South Delta Temporary Barriers Project

South Delta Temporary Barriers Project

The proposed project involves annual installation and removal of three flow-control temporary rock barriers installed at Middle River near Victoria Canal (MR), Old River near Tracy (ORT), and grant Line Canal near Tracy Boulevard Bridge (GLC). It also includes the bi-annual installation and removal of one temporary rock barrier serving a dual purpose of fish control and flow control in the Spring and Fall at the head of Old river (HOR)near the San Joaquin River. As an alternative to installing the HOR barrier in the spring, DWR may opt to install a non-physical barrier at the head of Old River, as was done in 2009 and 2010. In addition, the MR weir height shall be raised by one foot, and in 2011, the project would include replacement of the GLC culverts and culvert frames, and incidental sediment removal adjacent to the culvert structures at the GLC barrier. Also, a 3-month fish monitoring program (2011 Fish Monitoring Program) shall be implemented from March 15 through June 15, concurrent with operations of the NPB (when installed). The study includes tagging and releasing salmon and steelhead throughout the south Delta, installing an acoustic receiver network, implementing a mobile monitoring effort to find acoustic tags on the river bottom using global positioning system (GPS), and sampling , tagging, and releasing up to 100 predatory fish 9obtained though electrofishing and/or hook and line sampling). DWR will also design and implement the Head of Old River (HOR) Predator Study with the intent of improving salmon smolt survival past the HOR during spring outmigration. This study would be implemented in conjunction with operation of the NPB.

Lathrop, Tracy

San Joaquin