FINAL Decision on

Appeals of the Department of Water Resources’

Certification of Consistency for the

Delta Conveyance Project

On April 23, 2026, the Council voted 6-1 to remand the project on two Delta Plan policies. The Council denied all other appeals raised by ten separate appellant groups.

“The decision reflects the Delta Stewardship Council doing what it was created to do – providing independent oversight to ensure that major projects affecting the Delta are consistent with the Delta Plan,” said Chair Julie Lee. “The Department of Water Resources must now address the identified matters fully before the Delta Conveyance Project can move forward.”

Before proceeding with the project, the DWR must file a new certification of consistency addressing: 1) the improvement of habitat conditions for the nonnative invasive golden mussel, and 2) potential conflicts involving the Delta Conveyance Project’s Twin Cities Complex and Sac Sewer’s Harvest Water, addressing ecosystem protection, agricultural use, groundwater recharge, and Sandhill Crane habitat.

Additionally, as part of the Council’s decision and consistent with its independent oversight role, the DWR must submit annual implementation reports to the Council starting March 1, 2028.

The FINAL Decision is available on deltacouncil.ca.gov, along with more information about the certification and appeal processes. The recording of the April 23 meeting is available via AdminMonitor.