the past sixteen years has been protected largely by releases from upstream reservoirs of the Federal Central Valley Project during summer months. Several towns and cities arc located in the upland areas and an industrial complex is expanding in the western part of the Delta. Earlv industrial development centered around food and kindred products, steel production, fibrcboard, lumber, and slnip- building activity. Large water-using industries, such as steel, paper products, and chemicals, have developed in the western area where water, rail, and highwa\- transportation, coupled with water supplies, has stimulated growth. The manufacturing em- plovmcnt in this area was about 10,000 people in 1960. 1860 WATERWAYS AND / UNDEVELOPED LAND / INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT n^ ' ! URBAN DEVELOPMENT'^^^ DELTA UPLANDS. AGRICULTURE (ABOVE ELEVATION 5 FEET) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 •^ ! ' 1 i 1 DELTA LOWLANDS, AGRICULTURE IBELOW ELEVATION 5 FEET) i ' 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 TRENDS IN LAND USE PROJECTED ASSESSED VALUATIONS WITHIN THE WESTERN DELTA STUDY AREA A deep-draft ship channel serving commercial and military installations terminates at Stockton, and another is being con- structed to Sacramento. Water-borne shipments in the Delta amounted to about 6,000,000 tons annually in recent years. The Delta encompasses one of California's most important high quality natural gas fields. Since 1941 the field has produced about 300,000,000 cubic feet of methane gas for use in the San Francisco Bay area. A\'ith the growing significance of recreation, the Delta has blossomed into a major recreation area at the doorsteps of metro- politan development in the San Francisco Bay area, Sacramento, and Stockton. In 1960, nearly 2,800,000 recreation-days were en- joved in this boating wonderland. 10 The Delta — its role in California's water development In 1959, the State Legislature enacted the California Water Resources Development Bond Act to finance construction of the State Water Resources Development System. The bond act was approved by the California electorate in November 1960. The State Water Facilities, the initial features of this system, will complement continuing local and federal water development programs and include the very necessary works in the Delta. One of the principal objectives of the State Water Resources Development System is to conserve water in areas of surplus in the north and to transport water to areas of deficiency to the south and west. The Delta is important in achieving this objec- tive, since it receives all of the surplus flows of Central Valley rivers draining to the ocean during winter and spring months and is the last location where water not needed in the Delta or up- stream therefrom can conveniently be controlled and diverted to beneficial use. Surplus water from the northern portion of the Central Valley and north coastal rivers will be conveyed by the natural river system to the Delta, where it must be transferred through Delta channels to export pumping plants without undue loss or deterioration in quality. Aqueducts will convey the water from the Delta to off^-stream storage and use in areas of defi- ciency to the south and west. In addition to being an important link in the interbasin trans- fer of water, the Delta is a significant segment of California's economy, and its agricultural, municipal, and industrial water supply problems, and flood control and related problems, must be remedied. A multipurpose system of Delta water facilities, which will comprise one portion of the State Water Resources Development System, is the most economical means of transfer- ring water and solving Delta problems. SOURCES OF SURPLUS WATER (Xl UNREGULATED FlOWS IN THE DELTA A FEATHER RIVER ^ MIDDLE FORK EEl RIVER gk TRINITY RIVER (^ MAD-VAN DU2EN RIVER (t\ KLAMATH RIVER UPPER EEL RIVER lAREAS OF (X) SOUTH i'-ri Fi-'iNCISCO BAY AREA A NORTH SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA I SAN BENITO COUNTY AND PAJARO VALLEY AREA I SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY AREA I CENTRAL COASTAL AREA I SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COASTAL PLAIN I ANTELOPE -MOJAVE AREA I COASTAL SAN DIEGO AREA ) WHITEWATER-COACHELLA AREA n Tracy Pumping Plant Full demands on the State Water Resources Development sys- tem can be met until about 1981 from surplus water in and tribu- tary to the Delta with regulation by the proposed Oroville and San Luis Reservoirs. However, upstream depletions will reduce the available surplus supplies and water will have to be imported from north coastal sources after that year. It is anticipated that coordinated operation of the State Water Resources Develop- ment System and the Federal Central \'alley Project will afford a Hmited increase in usable surplus Delta supplies beginning in 1981. As indicated in the chart, upstream depletions will con- tinue to decrease the available surplus supplies. The coordinated use of surplus water in and tributary to the Delta and of regulated or imported supplements to this supply, as required, is referred to as the Delta Pooling Concept. Under this concept of operation the State will ensure a continued sup- ply of water adequate in quantity and quality to meet the needs of export water users. Advantage will be taken of surplus water available in the Delta, and as the demand for water increases and the available surplus supply is reduced by further upstream uses, the State will assume the responsibility of guaranteeing a firm supply of water, which will be accomplished by construc- tion of additional storage facilities and import works. At the same time, the water needs of the Delta will be fuUv" met. 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 WATER SOURCES AND USES 12 Delta Problems — salinity incursion and water supplies LlHlT Of UAXyUM INCURSION 0* SALINITT O^ IjOOO PAATS or CHlOOIDCS pen yiLLION MKTS OF HISTORICAL SALINITY INCURSION 1920-1960 Salinity incursion into the Delta results from the flooding and ebbing of ocean tides through the San Francisco Bay and Delta system during periods when the fresh water outflow from the Delta is insufiicient to repel the saline water. The natural fresh water outflow from the Central V^alley was historically inade- quate to repel salinity during summer months of some years. The first known record of salinity encroachment into the Delta was reported by Cmdr. Ringgold, U. S. Navy, in August 1841, whose party found the water at the site of the present city of Antioch very brackish and unfit for drinking. Since that time, and particularly after the turn of the century, with expanding upstream water use salinity incursion has become an increasingly greater problem in Delta water supplies. The maximum recorded extent of salinity incursion happened in 1931, when ocean salts reached Stockton. Since 1944 extensive incursion has been re- pulsed much of the time by fresh water releases from Central X'alley Project storage in Shasta and Folsom Reservoirs. Without such releases, saline water would have spread through about 90 percent of the Delta channels in 1955 and 1959. Although up- stream uses might not have reached present levels in the absence of the Central Valley Project, salinity problems would still have been very serious during most years. Further increase in water use in areas tributary to the Delta will worsen the salinity incursion problem and complicate the already complex water rights situation. To maintain and expand the economy of the Delta, it will be necessary to provide an adequate supply of good quality water and protect the lands from the cfi"ects of salinity incursion. In 1959 the State Legislature directed that water shall not be diverted from the Delta for use elsewhere unless adequate supplies for the Delta are first provided. The natural availability of good quality water in the Delta is directly related to the amount of surplus water which flows to the ocean. The graph to the right indicates the historic and projected availability of water in the San Joaquin River at Anti- och containing less than 350 and 1,000 pans chlorides per million parts water, under long-term average runoff and ivhhout specific releases for salinity control. It may be noted that even under natural conditions, before any significant upstream water develop- ments, there was a deficiency of water supplies within the speci- fied quality limits. It is anticipated that, without salinity control releases, upstream depletions by the year 2020 will have reduced the availability of water containing less than 1,000 ppm chlorides by about 60 percent, and that exports will have caused an addi- tional 30 percent reduction. IMPORTS FROM NORTH COASTAL PROJECTS- AVERAGE NATURAL DELTA INFLOW 1900 1920 1940 I960 1980 2000 USE OF DELTA WATER SUPPLIES 350 PPM 1000 PPM NATURAL DEFICIENCY EFFECTS OF UPSTREAM DEPLETIONS EFFECTS OF EXPORTS REMAINING AVAILABILITY NOTE DUALITY LIMITS IN PARTS OF CHLORIDES PER MILLION PARTS OF WATER NATURAL 1900 1920 1940 I960 1980 2000 2020 DELTA WATER QUALITY WITHOUT SALINITY CONTROL The magnitude of the past and anticipated future uses of water in areas tributary to the Delta, except the Tulare Lake Basin, is indicated in the diagram to the left. It may be noted that, while the present upstream use accounts for reduction of natural inflow to the Delta by almost 25 percent, upstream development dur- ing the next 60 years will deplete the inflow by an additional 20 percent. By that date about 22 percent of the natural water supply reaching the Delta will be exported to areas of deficiency by local, state, and federal projects. In addition, economical devel- opment of water supplies will necessitate importation of about 5,000,000 acre-feet of water seasonally to the Delta from north coastal streams for transfer to areas of deficiency. 14 Delta Problems — municipal watej Municipalities in the surrounding upland areas of the Delta, except in the western portion, obtain their water supplies from surface or underground sources which are, or will be with further development, adequate to meet their needs. In the western Delta, the principal municipalities rely on supplies from the Contra Costa Canal which are diverted from Delta channels. The main problem relates to quality of the water. At the present time, the mineral quality of the supplies deteriorates during some summer and fall months below standards established by the U. S. Public Health Service. This results from incursion of ocean salts, com- bined with industrial wastes and poor quality return water from the Central Valley. Assurance of good quality supplies in ade- quate quantities to meet present requirements and anticipated future growth is one of the most pressing problems in the Delta. Estimates of future municipal water requirements in the west- ern Delta area were based on projected population and per capita use. Population projections were founded on national, state, and regional forecasts for moderately high economical conditions. Although these conditions result in forecasts which may exceed an anticipated "most probable" projection by about ten percent, it is believed that this approach will assure adequate consideration of Delta water requirements in plans for diversion of surplus water from the Delta. Projected estimates of per capita water uses reflect anticipated increases due to greater emphasis on water-using appliances in homes, additional lawns and landscaping, and the general trend toward higher standards of living. An average municipal water use of about 140 gallons per capita per day at this time reflects the climatic and economic conditions of the area. It is anticipated that the average use in low density residential areas will increa.sc to about 200 gallons per capita per day by 2020. The estimated total annual municipal water requirement in the western Delta area indicates about a fifteenfold increase by 2020. ■1 1 1 1" WESTERN DELTA STUDY AREA = 400r aZOOl + 1— J?-'^ POPULATION WESTERN DELTA STUDY AREA WESTERN DELTA STUDY AREA PORTION OF WESTERN DELTA STUDY AREA WITHIN THE DELTA I I .u. ESTIMATED MUNICIPAL WATER REQUIREMENTS WESTERN DELTA STUDY AREA (In thousands of ocre-feet onnuolly) Area 1 I960 1 19S() :()o(i 2020 Western Delta Study Area Contra Costa Co. 9.6 0.7 8.6 0.0 26.8 1.4 22.6 0.0 62.7 10.0 52.0 0.4 116.4 35.4 71.4 2.5 portion of Western Delta Study Area Within the Delta 1980 2000 MUNICIPAL WATER REQUIREMENTS WESTERN DELTA STUDY AREA Delta Problems — industrial water The problems of industrial water supply are similar to munici- pal supply problems in that they are concentrated in the western Delta area and center around quality aspects. Deterioration of water supplies by salinity incursion in 1959 caused curtailment of production in several plants and a production halt in one major industry. As additional upstream development and beneficial use of water takes place, the duration and degree of salinity incursion each year will become more extended. It will become increas- ingly necessary to provide adequate industrial water supplies in the western Delta area for maintenance and expansion of the present economy. Estimates of future industrial growth were based on correla- tion of state and regional manufacturing employment with na- tional projections. Projections to 1980 were based on detailed analyses of the several components of the industrial complex, while projections beyond that date reflect total manufacturing employment. A sevenfold increase in manufacturing employment in the western Delta area is anticipated by 2020. Increasing pro- ductivity per employee, due to automation and technical ad- vancements, coupled with projected employment, indicates a thirtyfold increase in production by that date. Estimates of future water supplies to enable the production increases were based on six manufacturing categories, and reflect a continuation of the trend of decreasing water use per unit of production. A fifteenfold increase in total industrial water re- quirements is indicated by 2020. The total requirement includes two types of industrial water. One type is for processing and recirculated cooling with quality limitations, and the second type is for general cooling where good quality water is not required because materials of construction in cooling equipment can sat- isfactorily withstand a wide range of quality conditions. S 75 1- ^§ . liJ4 I f 1 1 1 WESTERN DELTA STUDY AREA 1 .