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UPDATES:

Richardson Grove

The contentious Draft Environmental Impact Reports for both the Richardson Grove Realignment (read details at http://www.saverichardsongrove.blogspot.com/) for more information) have been responded to, and we await the next development. The recent appearance of a banner in the redwoods above the highway cries out to all who pass to consider the ancient roots that will be severed by proposed widening so that larger trucks can come through the grove.
In the Southern CountiesĶ

Decision 1610 is issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (long discussed in this magazine) and decrees how to manage Lake Mendocino. Flow releases now need to be adjusted because flows from the Eel to the Russian have been changed by FERC ruling 2004. Adjusting to a slight decline in the diversion that was mandated a few years ago to save the salmon in the Eel River is proving to be problematic for Sonoma County water managers, who seem not to have taken long-term planning for water seriously. Once again the Sonoma County Water Agencys (SCWA) Water Source and Transmission Supply has failed in its effort to reconfigure the areas water resources for the coming decades because its Draft Environmental Impact Report was neither legally defensible nor practical. So now SCWA has filed another Urgency Change Petition to the State Water Resources Control Board. Water availability, drought status and requirements for Russian River minimum flows are determined by the water level in Lake Pillsbury. This is now being touted as an inadequate gauge of water availability in Sonoma County. But the water reality is based on the water availability from the Eel River source. The present Decision 1610 order requires a 25% cut in Sonoma County water use and a 50% cut in Mendocino water use. SCWA is seeking clarification from the state because it does not seem to get the picture laid out in front of them. Meanwhile, readers, stay tuned to all sources, watch for spin, and gain an understanding of just where that tap water really comes from if you are at all concerned about water in your future.

More on SCWA Maneuverings
SCWAs Russian River model, illegal diversions, and SCWA Water Rights are the top subjects for this agency charged with delivery of water to city contractors and businesses. Currently there is much discussion re: frost protection for vineyards and the depletion of flows in creeks and streams causing deaths of endangered species. This also leads into discussion of summer water needs for vineyards. Grape growers and wineries are trying to establish best management practices (BMPs)in this case, the few common management agreements the varied group can agree on, not necessarily the very best management practices (as the term implies). There are currently many illegal diversions from the Russian River and its tributary flows. Actually, there are many more illegal diversions than legal. Underfunded state agencies do not have the resources to manage this problem. Question: Does the public subsidize agriculture by following strict conservation requirements and paying higher fees for water so that grape growers may deplete the Russian River, free of charge, to protect their crop so they can make billions of dollars?

North Bay Water Reuse Project
We have been working for more than a year now to spotlight the North Bay Water Reuse Project, which will take recycled water mandated to be used for local public watering of golf courses and public areas and use it instead to recharge the groundwater depleted by Napa grape growers (those not dry-farming grapes). The federal Stimulus Package includes $25 million to help fund this project beginning in Sonoma. Is there enough wastewater to supply this expansion? Should Eel and Russian River waters be sent outside watershed boundaries to serve grape growers interests who have severely depleted their own groundwater? This is a question you need to ask Congressman Mike Thompson, who sponsored this effort.

Sonoma County Water Coalition
If you live in Sonoma you are blessed with an organization that is dealing with most of these issues. The Sonoma County Water Coalition can be reached at SJFR2@aol.com for information as to when and where they meet, so you too can become more informed and active in what is happening with water in your county.

Toward a Sustainable and Secure Water Future: A Leadership Role for the U.S. Geological Survey
The number of water-resource issues facing the nation continues to grow, driven by population growth, ecological needs, climate change, and other pressures. These problems require new and better water science and information, a key role of the U.S. Geological Societys Water Resource Discipline. This report commends the Disciplines past leadership in water science, including fostering coordina-tion that engages other USGS disciplines and other agencies, particularly in the context of budgetary challenges. It also calls on the organization to refocus its vision on critical national water priorities, and to redefine its role and integrate its programs and projects within this vision to meet the nations needs.
Read it online:
http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12672&utm_source=dels&utm_medium=gateway&utm_campaign=delsref

A Call for Action
Many north coast organizations and individuals have joined the Coast Action Group in challenging the current chair of the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board member Bob Anderson with potential conflict of interest since he is also employed by the United Wine Growers (of Sonoma County). There is no question this constitutes a conflict of interest, but money and politics so far have ignored this fact. So CAG is asking for your help to straighten out this situation by sending a short letter (hard copy) to the addresses below. Since it will take a concerted effort to remove Mr. Anderson, your attention and help is needed.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814

President Pro Tempore Don Perata
Senate Rules Committee
State Capitol, Room 205
Sacramento, CA 95814

Office of the Chief Counsel
State Water Resources
Control Board
P.O. Box 100
Sacramento, CA 95812

Senate Natural Resources
and Water Committee
Att: William Craven
State Capitol, Room 407
Sacramento, CA 95814

Sample Letter
Re: Improper Appointment to Regional Water Quality Control Board, Region 1
Mr. Andersons appointment to the Regional Water Quality Control Board is inconsistent with the plain language in the California Water Code. Water Code Section 13388 contains an absolute, immediate disqualification from Regional Board Membership based on income received from National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit holders or applicants. The March 24th letter from Lozeau Drury clearly distinguishes the law and Mr. Andersons issues with conflicts.
California citizens base their trust of agency actions and decisions on the transparency of the proceedings. Where proceedings lack transparency, the agencys authority suffers under an appearance of impropriety, bias and/or inappropriate influence. It is critical to the citizens trust of the government that the members of boards not to be subject to conflicts. This is the only way to ensure that decisions will be made on the facts and that favoritism to certain permittees or classes of permittees will not be shown.
We ask that Mr. Anderson resign or be removed from his seat on the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
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