Draft EIS/EIR for the San Luis Reservoir SRA Resource ...

4. Plan Overview
maintenance and operations, including solar and other carbon-reducing
measures.
Guidelines
• To the extent feasible, consider sustainable practices in building and site
design, construction and maintenance, and operations. Sustainable
principles used in design and management emphasize environmental
sensitivity in construction, the use of nontoxic materials and renewable
resources, resource conservation, recycling, and energy efficiency such as
solar power.
• Consult programs such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) for development of facilities and site-related
construction as a guide to sustainable building practices.
Goal OPS-RE2
• Allow for consideration and development of renewable energy projects
within the Plan Area.
Guidelines
• Work with other federal, state, and local agencies and public and private
energy providers to explore locations and feasibility of Plan Area
renewable energy projects.
4.2.5 Water Operations
Water operations are managed by DWR and are the primary purpose of the
existing facilities, particularly the reservoirs. Water-level fluctuations are the
result of water and energy demand based on climate and the seasons. Safety and
security are essential components of water operations and energy production, and
must be considered. Water-dependent recreational opportunities can change based
on water levels, and thus increase or reduce visitor experience. Certain facilities
such as boat launches require staff intensive labor to respond to changes in water
levels. Existing water operations issues, opportunities, and constraints are
described in Section 3.4 and are presented in this section under the following
categories:
• Water Level Fluctuations (WA-E)
• Restriction of Access to Dams and Power Facilities (WA-A)
4.2.5.1 Water Level Fluctuations (WA-E)
Constraints in water levels can severely inhibit user ability and enjoyment, create
user safety issues, change the biological composition of the shoreline, and result
in water quality degradation (from exposure of sediment to wind and rain).
Weedy vegetation can be controlled and managed to prevent encroachment into
open pool areas. Sediment deposition is dependent on water flow as well as water
level and can cause safety issues for use in certain areas.
4-26 San Luis Reservoir SRA
Draft RMP/GP and Draft EIS/EIR