DWR Announces Pumping Begins at Jones Tract.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A Department of Water Resources contractor began pumping water off Upper Jones Tract this afternoon, 39 days after a levee break flooded the 12,000 acres of farmland that comprise Upper and Lower Jones tract in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, about 10 miles west of Stockton.

Ford Construction Company, Inc., of Lodi started up the first of eight 42-inch pumps that will be used to remove the approximately 100,000 acre feet of water now covering the low-lying fields. Two 30-inch pumps will also be used in the dewatering process. Pumps will be activated as setup procedures are completed and all 10 pumps are expected to be online around July 23. The pumps are capable of pumping 50,000 to 70,000 gallons per minute.

Engineering crews finished welding pipes connected to the first pump earlier today and plumbed hydraulic lines. Then they covered the 42-inch pipes with dirt to reduce the possibility of movement during the pumping operation.

Contract terms call for the level of floodwater on the 12,000 acre island to be reduced three feet by the middle of August and the dewatering to be completed by mid-October.

Because movement of large pipes makes the work zone hazardous, the contractor has determined that only essential personnel will be allowed into the pumpout area.

DWR is making videotape available, on request, to television news operations. Still photos are posted on DWR's Web site at www.water.ca.gov for use by print media.

Meanwhile, The Dutra Group of San Rafael is nearing completion of final shaping on fill material used to close the 400 foot levee breach and estimates a roadway across the top of the break area should be restored by late July. Working around the clock from June 5, Dutra crews closed the breach on June 30.

Newspersons desiring updates or interviews at the DWR Incident Command Post should call Bill Burkhard at 209-598-7579.

The Department of Water Resources operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam safety and flood control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and water conservation planning, and plans for future statewide water needs.