^_ PORTION OF WESTERN DELTA STUDY AREA WITHIN THE DELTA I I I I I I I MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT WESTERN DELTA STUDY AREA ESTIMATED INDUSTRIAL WATER REQUIREMENTS WESTERN DELTA STUDY AREA (In ihouMindt of ocrt-leet onnuolly) .Aj-ea "« I9«C 2000 2020 Western Delta Study Area Totil water requirements. Contra Costa Co. Total water requirements. Solano Co._ Water with qualit>- limitations. 106 1 io 106 JO )96 120 !» 120 790 67 2!1 21 -90 9 251 J 1.270 J87 42i 129 1.270 S« «J 19 Water with qualit>- limitations. Solano Co. Ponion of Western Delta Study Area Within the Delia Total water requirements. Contra Costa Co. Total water requirements. Solano Co- Water with qualir>' limitations. Water with qualit>' limitations, Solano Co INDUSTRIAL WATER REQUIREMENTS WESTERN DELTA STUDY AREA 20r Delta Problems-agricultural wate For man\' vcars farmers in the Delta have been confronted with salinity incursion in Delta channels. Since 1944 they have enjoyed partial salinity protection and supplemental water due to releases from Shasta and Folsom Reservoirs. As addi- tional water is utilized in areas tributary to the Delta, there will be further reductions in unregulated late spring runoff to the Delta, which will result in diminishing supplies in the western Delta and greater Delta-wide reliance on regulated fresh water outflow. About 40,000 acres in the western Delta are faced with water supplies of poor quality even if future export projects arc not constructed. In the southern portion of the Delta the present water supplies during summer months consist mainly of very poor quality drainage water in the San Joaquin River. Operation of the proposed San Joaquin Valley waste conduit may reduce the amount of return drainage water available in the San Joaquin River. If this occurs, substitute water supplies would have to be provided. Although most of the suitable land in the Delta is now irrigated, limited additional development in the uplands is anticipated, and more intense use by double-cropping will be made of Delta lowlands. Estimates of expanding water require- ments reflect correlations with statewide projections of the economic demand for farm produce. It is anticipated that about 10,000 acres of "new" land will be irrigated in the upland areas, but about 40,000 acres will be converted to urban uses by 2020. Future water requirements were based on projected crop patterns and unit water requirements of the various crops. Some additional water may be required for leaching of lands surrounded by brackish water. Separate allowance for this purpose was provided in operation studies of plans which result in brackish water in western Delta channels. INDEX OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY ESTIMATED AGRICULTURAL WATER REQUIREMENTS WITHIN THE DELTA' (In thousands of ocre-feet annually) 1960 198(1 2000 2020 .Xiameda County 13 15 15 15 Contra Costa County 2J6 272 275 270 Sacramento County _ _. 294 339 342 336 San Joaquin County _ _ 838 967 977 958 Solano County 238 264 267 261 Yolo County _ 244 282 285 279 TOTAL - _... 1,863 2,139 2,161 2,119 Including effeclis'e precipitation. --I -i I I . 1 I I I L J 2000 AGRICULTURAL WATER REQUIREMENTS _ J 2020 Delta Problems — water salvage During winter months of most years, flood flows exceed Delta uses and flush ocean salts from the channel system. Surplus water can be divcned from the Delta under these conditions. During summer and early fall months, the inflow to the Delta is generally limited to regulated flow in the Sacramento River. This supply must meet all uses in the Delta and export therefrom, and prevent salinity incursion from unduly degrading the quality of water in the Delta. Due to the hydraulic char- acteristics of the complex channel system, the amount of outflow from the Delta necessary for quality control at the export pumping plants increases as the rates of expon increase. I?5.90O CFSI — z so ..a^^SSS'"'-"" 1 sttii Sis: ..M l#* 1 1 DELTA OUTF T CHANNEL CC 1,000 SECOND - 1 Y 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 QUALITY LIMITS AT PUMPS: 100 PARTS PER MILLION. CHLORIDES , 400 PARTS PER MILLION. TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS OQ- 1 _l J. J 4 8 12 EXPORT PUMPING IN 1,000 SECOND-FEET Water in the Sacramento River follows two basic routes to the export pumping plants. It flows from the vicinity of \\'alnut Grove through several generally parallel channels in a southerly direction across the central portion of the Delta, and also through channels in the western portion around Sherman Island and then upstream into the central area. The quantities transferred by the first route are 7iot siifpcient to supply the pumps and enroute Delta users during summer months, and water transferred around Sherman Island by the second route is mixed with and carries ocean salts into the Delta. Therefore, greater quantities of water \\ill be necessary to reduce the salinit>- concentrations in the western Delta, unless a physical barrier is constructed or water is diverted dircctlv southward across the Delta. SCHEMATIC DISTRIBUTION OF FUTURE REGULATED INFLOW WITH PRESENT CHANNEL CONDITIONS Delta Problems — flood and seepage control a 2 B ^-V4LUE AT I960 IVvALUE AT TIME .Qfl_ PRICE LEVEL OF FLOODING 1 HISTORICAL FLOOD DAMAGE IN THE DELTA ANNUAL COSTS -FLOOD AND SEEPAGE CONTROL While the peat soils of tiie Delta arc excellent for growing crops, they cause several difficult levee maintenance and farming problems. Levees along the channels have been constructed on the peat and periodically must be raised and widened as the organic foundation soils arc consolidated. During the early stages of land reclamation, islands were frequently flooded by over- topping of the levees. However, under present conditions floods due to overtopping are infre(]uenr in the central portion of the Delta, but numerous islands have been flooded \\ hen sections of the levees have suddenly failed. I his apparent trend toward decreasing levee stabilitx' results from subsidence of the land surface and resultant greater forces on the levees. Despite increas- ing maintenance work on many existing levees, no significant improvement in protection is achieved. The land surface in areas of peat soils is subsiding at an average rate of about three inches per \car. This is general!)' attributed to oxidation of the peat fibers, wind erosion, compaction by farm equipment, and loss of water in the upper few feet. As a result of land subsidence, future levees in many areas will be 30 to 35 feet high. Work must be initiated soon to gradually increase the stability of the levees for these future conditions. In this connec- tion, it must be recognized that flood protection for the Delta must include works in the Delta. Flood stages in the Delta result from inflow and high tides, frequently amplified by heavy winds on the ocean and Bay system. Although upstream flood control reservoirs will afford some relief, more stable levees are needed to safely resist the high tide and flood stages. As the peat soils are lost by oxidation and erosion, the seepage problems are compounded. Differences in elevation between water levels in the channels and in the islands will increase, and the resistance by the peat to upward movement of water from 19 AREAS OF PEAT AND RELATED ORGANIC SEDIMENTS LAND SUBSIDENCE underlying sand aquifers will be reduced. Unless suitable methods of arresting the loss of peat are developed, farming in the Delta will cause continued subsidence. Experience has shown that this subsidence will continue to within about two to three feet above the bottom of the peat. Significant tracts of Delta land will become impractical to farm unless seepage is controlled and the danger of inundation is reduced. The largest natural gas field in areal extent in the State of California is located in the Delta. The geological struc- ture of this field is strikingly similar to the structure of the oil fields of Wilmington, California, but the gas pressures are dissimilar. Because of the similarity of geologic condi- tions, studies are being conducted to determine if deep-seated subsidence might occur as the gas is extracted. Estimates based on preliminary data indicate a ma.ximum subsidence of two feet in the Rio Vista area, if all the gas is extracted from the field. LEGEND I I TO 10 FEET THICK I? JT'I 10 TO 20 FEET THICK 20 TO 30 FEET THICK ml 30 TO 40 FEET THICK I I 40 TO 50 FEET THICK Delta Problems — vehicular transportation The wooden barges and stern paddle wheelers long ago disappeared from the Delta scene, to be replaced by fast trucks, ocean-going freighters, and tugs towing steel barges. However, despite tremendous tcchn()lf)gical ad- vances in transportation, the Delta, with its poor founda- tion soils and miles of open waterways, has hindered the development of a satisfactory highway system. \' ehicular transportation, even today, is confined mainly to the crowns of the levees which encircle the farmlands, and intcr-island traffic is dependent to a large extent on femes. Periodic levee reconstruction to compensate for consolidation and land subsidence results in dela\s and detours for the traveling public and farm-to-market coni- .J„, V- i. ......_,-./.;U.^L...... ANNUAL COST OF MAINTAINING COUNTY ROADS WITHIN THE DELTA merce. In winter months much of the area is inaccessible because of muddy roads. There are 9.')0 miles of paved roads in the area, but because of the unstable peat foun- dation, the costs of maintenance and operation are dispro- portionately high. For example, in San Joaquin County only 12 percent of the county's 1,780 miles of roads is in the Delta, but almost .^0 percent of the county's annual costs of $1,()0(),()()0 for highway facilities is expended in the Delta. Future costs will increase due to greater use of the road s\stcm. A\'hile it is true that today's Delta roads arc greatly improved over those of the past, there still remains a serious lack of access to many remote locations of the Delta. Improvements are also needed in roads linked with the state and county highway net- works. Travel times to principal cities of Stockton, Tracy, Sac- ramento, and Antioch are depicted on the map. An e.xpanded and improved system of roads would unques- tionably make the Delta more attractive to the recreation in- dustry. The new roadways also would benefit many local landowners who are presently at an economic disadvantage in shipment of their crops to markets. Increasmg production in the Delta, due to anticipated double-cropping and improvements in farming practices, will increase the amount of agricultural road traffic. DELTA ROADS and TRAVEL TIMES TRENDS IN TRAFFIC LEGEND ^•^ PRiMARV ROAOS SeCQNDAST TOAOS ____ 20 MiNyTES FaOM NEAREST ClTY I 1 20 TO 40 MINUTES FROM NEAREST CtTY a 40 TO 60 MINUTES FROM NEAREST CiTV a 60 TO 80 MINUTES FROM NEAREST ClTT ) MINUTES AND MORE FROM NEAREST CITT 22 Delta Problems — recreation rr jFISHINGI 1 1 Courtesy of toj Angeles Times Courtesy of Lot Angelas Times r *" r ^ ICRUISINGI 1 _ ^ s i SPRING SUMMER 600 r r T 1 1 1 1 1 1 L J _j 1 1 1 WATER SKIING 1 1 t 1 1 ' -H -j 1 L ! 1 ^: ^- — - — -,„^^ RECREATION PATTERNS IN 1960 The 50,000 acres of water surface and almost 1,000 miles of shore line in the Delta offer a vast and fascinating area with a great diversity of recreational opportunities. Fishing is the favorite pursuit and striped bass is the leading catch. Salmon, shad, black bass, catfish, and sturgeon are also important in the sportsman's bag. The maze of Delta channels is appealing to boatmen for cruising, and the many miles of calm water arc ideal for water skiing and high-speed boating. While man\- of the channels are not extensively used, due mainly to difficulty of access and lack of service facilities, other areas have become congested and com- petition is developing between fishermen, boatmen, and skiers. Safety of the recreationists is becoming a significant problem and local law enforcement agencies are increasing their patrols. Levee erosion prob- lems due to speeding boats also have developed in some localities. Pic- nicking and swimming arc becoming more attractive as facilities are developed, and duck and piicasant hunting is very popular. There are now 123 private and public resorts which cater primarily to fishermen and boatmen in the Delta. In addition, many of these resorts are also developing facilities for picnicking and camping. 23| Courtesy of Hubert Miller Although the Delta at the present time is a scene of substantial recreation use, there is ample room for expansion. .Many miles of shore line and large areas of water are still available for recrea- tional development. As the rapid population growth of the Bay area continues, recreation activity in the Delta will reflect this increase. Based on a future of continued general economic pros- perity and population growth, the amount of recreation in the Delta \vill increase from 2,800,000 recreation-days at the present time to as many as 14,000,000 recreation-days by 2020. Despite the size of the Delta, proper local zoning and control w ill be es- sential for public safety- and continued enjoyment. If the ful recreation potential of the region is to be realized, coordinated planning by state and local agencies will be required. LEGEND • PRESENT RECREATION - DAYS • FUTURE RECREATION - DAYS EACH DOT REPRESENTS 200,000 RECREATION-DAYS 24 Delta Problems— navigation The Delta channels arc extensively utilized by vessels ranging in size from rovvboats to deep-draft commercial freighters and warships. The significance of navigation in the Delta has risen and fallen in the past, but in the last few decades it has been steadily increasing. The Corps of Engineers maintains many miles of channels in authorized navigation projects, the principal one in recent years being the Stockton Deep Water Channel. Construction is now underway on the Sacramento Deep AVater Channel. Petroleum products carried by tugs and barges account for the majority of commercial shipping, but large amounts of farm produce are shipped by barges and deep-draft freighters. 