NAS Panel Meets in Sacramento

A National Academy of Sciences panel tasked with reviewing the science behind current Delta protection measures kicked off a three-day meeting in Sacramento this week.

The panel on Sustainable Water and Environmental Management in the California Bay-Delta convened in open session July 13 to hear presentations on the Bay-Delta Conservation Plan, Delta contaminants and other issues. State and federal officials updated the panel on the BDCP, which is on track to issue a draft plan in November 2010.

The panel is charged with reviewing science used in the BDCP process, including stressors contributing to the decline in several aquatic species. It is expected to issue a report by November 2011. Panel members also heard a presentation by University of Maryland researcher Patricia Glibert, who released research findings earlier this year that suggest nutrient pollution from wastewater treatment plants are affecting the food web in the Delta.

The meeting continued with a closed session for panel members and staff on July 14. A tour of the Delta was planned for July 15. More on the meeting is available here.