Russian River Weekly Update 7/28/25

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Scott Dam, from Active Nor Cal article, 11-22-23 — Scott Dam at Lake Pillsbury, from Active Nor Cal article, 11-22-23

Reservoir Storage & Operations:

Water supply information provided by Sonoma Water (find more water storage info here).

Lake storage data:
- Mendocino: 81.63%, -1091 AF
- Pillsbury: 51.68%, -1945 AF
- Sonoma: 93.26%, -1725 AF

Chart of Lake Mendocino storage (acre-feet) by year (2018-2025). Notable point: July 28, 2025, with 90,612 acre-feet.

Graph depicting Lake Pillsbury storage data (2018-2025) versus target scenarios (A, B, C) in acre-feet.

Lake Sonoma storage levels from 2018 to 2025, showing fluctuations in acre-feet with projected data and deviations.

PG&E Files Final Surrender Application for Potter Valley Project

On July 25, 2025, Pacific Gas and Electric Company filed its Final Surrender Application and Final Non-Project Use of Project Lands Application (NPUPL) for the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. P-77) with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This submittal package contains two applications:

PG&E’s Final Surrender Application and decommissioning plan for its Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project that includes the removal of Project facilities and features, including, but not limited to, Scott Dam and Cape Horn Dam, and the removal of the Project from FERC jurisdiction; and
An application for NPUPL that seeks FERC’s authorization for PG&E to allow the Eel-Russian Project Authority (ERPA) (a joint powers authority formed by a joint exercise of powers agreement between the County of Sonoma, Sonoma Water, and the Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission) to construct the proposed New Eel-Russian Facility (NERF) for the purpose of future water diversion from the Eel River through the Project’s existing water diversion system to the Russian River Watershed.

Included in the Surrender Application and Decommissioning Plan (SADP) is a request for FERC to authorize PG&E to permit the “Non-Project Use of Project Lands” which will allow ERPA to construct the NERF, while utilizing some of the existing Potter Valley Project facilities. While PG&E supports this coordinated effort is the best path forward, ERPA will be responsible for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the NERF. The close coordination between PG&E and ERPA is critical to ensure the construction of the NERF will not delay the decommissioning of the Potter Valley Project and will allow for a smooth transition to ERPA operations. The timing will follow the FERC process for approval.

Throughout the decommissioning process, PG&E will continue to operate the Potter Valley Project in compliance with all existing FERC requirements, including recreation, minimum in-stream flows, water diversions, etc.

An electronic version of this filing is available on the FERC website at https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/elibrary.asp. This document can also be accessed from the following website: https://www.pottervalleysurrenderproceeding.com/ on the Documents page using the following password: PV_Surrender. The application is also linked below:

2025 7-25 PGE App for PVP Lic Surrender Cover Letter.pdf 2025 7-25 PGE App for PVP Lic Surr Volume 1A.pdf 2025 7-25 PGE App for PVP Lic Surr Volume 1B.pdf 2025 7-25 PGE App for PVP Lic Surr Volume 2 Exhibit E Pt 1.pdf 2025 7-25 PGE App for PVP Lic Surr Volume 2 Exhibit E Pt 2.pdf 2025 7-25 PGE App for PVP Lic Surr Volume 2 Exhibit E Pt 3.pdf

Online Town Hall for Potter Valley Project Surrender Application and Decommission Plan on August 11

On August 11, from 3 to 5 p.m., PG&E will host an online meeting (link below) to share information on the Potter Valley Project Surrender Application and Decommissioning Plan. The plan will be submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) by July 29. During the town hall PG&E will discuss the overall regulatory process and note opportunities for public participation in the regulatory process.

LINK: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MDViYTRlY2UtN2QyMS00YzAwLWExNTYtNDRjMDk1NTkzOTNk%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22201d63c4-1e77-40f4-817d-17442619a108%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22304455f8-5983-481b-ab61-44ab050ca50b%22%7d

If you have any questions regarding this filing, please contact me via email at Tony.Gigliotti@pge.com.

FERC Requests Additional Information on PG&E’s Request for License Amendment (Long-Term Flow Regime)

In it’s request for changes to the Potter Valley Project flow requirements from now until the proposed decommissioning, PG&E stated the overall goal of the proposed license amendment is to maintain storage in Lake Pillsbury through the spring and summer, maintain the safety of the facility, and support colder water temperature flow releases from Scott Dam into the Eel River during late summer. In a letter dated March 28, 2023, FERC staff anticipated that prior to acting on this amendment proposal, an analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act will be completed by PG&E. In January 2025, PG&E filed supplemental information and this most recent letter responds, requesting information under five points, the first being to identify any users that may be affected by the proposed reduction in flow diversions to the East Branch Russian River and characterize their location and estimated amounts (quantity and percentage) under reduced flows. This may include operators of Commission-licensed hydropower projects that rely on powerhouse releases and agricultural users that are located downstream of Potter Valley Irrigation District’s diversions. PG&E is also asked to describe and address any potential effects of the proposed amendment on storage and/or releases from Lake Mendocino through analyses of the last ten years of data displaying the percent contribution of Potter Valley Powerhouse releases made to Lake Mendocino yearly storage, and address any effects to environmental resources below Lake Mendocino (including but not limited to water quantity, water quality, and listed salmonids of the East Branch Russian River) that may result from the proposal.

2025, 7-28 FERC let to PG&E for addt'l info - lic. amendment.pdf

FERC Opens Comment Period on PG&E Application for Temporary Flow Modifications in November 2025 for Repairs

Deadline for filing comments, motions to intervene, and protests: August 25, 2025.

