Next Steps:

DWR and the DRMS authors have committed to editing the Phase 1 Report to address the criticisms of the Independent Review Panel (IRP). A new schedule and process is currently being drafted.

Background on DRMS:
DWR has initiated the DRMS to investigate the risk to assets of statewide interest resulting from levee failures in the Delta and Suisun Marsh areas of California (Phase 1), and to evaluate alternative strategies for mitigation of these risks (Phase 2). DRMS will look at the potential impacts on water supplies and other assets of statewide interest from levee failure in the Delta based on a 50-year, 100-year, and 200-year projection for each of the following possible impacts: subsidence, earthquakes, flood, climate change, sea level rise, and any combination of these impacts. To learn more about the DRMS study visit http://www.drms.water.ca.gov/

Background on the Independent Review Panel:
The DRMS Independent Review Panel (IRP) was formed to provide an unbiased and publicly available evaluation of the technical methods, analyses, findings and conclusions of the DRMS Products. The IRP consists of 9 internationally renowned scientists and engineers, unaffiliated with the DRMS report or its authors, who together cover the breadth of relevant issues needed to ensure a thorough evaluation of the DRMS effort. The IRP convened on August 2-3 and has provided a written review that focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of the technical material in the DRMS Phase Report.

• Charge to the Independent Review Panel

DRMS Response Memos

1. Letter from the DRMS Authors to DWR in response to the review
2. Letter from Jeff Mount, chair of the ISB, to the DRMS authors requesting a response to the review
3. Letter from Mike Healey, CALFED Lead Scientist, to the DRMS authors requesting a response to the review
4. Letter from Mike Healey, CALFED Lead Scientist, to John Kirlin, Executive Director of the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force, advising caution in using the DRMS study until it is complete