CSPA’s Recent News
Press Release
Delta and Fishing Activists Disrupt Secret Delta Meetings
September 30, 2010 -- A Thursday morning meeting of Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) principals was disrupted by a fisherman, two environmentalists, and a Delta farmer protesting the closed process.
The Department of Water Resources has told legislators that they're not welcome at meetings of signatories to the Bay Delta Conservation Plan, the plan that state water exporters have undertaken to secure their water supplies.
The meetings have been going forward behind closed doors since August in what Resources Secretary Lester Snow told lawmakers was "a key procedural component of the public BDCP Steering Committee process."
Showing up this morning at the meeting convened at the California Farm Bureau Federation in Sacramento were Dan Bacher, fisheries activist, researcher, and editor of The Fish Sniffer; Bill Jennings, Executive Director of the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA); Jim Crenshaw, President/Treasurer of CSPA; and Brett Baker, sixth generation pear farmer from Sutter Island in the Northern Delta.(More…)
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CSPA Comments on PEIR for Irrigated Agriculture
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
September 30, 2010 -- The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) has submitted extensive comments on the draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board's (Regional Board) irrigated lands project that regulates waste discharges from some eight million acres of farmland to surface and groundwater. The PIER violates the most basic requirements of the California Environmental Policy Act (CEQA). Based upon it, Regional Board staff proposes to essentially continue a failed conditional waiver program that ignores water quality, the law and common sense. The proposed program is little more than a license to irrigated agriculture to continue to use our rivers and streams as sewers, which has contributed to the present catastrophic decline of fisheries.(More…)
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CSPA Comments on Future Operation of Oroville
By Chris Shutes, FERC Projects Director
September 24, 2010 -- CSPA has filed comments on the third Draft 401 Water Quality Certification for the relicensing of the Oroville Facilities. The State Water Resources Control Board issued its third draft certification on July 2, 2010. A 401 Certification is required before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission can issue a new 30 to 50 year license for hydropower operations at Oroville Reservoir.(More…)
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CSPA Files for Party Status on Mokelumne Pumped Storage
By Chris Shutes, FERC Projects Director
September 23, 2010 -- CSPA has filed for party status in a proceeding before the Public Utilities Commission. In the proceeding, Pacific Gas & Electric Company seeks permission to charge its ratepayers $40 Million to initiate a FERC licensing process to study and likely construct a pumped storage project in the Mokelumne River watershed. The proposed project would pump water from Salt Springs Reservoir to a higher reservoir, likely Lower Bear River Reservoir. The water that was pumped at night, when power is relatively inexpensive, would be released back into Salt Springs through a powerhouse during hours of peak electrical demand.
CSPA, in a series of stakeholder meetings, repeatedly criticized the project for its probable impacts to cold water in the Mokelumne drainage. CSPA also has concerns about effects to fishing at Lower Bear River Reservoir.
In its filing before the PUC, CSPA recommends modeling the water temperature impacts prior to spending initiating an expensive and time-consuming FERC proceeding. CSPA estimates that construction of water balance and water temperature models would cost about one tenth of the amount for which PG&E has asked the PUC. (More…)
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CSPA Comments on Draft EIS for McCloud - Pit Relicensing
By Chris Shutes, FERC Projects Director
September 22, 2010 -- CSPA filed comments today on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the relicensing of the McCloud - Pit Hydroelectric Project (FERC #2106). CSPA focused on two major areas of concern. First, the DEIS fails to analyze the likely reintroduction of salmon and steelhead to the McCloud River, and fails to address flow needs in the river should reintroduction take place. Second, the Staff Alternative proposes to release less water to the McCloud River in the spring than was proposed by the Forest Service.
CSPA's comments argue that reintroduction of salmonids to the McCloud should be addressed now, and not pushed off to an indefinite future that is likely to never come. And until such time as salmon and/or steelhead are restored to the McCloud, in which event summer flows would likely need to be increased, CSPA supports the Forest Service's proposed flows, which more closely replicate the natural snowmelt hydrograph than do the flows proposed by FERC staff. (More…)
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CSPA, CWIN and AquAlliance submit Comments to State Water Board Regarding Grassland Bypass Project and Basin Plan Amendment
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
September 22, 2010 -- The Regional Board adopted the plan that essentially suspends compliance with selenium water quality standards for another ten years. Selenium levels in the San Joaquin River continue to exceed levels that are lethal to salmonids.gate.io
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CSPA’s Richard McHenry Quoted in Environmental Health Sciences’ Article
Bad water? It's the cheese. Hilmar Cheese brings good jobs to California farm town, but polluted water, too
By Jane Kay, Environmental Health News
September 13, 2010 -- The story of Hilmar is a classic tale of a company growing rapidly, bringing good jobs but also environmental threats to a rural farm community. In an ironic twist, though, it isn’t corporate outsiders pitted against town residents; the owners of Hilmar Cheese are descendants of the community’s founding families. Much of the well water around the cheese plant, located in the agricultural heart of California, isn’t fit to drink. And Hilmar Cheese is the likely culprit, new documents show.(More…)
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Press Release
CSPA, CWIN, AquAlliance Sue DWR & State Water Board Over Public Trust
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
September 7, 2010 -- On 3 September 2010, the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA), California Water Impact Network (CWIN) and AquAlliance have filed a lawsuit in Sacramento Superior Court against the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) for multiple violations of the laws protecting public trust resources of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.(More…)
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CSPA Intends to Sue Auto Dismantler in Redding for Massive Violations of Clean Water Act
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
September 3, 2010 -- CSPA sent a Notice of Intent to Sue Viking Truck and Auto, Inc., in Redding California, for violations of the federal Clean Water Act. The notice letter alleges that the 19-acre vehicle dismantling and recycling facility is illegally discharging polluted stormwater in violation of the substantive and procedural requirements of the General Industrial Stormwater Permit into Churn Creek, which ultimately drains to the Sacramento River and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Pollutants discharges above applicable limits include: total suspended solids, iron, zinc, copper, lead and aluminum.(More…)
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CSPA, CalTrout and Friends of the Eel River ask FERC to Order Improved Hydrologic Analysis From PG&E
By Chris Shutes, CSPA Water Rights Advocate
August 30, 2010 -- On April 19, 2010, Potter Valley Irrigation District wrote a letter to FERC asking that PG&E, operator of the Potter Valley hydroelectric project. be ordered to analyze the amount of water diverted from the Eel River through Potter Valley Powerhouse since new flow requirements for the project were instituted in 2004. The letter from PVID claimed that more water had been diverted in practice than was modeled when the proposed change was analyzed. On July 20, 2010 FERC ordered PG&E to assemble information that provides gross annual flows and diversions through the project.