FERC issued notice for submitting comments, motions to intervene, and protests regarding PG&E's request for a temporary flow variance in November 2025 to conduct repairs. More information: RRFC webpage on 2025 PG&E Flow Variance Request for Repairs

2025, 7-25 FERC Comment Period for PG&E November 2025 Min Flow Variance.pdf

PVP related articles uploaded recently:

NCRP Request for Proposals: Technical Assistance for Grant Development to Support On-The-Ground Implementation Projects, Due August 1, 2025

The North Coast Resource Partnership is pleased to offer a Request for Proposals for Technical Assistance to Tribes and economically disadvantaged communities to support grant applications for on-the-ground projects that improve forest health and increase wildfire resilience. FOR MORE INFORMATION: All proposals, including supporting documents, must be submitted via the NCRP Project Tracker; please see the NCRP Project Tracker Technical Assistance RFP webpage for instructions and more information.

ACWA Region 1 Presents: North Bay Water Innovations in Action

Friday, September 12, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Windsor, CA

Join Region 1 for a dynamic day of sustainability tours, education, and networking! Explore how local leaders are pioneering innovative solutions in water and wastewater management. The event includes:
✔ Educational program on regional water sustainability efforts
✔ Behind-the-scenes tour of Windsor’s water reclamation plant as they journey toward net-zero and sustainability
✔ Shone Farm lunch & learn highlighting water-smart agriculture
✔ Tours & brewery tasting at Russian River Brewing Company’s brewery & wastewater treatment plant

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY: Draft Environmental Assessment for Coyote Valley Dam-Lake Mendocino Water Control Manual Update

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq), as amended, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco District (USACE) has prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Coyote Valley Dam (CVD)-Lake Mendocino Water Control Manual (WCM) Update.

Current operations of the CVD-Lake Mendocino are governed by the existing WCM which was revised in 1986 and last updated in 2011 without the benefit of modern weather and streamflow forecasting information. The draft EA provides an evaluation and description of the proposed action to update the CVD-Lake Mendocino WCM to allow discretionary encroachment into Flood Control Space based on the 5-day deterministic streamflow forecasts provided by the National Weather Service as per Lake Mendocino Forecast-informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) procedures that have been vetted and tried through a series of USACE-approved major deviations during Water Years 2019, 2020 and 2021-2026. The encroachment would provide water storage of up to 11,650 acre-feet into the flood control space, and USACE reservoir operators retain full operational control and authority.

The USACE is providing this notice of availability of the draft EA for public review and comment. The public comment period will run until August 16, 2025 and feedback is invited. The Draft EA and associated appendices can be accessed by navigating your web browser to the website below and clicking on the “Draft Environmental Assessment” under the title called “Coyote Valley Dam-Lake Mendocino Water Control Manual Update” in the left-hand side of the page to open the report document.

Website: https://www.spn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental/

📢 State Water Board Announces Notice of Document Availability for Proposed Adoption of Water Measurement and Reporting Regulation (SB88) Revisions

The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board or Board) will consider adopting revisions to the Diversion Measurement and Reporting Regulation (regulation) on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. The initial regulation, adopted as an emergency regulation in 2016, requires anyone with a water right to divert over 10 acre-feet annually to measure the rate and volume of their diversions and submit measurement data to the Board. The proposed revisions clarify requirements, standardize measurement data reporting, require email addresses for reporting, and align reporting periods for groundwater reporting.

The draft regulation text, agenda item, draft resolution, and other supporting documents are available on the State Water Board’s website at:

Water Measurement and Reporting Regulation Rulemaking Webpage

California Natural Resources Agency Hosts Discussion on Conserving California: Protecting our Special Places in Turbulent Times Monday, July 28, 2025; from noon to 1 p.m.

From our majestic mountains to our stunning coast, from large parks to small open spaces, California's natural abundance defines our state. Today, climate change and other stressors threaten this abundance. In response, our state leaders established a global-ambitious commitment to conserve 30 percent of our lands and coastal waters by 2030—known as "30 by 30"or 30x30. In place for five years, this 30x30 target has been built into a movement that has added over 2 million acres to conserved areas. Join us for an uplifting conversation on 30x30's progress over the last year in California and meet the creative leaders across California driving this movement. Register in advance here.

📢 State Water Board Announces New Water Rights Reporting System is Coming Soon!

The State Water Resources Control Board is launching a new and improved system called CalWATRS (short for California Water Accounting Tracking and Reporting System) to make reporting water rights easier and more efficient. This system will help the state manage water data better and make it easier for the public to access important information.

What You Need to Know

Early Access Starts in July 2025 You’ll be able to explore and get used to the new CalWATRS system from July through September 2025. This is your chance to try it out before official reporting begins. Look for more information on the CalWATRS website. https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/upward/calwatrs/
Official Reporting Begins October 2025 You can start submitting your water rights reports to CalWATRS in October 2025. Reports for the 2024-2025 water year will be due by January 31, 2026. More details and instructions will be shared closer to October.
Current System (eWRIMS) Closed June 8, 2025 The current system, eWRIMS, will stop accepting reports on June 8, 2025. You’ll still be able to search for water rights information in eWRIMS after that, but you won’t be able to submit anything new.
No Changes to Old Reports from June 8 – September 30, 2025 During the switch to CalWATRS, you won’t be able to edit or amend past reports between June 8 and September 30, 2025. If you need to make changes to old reports, do it before June 8 in eWRIMS, or wait until after October 1 in CalWATRS.
CalWATRS Website and Email Updates The CalWATRS website is your go-to hub for the latest news, system updates, and helpful resources. While you’re there, sign up for the CalWATRS email list to receive important announcements and helpful information straight to your inbox.

“We appreciate your help and patience as we make this big improvement. Like with any new system, there may be a few bumps along the way, but we’re here to support you and make the transition as smooth as possible. More help and guidance will be available soon! For questions or assistance, please email CalWATRS-help@waterboards.ca.gov”