1960 2000 WATER-BORNE COMMERCE Courltty of Kobtrt Ytllanc 25 WATER-BORNE COMMERCE ORIGIN AND DESTINATION 1958 Projections of future commerce indicate an optimistic outlook for shipping in the Delta. It is anticipated that the tonnage of commercial shipping will increase about fivefold by 2020, with petroleum being the principal commodity. Projections of petro- leum shipments were related to population projections and con- tinuation of the trend toward more vehicles per capita. It is anticipated that the present relationship between petroleum ship- ments by water and by other means will continue. In 1955 in conjunction with studies of barriers in the San Francisco Bay system, an opinion was requested of the Western Area Joint Panel on effects of barriers on national defense. The panel, which was composed of representatives of the several branches of the military service, concluded that a barrier at Chipps Island would be permissible, if it contained an emergency access for navigation. ^ m:, V The Delta channels are widely used for recreation boats. Al- though some areas are relatively unused, other areas become quite congested. Conflicting interests arise between water skiers and cruising parties and the fishermen. In some locations levees are subjected to severe erosion by boat-generated waves. All reason- able measures must be undertaken to preserve boating opportuni- ties, and facilities to enhance recreation can be constructed in certain locations. LEGEND ■ EXTERNAL HILLIOMS OF SHORT TOHS \ r\< Planning and Design Concepts Planning tDr solutions to the complex Delta problems necessitates full recognition of the interrelated effects on all phases of the Delta's economw The best solution should reflect the greatest overall benefits and least detriments, realizing that both ob- jectives cannot be completely achieved when basic interests differ. Economies of construction and operation generally ma\- be effected by multi-use of facilities. There- fore, consideration must be given to multi- purpose development. DELTA WATER SUPPLY Water users in the Delta enjoy a nat- urally convenient source of supply in the numerous channels from which water is diverted by siphon or low-lift pumps. The supply problem in portions of the Delta stems from the poor quality of water, due to salinity incursion from the Bay and degradation by agricultural and industrial wastes. Adequate water supplies could be provided cither by regulated releases of stored fresh water to repel salinity incur- sion and flush other wastes, or by con- structing a physical barrier against salinity incujsi»rr"and conveying unusable v\astes .■^"^^Ejcv'ond the barrier. A third alternative would involve a reduction of present salin- ity control iii,^e_wcstern Delta channels and pro\ ision of substitute fresh water sup- plies to users who could not then divert from the channels containing brackish w atCT. All three alternatives were evaluated, with particular attention to minimizing modifications to existing water supply sys- tems. The California Water Code specifies that one of the functions of the State \\ atcr Resources Development System is to pro- vide salinitN' control and an adequate water supply in the Delta. If it is in the public interest to provide substitute supplies in lieu of salinity control, no added financial burden shall be placed on the local water users as a result of such substitution. The code also declares that water to which the Delta is entitled shall not be diverted. It is clearly established that supplying water for the Delta must be a primary and integral function of the State Water Facilities. WATER SALVAGE Unless physical works arc constructed in the Delta, increasingly greater quantities of outflow will be required for quality con- trol as more and more water is transferred across the Delta. However, most of the re- quired outflow could be salvaged by con- structing a physical barrier against .salinity incursion, or by transferring the water more directly across the Delta to prevent com- mingling with brackish water near the out- let of the Delta. I he quality of w ater available for ex- port, as well as for use in the Delta, must be suitable for various purposes. Standards for mineral quality, adopted b>- the Depart- ment of Water Resources and incorporated in water service contracts, permit not more than 400 parts of total dissolved solids and 100 parts of chlorides per million parts .of water. FLOOD AND SEEPAGE CONTROL Mood stages in the Delta result from a combination of high tides, amplified bv hcav\- winds on the ocean and Baj- system, and inflow to the Delta. Historic inunda- tions have generally resulted from levee failures, rather than overtopping. As the land behind the levees continues to subside, the stability of the levees decreases. Physical and economic factors dictate an extended construction period for improve- ment of levees on organic soils. To reduce the extent and cost of levee improvements, it is prudent to limit flood w aters to princi- pal improved flood channels. Additional flood control reservoirs on rivers entering the Delta are contemplated for construc- tion ill the near future. Therefore, it is eco- nomical to design Delta flood channels for rates of flow anticipated after construction of upstream storage. Design of improved flood channels was predicated on additional regulation of the Cosumnes, Mokelumne, Calaveras, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne Rivers. Although the "design" floods reaching the Delta after completion of these works may generally be expected to occur on an aver- age of once every fifty years, the degree of frequency is not particularly meaningful in the tidal channels of the Delta, since pro- tection is largely dependent on levee stabil- ity. It should be recognized that complete flood protection generally cannot be as- sured by construction of control works. Continued emphasis should be placed on flood plain zoning in the Delta for low value improvement uses as generally asso- ciated with farming. Construction of principal flood channels and creation of interior channels would aff^ord an opportunity to regulate water stages in the interior channels. Since the rate of seepage inflo\v_tQ the islands is di- rectly related .to the level jpf watcF-in-tKe surrounding channels, seepage could be re^ - (luced by lowering the water levels. However, project operation might cause increased seepage problems in certain loca- tions. Where these problems are evidenced ,, by future operation, remedial measures would be necessary. Allowances for cost of such works were included in planning for areas of anticipated damage. "^ .^ '.. VEHICULAR TRANSPORTATION*^^'^^^^ Improvements in the road network of - ■"/-..' the Delta to enhance recreaobn^I opportu- nities and reduce costs of farm-to-m^ket travel, could conveniently and economi- cally be incorporated in master levee con- struction for flood and seepage control. Construction of the master levees would in- volve a wide berm on the landward side of existing levees in most locations. This berm would provide a suitable base for a road. Parking areas off the roadway could also be constructed at many locations. Channel closures in the master levee system would eliminate the need for ferries in cer- tam locations. Where existing roads would be rendered unusable by construction and operation of the Delta water facilities, equivalent serv- ice would be provided. Road improve- ments \\hich would enhance the existing system, such as better road surfacing or extensions to connect with nearby routes, could be incorporated, if local agencies de- sire these improvements and participate in the costs. RECREATION The Delta is extensively'use9 tor recrea- tion at this time, yet its potential use is sev- eral times greater. Planning for any facilities in the Delta should seek to minimize ad- verse effects on recreation, consistent with sound economics, and to enhance the at- tractiveness and advantages of the Delta for further recreational development. It is recognized that flood and seepage control measures, or other works which restrict fi-ec movement of boats, tend to limit fecreation activity. \^'hile such effects could be re- duced by providing small craft locks and portage facilities, some inconvenience would remain. \\'here such conflicts occur, local choice will be necessary between flood and seepage control works or open channels for recreation. Additional recreation facilities and joint use of certain lands for recrea- tion and other purposes should be planned to enhance the potential recreational de- velopment. Local desires, as evidenced by questionnaires and discussions with county recreation agencies, guided planning for recreation facilities. NAVIGATION Principal ship channels in the Delta serve deep-draft commercial and military ship- ' ping. Shallow-draft tug and barge traffic j utilizes the ship channels and many other ' channels in the Delta. The effects of alter- native plans on commercial navigation can \ be readily evaluated, and the nature and ex- / / tent of compensating measures or benefits I can be determined. Unfortunately, it is not '. possible to evaluate in comparable terms the '. effects of war-damaged facilities on na- • •■. rU tional defense. However, comparisons of ■;^jf y^ alternative plans must include recognition jot of national defense aspects. jj ^ 9/i FISH '''j/'ir ' The Delta is a dominant faqiloKin the ' habitat of several anadromous species of-.'j /»,'. fish and the residence of several additional* ■'^ ' sport fish. All reasonable measures must be taken to minimize the adverse effects of planned facilities on the fisheries in the Delta and, when possible, to provide for their enhancement. J t ,i 1 £0 1^ Chipps Island Barrier Project-physical works A barrier at Chipps Island would insure the water supplies in the Delta against salinity incursion from the Bay, but corrective features would be necessary to dispose of other pollutants from sources upstream. The principal structure would consist of a gated floodvsay section, two deep-draft navigation locks, one barge lock, one small craft lock, a tug assistance facility, a verti- cal baffle fishway, emergency navigation ac- cess, and appurtenant operating facilities. The floodway section would have a net area of openings equivalent to the existing channel in order to preclude interference with flood flows. The cf)nventional navigation locks * would allow a limited amount of denser saline water to enter the upstream pool, but this water would be removed from a sump by a salt-scavenging s\stem of pipes and pumps. A barge lock would be located on .Montezuma Slough near the new Ciri/.zl\- Island bridge, about ten miles north of Chipps Island. A barrier at the Chipps Island site would require a master levee system along principal channels in Suisun Bay to contain the high tidal stages, which would be higher than the present high stages. Additional dredging of navigation channels also would be necessar>', due to induced lower low tidal stages downstream from the barrier. Maintenance of water levels in Delta channels at lower than present stages during summer months would require improvements to the Delta levees, but the nature and extent of the improvements cannot be accuratel\' evaluated without the project in operation. A drain would be constructctl to conve\- municipal and industrial wastes and agricultural drainage water from the San Joaquin \'alley into tidal water dow nstream from the barrier, (pooling towers would be required for the two principal power plants which would discharge warm water into the barrier pool. The type and design of the facilities described in this report incorporate results of preliminary designs and quantity estimates of the Corps of Engineers in current work on barriers in the San Francisco Bay system. Estimates of the capital cost of the facilities were based on construction costs prevailing in 1960, plus 1 5 percent for contingencies and 1 5 percent for engineering and overhead. The anticipated schedule of construction of the facilities is indicated in the tabulation of estimated capital costs. SUMMARY OF ESTIMATED CAPITAL COSTS CHIPPS ISLAND BARRIER PROJECT Feature and date of construction Capital cost On Site Features Floodway structure (1964-70) Locks (1964-70) Salt-scavenging system (1968-70) Emergency navigation access (1964-66) South abutment and access facilities (1964-65) Fishway (1969) ._ Buildings and miscellaneous (1966) Montezuma Slough closure and barge lock (1968-70).. Subtotal, On Site Features OfT Site Features Waste disposal facilities (1967-70) S44. 119.000 74.278,000 3,768,000 6,092,000 723,000 79,000 2.062,000 3,492,000 Extension San Joaquin \*alley drain (1967-70).. Suisun Bay levee system (1964-73) Shoreline facilities and dredging (1968-70)„ Subtotal, Off Site Features $134,613,000 $26,914,000 17,356,000 21,608,000 1,481,000 TOT.\L C.\PIT.\L COST, CHIPPS ISL.WD B.