In a filing with FERC today, CSPA, CalTrout and Friends of the Eel River ask FERC to order PG&E provide greater specificity in the hydrologic analysis. In addition, these conservation groups ask for simultaneous analysis of the effects of flows released from the project into the Eel River in improving salmon and steelhead, knowing that populations have not increased since 2004.
(More…)
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CSPA Submits Petition for Review to State Water Resources Control Board Regarding City of Rio Vista Northwest Wastewater Treatment Plant NPDES Permit
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
August 26, 2010 -- Pursuant to Section 13320 of California Water Code and Section 2050 of Title 23 of the
California Code of Regulations (CCR), California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (“CSPA” or
“petitioner”) petitions the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) to review and
vacate the final decision of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board for the Central
Valley Region (“Regional Board”) in adopting Waste Discharge Requirements (NPDES No.
CA0083771) for City of Rio Vista Northwest Wastewater Treatment Facility, on 29 July 2010.
See Order No. R5-2010-0081. The issues raised in this petition were raised in timely written
comments.(More…)
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CSPA Submits Comments to Regional Water Quality Control Board Regarding City of Live Oak Wastewater Treatment Plant NPDES Permit
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
August 26, 2010 -- The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) has reviewed the proposed Waste
Discharge Requirements (NPDES No. CA0079022) for City of Live Oak Wastewater Treatment
Plant (Permit) and submits the following comments.(More…)
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CSPA Settles Castle & King Lawsuit
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
August 24, 2010 -- CSPA has settled a Clean Water Act lawsuit against Castle & King regarding serious violations of the California General Industrial Stormwater Permit and Clean Water Act. Castle & King operates a ready mix concrete facility in Vacaville, California. The facility discharges pollutants to tributaries of Alamo Creek and thence Cache Slough and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.(More…)
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CSPA Submits Comments to Regional Water Quality Control Board Regarding City of Auburn Wastewater Treatment Plant NPDES Permit
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
August 22, 2010 -- The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) has reviewed the proposed Waste
Discharge Requirements (NPDES No. CA0077712) for City of Auburn Wastewater Treatment
Plant (Permit) and submits the following comments.(More…)
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CSPA settles lawsuit against Baldwin Contracting Company and BCJ Sand and Rock for illegal pollution of Cottonwood Creek
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
August 20, 2010 -- CSPA settled a Clean Water Act lawsuit against Baldwin Contracting Company, Inc., and BCJ Sand and Rock, Inc., regarding serious violations of the California General Industrial Stormwater Permit. Baldwin Contracting and BCJ Sand and Rock operate a 60-acre sand and gravel mining and processing facility near Oroville, California. The facility discharges pollutants to Sawmill Ravine Creek, which empties into Dry Creek, a tributary of Cottonwood Creek, and thence Butte Creek and ultimately the Sacramento River and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.(More…)
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CSPA asks State Board for hearing: is any additional water available for diversion from the Central Valley and Bay-Delta system?
By Chris Shutes, CSPA Water Rights Advocate
August 16, 2010 -- CSPA requested that the State Water Resource Control Board hold a hearing on the applications of Davis, Woodland, and U.C. Davis to divert up to 44,000 acre-feet per year from the Sacramento River. CSPA protested these applications in 1994, in part on the grounds of the fact that the Sacramento River is over-appropriated. While other protesting parties settled with the applicants, CSPA continued to maintain that no water was available to appropriate.(More…)
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CSPA Sues Syar Concrete
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
August 13, 2010 -- CSPA filed a lawsuit against Syar Concrete for massive violations of the federal Clean Water Act and the state's General Industrial Stormwater Permit. The facility is a 5.75-acre ready-mix concrete facility in Woodland California that discharges pollutants to the City of Woodland storm drain system, which flows untreated into the Tule Canal and thence to the Sacramento River and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.(More…)
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CSPA Submits Comments to Regional Water Quality Control Board Regarding City of Galt Wastewater Treatment Plant NPDES Permit
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
August 8, 2010 -- The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) has reviewed the proposed Waste
Discharge Requirements (NPDES No. CA0081434) for City of Galt Wastewater Treatment Plant
and Reclamation Facility (Permit) and submits the following comments.(More…)
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CSPA Submits Comments to Regional Water Quality Control Board Regarding Placer County Wastewater Treatment Plant NPDES Permit
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
August 8, 2010 -- The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) submitted comments, dated 15 April
2010, on the proposed NPDES permit for Placer County’s Sewer Maintenance District No. 1
(SMD-1) wastewater treatment plant. The Regional Board’s hearing for this matter was
continued and additional comments are being accepted for:(More…)
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CSPA Sues Three Waste Disposal Facilities
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
August 5, 2010 -- CSPA and the Petaluma River Council filed a lawsuit against West Sonoma County Disposal Service, Inc., Novato Disposal Service, Inc., and Redwood Empire Disposal, Inc., for massive violations of the state's General Industrial Stormwater Permit. (Attached) The same individuals own and operate all three facilities. A notice letter was issued 4 June 2010.(More…)
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CSPA Sues Davis Waste Removal
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
August 4, 2010 -- CSPA filed a lawsuit against the Davis Waste Removal. for massive violations of the federal Clean Water Act and the state's General Industrial Stormwater Permit. The facility is a 7-acre scrap metal processing, reclaiming and distribution facility in Davis California that discharges pollutants to the City of Davis storm drain system, which empties into the Yolo Bypass and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.(More…)
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CSPA Submits Comments to Regional Water Quality Control Board Regarding City of Davis Wastewater Treatment Plant NPDES Permit
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
August 1, 2010 -- The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) has reviewed the proposed Amended Waste Discharge Requirements (NPDES No. CA0079049) for City of Davis Wastewater Treatment Plant (Permit) and submits the following comments.
