CA Twin Tunnels Project Officially Dead

The Department of Water Resources today withdrew its permit application before the State Water Resources Control Board for the twin tunnels project, known as the California WaterFix, and submitted notice to begin planning for a single tunnel conveyance project.

They are starting a new environmental review and planning process for a single tunnel project that will protect a critical source of water supplies for California.

As directed by the Governor and building on work already conducted, the Department of Water Resources is pursuing a new environmental review and planning process for a single tunnel solution to modernize Delta conveyance,” the California Department of Water Resources reports. “This fresh approach is consistent with the Governor’s recent executive order directing state agencies to develop a portfolio of statewide water actions and investments. Modernizing Delta conveyance paired with complementary projects that improve water recycling, recharge depleted groundwater reserves, strengthen existing levee protections and improve Delta water quality, is critical to building a resilient water supply for California’s communities and economy.”

Importantly, the department will work with local public water agencies that are partners in the conveyance project to incorporate the latest science and innovation to design the new conveyance project, and work with Delta communities and other stakeholders to limit local impacts of the project, Maven’s Notebook reports.