\RRIER PROJECTT^ $67,359,000 $201,972,000 HONKER CHIPPS ISLAND BARRIER SITE GAMTRY CRANC /~1,— WTE MOIST MOIST DECK EL COUNTERWEIGHT SERVICE BRIDGE- iiiiiim \ STEEL SHEET PILE CURTfllN-i lllllllll TYPICAL SECTION FLOODWAY STRUCTURE TREMIE CONCRETE - STEEL SHEET PILE CURTftiM TYPICAL SECTION EMERGENCY NAVIGATION ACCESS TYPICAL SECTION OF FISHWAY AND LOCKS Chipps Island Barrier Project - operation A barrier at Chipps Island would provide a definite separation between saline water in the Bay system and fresh w atcr in the Delta channels, thereby preventing salinity incur- sion and assuring adequate water supplies in the Delta. However, there would be attend- ant operating problems, and the barrier and appurtenances would not provide flood control and related benefits to the Delta. With the floodway gates closed, the in- flow to the Delta to supply local uses and export pumping plants w ould be distributed in the channels as shown in the schematic diagram. Large quantities of water would be directed through channels in the western Delta to remove heat- wastes and maintain satisfactor\- water quality conditions. Stor- age in the channels could be utilized to achieve a limited amount of regulation. However, navigation requirements would prevent controlling the water level lower than one foot below mean sea level, with- out additional dredging. Seepage and levee stability problems would limit the maxi- mum level for su.stained storage to about two feet above mean sea level. Economic analyses of various operating ranges indicate that a three-foot range in water levels for conservation of flood water would be most economical. Electric analog model studies reveal that the barrier would increa.se the tidal ampli- tudes downstream from the structure. An unusually large amplitude of 6.5 feet at Chipps Island under present conditions would be increased to about 12 feet by a barrier. Changes indicated on the electric analog model were generally confirmed by preliminary tests by the U. S. Corps of En- gineers on a hydraulic model which indi- cated slightly smaller increases in tidal am- plitudes and a slight decrease in the mean tide level. The lower low water would seriously affect navigation depths, and the higher high water would seriously affect levees along the downstream bays and mu- nicipal, industrial, and military installations along the shore lines. Remedial measures would be necessary. Disposal of cooling water from power plants and other industries would cause an increase in temperature in the nearly quies- cent barrier pool. This increase in tempera- ture would reduce the efficiency of cooling equipment and adversely affect fish, and could cause significantly increased corro- sion in equipment exposed to the warmer water. The monetary magnitude of these effects would be dependent upon the amount of heat energy dissipated in the pool by existing and future industries, and many other factors which cannot be fully evalu- ated at this time. Satisfactory conditions could probably be achieved by passing cool- SCHEMATIC DISTRIBUTION OF >, FUTURE REGULATED INFLOW -''""^ ■■V' ing water from the principal power plants over cooling towers. To maintain satisfactory water quality conditions in the barrier pool, it would be necessary to convey industrial and munici- pal wastes to tidal water. Drainage water from the San Joaquin \'alley would also have to be discharged into tidal water. Saline water entering the pool through the locks would be allowed to settle in a sump from which it would be pumped by a salt-scavenging system. Operation of locks would cause delays of about .i5 minutes per transit for deep-draft vessels and 20 minutes for tugs and smaller vessels. Assist- ance would have to be provided to maneu- ver deep-draft ships through the locks. A tug and operating crew for this purpose would be necessary at all times. National defense aspects dictate that an emergency navigation access be incorpo- rated in the barrier. This access w ould con- sist of concrete bins filled with sand in a section of the barrier. In an emergency, the sand would be pumped out and the bins towed out of the channel. Anadromous fish would be passed through a vertical baffle fishwa\", compris- ing a series of baffles with vertical slots ex- tending to the bottom to provide passages for water and fish. The baffles w ould dissi- pate the energy of the water and create a series of bays with a slightly lower w ater level in each adjacent downstream bay. The bays would provide resting areas for the fish after passmg through short distances of high velocity water in the slots. During high tides downstream from the barrier, the fishway would be closed by a gate to prevent saline w ater from entering the pool. During flood conditions the gates in the barrier floodway would be opened. Flood stages in the Delta would be essentially the same as under present conditions for com- parable flood flows. Since master levees in the Delta are not incorporated in this plan, high flood water would occur in all the channels. Although the flood stages would not be changed, levee stability problems would increase. Tidal fluctuations presently keep the levees saturated a few feet above the mean tide elevation, but under barrier conditions the peat levees would dry out and crack when water levels would be drawn down to about one foot below sea level. Should a sudden flood occur the open barrier gates would permit tidal fluctuations throughout the Delta and sections of some dried-out levees might become unstable and fail as the water levels rapidly rise and fall. Remedial w ork would be required as prob- lems develop. Allowances for cost of this as yet undefined work are not included in the cost estimate. SCHEMATIC DISTRIBUTION ._Zl- OF DESIGN FLOOD FLOWS ~ 32 Irsingle Purpose Delta Water Project-physical works This system of works would accomplish essentially the same results as a barrier at Chipps Island, that is, adequate water sup- plies for the Delta and for export therefrom, but would not necessitate costly remedial works. Good quality water supplies for the Delta and export pumps would be separated from saline water by control structures operated with a relatively small rate of fresh water outflow. Water would be supplied in the western Delta area through new supply facilities, and in the rest of the Delta existing irrigation and drainage works would continue in operation. There are no flood control features in this plan. Control structures with gated openings for discharging flood flows would be located on channels of the Sacramento, Mokel- umne, and San Joaquin Rivers. A barge lock and fishway would be incorporated in the Sacramento River control structure. Earth fill channel closures would be constructed at four locations. In 1980-82, additional gates would be constructed at the existing headworks of the Delta Cross Channel of the Central Valley Project. Small craft locks and portage facilities would be incorpo- rated in certain control structures and channel closures. V^ertical louver fish screens would be constructed at the head of Georgiana Slough and at the Delta Cross Channel near Walnut Grove, and rotar\' drum fish screens would be constructed at other diver- sions. Water supply facilities would serve areas in the western Delta. The Montezuma Aqueduct would be constructed in about 1968-71 and in subsequent stages to serve water to potential industrial land and some agriculture in central southern Solano County, and to supplement supplies in Contra (^osta County. Works would also be included to remedy detrimental effects of project operation, such as seepage alleviation along the Sacra- mento River channels and modifications to existing irrigation and drainage works made necessary by the project. LEGEND ' PROJECT isvEES FIRST STAGE FEATURFS 4 EBESM WATE« iKTanE S'PHOf* fl Fl»ESH WATER JNTAKE PUMPING PIANT DRAINAGE WATER PuHPiNG PLANT AQUEDUCT PING PLANT SECOND STAGE FEATURES Siphon Pismwat (j) CONTROL STRUCTURE ^^ SMALL CRAfT LOCK ® 6AR0e LOCK (c) CONTROL STRUCTURE SIPMON / SMALL CRAFT PORTAGE About 1,900 acres of land in the Delta, mostly small unreclaimed islands, would be used for disposal of excess dredged material. Many of these areas would be available and desirable for development as recrea- tion areas. Additional water could be salvaged by completely separating good quality cross-Delta flows from tidal water, and thereby reducing the amount of fresh water outflow needed for salinity repulsion. These second stage features would include a siphon under the San Joaquin River, additional channel closures, control structures and appunenances, and water supply facilities. These works may be indefinitely deferred, depending on their need. Estimates of the capital costs reflect 1960 construction costs, plus 15 percent for contingencies and 15 percent for engineering and overhead. The anticipated construction schedule is indicated in the following tabulation: SUAAAAARY OF ESTIMATED CAPITAL COSTS SINGLE PURPOSE DELTA WATER PROJECT Feature and date of construction Capital cost '0)^ Steamboat Slough control structure (1968- Miner Slough closure (1970) Ryde control structure, barge lock, and fishway (1968-71)_ Holland Cut control structure (1973-75) Mokelumne River control structure and small craft lock (1973-75)_ Cross-Delta Canal headworks (1980-82) Fish screens: Cross-Delta Canal and Georgiana Slough (1968-70) Closures: Potato Slough, Old River, and Middle River (1974-76)_ Fishermans Cut closures (-) (1964) .Agricultural water facilities (1963-65).. Municipal and industrial water facilities (1968-71, 1980, 1995, 2010)_ Channel dredging (1974-78) Bank protection (1976-78).. Seepage alleviation facilities (197I)_.. $2,943,000 108.000 5,653.000 2,761.000 1,951,000 1,223.000 3.500.000 404,000 133,000 4.300,000 13,952.000 7.154,000 1,880,000 593.000 TOT.AL C.\P1T.\L COST. FIRST STAGE FE.\TURES_ TOT.\L C.\P1T.\L COST. SECOND ST.AGE FE.\TURES $46,555,000 $25,765,000 G R 4 N ..^^^^^^ ^^^"~^^ 1 S L 4 '*°''"^-^I^ 1 1 !■ X 1 .3ABGE LOCK FISHWAY 4.^^ IB ANDRUS ISLAND CONTROL IjH STRUCTURE ^^k ^ RYDE STRUCTURE SITE ■^ Ei«i«ig ik^moj PLAN CONTROL STRUCTURE. FISHWAY AND LOCK Ueon holf t.4c 2.0 SECTION A-A CONTROL STRUCTURE SECTION B-B CONTROL STRUCTURE AND FISHWAY 34 FTingle Purpose Delta Water Project-operation A Single Purpose Delta Water Project would salvage water otherwise wasted to Suisun Bay for salinity control, and would provide water supplies for the Delta and for export and use in areas of deficiency. The project would allow salinity to en- croach somewhat farther into the Delta than under present operations; however, the area affected by this controlled incursion would be supplied water by new facilities. Certain aspects of operation described in the follow- ing paragraphs would also apply to other variations of the Delta Water Project. Control structures on the Sacramento River system would divert water southward toward the center of the Delta. Control structures and closures on channels east of Franks Tract would cause the water to flow toward the export pumping plants in chan- nels in the center of the Delta. With this type of operation, it would be necessar\- to prevent brackish saline water from mixing with fresh water in the center of the Delta. This control could be accomplished b)' pro- viding fresh water outflow in the Sacra- mento and San Joaquin Rivers. The salinity control line, with control to a mean concentration of 1,000 parts of chlorides per million parts of water ( 1 ,000 ppni), would be maintained in the San Joa- ()uin River near the mouth of False River, about 7 miles upstream from Antioch and in the Sacramento River at Decker Island, about 1 Vz miles below Threemile Slough. Salinity control at these locations could be accomplished by maintaining an outflow from the Delta of 1,000 second-feet, of which about 60 percent would be released through the San Joaquin River and the re- mainder through the Sacramento River. Ciood quality water from the cross-Delta flows would be available in existing chan- nels throughout 90 percent of the Delta lowlands. Water would be provided to all agricultural lands downstream of the line of max'mnmi salinity encroachment of 500 ppm of chlorides. The mean concentration of chlorides would be about 250 ppm at locations on this line. Research studies by the University of California indicate that seepage of any brackish water from the channels into the Delta islands can be con- trolled below the plant root zone by appli- cation of good quality water on the surface. The supplies diverted from the cross-Delta flows would normall)- contain between 20 and 80 ppm of chlorides. Water would also he prox ided to munici- palities and for certain industrial uses in the western Delta area. A lost of the required in- dustrial cooling water could he supplied from the adjacent channels. 