CSPA requests status as a designated party for this proceeding. CSPA is a 501(c)(3) public benefit conservation and research organization established in 1983 for the purpose of conserving, restoring, and enhancing the state’s water quality and fishery resources and their aquatic ecosystems and associated riparian habitats. CSPA has actively promoted the protection of water quality and fisheries throughout California before state and federal agencies, the State Legislature and Congress and regularly participates in administrative and judicial proceedings on behalf of its members to protect, enhance, and restore California’s degraded water quality and fisheries. CSPA members reside, boat, fish and recreate in and along waterways throughout the Central Valley, including Yolo County.(More…)
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Press Release
State Board Identifies Delta Flow Needs
CSPA applauds State Water Board staff for identifying flows necessary to Protect Delta
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
July 21, 2010 -- The California Water Resources Control Board has released a draft report identifying increased water flows needed to protect fisheries and water quality in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary. The report was mandated by the California legislature as part of the comprehensive water bill, enacted on 12 November 2001, which directed the water board to “develop new flow criteria for the Delta ecosystem necessary to protect public trust resources” within nine months of enactment. Extensive hearings were conducted during March 2010 and the report will be finalized at the Board’s August meeting.
“For the first time, the Board has come forth with explicit estimates on flows needed to protect the estuary and the results are not surprising,” said Bill Jennings, Executive Director of the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA), “The increased flow recommendations are consistent with the vast majority of testimony by scientists, biologists and hydrologists during the recent hearing and with the recommendations of resource agencies and scientists during previous evidentiary hearings over the last 30 years.” “Indeed, they comport with scientific evidence regarding flow needs of the 113 estuaries in the world,” he said.(More…)
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CSPA Sues Paradise Ready Mix
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
July 13, 2010 -- CSPA filed a lawsuit against Paradise Ready Mix for massive violations of the federal Clean Water Act and the state's General Industrial Stormwater Permit. Paradise Ready Mix operates a 3-acre concrete manufacturing facility in Paradise, California, which discharges pollutants to storm drains and Honey Run Creek, which ultimately flow into the Sacramento River and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.(More…)
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Chris Shutes, CSPA Water Rights Advocate, quoted in article regarding PG&E’s plan to buoy Feather River trout
By Alastair Bland, Chico News & Review
July 8, 2010 --As summer heats up, the water temperatures in the lower reaches of the North Fork of the Feather River may rise above 70 degrees Fahrenheit—uncomfortably and even dangerously warm for the native rainbow trout that live there.
But cooler waters could be coming from upstream because PG&E, initially prompted by the demands of several fishing conservation groups, is considering installing a contraption called a thermal curtain in Lake Almanor.(More…)
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CSPA Sues City of Redding's Abernathy Transfer Station
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
July 7, 2010 -- CSPA filed a lawsuit against the City of Redding for massive violations of the federal Clean Water Act and the state's General Industrial Stormwater Permit at the Abernathy Transfer Station and Compost Facility. The facility is a 25-acre recycling, composting, waste transfer and trucking facility that discharges pollutants to Clover Creek, which ultimately flows into the Sacramento River and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta..(More…)
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Press Release
CSPA Sues to Seek Return of Kern Water Bank to Public Control
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
July 2, 2010 -- Today, the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) joined the Center For Biological Diversity, California Water Impact Network (CWIN), South Delta Water Agency and Central Delta Water Agency in filing a lawsuit seeking to have the Kern Water Bank returned to state control. The lawsuit against the Kern County Water Agency was filed in Kern County Superior Court.
“We're not going to stand aside and allow a few very powerful and wealthy water barons to illegally privatize a publicly funded facility worth hundreds of millions of dollars so they can reap vast profits from growing nut trees in the desert and building thousands of speculative McMansions in the wilderness,” said Bill Jennings, executive director of the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance. “All while our rivers and streams are dewatered, farms fallowed, and fish and wildlife plunge toward extinction.”(More…)
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Press Release
CSPA, AquAlliance and CWIN Sue U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
July 1, 2010 -- Today, AquAlliance, California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) and California Water Impact Network (CWIN) filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR). The action, filed in federal District Court, alleges the USBR failed to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the transfer and export of almost 400,000 acre-feet of Sacramento Valley water to subsidize urban sprawl and irrigate crops in the desert. The USBR issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and refused to conduct the required analysis under NEPA that would have analyzed and identified impacts and alternatives.(More…)
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CSPA Sues Northstate Recycling
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
July 1, 2010 -- CSPA filed a lawsuit against Northstate Recycling for massive violations of the federal Clean Water Act and the state's General Industrial Stormwater Permit. Northstate Recycling operates a 13-acre scrap recycling facility in Redding, California, which discharges pollutants to storm drains, which flow into Clear Creek and thence the Sacramento River and ultimately the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.(More…)
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CSPA Sues Sierra Pacific Industries
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
June 28, 2010 -- CSPA filed a lawsuit against Sierra Pacific Industries for massive violations of the federal Clean Water Act and the state's General Industrial Stormwater Permit. Sierra Pacific Industries operates a 60-acre sawmill facility in Burney, California. The facility discharges pollutants to Canyon Creek and Burney Creek, which ultimately flow into the Sacramento River and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.(More…)
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CSPA Sues Baldwin Contracting Company
