Delta - Boaters Can Comment - USCG Notice re Mokelumne River [I-5] Dual Bridge Project

Boaters have the opportunity to provide comments to the United States Coast Guard regarding a proposed bridge modification project in the Delta. Following is the USCG's April 3 public notice:

MOKELUMNE RIVER (I-5) DUAL BRIDGE – MOKELUMNE RIVER

AVAILABILITY OF PUBLIC NOTICE

The purpose of this notice is to solicit public comments on the proposed modification to the California Department of Transportation’s Mokelumne River (I-5) Dual Bridge, mile 22.9 over the Mokelumne River.  The General Bridge Act of 1946 requires approval of the location and plans for bridges over navigable waters of the United States, prior to commencing construction.  A Coast Guard Bridge Permit Amendment will be required for this project.

WATERWAY AND LOCATION:  Mokelumne River, mile 22.9, north of Stockton, on the San Joaquin County and Sacramento County line, California.  (N 38 15.292'  W 121 26.872')

Public Notice (11-146), dated April 3, 2018, is being published on the Coast Guard Navigation Website.  The public notice contains a detailed description of the proposed bridge modification project and includes location maps and bridge drawings with navigational clearances.  Interested parties may access Active Public Notices for Bridge Projects for the Eleventh Coast Guard District at the following web site https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/D11BN.  The public notice may also be obtained by calling the Eleventh Coast Guard District Bridge Office at (510) 437-3516, by writing to Commander (dpw), Eleventh Coast Guard District, Coast Guard Island, Bldg 50-2, Alameda, CA 94501-5100, by email at Carl.T.Hausner@uscg.mil, or by facsimile at (510) 437-5836.

Mariners are requested to comment on the proposed modification project and navigational safety issues.  Interested parties are requested to express their views in writing.  Comments will be received for the record at the address given in Public Notice (11-146) through May 2, 2018.

Very Respectfully,

CARL T. HAUSNER

Chief, Bridge Section

Eleventh Coast Guard District

Commander (dpw)

Eleventh Coast Guard District

Coast Guard Island, BLDG 50-2

Alameda, CA  94501-5100

RBOC Works to Protect Boating, Files Concerns with California WaterFix EIR/EIS

RBOC has filed its concerns with the negative impact that the California WaterFIx would have on the ability of recreational boaters to navigate and recreate in the Sacramento—San Joaquin Delta.  Of particular note:

1. There has been insufficient time to review the responses to RBOC and other comments that were submitted as far back as 2013.

RBOC is therefore urging that the public comment deadline on the 2016 Final BDCP/California WaterFix EIR/EIS be extended.

Based on our initial review of the responses to RBOC’s comments, our organization believes that many responses are insufficient, ambiguous and/or unresponsive.

2.    As discussed in the 2016 Final BDCP/California WaterFix EIR/EIS, the California WaterFix would severely restrict navigable waterways during construction of the twin tunnels.

This is contrary to the California State Constitution, Article 10, Section 4 of which provides that “No individual, partnership, or corporation, claiming or possessing the frontage or tidal lands of a harbor, bay, inlet, estuary, or other navigable water in this State, shall be permitted to exclude the right of way to such water whenever it is required for any public purpose, nor to destroy or obstruct the free navigation of such water; and the Legislature shall enact such laws as will give the most liberal construction to this provision, so that access to the navigable waters of this State shall be always attainable for the people thereof.”

3.  The planned temporary closure of significant recreational waterways including Twin Sloughs and Mildred Island are unacceptable, unmitigated and unconstitutional.

RBOC's concerns have been filed within the public comments on the 2016 Final BDCP/California WaterFix EIR/EIS. This is in addition to extensive comments that RBOC has submitted within this proceding in an effort to protect the ability of recreational boaters to navigate and recreate in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. 

State Proceeding with One Temporary Drought Emergency Delta Barrier for 2015 - Info for Boaters

As the state Department of Water Resources [DWR] moves forward in 2015 with plans to install one emergency, temporary rock barrier across West False River Slough in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, RBOC continues to engage with the state and is working to inform boaters so they can plan accordingly.

DWR hopes to begin installation of the emergency, temporary barrier on May 8 and to remove it this November.

• For the DWR notice to boaters with map and information: click here
• For the DWR press release: click here

RBOC acknowledges and appreciates the dire drought situation - now in its fourth year - that challenges all Californians, and appreciates the need for significant action as called for in the Governor’s April 1 executive order. 

The installation of a temporary rock barrier across West False River Slough is intended to preserve a fresh-water Delta and to sustain the Delta's ecosystem as a supply for drinking water.

Balancing the preservation of recreational opportunities in the Delta while preserving its ecosystem and as a state fresh-water supply is a worthy endeavor.

As boaters find their favorite lakes and reservoirs increasingly being closed to boating because of low water caused by the continuing drought, many will turn to the Delta as a new and enjoyable destination and RBOC stands ready to address their needs for access to boating waterways.

RBOC will continue to be engaged as this action is taken.