1 he Contra SCHEMATIC DISTRIBUTION OF FUTURE REGULATED INFLOW Costa Canal could serve the projected in- dustrial requirements in its service area until about 1970, and significant industrial devel- opment in southeastern Solano County is not anticipated before 1980. The Monte- zuma Aqueduct would be constructed to convey supplemental water from the pro- posed North Bay Aqueduct and would be linked to the Contra Costa Canal near Pitts- burg in 1980. The capacity of the Contra Costa Canal would then be utilized pri- marily between the Delta and the connec- tion with the Montezuma Aqueduct. The estimated quality of the water would be very good, with a chloride content gener- ally ranging between 15 and 80 ppm, total dissolved solids ranging between 125 and 300 ppm, and with total hardness of be- tween 40 and 160 ppm. Existing irrigation water supply facilities throughout most of the Delta would not be affected by operation of the export pumps, but the average water level in the southern portion of the Delta would be lowered slightly. Irrigation facilities affected thereby would be modified under the project. Small increases in tidal amplitudes of about 1.5 feet would occur at the Sacra- mento River and Steamboat Slough control structure sites, but the mean water level would not significantly change. The effects would be very minor at Rio Vista. The average water level upstream from the control structures would be gradually raised to a maximum of about 2.5 feet under full project operation in about 30 years. The increase would occur during summer months, and any resultant increased seepage from the channels would be fully consumed by crops on adjoining lands without dam- age. During flood periods, the control struc- tures would be opened and flood stages throughout the Delta would be similar to those under present conditions. Flood stages on the Sacramento River would be slightly ^/^ higher for longer periods due to closing of Miner Slough. This effect would tend to in- crease seepage conditions during a critical crop planting time, and might necessitate installation of seepage alleviation works. Such works \\ould also alleviate existing seepage problems. The future value of water and quality considerations might justify construction of the second stage features to permit further reduction in the fresh water outflow from the Delta. The outflow could be reduced to the amount of unavoidable losses, or about 750 second-feet. The value of the addi- tionally salvaged water would probably not justify construction of these works before 1990. SCHEMATIC DISTRIBUTION /> OF DESIGN FLOOD FLOWS 36 |[^ypical Alternative Delta Water Projec^^hysicai worki Several additional features can be added to the basic Single Purpose Delta Water Project to provide varying degrees of local benefits, in addition to adequate water supplies. These additional features would be for flood and seepage control, transportation, and recreation. While the economics of construction and opera- tion factors would dictate grouping certain islands within en- circhng master levee systems, flood protection for any one or more of several groups of islands could be undertaken. The Typical Alternative Delta Water Project, one of several alternative plans, would include flood protection for the islands in the north central portion of the Delta around Isleton, and for the northeastern islands in the vicinity of Lodi. Fourteen channel closures would be required in addition to those incorporated in the Single Purpose Delta Water Project. Minor modifications and additions would be made in the irrigation water supply and drainage facilities. Rotary drum fish screens would be incorpo- rated where required in all water supply works, and a vertical louver screen would be constructed at the headworks of the Cross-Delta Canal at Walnut Grove. Bear Creek would be di- verted into the Calaveras River. The master levee system would include existing levees of the Sacramento River Flood Control Project. Other existing levees would be improved by constructing a berm on the landward side, and by raising the levee crown where necessary to increase the freeboard. Public roads would be relocated from levee crowns to the bemis. A service and maintenance road would be placed on the crown of the levees. Small craft locks would be constructed at certain channel clo- sures. At locations where rapid transits of boats under 25 feet long would be necessary, a tank elevator boat portage would be installed. LEGEND EXISTING PROJECT lEvEE FIRST STAGE FEATURES MASTER LEVEE O SMALL CRAFT LOCK O SMALL CRAFT PORTAGE « FRESH WATER INTAKE SIPHON ^ FRESH WATER INTAKE PUMPING PLANT DRAINAGE WATER PUMPING PLANT AQUEDUCT • RELIFT PUMPING PLANT SECOND STAGE FEATURES ©SIPHON. FISHWAT CONTROL STRUCTURE SMALL CRAFT LOC" © DaROE LOCK CONTROL STRUCTURE (S) SIPHON ® SSMIVAVrLSi!!' © SSSSrSpAFT PORTAGE 3/ About 1,900 acres of Delta land would be filled with excess dredged material, and most of this land would be available for recreational devel- opment. The additional gates on the Cross-Delta Canal headworks and the extensions of the adjacent highway and railroad bridges would be constructed with about 16 feet of clearance above the present average water level to improve small craft access between the Sacramento River and channels of the Mokelumne River system. The second stage features of this project would be similar to those contemplated for the Single Purpose Delta AVater Project. Estimates of capital cost were based on 1960 construction costs plus 15 percent for contingencies and IS percent for engineering and over- head. SUMMARY OF ESTIMATED CAPITAL COSTS TYPICAL ALTERNATIVE DELTA WATER PROJECT Feature and dace of construction Capital cost Steamboat Slough control structure (1968-70) Miner Slough closure (I970)__ _ Ryde control structure, barge lock, and fishway (1967-70) _ Holland Cut control structure (1973-75)^ Cross-Delta Canal headworks (1975-77) _.. Cross-Delta Canal fish screen (1968-70) ..._ _ _ Old River and Middle River closures (1975) _ Fishermans Cut closures (2) (1964). _ _ _ „ Agricultural water facilities (1963-65) _ _ Municipal and industrial water facilities (1968-71, 1980, 1995, 2010).. Channel dredging ( 197 +-78) -Master le\ee s>'stem (small craft locks and portages, irrigation and drainage works) Isleton island-group ( 1964-80) „ _ Lodi island-group ( 1964-81) _ „ „ Bear Creek diversion ( 1967-70) _ _ $2,945,000 108,000 5,653,000 2,761,000 1,998,000 3,500,000 258,000 133,000 4.282,000 13,952,000 7,224,000 12,610,000 11,439,000 670,000 TOT.AL CAPIT.^L COST, FIRST STAGE FEATURES TOTAL CAPITAL COST, SECOND STAGE FEATURES S67,531,000 523.635,000 Organic molariol Originol ground turloc* BoMment tond TYPICAL SECTION OF MASTER LEVEE Public rood. 32' Project channel Interior ctvrmel Boierneni Mind TYPICAL SECTION OF CHANNEL CLOSURE 1 : Lifl bndge--j v^j !»-■ rt' SMALL CRAFT LOCK SITE control ^5 house — -J Li Flood SECTION A-A SMALL CRAFT LOCK PLAN OF SMALL CRAFT PORTAGE Channel bollom SECTION A-A OF SMALL CRAFT PORTAGE 38 Prypical Alternative Delta Water Project — operatioi^ Operation of the Typical Alternative Delta \V'ater Project would be basically the same as with the Single Purpose Delta Water Project. Ciood quality water would be transferred directly across the Delta and degradation in water quality from salinity incursion would be prevented by limited re- leases of fresh water with the same degree of control as under the Single Purpose Delta Water Project. Water supplies for the Delta would be distributed from the cross-Delta flows. Irrigation water for the Isleton island- group and the Lodi island-group would be diverted through siphons from the Cross- Delta Canal into interior channels. Existing diversion works out of the Cross-Delta Canal, which would be rebuilt during con- struction of the master levees, and diversion works out of the interior channels would continue in operation. Drainage pumping plants at channel closures would have capa- city to remove all water pumped from the islands into the interior channels. Under all alternative plans for the Delta Water Proj- ect, the irrigation and drainage works would be managed by local districts. Adjustments in costs of operation and maintenance would be made \\ ith the districts to reflect costs allocated to interests other than the local districts. Water supply facilities serv- ing several districts or agencies would be operated by the State or by an appropriate master district or agency. Flood flows would be contained in prin- cipal project channels in those portions of the Delta protected by the master levee system, and levees along interior channels would no longer be subject to high flood stages. Levees on interior channels would not need to be as high as for present condi- tions, and could be allowed to settle. Expe- rience has shown that Delta levees reach a state of equilibrium if they are allowed to settle a limited amount. Thus much of the periodic reconstruction of the interior lev- ees would no longer be necessary. Bank erosion problems due to flood flows also would be eliminated on interior levees. Storm runoff from upland areas surround- ing the Delta would be pumped into flood channels, except in the case of Bear Creek which would be diverted into flood channels. AVater levels in the interior channels could be lowered to achieve reductions in tiic amount of seepage into the islands. In ay practically all channels the level could be five feet lower than the present average level, or about three feet below sea level, without causing maneuvering problems for small craft. Any resultant shallow depths in specific locations could be increased by dredging. Small craft locks and portage facilities would be operated without cost to the boating public as the costs would be allo- cated to beneficiaries of the master levee system. The locks would be operated in a standard manner with pumps for filling and draining. The boat portages would be tank elevators with a gate at one end. The tank would be lowered below the hull of the boat, and the boat would then move be- tween guides over the tank. The counter- weighted tank would then be raised to the higher water level and the gate opened to permit the boat to move out under its own power. The time for operation after posi- tioning of the boat over the tank would be less than one minute. The boat would be in the water at all times and there would be no contact with the bottom of the hull. The operation and maintenance of public roads located on the berm of the master levees would be less costly than for existing roads, which must be periodically recon- structed due to levee settlement and levee rebuilding. Maintenance of the public roads would be by local agencies. Closures in the master levee system of this plan would eliminate the need for continued operation of four ferries. Reduction of the water surface area un- der tidal influence would cause limited in- creases in tidal amplitudes in the Delta, but no significant changes in the average water levels. Such changes on the Sacramento River and Steamboat Slough would be simi- lar to those under the Single Purpose Delta Water Project, and amplitude changes in the San Joaquin River in the heart of the Delta would be less than one foot. How- ever, dredging would be necessary in some navigable channels. Small islands in bends and side channels, which would be reclaimed and raised by filling, would be available for recreational development after the areas are no longer needed for disposal areas. It is contemplated that arrangements would be made with local governmental agencies for recreational de- velopment of the lands, either by direct means or by leasing to concessionaires. SCHEMATIC DISTRIBUTION Y< OF DESIGN FLOOD FLOWS ~' 40 Comprehensive Delta Water Project-physical works The Comprehensive Delta Water Project would salvage water othenvise needed for salinity control and provide water for the Delta. In addition, the project would provide flood and seepage control, transportation, and recreation benefits for most of the Delta. New master levees would encompass five principal groups of islands and Sherman Island. Works for water supply and drain- age in the Delta would include those of the Typical Alternative Delta Water Project, with some modifications, plus other ■works to serve the newly formed island-groups. Additional small craft facilities would also be constructed. Flood waters of the San Joaquin River would be divided be- tween the main channel and an improved chain of distributary channels to the west, the two branches coming together in the western Delta. Improved channels of the Lower San Joaquin River Tributaries Flood Control Project would be incorporated. The master levee along Piper Slough east of Bethel Island would be constructed on old levees on Franks Tract to minimize interference with existing developments on the Bethel Island levee. The additional interior channels created by the project in northeastern Contra Costa County would contain good quality water, and would serve as a fresh water distribution system for the adjacent islands. Intensive small craft traflic in the vicinity of Bethel Island would necessitate the construction of four small craft portage facilities in adjacent channels and one small craft lock at Sand Alound Slough. LEGEND EMiSTioo PBOjtCT LEVEES FIRST STAGE FEATURFS M4STEB LEVEE 9 SMALL CRAFT LOCK O SMALL CPAFT PORTAGE 4 FRESM WATER INTAKE SlPHflW ^ FRESM WATER INTA«E PUMPING PLANT O ORAINACE WATER PUMPING PLANT AQUEDUCT • RELIFT PUMPING PLANT SECOND STAGE FEATURES SIPHON ©SIPHON, FISMWAT CONTROI. STRUCTURE SMALL CRAFT lOC« @ BARGE LOCH @ CONTROL STRUCTURE @ SIPHON The second stage features of the Comprehensive Delta Water Project would be similar to those in other variations of the Delta \\'ater Project. Estimates of the capital costs reflect 1960 construction costs, plus 1 J percent for contingencies and 1 5 percent for engineering and overhead. SUMMARY OF ESTIAAATED CAPITAL COSTS COMPREHENSIVE DELTA WATER PROJECT Feature and dace of construction Capital cost Steamboat Slough control structure ( 1968- Miner Slough closure (1970)- •0)_ Ryde control structure, barge lock and fishway ( 1967-70) _ Holland Cut control structure (1973-75)- Cross-Delta Canal headworks (1975-77)- Cross-Delta Canal fish screen (1968-70) Old River and Middle River closures (197S)_ Fishermans Cut closures (2) (1964) - Agricultural water facilities (1963-65)- Municipal and industrial water facilities (1968-71, 1980, 1995, 2010) Channel dredging (1968-78) Master levee system (small crait locks and portages, irrigation and drainage works) Isleton island-group (1964-80) Lodi island-group (1964-81) Holt island-group (1964-80) Tracy island-group (I968-74)„ Brentwood island-group (1964-79)- Sherman Island (1964-79) Paradise Cut control structure (1969-71)- Bear Creek diversion (1967-70) Kellogg Creek diversion (1971) $2,943,000 108,000 5,653,000 2,761,000 1,998,000 3,500.000 258,000 133,000 2,520,000 13.952,000 8,950,000 12,610,000 11,439,000 13.810,000 4,722,000 9.802,000 2,030,000 121,000 670,000 79,000 TOTAL CAPITAL COST, FIRST STAGE FEATURES $98,059,000 TOTAL CAPITAL COST, SECOND STAGE FEATURES- $21,560,000 41 i i -' - ^ } 1 m^"' 11 \\ II 1 w 1 II II II <3 i^ \' II II "■ mil OUIMBY CONTROL STRUCTURE^ ^B 11 ^^1 1 S LAND HOLLAND .11 ^^^1 ETi ,^ BARGE LOCK u^H H III TRACT n^H (SECOND STAGE) il " vl II ■ u A HOLLAND CUT STRUCTURE SITE PARADISE CUT STRUCTURE SITE Comprehensive Delta Water Project-operation Integrated operation of the multipurpose facilities of the Comprehensive Delta Water Project would enhance ail principal phases of the Delta's economy, salvage water other- wise needed for salinity control, and pro- vide very good quality water throughout the Delta. Although the project would iiave some adverse effects on certain segments of the Delta's economy, such as recreation and navigation, the multipurpose works would afford opportunitN' for enhancement of these same segments in other ways. Operation of the water supply and trans- fer facilities during summer months would be similar to that described for the Single Purpose and Typical Alternative plans. Where