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
June 28, 2010 -- CSPA filed a lawsuit against the Baldwin Contracting Company, Inc., and BCJ Sand and Rock, Inc. for massive violations of the federal Clean Water Act and the state's General Industrial Stormwater Permit. Baldwin Contracting and BCJ Sand and Rock operate a 60-acre sand and gravel mining and processing facility near Oroville, California. The facility discharges pollutants to Sawmill Ravine Creek, which empties into Dry Creek, a tributary of Cottonwood Creek, and thence Butte Creek and ultimately the Sacramento River and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.(More…)
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Chris Shutes, CSPA Water Rights Advocate, quoted in proposed Garden Bar Dam article
By Susan Snider, YubaNet
June 28, 2010 -- "SSWD's proposed Garden Bar development on the Bear River would have no benefits for the local area, but most of the impacts would be local. SSWD is going into the water speculation business, at the expense of Nevada and Placer Counties. Meanwhile, the Delta is in crisis from lack of inflow and outflow and from grossly excessive Delta exports. For all these reasons, further diversions on the Bear for the purpose of selling water to southern California should be quickly and forcefully rejected."(More…)
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CSPA Comments on Delta Wetlands Place of Use Draft Environmental Impact Report
By Chris Shutes, CSPA Water Rights Advocate
June 28, 2010 -- In a follow up to a water rights protest filed last autumn, CSPA has filed comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Delta Wetlands Place of Use. Delta Wetlands is a proposed project that would store water on Delta islands in the winter, then release that water for export through the Delta pumps to southern California in the summer.(More…)
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CSPA disputes water availability for San Joaquin County from the American River
By Chris Shutes, CSPA Water Rights Advocate
June 14, 2010 -- CSPA has responded to a Water Availability Analysis developed by San Joaquin County in support of the County’s water rights Application 29657 to move water from the American River watershed, through EBMUD’s Freeport diversion.(More…)
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CSPA Protests Three Water Transfers
By Chris Shutes, CSPA Water Rights Advocate
June 14, 2010 -- CSPA filed protests and accompanying comment letters today in opposition to petitions for three proposed water transfers, two from Sutter County and one from Sacramento County. The petitioners are Tule Basin Farms, Garden Highway Mutual Water Company, and (jointly) the City of Sacramento and Sacramento Suburban Water Company. (More…)
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CSPA Sues North State Rendering
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
June 10, 2010 -- CSPA filed a lawsuit against North State Rendering Co., for massive violations of the federal Clean Water Act and the state's General Industrial Stormwater Permit. The facility is a 13-acre animal rendering facility in Oroville California that processes tallow, grease and animal by-products to make soap, candles and pet and livestock feed. Stormwater from the facility discharges pollutants to Gold Creek, which flows into Dry Creek and ultimately the Sacramento River and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.(More…)
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CSPA Sues City of Redding Over Municipal Landfill Pollution
June 7, 2010 -- CSPA filed a lawsuit against the City of Redding California and it's City Manager, Kurt Starman, for massive violations of the federal Clean Water Act and the state's General Industrial Stormwater Permit. The city operates a 1,058-acre municipal landfill in Igor, California, which discharges pollutants to Dry Creek, a tributary of Cottonwood Creek, which flows to the Sacramento River and thence the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.(More…)
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CSPA Sues Gustafson Auto Wrecking
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
June 6, 2010 -- CSPA filed a lawsuit against Gustafson Auto Wrecking and Towing, Inc., for massive violations of the federal Clean Water Act and the state's General Industrial Stormwater Permit. The facility is a 9-acre auto dismantling facility in Redding California that discharges pollutants to Stillwater Creek, which flows into the Sacramento River and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.(More…)
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CSPA sends Notice of Intent to Sue to West Sonoma Disposal
June 4, 2010 -- CSPA and the Petaluma River Council sent a Notice of Intent to Sue West Sonoma County Disposal Service, Inc., in Petaluma California, for violations of the federal Clean Water Act (attached). The notice letter alleges that the 7.5-acre facility is illegally discharging polluted stormwater in violation of the substantive and procedural requirements of the General Industrial Stormwater Permit into the Sonoma County Storm Drain System which empties into Todd Creek, which then joins the Laguna de Santa Rose, which in turn flows into the Russian River.(More…)
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CSPA Sends Notice of Intent to Sue to Redwood Empire Disposal
June 4, 2010 -- CSPA and the Petaluma River Council sent a Notice of Intent to Sue Redwood Empire Disposal, Inc., in Santa Rosa California, for violations of the federal Clean Water Act (attached). The notice letter alleges that the 4.5-acre facility is illegally discharging polluted stormwater in violation of the substantive and procedural requirements of the General Industrial Stormwater Permit into channels that flow into Todd Creek, which joins the Laguna de Santa Rosa, which in turn flows into the Russian River.(More…)
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CSPA Sends Notice of Intent to Sue to Novato Disposal Service
June 4, 2010 -- CSPA and the Petaluma River Council sent a Notice of Intent to Sue Novato Disposal Service, Inc., in Petaluma California, for violations of the federal Clean Water Act (attached). The notice letter alleges that the 5-acre facility is illegally discharging polluted stormwater in violation of the substantive and procedural requirements of the General Industrial Stormwater Permit into channels that flow into the Petaluma River and thence San Francisco Bay. Pollutants discharges above applicable limits include: total suspended solids, specific conductivity, chemical oxygen demand, pH, zinc, copper, lead, aluminum and oil & grease.(More…)
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For Immediate Release
CSPA, Coaliton Sues DWR and State Water Contractors
June 3, 2010 -- A major lawsuit was filed today by the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, California Water Impact Network, Center for Biological Diversity, Central Delta Water Agency and South Delta Water Agency against the California Department of Water Resources and State Water Contractors.
The Suit was filed in Sacramento Superior Court and seeks to invalidate the Monterey Plus Agreement. This is a crucial lawsuit that has the potential to change to way State Water Project water is allocated.
