Archive for February 2024
Salton Sea Lithium and Geothermal Power Plant Breaks Ground
The dusty Salton Sea witnessed a groundbreaking ceremony on Jan 25. 2024 marking the start of a potentially game-changing lithium extraction project known as Hell’s Kitchen 1. This $1.85 billion venture by Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR) promises to be the world’s first “fully integrated” lithium and renewable power production facility, extracting lithium from underground brine…
Read MoreColorado-Wyoming Climate Partnership Offers Opportunities for Water Professionals
A new initiative called the “Climate Solutions and Clean Energy Innovation Hub” has launched, bringing $15 million in initial funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF). This hub, led by a partnership between the two states, aims to help startups develop and scale up their climate solutions. Funding opportunities: The hub will provide grants to…
Read MoreCalifornia Unveils Ambitious Salmon Restoration Plan
California’s iconic salmon populations are in steep decline, facing threats from dams, water diversions, and climate change. In response, Governor Gavin Newsom recently unveiled a comprehensive plan outlining strategies to protect and restore these vital fish. Key components of the plan: Dam Removal and Improved Passages: The plan prioritizes removing barriers to fish migration, including…
Read MoreWater Conservation in Action: Arizona Irrigation Districts Secure Grants for Infrastructure Upgrades
The Arizona Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) is issuing $9.8 million in grants to help irrigation districts in Arizona upgrade their aging infrastructure, leading to significant water savings. Projects receiving funding include canal lining, automated control systems, spill water capture, and reservoir construction. Canal lining: Reduces seepage losses by up to 30%, exemplified by the…
Read MoreColorado Takes Big Step Toward Securing Crucial Water Rights on the Colorado River
The Colorado River Water Conservation District just committed $20 million towards purchasing the Shoshone Power Plant water rights from Xcel Energy. The Shoshone Power Plant holds senior water rights in the region and greatly impacts flows through the Colorado River and its tributaries. These senior water rights stabilize river flows, benefiting farmers, fish, and downstream…
Read MoreNew EPA Draft Method Aids Detection of Tire Additive Threatening Aquatic Life
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a draft testing method (EPA Method 1634) on Jan 30. 2024 in response to concerns about 6PPD-quinone, a by-product of the common tire additive 6PPD. This method empowers government agencies, Tribes, and other groups to identify the presence of 6PPD-quinone in local water sources. This new testing method…
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