representative districts or agencies arc organized, the facilities could be locally operated and maintained, and appropriate adjustments in costs thereof could be made to achieve equitable distribution of costs to all beneficiaries. Creation of interior and project channels in the southern portion of the Delta would separate irrigation water supplies from drainage water originating on lands cast of the San Joaquin River, (iood quality water from cross-Delta flows would be available throughout most of the soutiiern Delta. Lands adjacent to the San Joaquin River upstream from Stockton would continue to divert from the river, but the quality of the water in this area could be improved by upstream flow in the San Joaquin River past Stockton induced by the pumping plants. A small net upstream flow occurs during summer months under present conditions. The quality of water in Paradise Cut could also be improved with circulation induced by pumping from the upper end into the San Joaquin River. Diversions from the river in this vicinity might be affected by operation of a San Joaquin Valley \\aste conduit. If current studies indicate that sub- stitute supplies would then be necessary, or if further improvement of the quality of the supplies is desired even in the absence of adverse effects of a waste conduit, such supplies could be readily diverted from Delta channels without affecting works de- scribed herein. Lands in the Holt island-group in the south central portion of the Delta range in elevation from several feet below sea level to a few feet above sea level. Irrigation water ffir the higher islands is pumped from the channels, while siphons arc utilizxd for the lower islands. To achieve seepage con- trol benefits for the lower islands, water SCHEMATIC DISTRIBUTION OF FUTURE REGULATED INFLOW levels in the channels could be lowered. This could be accomplished locally with- out detriment to the higher lands by con- structing low dams with pumping plants in the channels and maintaining different wa- ter levels in the interior channel system. Large volumes of small craft and fishing boats move between marinas and resorts in the Bethel Island area and Franks Tract or more distant points in the Delta and San Francisco Bay system. Peak small boat traf- fic would be served by three small craft portages on Piper Slough, and by one small craft lock on Sand Mound Slough. Lock or portage service for small craft would be pro- vided at various other locations in the Delta when dictated by construction of channel closures. It should be recognized that sub- sequent developments and changes in pat- terns of use may necessitate revisions in the planned local service. While the lock and portages would cause some inconvenience to recreationists, creation of interior chan- nels not subject to flood and tidal stages would benefit shore line installations. An expected great increase in boating in the future would intensify problems of patrol- ling and safety enforcement. Opportunities would be available to local public agencies to designate certain waterways for specific uses, and problems of regulation would be reduced under controlled access. .Master levees of the project in the south- ern half of the Delta would cause increased tidal amplitudes in the project channels. The ma.ximum increase in the San Joaquin River system would be about one foot at Stockton. There would be no significant change in the mean water level. Some dredging in navigation channels would be necessary. Tug and barge shipments into the south- ern Delta would be limited to the Cross- Delta Canal. Most of the present traffic involves beet shipments to a sugar refinery near Tracy, and the Holland Cut channel east of Franks Tract is generally used. The Cross-Delta Canal would be open to the San Joaquin River, and a barge lock at the Holland Cut control structure would not be economically justified. Although a slightly greater travel distance from north- ern and western Delta points would be in- volved under the project, the channel to the vicinitv' of the sugar refinery would be dredged. This would permit use of larger barges, which are presently precluded by shallow channel depths. SCHEMATIC DISTRIBUTION OF DESIGN FLOOD FLOWS 44 l^^roject Accomplishments- Over 90 percent of the Delta lowlands now has adequate water supplies during summer months due in part to operation of the Central Valley Project. However, ten percent of the Delta in the western portion, including lands occupied by large water- using industries and municipalities, does not have adequate good quality water supplies at all times. Moreover, additional regula- tion and use of water in areas tributary to the Delta, exclusive of Delta exports, will lengthen the average period each year when salinity incursion from the Bay causes increased operating costs, plant shutdowns, and decreased farm production. The concentra- tions of dissolved minerals in water from the Contra Costa Canal now approach upper limits of acceptable quality during several months of most years, and significant sums of money are expended by industries for demineralization and water softening. Under any of the foregoing projects, water of very good quality would continue to be supplied to about 90 percent of the Delta lowlands through existing facilities. It is estimated that the mineral quality of the supplies would generally range between about 15 to 80 parts of chlorides and between 100 and 350 parts of total dissolved solids per million parts water. The quality of water in the southern portion of the Delta would be improved. The quality of water in the Pittsburg-Antioch area with the Chipps Island Barrier Project in operation would be uncertain. Although downstream disposal of local municipal and industrial wastes and drainage from the San Joaquin Valley would eliminate the majority of the mineral pollutants, the effects of cooling water and mineral and organic wastes of the Delta might result in water supplies of questionable quality, particularly during critical dry Delta water supply periods. Elimination of the tidal effects in this area by construc- tion of the barrier would also reduce the supply of dissolved o.xygen in the water, which is now partly replenished from Suisun Bay. All of the alternative plans for the Delta Water Project would involve dual water supplies with different water quality charac- teristics. While the concentrations of minerals in water in certain western channels would increase due to greater ocean salinity incursion, the quality of water from the Contra Costa Canal and from proposed water supply facilities would be excellent. It is estimated that substitute industrial water supplies would generally contain between 1 5 and 80 parts of chlorides per million parts of water. Similarly, the total dissolved solids would generally range between 125 and 300 parts per million. Irrigation water supplies would be of similar quality. The Contra Costa Canal would an- nually supply about 195,000 acre-feet of water, including some substitute water in northeastern Contra Costa County. All addi- tionally required supplemental and substitute water would be supplied from the Montezuma Aqueduct. This annual quantity would amount to about 120,000 acre-feet in 1990 and 330,000 acre-feet in 2020. Brackish water supplies in the western Delta channels would vary in quality with location. The mean quality would be about 3,000 parts of chlorides per million parts water at Antioch during summer months. Water containing this much salinity is not necessarily- damaging to cooling equipment involv- ing alloy metals. A composite of several factors, most of which would not be modified 1)\' alternative plans for the Delta Water Project, controls the rate of corrosion of cooling equipment. Project Accomplishments — water salvage ^ Unless physical works are constructed in the Delta to prevent salinity incursion from the Bay system, or to channelize fresh water directly across the Delta channels, it will be necessary to release increasingly greater amounts of fresh water from upstream storage to maintain satisfactory quality conditions. Greater rates of fresh water outflow will be necessary as the rate of export pumping from the Delta increases, and greater quantities of stored water will have to be released as the amount of surplus water for outflow is reduced by upstream depletions and export from the Delta. If Delta works are not constructed, the yield of other features of the State Water Facilities would be reduced and sub- sequent features for importation of water from north coastal sources would be needed at an earlier date. Any such modifica- tions in the program would increase the cost of water in the Delta. With any of the plans for the Delta water facilities, the amount of outflow from the Delta otherwise necessary for salinity control would be greatly reduced. It would still be necessary to dispose of municipal and industrial wastes from the western Delta, and drainage from the San Joaquin Valley, into channels downstream from points of usable good quality water. All of the plans are comparable in this respect, except that these wastes would aid in repulsion of ocean salinity incursion with any of the alternatives of the Delta Water Project. Fresh water required for operation of locks and the fishway would be lost with a barrier at Chipps Island, but would be available for use downstream of the control structures with any of the alternatives of the Delta Water Proj- ect. A small amount of conservation yield could be obtained from limited storage in Delta channels with a barrier at Chipps Island, but alternatives of the Delta Water Project would not provide conservation storage. I960 1980 2000 2020 UPSTREAM STORAGE RELEASES FOR PROJECT OPERATION The amount of water otherwise necessary for salinity control which could be salvaged by Delta water facilities would vary with time, as indicated by the above graph. The amount of sal- vaged water would be the difference between demands on up- stream storage for outflow without any works in the Delta, and demands with such works in operation. The estimated average annual salvage during the ne.xt 60 years would be 1,900,000 acre- feet with the Chipps Island Barrier Project, and 2,050,000 acre- feet with any of the alternative plans for the Delta ^^'ater Project. 46 ^n^roject Accomplishments — flood and seepage controj Only the Typical Alternative Delta Water Project and the Comprehensive Delta Water Project would provide flood and seepage control benefits to the Delta. However, all plans would include remedial works made necessary by adverse effects of flood or tidal water stages changed by project operation. These would be particularly necessary with the Chipps Island Barrier Project. Project flood control benefits would result from reduction in the frequency of flooding, and from reductions in costs of main- taining Delta levees. It is emphasized that complete flood protec- tion could not be assured, as the inflow to the Delta could exceed the designed capacity of the channels. Furthermore, although the stability of the master levees would be significantly greater than the stability of existing levees, the character of organic foundation soils is such that unforeseen stability problems might develop in some areas. For these reasons, emphasis should be given to zoning Delta lands lying below flood levels for uses involving low-value improvements such as farming, and precluding residential devel- opment. While complete flood protection for the Delta lands could not be a.ssured under project conditions, there v\ould be a marked improvement in protection over existing conditions which will worsen as land elevations in the Delta continue to subside. About 103,000 acres would be benefited by master levees in- cluded in the Typical Alternative Delta ^\'atcr Project, and about 143 miles of levees along interior channels W(juld no longer require costly maintenance for high flood stages. The estimated average annual benefit of reduced flooding and operation and maintenance costs would be about $4.65 per acre. Master levees of the Comprehensive Delta Water Project would benefit about 252,000 acres and would reduce expensive maintenance on 295 miles of interior channel kvecs. The estimate of average annual flood control benefits is about S3. 60 per acre. Q. u. < Z o < 1980 2000 2020 PROJECTED AVERAGE ANNUAL AREA OF FLOODING Seepage control benefits would be made available by lowering water levels in interior channels created by the Typical Alterna- tive Delta Water Project or by the Comprehensive Delta Water Project. In addition, lower water levels would prolong the eco- nomic life of certain islands. These benefits and the extent of increased economic life would depend upon lowering average water levels in the interior channels. A general lowering of five feet could be made without adversely affecting depths for small craft, except in isolated locations, or the majorit\- of \\ atcr supply siphons. Based upon a five-foot lowering of water levels, seep- age control benefits, averaging an estimated $0.50 per acre for 103,000 acres, would be available with the Typical Alternative Delta Water Project. The Comprehensive Delta A\'ater Project would afford seepage benefits to 252,000 acres, and the estimated average annual benefit would be $0.45 per acre. Project AcCOmplishnientS-vehicular transportation || The two basic problems of the existing road system in the Delta are ( 1 ) inadequate channel crossings and circuitous routes, with resultant excessive travel times, and (2) disproportionately high costs of maintenance. Projects involving master levees for flood control in the Delta would afford means for reducing both of these problems. However, the Chipps Island Barrier Project would provide no benefits to vehicular transportation, and the Single Purpose Delta Water Project would provide only inci- dental benefits of this kind. The master levee system of the Typical Alternative Delta Water Project would include twenty-two channel closures upon which roads could be placed, and operation of four existing ferries could be terminated. The Comprehensive Delta Water Project would include thirty-nine channel closures providing new access and would eliminate the need for six ferries. Roads on the landward bcrms of the master levees would be more stable and less difficult to maintain than existing roads on levee crowns. Driving on present levee roads is hazardous, as evi- denced by frequent drownings when vehicles run ofi^ levees into adjacent channels. Passing clearance is often limited by parked vehicles. In addition to improved safety with roads on the levee berms, there would be ample width for parking ofi^ the roadways. To realize the anticipated and needed development of recrea- tion in the Delta, it will be necessary to greatly improve vehicular access. Realization of about 7,000,000 recreation-days each year by 1990, and almost 14,000,000 by 2020 will, in large degree, be dependent upon the improved vehicular access that could be provided by multipurpose use of the master flood control levees. 