The Monterey Plus Agreement was developed in secrecy and: 1) illegally transferred major state assets to private parties; 2) created water shortages in the Los Angles basin during droughts; 3) increased water exported from the Delta during sensitive periods, thereby triggering the collapse of the estuary's ecosystem; and 4) perpetuated the dependence on “paper water” that cannot be reliably supplied.(More…)
Additional Coverage
Lawsuit seeks return of millions for failed Delta protection plan, By Mike Taugher, Contra Costa times
Lawsuit challenges California water bank deal, By JACOB ADELMAN , Associated Press Writer
Alliance Sues over ‘backdoor’ water deal, By Recordnet.com Staff and wire reports
Groups File Lawsuit to Block Backroom Water Deal, By Dan Bacher
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CSPA and Coalition File Complaint Challenging the Approval of the Monterey Plus Amendments
June 3, 2010 -- This action challenges the approval of the Monterey Plus Amendments to the Long-Term Delivery Contracts for the State Water Project ("SWP" or "Project") by California Department of Water Resources ("DWR"), recorded in a Notice of Determination dated May 5, 2010, and DWR's certification of the Environmental Impact Report ("EIR") for the Project on February 12, 2010. As described below, DWR's approval violated numerous laws, including the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"), (More…)
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CSPA Sues City of Chico Municipal Airport
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
June 1, 2010 -- CSPA filed a lawsuit against the City of Chico for massive violations of the federal Clean Water Act and the state's General Industrial Stormwater Permit. The facility is a 1,079-municipal airport in Chico California. Stormwater from the facility discharges pollutants to Sycamore Creek and ultimately to the Sacramento River and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.(More…)
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CSPA Sends Notice of Intent to Sue to Davis Waste Removal
June 1, 2010 -- CSPA and the Petaluma River Council sent a Notice of Intent to Sue Davis Waste Removal Co., Inc., in Davis California, for violations of the federal Clean Water Act (attached). The notice letter alleges that the 7-acre facility is illegally discharging polluted stormwater in violation of the substantive and procedural requirements of the General Industrial Stormwater Permit into the city storm drain system, which empties into the Yolo Bypass, which is part of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.(More…)
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CSPA Conservation Advisory
Federal Court Ruling Allows Salmon Slaughter To Begin!
By John Beuttler, CSPA Conservation Director
June 1, 2010 -- In a highly controversial decision, Federal Judge Oliver Wanger has reversed his previous ruling on the Biological Opinions that protect listed salmon and steelhead. Central Valley salmon and steelhead just took another step closer to disaster. What you may not know is that the unmitigated impacts of the state and federal projects are the primary causative factor in the decline of these public resources, and Wanger’s recent decision will make these impacts worse.(More…)
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CSPA and Coalition Comment on Impaired Waterbody Listing
May 28, 2010 -- Read comments by CSPA and a dozen other organizations regarding the 2010 305(b) Integrated Report for the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) List. The State Water Board is assembling the lists of impaired waterbodies compiled by the various Regional Boards. The letter focuses on new impairment listings or delistings in the Central Valley. More than 440 new pollutant/river segment additions have been added. The Coalition opposes the delisting of selenium and electrical conductivity for several reaches of the San Joaquin River.(More…)
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CSPA Submits Comments to State Water Resources Control Board Regarding the Scope of the Phase 2 Sediment Quality Objectives
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
May 27, 2010 -- Read letter here.
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CSPA Editorial
Federal Court Ruling Allows Salmon Slaughter To Begin!
By John Beuttler, CSPA Conservation Director
May 26, 2010 -- In a highly controversial ruling, Federal Judge Oliver Wanger has reversed his previous ruling on the Biological Opinions that protect listed salmon and steelhead.
The plight of Central Valley salmon and steelhead just took a huge step toward disaster due to this ruling. You may recall that the collapse of the Winter-run, Spring-run Chinook salmon and steelhead, resulted in their listing under the Endangered Species Act. What you may not know is the unmitigated impacts of the state and federal projects are an important causative factor in their decline.(More…)
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CSPA has settled its Sanitary Sewer Overflow Lawsuit against El Dorado Irrigation District
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
May 26, 2010 -- CSPA issued a notice of intent to sue against El Dorado Irrigation (EID) for violations of the federal Clean Water Act on 27 October 2009. A lawsuit was filed on 8 January 2010 and alleged numerous illegal sewage spills, overflows and discharges from EID's sewage and collection and treatment systems serving the communities of Cameron Park, Deer Creek and Motherlode. The systems discharged to creeks tributary to the Consumes Rivers and thence the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta…
…Following extended settlement negotiations, a settlement was reached on 25 May 2010. The Consent Agreement that will be filed with the U.S. District Court and review by the U.S. Department of Justice requires EID to:(More…)
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Breaking News
Fresno Judge Lifts Delta Pumping Restrictions
By John Ellis, The Fresno Bee
May 26, 2010 -- A federal judge in Fresno on Tuesday temporarily lifted Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta pumping restrictions designed to help endangered salmon, siding with urban and agricultural water users who said the move would not harm the fish.
The order by U.S. District Judge Oliver W. Wanger will be in place until June 15.(More…)
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Myths and Facts About the 2010 Water Supply on the West Side of the San Joaquin Valley
May 26, 2010
Myth:
Water deliveries to Westlands Water District have been significantly below average for 2010.
Fact:
Contracted water deliveries to Westside growers have been restored to 40% of maximum allocations, almost two thirds of the normal average. With holdover water and water transfers,1 as well as supplemental water arranged by Congress,2 the district is
currently projecting that it will have 885,000 acre feet of surface water available in 2010. With expected pumping of 225,000 acre feet of groundwater,4 the district has a supply of 97% of its maximum contract of 1.15 million acre feet of water this year.(More…)
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Media Advisory
Bill Jennings, CSPA’s Executive Director to Testify at Central Valley RWQCB Hearing on May 27, 2010
May 25, 2010 -- Selenium is a naturally occurring chemical element heavily concentrated in the soils of the west side of the San Joaquin Valley. But when the selenium‐laden soils are irrigated, the selenium leaches into groundwater and surface waters, discharging and spreading its toxic legacy. Selenium‐laced contaminated
water will continue to flow from Mud Slough into the San Joaquin River, the Delta, and San Francisco Bay for years to come.(More…)
Read the coalition’s comments opposing the pollution waiver.
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CSPA Petitions Carnegie to State Water Board
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
May 24, 2010 -- The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) and the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) have filed a petition for review with the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) over the Regional Water Quality Control Board's (Regional Board) failure to act to control pollutant discharges from the Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (Carnegie SVRA) to Corral Hollow Creek, just south of Tracy California.(More…)
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CSPA Sends Notice of Intent to Sue to Syar Concrete, Woodland
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
May 21, 2010 -- CSPA sent a 60-day Notice of Intent to Sue to Syar Concrete LLC for violations of the federal Clean Water Act and California General Industrial Stormwater Permit. Syar's Woodland California facility is a 5.7-acre concrete manufacturing facility, which discharges to the City of Woodland storm drain system and subsequently to Tule Canal and ultimately the Sacramento River and Delta.(More…)
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Media Advisory
Another Setback for Tough Enforcement of Selenium Pollution Standards Slated
May 20, 2010 -- After 14 years of delay the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board is poised to grant giant West Side agri-business more non-enforcement of the law. Irrigators will be allowed to violate selenium water quality standards for another decade under the provisions of a pollution waiver before the Water Board. Selenium is a naturally occurring chemical element heavily concentrated in the soils of the west side of the San Joaquin Valley. But when the selenium-laden soils are irrigated, the selenium leaches into groundwater and surface waters, discharging and spreading its toxic legacy. Selenium-laced contaminated water will continue to flow from Mud Slough into the San Joaquin River, the Delta, and San Francisco Bay for years to come.(More…)
Read the coalition’s comments opposing the pollution waiver.
