HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Resolution 8049 (SF Bay Delto Estuary Water Quality)RESOLUTION NO. 8049
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SAN RAFAEL ADOPTING THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY -
DELTA ESTUARY WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
WHEREAS, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has
convened the Bay -Delta Hearings, a multi -phase proceeding designed
to set new water quality standards for the protection of beneficial
uses in the San Francisco Bay - Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta Estuary
(Estuary); and
WHEREAS, beneficial uses for fresh water flowing into the
Estuary include municipal, industrial, and agricultural uses;
navigation; recreation; fishery, wetland and habitat protection;
protection of the food chain; and the maintenance of the biologi-
cally productive plume of water extending into the Pacific Ocean;
and
WHEREAS, protection of these beneficial uses will require both
substantial freshwater inflows and local measures, including wetland
restoration and reductions in the discharge of pollutants into the
Estuary; and
WHEREAS, the Estuary is a resource of national significance -
home to over 100 species of fish and 800,000 waterfowl; a stop -over
on the migratory Pacific Flyway; and the basis for major commercial
fishing, sport fishing, maritime, recreational and tourist in-
dustries; and
WHEREAS, the Estuary provides direct benefits to the Bay Area
residents by enhancing the attractiveness and quality of life of the
Bay Area and by protecting property values; and
WHEREAS, current Delta salinity and flow standards are inade-
quate and have failed to protect the Estuary; and
WHEREAS, the SWRCB staff released draft documents in November
1988 which contained improved flow standards and pumping limitations
for the protection of Delta fisheries in the spring, but which did
not provide standards for the protection of beneficial uses below
the Delta, including Suisun, San Pablo and San Francisco Bays; and
WHEREAS, after pressure from water development interests, the
SWRCB withdrew the draft flow standards accorded the Delta for the
spring months; and
ORIOINA't' so+°
RESOLUTION NO. 8040
WHEREAS, the draft standards relax salinity standards for water
drawn from the Delta, reducing the quality of Delta drinking water
and placing the Delta farms at risk; and
WHEREAS, protection of the quality and reliability of urban
water supplies is compatible with adequate protection of the
Estuary; and
WHEREAS, urban and agricultural conservation and voluntary
water transfers from agriculture can provide ample water for
reasonable urban and environmental needs without significant adverse
impacts; and
WHEREAS, despite the demonstrated need of the Estuary for in-
creased freshwater flows, implementation of protective standards
will not occur for several years.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of San Rafael
urges the State Water Resources Control Board to provide in its
water quality control plan adequate flow and salinity standards to
protect all the beneficial uses of the San Francisco Bay -
Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta Estuary, giving great weight to protec-
tion and restoration of the integrity of the entire estuarine
ecosystem, not just selected parts and selected species; the con-
tinuing need of the Estuary for fresh water for circulation,
whatever pollution discharge reductions should be achieved; and
protection of the quality and reliability of urban water supplies in
ways which avoid environmental damage and increased north -south ten-
sions.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be trans-
mitted to the State Water Resources Control Board, the San Francisco
Estuary Project, and the Committee for Water Policy Consensus.
I, JEANNE M. LEONCINI, Clerk of the City of San Rafael,
hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly and regularly
introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of said
City on MONDAY , the 18th day of SEPTEMBER 1989, by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:Boro, Breiner, Thayer and Mayor Mulryan
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:Frugoli
V V� 1�1.
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