Frequently Asked Questions

In its November 2010 working draft, the BDCP described a focused analysis on an all Pipeline/Tunnel Option.  To view a map of the pipeline tunnel and its ancillary facilities, click here.  For more information on optimization and sizing, view the most recent presentation or download a fact sheet.

In addition, the environmental review document will consider an unidentified number of alternatives, including a No Action Alternative. Other potential alignments identified in conceptual engineering will be part of some alternatives.

Any water conveyance facilities constructed will be subject to strict operations criteria. These rules are the subject of ongoing analysis and can be found in Chapter 3, Conservation Strategy.

Most recently, the Five Agencies have been working towards resolving outstanding issues related to long-term water operations criteria.  These elements are often referred to as the "Big 6". Click here for a summary of Alternative BDCP Initial Project Operations Criteria proposed for analysis by the Five Agencies. The Adaptive Range of Water Operations Criteria Working group will be asked to consider adaptive range proposals developed by state and federal agencies.

A working group on Delta Water Quality is currently being formed, and will address these concerns in more detail. In modeling potential operations of new conveyance facilities, the BDCP has been including existing state water quality standards (State Water Resources Control Board d-1641) as well as water quality standards that are part of existing in-Delta water contracts. For key findings and an overview of the potential effects of conveyance facilities operations and tidal marsh restoration on water quality, view this presentation as shown to the June 17, 2010 Steering Committee. For more key findings on the effects analysis, view this presentation from the October 21, 2010 Steering Committee meeting.

Habitat restoration measures will be identified in Chapter 3, Conservation Strategy of the draft plan. An overview of habitat restoration targets and types of natural communities can be found on page 2 of the most recent BDCP brochure. For a more detailed description of the current habitat restoration conservation measures, click here for a review of the March 2010 document explaining habitat restoration and other stressors measures or review Chapter 3 as it relates to terrestrial species including benefits through tidal marsh, riparian, grasslands, agricultural and other natural communities. The terrestrial document includes maps that illustrate which conservation zones support individual species.

Several working groups are exploring specific habitat areas in detail including the Yolo Bypass Fishery Enhancement Working Group and the Cache Slough Habitat Working Group.

The species currently identified under the plan are listed in Table 1-2 in the draft of Chapter 1, Introduction. The aquatic species are outlined in the most recent BDCP brochure. For a list of the terrestrial species and the natural communities that support them, reference Table 3.8 in Chapter 3, Terrestrial Strategy. For a more detailed list of covered species, browse Appendix A of the plan.

A BDCP working group is currently meeting to further refine the BDCP biological goals and objectives.  This small group of independent science advisors and interested stakeholders has been charged with developing a draft approach and scope to the biological goals and objectives for the Plan.  They will also interface with the advisors and address related policy issues.  This group is scheduled to submit final recommendations by the summer of 2011. For a list of upcoming meetings, agendas and handouts, click here.  For a current draft of the Chapter 3, (Conservation Strategy) the plan includes a hierarchy of Biological Goals & Objectives Pyramids focused on the ecosystem, natural communities, and individual species. The relationship of BDCP biological goals and objectives to species recovery is described here. In the plan includes a hierarchy of Biological Goals & Objectives Pyramids focused on the ecosystem, natural communities, and individual species. The relationship of BDCP biological goals and objectives to species recovery is described here.

The BDCP would be implemented over a 50-year period.  To view current information about how and when habitat restoration, actions to address other stressors, and conveyance would be implemented, see Chapter 6 (Plan Implementation), and this graphic implementation schedule.

The BDCP will include a proposed governance structure that will explain who is responsible for implementing the plan over a 50-year period. The Governance Working Group is currently drafting its recommendation for Chapter 7 of the BDCP Working Draft.  View the latest version of Chapter 7 to see how the Plan will be governed, once permitting agencies have approved it.  The Governance Working Group expects to complete its work by the end of summer 2011.  View the most recent draft of the governance structure here.

Chapter 8 (Implementation Costs and Funding Sources) will outline the cost of the plan and how it will be funded. For the latest information on implementation costs, view this presentation as shown to the Steering Committee on July 15, 2010.