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CSPA Sues Recology for Pollution
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
May 19, 2010 -- CSPA filed a lawsuit against Recology of Butte, Colusa Counties for massive violations of the state's General Industrial Stormwater Permit. Recology operates a thirteen-acre municipal solid waste disposal and recycling facility in Oroville, California. The facility discharges to the Feather River. A Notice Letter of Intent to Sue was issued 17 March 2010.(Continued)
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CSPA Sues Chico Scrap Metal for Pollution at 3 Sites
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
May 17, 2010 -- CSPA filed a lawsuit against three recycling facilities operated by Chico Scrap Metal for massive violations of the federal Clean Water Act and the state's General Industrial Stormwater Permit. (Attached). The sites are 1) 878 east 20th Street in Chico, which discharges to Comanche Creek thence the Sacramento River; 2) 1855 Kusel Road in Oroville, which discharges to Honcut Creek, thence the Feather and Sacramento Rivers; and 3) 766 Chico-Oroville Highway in Durham, which discharges to Butte Creek and thence the Sacramento River. A Notice Letter of Intent to Sue was issued on 17 March 2010.(Continued)
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Feds, PG&E warned about declining salmon runs
May 17, 2010 -- Conservation and fishing groups say Monday that they have notified the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Pacific Gas & Electric Company that court action is planned unless steps are taken this summer to protect the threatened Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon population that spawns in Butte Creek.(More…)
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Federal Regulators and PG&E Put on Notice to Protect Threatened Spring-Run Chinook Salmon Drastic declines in numbers of returning salmon spur potential lawsuit
For Immediate Release: May 17, 2010
San Francisco – Conservation and fishing groups have notified the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) that they plan to go to court unless steps are taken this summer to protect the threatened Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon population that spawns in Butte Creek. The declining run is one of the state’s last populations of spring-run Chinook salmon.
The coalition, which includes California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, Friends of Butte Creek, Friends of the River, Institute for Fisheries Resources, Northern California Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers, Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, and Sacramento River Preservation Trust, represented by Earthjustice, sent a formal notice to warn FERC that the coalition plans to file suit over ongoing violations of the federal Endangered Species Act stemming from PG&E's operation of the DeSabla – Centerville hydroelectric project on Butte Creek.
(Continued)
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CSPA Protests Developer’s Water Rights Application in Foresthill, Placer County
By Chris Shutes, CSPA Water Rights Advocate
May 17, 2010 -- CSPA has protested the water rights application of developer Donald Ryan, who seeks to build a 2250 unit "Forest Ranch" development near Foresthill. In a highly unusual move, Ryan seeks "temporary appropriation" of part of the water permitted to the Foresthill Public Utility District (FPUD), the local water supplier. However, Ryan’s application fails to identify a permanent source of water for his development, other than to speculate that FPUD will have enough water for Forest Ranch when FPUD’s permit is evaluated for license in 20 years.(Continued)
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CSPA Protests Sonoma County Water Agency’s Petition for the Russian River
By Chris Shutes, CSPA Water Rights Advocate
May 17, 2010 -- The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance has protested a petition filed by the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) to change the instream flows in the Russian River. The petition filed by SCWA with the State Water Resources Control Board seeks to reduce instream flows in the Russian River and Dry Creek in conformance with the Biological Opinion for Russian River salmon and steelhead. (Continued)
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CSPA Sends NOI to Paradise Ready Mix
May 14, 2010 -- CSPA sent a Notice of Intent to Sue for violations of the federal Clean Water Act to Paradise Ready Mix for illegally discharging polluted stormwater in violations of the substantive and procedural requirements of the General Industrial Stormwater Permit. The facility is a three-acre concrete manufacturing facility in Paradise California, which discharges to Honey Run Creek and thence to the Sacramento River. The Law Offices of Andrew Packard and Jackson & Tuerck are representing CSPA in this matter. (Continued)
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Water Pollution Overseer Under Fire For Not Disclosing Husband’s Income By Alex Breitler, Record Staff Writer
May 12, 2010 -- The chairwoman of a board that oversees wastewater releases into Central Valley rivers may be fined this week for failing to disclose hundreds of thousands of dollars in earnings by her husband - who lobbies on behalf of wastewater dischargers.
The state Fair Political Practices Commission proposes at its Thursday meeting to fine Granite Bay attorney Katherine Hart $600 for failing to report her husband's income in 2006, 2007 and 2008. (Continued)
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CSPA Sues Republic Services/Allied Waste Services
May 6, 2010 -- CSPA filed a lawsuit against Republic Services Inc. for massive violations of the state's General Industrial Stormwater Permit. Republic Services Inc. operates Allied Waste Services of Sacramento in Rancho Cordova, California. A Notice Letter of Intent to Sue was issued 22 January 2010.
The 4-acre recycling facility engaged in the collection and transfer of municipal solid waste fro disposal, as well as maintenance of vehicles involved in collection and hauling. Runoff from the site discharges to the City of Rancho Cordova's storm drain system and thence to either the American River or Morrison Creek, which in turn flows to the Sacramento River.(Continued)
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CSPA Sues USA Waste for Pollution
By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
May 4, 2010 -- CSPA filed a lawsuit against USA Waste of California, Inc. for massive violations of the federal Clean Water Act and the state's General Industrial Stormwater Permit. A Notice Letter of Intent to Sue was issued 4 March 2010.
