It resumes, without doable options, under the mandate of a correct priority, human need.
Delta pumping to increase -- despite smelt
Officials say it's safe for threatened fish, but others say they are not out of danger.
- Associated Press
Published 12:00 am PDT Saturday, June 16, 2007
State officials said Friday that they would increase water pumping in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta after a previous temporary stop, citing improved conditions for fish and an obligation to deliver water to cities and farmers.
The pumps at the state's main water plant outside of Tracy were shut down May 31 in an effort to protect the Delta smelt, a threatened fish whose population has reached a record low.
Limited pumping was authorized to resume June 10, and state officials said they would step up operations significantly beginning Sunday.
"We decided it was safe to increase pumping levels to meet water needs for cities and agriculture based on the fact that most of the Delta smelt are moving away from the pumps," Department of Water Resources spokesman Ted Thomas said.
Thomas said improved tidal conditions and warmer water temperatures should push the smelt safely away from the pumps.
However, an estimated 135 smelt have been killed at the pumps since they powered up a week ago, including 18 on Friday, according to DWR figures.
Conservation groups said the fish were not out of danger. In a letter to state and federal water officials Friday, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Bay Institute said government efforts to protect the smelt have been inadequate and the fish need more water.