1980 2000 2020 BENEFITS OF VEHICULAR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS The project benefits from enhancement of the road system would be a combination of savings in maintenance costs and sav- ings in costs to Delta traffic associated with farming and to the recreationists. Savings to Delta interests reflect reduced costs of general travel and produce shipments through decreased travel times and distances. Savings to the recreationists were based upon projected recreation use and decreased travel times and distances. 48 Project Accomplishments — recreation While some detriments to recreation are inherent in construc- tion of any facilities in the Delta, substantial benefits would also be achieved. As has been stated, improvements in the road net- work would make more of the Delta accessible to recreationists. Land areas reclaimed by spoiling material from dredging of chan- nels onto small islands would afford space for development of recreation service facilities and picnic areas. Project works at the head of the Cross-Delta Canal would be constructed to provide clearance for the majority of pleasure craft, thereby connecting the Sacramento and Mokelumne River systems. Elimination of flood and tidal effects from interior channels would make it pos- sible to control water levels in those channels, reducing costs of maintaining waterfront recreation facilities. Furthermore, costs of new facilities would be less than for present conditions. The safety of the boating public is becoming a significant problem, and the incompatibility of high-speed boating, cruising, and skiing with fishing and swimming creates related safety problems. Local authorities will find it desirable and even necessary to designate certain Delta channels for specified types of recreation use. The interior project channels would lend themselves to this type of zoning and also to simplified enforcement. Planning and construction of recreational developments in the Delta should involve local governmental agencies. .Most project channel closures would not be constructed for eight or more years, and changing recreation patterns should be considered in future selection of remedial and enhancement facilities. Needs for small craft locks and boat portages should be re-evaluated at the time closures are constructed. The most important form of recreation in the Delta is fishing. In terms of recreation-da\s, fishing is three times as important as the next most popular sport — cruising. A project which would cause a major reduction in fish populations might also cause ver\' adverse effects on the recreation. In this connection the Chipps Island Barrier Project would result in losses of striped bass sev- eral times as great as those anticipated with any of the alternative plans for the Delta Water Project. It is recognized that cruising, sailing, and water skiing are rapidly gaining in popularity in the Delta, and that construction of master flood control levees and channel closures would inter- fere with unrestricted boating access to certain channels. How- ever, access would be provided through small craft locks or por- tage facilities at many of the channel closures, thus reducing the detriment primarily to short delays. Studies in other areas indicate that lockage delays are not too important to the majority of pleas- ure boatmen. The following tabulation summarizes physical features of the several alternative projects which would affect recreational activ- ity and growth in the Delta. Chipps Single Typical Compre- Island Purpose .■\ltematixe hensise Barrier Delta Water Delta Watet Delia Water Project Project Project Project Control structures 1 4 3 4 Channel closures 1 10 23 41 New master levees (miles). 90 185 Kishuays 1 1 1 1 Principal fish screens 2 I 1 1 1 I 1 Small craft locks ^ 5 Small craft portage facilities 5 17 Open navigable area (acres) _. 49,5(X) 49,400 45,800 42,600 Navigable interior area (acres) 100 3.700 6,900 Open navigable channels (miles) 700 695 590 450 Navigable interior channels (milcs)- 5 110 250 Proicct roads (miles) Paved - 33 70 1 47 109 State and county levee roads (miles; 295 295 279 265 New inter-island accesses (closures) 6 22 39 New public waterfront land (acres) I'rom master le\ces — .. 1,900 3.600 I'rom dredge spoils .1,900 1,900 2,300 Normal overhead clearance through Delta Cross Channel (feet) 6 16 16 16 Project Accomplishments-fis wildlife 3 Any Delta water facilities would affect the habitat of fish in the Delta, but would have Uttle effect, if any, on Delta wildlife. While it is known that the Delta plays an important role in the life cycle of migratory fish, and also supports resident sport fish, insufficient biological information is avail- able \vith which to clearly define the po- tential effects of Delta water facilities. Nevertheless, relative comparisons of the alternative projects can be made. Studies of effects of the Delta water facil- ities and export pumping plants were made by the California Department of Fish and Game in co-operation with the Department of Water Resources. Cooperative e.xperi- ments with a full-scale vertical baffle fish- way indicate that all migratory species would use this type of fish way. The con- clusions of the Department of Fish and Game regarding the alternative projects are as follows: "Chipps Island Barrier "This project would be the most damaging of the four * studied. It would probably cause a disastrous reduction of almost all species of fish found in the Delta. These losses would be brought about by the rapid salinit>- and temperature change across the barrier, loss of current in * the fresh-water pool for migration direction, striped bass spawning eliminated due to lack of current behind the barrier, loss of important food items, and a threefold increase in pumping of water at Tracy. The amount of Sacramento River water being drawn around the tip of Sherman Island to the pumping plant would be greatly increased. Downstream migrants of the Sacramento River would be diverted to the pumps in large numbers. These fish would have to be screened at the pumps and re- turned to the river channel below the influence of this current. This condition would be a serious detriment to- all fish using the Delta. "Single Purpose Delta Water Project "This project would be the least detrimental of the four projects studied. The reversal of flow around Sher- man Island would be eliminated. Major fish screens would be installed at the Cross-Delta Canal headworks and at the head of Georgiana Slough. Therefore, down- stream migrants in the Sacramento River would be guided down the western side of the Delta out of the influence of the pumps. In general, fish and eggs in the western portion of the Delta would no longer be af- fected by the pumps. The replacement of the hundreds of existing small irrigation siphons in the western Delta by screened irrigation supply systems would further reduce losses of small fish. In these respects conditions for fish in the Delta would be improved. "Fish habitat would not be reduced in the Delta. The one channel that would be isolated under this project would be insignificant. An imponant effect of the proj- ect would be the increased reversal of flow in the San Joaquin River above the Cross-Delta Canal crossing. This reversal of flow would occur during an average of seven months of the \'ear under full project operation. \\*e were unable to evaluate the effect of the reversal. How- ever, it could result in serious losses to salmon that now spawn in San Joaquin River tributaries south of the Mokelumne River. .Most seriously affected would be up- stream migrating salmon. The amount of water pumped from the Delta would be increased threefold. This in- creased withdrawal of water would divert proportion- ately more fish than is presently being diverted. "Typical Alternative Delta Water Project "This project would be the second least detrimental. Losses would be expected to be greater than the Single Purpose Project because of the reduction of 8 percent of the fish habitat through channel closures, and partial channelization uf the Cross-Delta Canal. The channeliza- tion would cause a detriment by channeling the fish toward the pumps by a more direct route. Water diver- sions into isolated channels would be screened and loss of fish would be reduced. However, loss of eggs and fry would be unavoidable. Other project conditions would be the same as the Single Purpose Project. 'Comprehensive Delia Water Project "This project would be the third least detrimental. It would cause greater loss than the Typical .Alternative Project because of the reduction of 14 percent of the fish habitat, and the complete channeUzation of the Cross-Delta Canal. This would channel the fish directly to the pumps. Other project conditions would be the same as in the Single Purpose Project. "From the foregoing, if one of the above-named proj- ects is to be built in the Delta, the Department of Fish and Game would favor the Single Purpose Delta Water Project. However, all projects will cause serious fisheries problems and an intensive srudy would be required to solve these problems." Formulation of project plans reflects comments and recommendations of the Department of Fish and Game. Fish screens would be installed at the heads of channels diverting water southward from the Sacra- mento River. Such screens would reduce the present rates of fish losses at the Tracy Pumping Plant and in numerous other di- versions in the Delta. Project pumping plants would also be screened. Hundreds of diversion siphons and pumping plants in the Delta are not screened at this time. How- ever, project diversions into interior channels would be screened, and the fish populations enhanced thereby. Project Accomplishments — navigatio Commercial and military navigation in the Delta would be adversely affected in varying degrees by any Delta water facilities, but some potential benefits would also be realiz.ed through in- creases in channel depths and widths. The Chipps Island Barrier Project would cause the greatest detrimental effect to navigation, since all traffic between the San Francisco Bay system and Delta points would have to pass through locks. At present, an average of about 570 deep-draft commercial vessels, and 10,300 tug and barge tows and small ves- sels pass Chipps Island each year. It is estimated the annual transits would increase to 2,800 and 40,000, respectively, by 2020. The volume of future military traffic cannot be realistically estimated, nor is it possible to place a reasonable value on its lost time. The increased tidal amplitude downstream from a barrier at Chipps Island would necessitate additional dredging in some areas to pro- vide the required minimum navigation depth. This increased depth might cause additional maintenance dredging which fre- quently results from deepening navigation channels. Completion of the Sacramento Deep Water Channel will divert most of the tug and barge traffic away from the Sacramento River between the vicinities of Rio Vista and Sacramento. The traffic which would pass the site of the Sacramento River control struc- ture would generally be limited to that originating from or destined to points of call downstream from the vicinity of Free- port. It is anticipated that the volume of this traffic would increase from 600 transits per year after completion of the Sacramento Deep Water Channel to about 900 transits per year by 2020. CHIPPS ISLAND ' X BARRIER PROJECT --^^ / COMPREHENSIVE DELTA WATER PROJECT^ SINGLE PURPOSE DELTA WATER PROJECT TYPICAL ALTERNATIVE DELTA WATER PROJECT I960 1980 2000 2020 DETRIMENTS TO COMMERCIAL NAVIGATION Construction of control structures and closures on channels south of the San Joaquin River in the heart of the Delta would increase time and distance for tug and barge travel to a sugar refinery near Tracy. However, channel improvements would permit use of larger barges, if shipping concerns should elect to do so. As this advantage would be subject to many factors in an operator's business wliich cannot be readils- predicted, hcnchts were not claimed for possible use of larger barges. Construction of a master levee sy.stem would necessitate reloca- tion of some sugar beet loading docks in the Delta. However, improved roads would tend to compensate for increased hauls to relocated docks. Economic Aspects — benefits, detriments, and cost Only direct, tangible benefits and detriments to the initial re- cipient were evaluated for comparison with direct costs. How- ever, it must be recognized that direct, intangible benefits and detriments would also result from project operation. The ratios of benefits to costs provide a guide to project selection, but con- sideration should also be given to the net benefits in making the final project selection. Although variations in benefit-cost ratios can result from different basic economic premises, the relative comparison of alternative projects ^^"ould not change. Certain significant benefits and detriments \\ ere not evaluated. All alternative plans would improve the quality of water exported to the San Joaquin ^'alley and reduce the drainage problems there. Onlv direct benefits of flood protection to agriculture were eval- uated, but this protection would also benefit principal highways and urban developments. The estimated recreation benefits from land made available for development were considered to be equiv- alent to the value of the land. Intangible benefits would also accrue to recreation, and intangible detriments would result from reduced convenience of access into some channels. Only detri- ments to commercial fishing are shown, but intangible detriments to sport fishing would also accrue. All estimates of benefits, detriments, and costs, including amortization, operation, and maintenance, reflect annual equiva- lent values for the period 1960-2020. An interest rate of four per- cent per annum was used in the analysis. Attention is invited to the net benefits of the Comprehensive Delta Water Project which are less than the net benefits of the Tvpical Alternative Delta \\'atcr Project. This condition results from inclusion of economically unjustified flood control for large areas south of the San Joaquin River wherein the direct benefits would be less than the costs. However, flood control for some of the critical areas south of the San Joaquin River warrants further studv. ESTIMATED ANNUAL BENEFITS, DETRIMENTS, AND COSTS (In thousands of dollars) Chipps Island Bamer Project Single Purpose Delta Water Proiect Typical .Mtemative Delta Water Proiect Compre- hensive Delta Wjier Proiect 503 Benefits Water salvage (for export)- 8,337 improved water qualirj'— municipal, industrial, and irrigation 880 Supplemental municipal and industrial water supply Flood and seepage control \'ehicular transportation ..._ Recreation .