Possible peripheral canal route?

Purely a speculative diagram, this route would take economic advantage of a number of “borrow pits,” so-called because they were created to provide fill for the construction of I-5. The pits are similar in dimension to the proposed “isolated conveyance facility.” Most are now riparian habitats, and some are protected wildlife preserves. The diagram also shows how the siphon infrastructure at intersecting rivers and sloughs could be designed to “freshen” the Delta’s waterways, improving Delta water quality and ecosystem health.

Isolated facility - eastern alignment alternative

The Eastern Alignment Isolated Facility is the latest preferred alternative of the planners of the ongoing crisis in California’s contentious debate over Delta water export.

Two components comprise the facility—The Eastern Alignment Isolated Conveyance Component, and Through-Delta improvements. The proposed EAIC would have 1/ a 41-mile canal skirting the eastern edge of the Delta; 2/ an intake facility near hood that would divert up to 15,000 cfs out of the Sacramento River before entering the Delta; 3/ 8 siphons over rivers and sloughs; 4/ 3 culverts under sloughs; 5/ 18 bridges over state highways and roads; 6/ 2 rail bridges

The through-Delta improvements would include: 1/ 75 miles of retrofitted setback levees; 2/ 60 miles dredged rivers and sloughs; 3/ barriers at Old River, Connection Slough and Woodward Canal; 4/ a siphon at old river to direct water to clifton court forebay.

Zebra mussel cart

Temporary barrier locations

South delta temporary barriers resolve conflicts between water quality and environmental advocates. Barriers similar to this one are a key component of the Peripheral Canal proposal, and are the sites of future speculative work by the DNP design team.

Sod farm irrigation

Sod farm on Terminous Tract.

Saline Lands Exchange Authority

Land at the western edge of the Delta is subject to higher water salinity levels because of the proximity to San Francisco Bay. Controlling salinity is a major task for state and federal agencies.

Panorama from Mandeville to Venice Island

Each Fourth of July, the space between the two islands fills with boats that enjoy a fireworks display put on by the owners of Venice Island, the Hilton family.

Mandeville Island Bridge

This bridge provides access to Mandeville Island, owned by the Tuscany Research Institute. The island was previously owned by Steve Wynn, Las Vegas casino magnate and duck hunter. The bridge, like other bridges and ferries scattered throughout the Delta, is private and crossing it requires permission of the owner of Mandeville Island, not easily acquired.

Delta Cross Channel sluice gate

The Delta Cross Channel sluice gate in its lowered position. The Cross Channel allows water to be redirected toward the water project pumps.

Levee Urbanism, channel island diagram

Diagram of Levee Urbanism, showing the relationship of dense linear subdivisions to waterways.

Levee Urbanism Guarded Dam

Temporary dam, head of Middle River. These important elements of infrastructure are typically un-public, and are opportunities for future work by the DNP design team.

Levee comparison, typical vs setback

Typical levee on top, setback levee on bottom. Setback levees resolve conflicts between flood control, environmental, and water supply interests.

Large Owner Axis

Large Owner Axis diagram showing past or present island owners and their source of wealth. The Large Owner Axis is a chain of islands that connect the two most important elements of the Delta’s water redistribution infrastructure.

The LOA is also the key axis of planned “through-Delta” water redistribution infrastructure proposals, whether or not these improvements are tied to the new Peripheral Canal proposal.

Jones Tract flood

Photograph showing the extent of the 2004 Jones Tract flood, which covered 10,000 acres.

Fishing, bridge and pump

Fishing among infrastructure in the Delta.

Fishing in the South Delta

The Delta is an important recreational space for many urban dwellers.

Floating Boathouse 2

Floating boathouse, Eddo’s Harbor and RV Park.

Discovery Bay aerial

Infrared aerial image of Discovery Bay, a cul-de-sac community of recreational boat owners.

Delta Wetlands Project islands overview

Bouldin Island, Webb Tract, Holland Tract, and Bacon Island are the four islands that comprise the Delta Wetlands Project.

Delta watershed

The entire central valley drains into the Delta.

Delta flood occurrence since 1900

CALFED Temporary Barrier Locations

CALFED diagram showing the locations of the temporary barriers. These need to be programmed for recreational use.

Borrow Pit Exchange Authority Diagram

Backyard in Discovery Bay

This is a typical backyard in Discovery Bay

Shimasaki Memorial exchange diagram

Mokelumne Pipes

These pipes take water from the Mokelumne River across the Delta to Contra Costa county. Note how much the ground has subsided from the pile caps since construction.