The Bay Delta Conservation Plan

Throughout the world, deltas have been regarded as sensitive and vital parts of the environment. They hold many plant species and animal species, and are important in the transportation of water. One place where this is especially true is the San Francisco Bay Area Delta, which is surrounded by millions of people.

In 2013, $25 billion was invested to restructure this delta to divert more water to surrounding populations. In this plan, it restores tidal march and riparian habitat across the delta. Because of this, other areas of the delta can be altered without displacing animal populations.

Since the Endangered Species Act was enacted in 1973, environment-shifting projects such as these meet dozens of legal barriers. So, as engineers designed this plan, they has to consider the detriments such a project may cause, along with some possible restoration efforts.

In terms of water flow, major changes are proposed for the Bay Delta. The flow of the river and the water is altered so that it can flow towards populations. Also, this altering of water flow will promote the recovery and movement of fish.

Water is intended to be taken from the Sacramento River, and transported through gravity. Then, 3 intakes would take the water from this delta and transport it to areas like the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California.

The total cost of this project is valued around $20 billion. Of these costs, $4 billion is diverted towards environmental protection, along with 100,000 acres. It is important for civil engineers to recognize the importance of infrastructure while maintaining environmental protections. In the drought-prone state of California, it is measures like The Bay Delta Conservation Plan that allow for the state to support its 39 million people.