The 3.7-acre waste transfer and recycling facility is located in Chico California and discharges polluted storm water runoff to Little Butte Creek and thence the Sacramento River.(Continued)
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CSPA Sends NOI to Abernathy Transfer Station
May 4, 2010 -- CSPA sent a Notice of Intent to Sue for violations of the federal Clean Water Act to the Abernathy Transfer Station and Compost Facility in Redding, California for illegally discharging polluted stormwater in violations of the substantive and procedural requirements of the General Industrial Stormwater Permit. The 25-acre municipal waste storage, transfer, recycling and trucking facility discharges to the Sacramento River and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The Law Offices of Andrew Packard and Jackson & Tuerck are representing CSPA in this matter. (Continued)
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CSPA Sues Cook Concrete Products
May 3, 2010 -- CSPA files a lawsuit against Cook Concrete Products, Inc. for massive violations of the state’s General Industrial Stormwater Permit. A Notice Letter of Intent to Sue was issued 2 March 2010.
The 5-acre concrete manufacturing facility is located in the City of Redding and discharges polluted storm water runoff into the City's storm drain system, which flows untreated into the Sacramento River.(Continued)
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CSPA Sends NOI to North State Recycling
April 29, 2010 -- CSPA sent a Notice of Intent to Sue for violations of the federal Clean Water Act to North State Recycling for illegally discharging polluted stormwater in violations of the substantive and procedural requirements of the General Industrial Stormwater Permit. The Facility is a 13-acre vehicle storage, dismantling and recycling facility in Redding California that discharges that discharges to storm water drains which drain to Clear Creek and thence the Sacramento River. Jackson & Tuerck and the Law Offices of Andrew Packard are representing CSPA in this matter. (Continued)
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CSPA Sends NOI to Sierra Pacific Industries
April 26, 2010 -- CSPA sent a Notice of Intent to Sue for violations of the federal Clean Water Act to Sierra Pacific Industries for illegally discharging polluted stormwater in violations of the substantive and procedural requirements of the General Industrial Stormwater Permit. The facility is a 60-acre sawmill in Burney California, which discharges to Canyon Creek and/or Burney Creek, which in turn ultimately drains to the Sacramento River. The Law Offices of Andrew Packard and Jackson & Tuerck are representing CSPA in this matter.(Continued)
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CSPA Sues Vallejo Unified School District Maintenance Yard
April 19, 2010 -- CSPA filed a lawsuit against the Vallejo Unified School District (Vallejo USD) for massive violations of the state's General Industrial Stormwater Permit. Vallejo USD operates a school bus storage and maintenance facility in Vallejo California. A Notice Letter of Intent to Sue was issued 22 January 2010.
The facility stores, maintains and cleans school buses and other vehicles and equipment. Runoff from the site discharges to the City of Vallejo's storm drain system and thence to Austin Creek, the Napa River and San Pablo Bay, the northern extension of San Francisco Bay.(Continued)
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CSPA asks for review of the waste Discharge Permit for the Musco Family Olive Company by Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director
April 16, 2010 -- The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) respectfully submits the attached Petition for Review in the Matter of Order No. R5-2010-0025, Waste Discharge Requirements for Musco Family Olive Company and the Studley Company, California Regional Water Quality Control Board - Central Valley Region. The hearing in this matter was conducted on 18 March 2010.
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Striped Bass Eradication Bill Defeated
AB 2336 Gutted and Amended by Assembly Committee
By John Beuttler, CSPA Conservation Director April 15, 2010 -- In a move designed to avoid complete failure, Assemblymember Fuller (Bakersfield) struck the entire contents of her bill during the hearing held by the State Assembly’s Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee on April 13 that would have sent the estuary’s striped bass fishery on a path toward oblivion. (Continued) ____________________________________
CSPA files comments on Placer County Sewer Maintenance District
By Bill Jennings, Executive Director, CSPA
April 15, 2010 -- CSPA comments regarding the NPDES permit for the Placer County Sewer Maintenance District No. 1 Wastewater Treatment Plant.
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CSPA files comments on the City of Rio Vista Northwest Wastewater Treatment Plant
By Bill Jennings, Executive Director, CSPA
April 15, 2010 -- CSPA comments regarding the City of Rio Vista Northwest Wastewater Treatment Plant NPDES permit.
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Remember in November! Amended Fuller Bill, AB 2336, clears committee, ten to one Yes: Huffman, Fuller, Arambula, Blumenfield, Caballero, Ruskin, Fletcher, Lowenthal, Salas, Fong No: Yamada Abstain: Berryhill by Mike McKenzie April 14, 2010 -- Assembly Bill 2336 (Amended) passed the Assembly Water,Parks and Wildlife Committee yesterday with 10 votes for and 1 vote against.. Below is the amended language contained in the bill. (Continued) ________________________________________
CSPA Sues Baldwin Contracting Company
April 13, 2010 -- CSPA filed a lawsuit against Baldwin Contracting Company, Inc. for massive violations of the state's General Industrial Stormwater Permit. A Notice Letter of Intent to Sue was issued 12 February 2010.