- Total Benefits Detriments Commercial navigation Commercial fisheries 8,955 1.345 19 Total Detriments BENEFITS MINUS DETRIMENTS Costs Capital amonization Annual operation and maintenance Total Costs „ NET BENEFITS BENEFIT-COST R.A.TIO 9,720 617 844 1,461 8,259 6.825 2.077 . 8,902 _ -643 0.93:1 11,205 18 203 221 10.984 1.358 691 2.049 8.935 5.56: 1 8,963 880 1,343 530 410 37 12,163 24 254 11,885 1,965 884 2.849 9,036 4.1":! 8,963 880 1,345 1,022 734 58 13,000 27 287 314 12,6«6 2,846 1,136 3,982 8,704 3.19:1 52 ^^^conomic Aspects — allocation of costs The capital and operational costs of each of the alternative projects were allocated among the project functions by the Sep- arable Costs-Remaining Benefits method. In this method, all costs assignable to single functions are identified, and the remain- ing multipurpose costs are distributed among the functions in proponion to the benefits provided by the project, or in propor- tion to the lowest cost alternative means of providing equivalent benefits. The lowest value of either the benefits or alternative means is used as a limit. The basic allocations were made in terms of present worth values (1960) of all costs and benefits. This procedure properly accounts for the time-value of money (interest) and the wide variation in dates of expenditure of money and realization of benefits. Allocations of the capital and operational costs in terms of actual expenditures, rather than present worth, are indicated in the accompanying tabulations to permit convenient compari- sons with total amounts of these costs. Attention is invited to the allocated costs of the Chipps Island Barrier Project. The costs which would be allocated to water salvage and western Delta water supply were limited by the low- est cost alternative means of providing equivalent benefits, which would be the Single Purpose Delta Water Project. The values ALLOCATION OF ESTIMATED CAPITAL COSTS (In thousands) Item Chipps Island Barrier Project Single Purpose Delta Water Project Txpical Alternative Delta Water Project Compre- hensive Delta Water Project Water salvage (for export) $38,384 Western Delta water supply ' K,098 Flood and seepage control none \'ehicular transportation none Recreation land none Unassigned local costs _ 155,490 TOTALS $201,972 $38,444 8,111 none none none none $46,555 $38,662 8,156 11,900 8,132 681 none $67,531 $41,655 8,788 25,159 18,083 1,429 2,945 $98,059 ' For iniprovi-mfnt in quality and supplrmcntal woter supplies. .Allocated costs include portiiins properly ititnhuljhlc to upstream water users for future efffct* on ihc western Delta area due to increased water use in areas !rihutar>' in the Delta. Definite values atttibutable lo upstream water users wuuld be dependent upon re!»ulution. ncKOciated ur otherwise, of water riuhts problems. shown for the Chipps Island Barrier Project are slightly less than those for the lowest cost alternative, since the funds for the for- mer would be expended at an earlier date. The allocations to both projects in present worth values would be the same. As the costs which may be properly allocated to water salvage and western Delta water supply are less than the total cost, a portion of the costs of the Chipps Island Barrier Project are shown as unassigned local costs. If these costs are not repaid from sources other than water users, the Chipps Island Barrier Project would be financially infeasible. Attention is also invited to the allocated costs of the Compre- hensive Delta Water Project which indicate certain unassigned local costs. In this case the costs of flood and seepage control in areas south of the San Joaquin River exceed the direct benefits of flood and seepage control in these areas. Therefore, the alloca- tion to flood and seepage control for these areas was limited to the benefits. These flood and seepage control features of the Compre- hensive Delta \\'ater Project are not economically justified. After the costs were allocated to principal project functions, it was necessary to make suballocations among particular groups of beneficiaries. These suballocations, which are indicated on the following pages, were also made by the Separable Costs-Remain- mg Benefits method and were the basis for computing the average annual costs to beneficiaries throughout a 60-year period. In the adjoining tabulations the amounts allocated to vehicular trans- ponation mclude some costs which would be suballocated to recreation access to reflect the benefits to the public for improved access to recreation areas of the Delta. It is estimated that about $7,075,000 of the capital costs and $92,000 of the annual opera- tional costs for vehicular transportation under the Typical Alter- native Delta A\'ater Project would be suballocated to recreation access. Under the Comprehensive Delta \\'ater Project these respective amounts would be $15,123,000 and $176,000. These foregoing amounts would be in addition to the basic allocation to recreation land, which reflects the value of lands made available for recreational development. ALLOCATION OF ESTIMATED AVERAGE ANNUAL OPERATIONAL COSTS Mn thousondi) Item Chipps Island Barrier Proiect Single Purpose Delta Water Project Typical .\ltemative Delta Water Proiect Compre- hensive Delta \\'ater Proiect \\ater salvage (for export) $395 83 none none none 1.599 $571 120 none none none none $<06 107 156 106 9 none $483 102 292 210 16 34 Western Delta \\ ater supply '._ Flood and seepage control _ Vehicular transportation Recreation land „. Unassigned local costs . .. TOTALS $2,077 $691 $884 $1,137 ' For improvement in quabt>- and supplemental water supplies. Allocated costs include portions properly attributable to upstream water users tor future effects on the western Delta area due to increased water use in areas tributary- to the Delta. De&nite values atcribuuMe to upstream water users would be dependent upon resolution, negoriated or otherwise, of water rights problems. 54 COnomic Aspects — costs of project services 3 It was assumed that all project costs not specifically declared nonreimbursable would be repaid by all beneficiaries of project functions. In accordance with the contract- ing principles established for water service under the State \\ atcr Resources Develop- ment System, the conservation features of the Delta water facilities will be financially integrated with other conservation features of the system. The cost of supplemental water required by Delta water users will in- clude the Delta Water Charge and an allo- cated transportation charge. Estimates of present and future costs of water suppl\- in the western Delta area were predicated on continuation of current fed- eral salinity control polic\', which limits the minimum regulated outflow from the Delta to 1,500 second-feet, considered necessary to afford satisfactory quality control at the Central Valley Project pumping plants. Estimates of increased future costs without the State \\'ater Facilities reflect continued upstream depletion of surplus water in the Delta, and represent average costs during the next 60 years. I'.stimates of costs shown for project conditi(jns also reflect average costs during the next 60 years. It is empha- sized that the estimates are comparative average annual costs during a 60-year period and do not reflect estimates of \car by year prices which ma\' be established. The amounts allocated for repayment w ere limited by the lowest cost alternative means of accomplishing equivalent benefits. It may be noted that the costs of water sup- ply in the western Delta area would be the same for the Chipps Island Barrier Project, Single Purpose Delta Water Project, and Comprehensive Delta Water Project. Ihe Single Purpose Delta Water Project would be the lowest cost alternative means of pro- viding water supplies and it limits the amount which may be allocated under the other two projects. The costs of the T\pical Alternative Delta W atcr Project allocated to water sal- vage would amount to an average of $0.64 COMPARATIVE SUMMARY OF ESTIMATED AVERAGE ANNUAL COSTS OF WATER SUPPLY IN WESTERN DELTA AREA WITH AND WITHOUT STATE WATER FACILITIES DURING 1960-2020 I !■ ururc cost Chipps Sinirlc l\picjl Conipre- w ithout Island Purpose Alternati\e hcnsi\c Item State Water Barrier Delta Water Delta Water Delta Water Facilities Project Project Pr..KCt Proiect (^cintra Costa Canal service, S/acre-foot " 14.52' 11.66 11.66 11.64 11.66 Substitute municipal and industrial water supplv, S/acre-fot)t 5.45 5.53 3.45 Supplemental water suppl\- ' Contra Costa Countv, »/acrc-foot 15-20 9.06 9.06 8.92 9.06 Solano County, S/acre-foor 17.00 8.82 8.82 8.68 8.82 Agricultural water suppK'. ?/acre " 7.91 " 1.50 1-511 1,45 1.511 • AvcraKf of cstinialt-J cosfs during a 60-year period. Values do not neceswirily refleci t"it.'<'5 for protect services. - I-(ir all municipal and industrial water scrx'cd from the Contra Costa Canal. All costs include $11 per acre-fool for water from the canal. Allocated costs reflect beneRts from improved quality. ^ Includes csiimated excess water treatment due to salinity dcsratlaiion. ' Kstimated future cost of high tjuality water from Delta channels will vary between S2.00 and S5.00 per acre foot, depending upon plant locations and operations. '• All supplemental project water available throuRh operation of the Monte/uma .Vtiueduci. "Costs reflect averuije for about 1^4, 000 acres in the western Delta lowlnnds. • Cost expressed as loss per acre due to salinity incursion. per acre-foot for all water exported from the Delta b\- the State \\'ater Facilities. Sim- ilar costs w ith the other projects would be about $0.66 per acre-foot. It is anticipated that a federal contribu- tion would be provided for flood and seep- age control. This contribution, tentatively estimated at $10,123,000 for the Typical Alternative Delta Water Project and $16,- 020,000 for the Comprehensive Delta Water Project, would probably reflect cur- rent federal policy for allocation of costs of levee improvements, and wotild be based on reduced flood damages and net savings from reduced levee maintenance costs. Lo- cal costs of maintaining existing levees in- corporated in the master levee system prob- ably would not be directly met by local districts. Maintenance would be included in the total project costs, and a portion of these costs would be allocated to local benefici- aries. The total project costs allocated to vehic- ular transportation were suballocated to the benefited counties and to the general pub- lic. The allocation to the general public reflects enhancement of recreation, and was considered nonreimbursable. COMPARATIVE SUMMARY OF ESTIMATED ANNUAL COSTS OF FLOOD AND SEEPAGE CONTROL WITH AND WITHOUT DELTA WATER FACILITIES DURING 1960-2020' (P«r acre) Item Island -group Isleton Lodi Holt Tracy Brentwood Sherman $8.00 10.85 2.80 2.04 7.96 $8.00 10.29 1.65 2.17 7.34 $9.51 2.43 2.29 7.34 $9.63 2.31 S7.50 9,16 0.35 2.09 6.66 $8.75 0.76 $6.50 7.50 0.20 2.29 4.97 $7.26 0.44 $7.50 8.83 1.32 2.38 6.04 $8.42 1.73 $9.00 13.10 3.12 2.53 10.57 Future control cost without a project .■\nnual damage savings with a project Typical Alternative Delta Water Project Total control cost . -.. - $10.00 3.65 2.15 7.96 Comprehensive Delta Water Project Allocated project cost Interior levees and pumping cost $10.11 3.54 $13.10 3.12 1 Average of estimated costs during a 60-year period. Values do not necessarily reflect prices for project services. COMPARATIVE SUMMARY OF ESTIMATED ANNUAL COSTS AND SAVINGS WITH VEHICULAR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS DURING 1960-2020' Item Contra Costa County San Joaquin County Sacramento County T>pical .■Mtemative Delta Water Project .Allocated project cost Operational savings to present road system . Savings to road users Net savings -- Comprehensive Delta Water Project -Allocated project cost — _ Operational savings to present road system . Savings to road users Net savings - 13,300 2,900 82,000 71,600 $41,400 38,500 265,700 268,800 95,700 59,300 465,600 429,200 $4,500 1,100 105,200 101,800 11.200 5,000 119,700 113,500 1 Average of estimated costs during a 60-year period. Values do not necessarily reflect prices for project services. NOTE; There would not be any vehicular transportation improvements in portions of other counties within the Delta. 56 ^^^COnomiC Aspects — repayment riic staging