The 60-acre sand and gravel mining and processing facility is located in the Oroville California and discharges polluted storm water runoff to Sawmill Ravine Creek and Dry Creek, which ultimately flow into the Sacramento River. (Continued)
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Notice to California’s Anglers: OUR GAME FISH NEED YOU TUESDAY APRIL 13th April 9, 2010 -- Assemblymember Fuller has introduced AB 2336 to terminate the management and protection of the public’s striped bass fishery that inhabits the Bay-Delta estuary. The bill mandates the elimination of all regulations that govern the legal harvest of the fishery thereby...(Continued) _________________________________________
CSPA Sends NOI to Gustafson Auto Wrecking
April 9, 2010 -- CSPA sent a Notice of Intent to Sue for violations of the federal Clean Water Act to Gustafson Auto Wrecking for illegally discharging polluted stormwater in violations of the substantive and procedural requirements of the General Industrial Stormwater Permit. Gustafson Auto Wrecking is a nine-acre vehicle dismantling and automotive parts recycling facility in Redding that discharges to Stillwater Creek and thence the Sacramento River. The Law Offices of Andrew Packard and Jackson & Tuerck are representing CSPA in this matter.(Continued)
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CSPA Sends NOI to West Central Landfill
April 8, 2010 -- CSPA sent a Notice of Intent to Sue for violations of the federal Clean Water Act to West Central Landfill for illegally discharging polluted stormwater in violations of the substantive and procedural requirements of the General Industrial Stormwater Permit. West Central Landfill is a 1,058-acre municipal landfill in Igo California that discharges to Dry Creek, a tributary of Cottonwood Creek, which ultimately drains to the Sacramento River. The Law Offices of Andrew Packard and Jackson & Tuerck are representing CSPA in this matter. (Continued)
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CSPA Sends NOI to North State Rendering
April 8, 2010 -- CSPA sent a Notice of Intent to Sue for violations of the federal Clean Water Act to North State Rendering in Oroville for illegally discharging polluted stormwater in violations of the substantive and procedural requirements of the General Industrial Stormwater Permit. North State Rendering is a 28-acre facility that processes dead animals to make tallow, grease and other animal by-products and which discharges to an unnamed tributary to Gold Run, which flows into Dry Creek and ultimately the Delta. Jackson & Tuerck and the Law Offices of Andrew Packard are representing CSPA in this matter.(Continued)
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CSPA Sends NOI to Chico Municipal Airport
April 2, 2010 -- CSPA sent a Notice of Intent to Sue for violations of the federal Clean Water Act to Chico Municipal Airport for illegally discharging polluted stormwater in violations of the substantive and procedural requirements of the General Industrial Stormwater Permit. The airport discharges to Sycamore Creek and thence the Sacramento River and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The Law Offices of Andrew Packard and Jackson & Tuerck are representing CSPA in this matter.(Continued)
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CSPA comments on quality objectives for bays and estuaries March 28, 2010 -- Attached are scoping comments by the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance regarding the State Water Quality Control Policy for Sediment Quality Objectives as listing criteria for enclosed bays and estuaries. _______________________________________
CSPA files comments for flows on Coastal Streams By Chris Shutes, FERC Projects Director Friday, March 26, 2010 -- CSPA filed comments today on the Final Draft Policy for Maintaining Instream Flows in Northern California Coastal Streams. This policy under consideration by the State Water Resources Control Board affects the counties of Napa, Sonoma... (Continued) ___________________________________
CSPA Advisory 3-20-10
NAS Panel Finds ESA Actions In The Delta Scientifically Justified
Scientists side with smelt, salmon protections
by Betinna Boxall
March 19, 2010 -- A panel with the National Academy of Sciences says measures taken to save the fish that have also curbed water supplies from the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta are scientifically justified.(Continued on-line at the L.A. Times)
Given this positive review of the science used by NMFS and the US Fish & Wildlife Service, can Congress now find the money to deal with the real problems destroying our fisheries, including...(Continued)
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CSPA Sends NOI to Recology
March 17, 2010 -- CSPA sent a Notice of Intent to Sue for violations of the federal Clean Water Act to Recology for illegally discharging polluted stormwater in violations of the substantive and procedural requirements of the General Industrial Stormwater Permit. Recology is a 13-acre municipal waste, storage, transfer and recycling facility in Oroville, which discharges to the Feather River. Jackson & Tuerck and the Law Offices of Andrew Packard are representing CSPA in this matter.(Continued)
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CSPA Sends NOIs to Chico Scrap Metal
March 17, 2010 -- CSPA sent a Notice of Intent to Sue for violations of the federal Clean Water Act to three recycling facilities operated by Chico Scrap Metal for illegally discharging polluted stormwater in violations of the substantive and procedural requirements of the General Industrial Stormwater Permit. The sites are 1) 878 east 20th Street in Chico, which discharges to Comanche Creek thence the Sacramento River; 2) 1855 Kusel Road in Oroville, which discharges to Honcut Creek, thence the Feather and Sacramento Rivers; and 3) 766 Chico-Oroville Highway in Durham, which discharges to Butte Creek and thence the Sacramento River. The Law Offices of Andrew Packard and Jackson & Tuerck are representing CSPA in this matter.Read doc 1 Read doc 2 Read doc 3
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Striper predation bill, AB 2336 to be heard in committee on April 13th, your help needed! by Mike McKenzie March 16, 2010 -- The Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee will hear AB 2336 (The Fuller Bill) on Tuesday April 13th at 9:00 AM in Room 437 on the Assembly side of the State Capitol. (Continued) _____________________________________
CSPA Sends NOI to Pacific Rice Mill
March 9, 2010 -- CSPA sent a Notice of Intent to Sue for violations of the federal Clean Water Act to Pacific Rice Mill for illegally discharging polluted stormwater in violations of the substantive and procedural requirements of the General Industrial Stormwater Permit. Pacific Rice a 14-acre rice milling facility in Woodland, which discharges to the city storm drain system that flows untreated into Tule Canal, which empties into the Sacramento River. Lozeau Drury LLP and the Law Offices of Andrew Packard are representing CSPA in this matter.(Continued)
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CSPA Action Alert 3-8-10 Legislation to Eradicate the
Striped Bass Fishery Re-Introduced! By John Beuttler, CSPA Conservation Director March 8, 2010 -- Assemblymember Fuller has introduced AB 2336 to terminate the management and protection of the public’s striped bass fishery that inhabits the Bay-Delta estuary. The bill mandates the elimination of all... (Continued) ______________________________________
CSPA settles lawsuit against Tri City Rock Inc., for illegal pollution of Coyote Creek, Mowry Slough and San Francisco Bay by Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director March 7. 2010 -- CSPA has settled a Clean Water Act lawsuit against Tri City Rock Inc. regarding serious violations of the California General Industrial Stormwater Permit. Tri City Rock operates a ready-mix concrete, building materials, and landscaping... (Continued) ___________________________________________
CSPA settles lawsuit against Syar Industries for illegal pollution of Napa River and Suisun Bay by Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director March 7, 2010 -- CSPA has settled a Clean Water Act lawsuit against Syar Industries Inc. regarding serious violations of the California General Industrial Stormwater Permit. Syar Industries operates a quarry, asphalt mixing, ready-mix concrete and stone crushing... (Continued) _________________________________________
CSPA serves notice on USA Waste By Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director March 7, 2010 -- CSPA sent a Notice of Intent to Sue for violations of the federal Clean Water Act to USA Waste of California, Inc., in Chico California (attached). The notice letter alleges that the 3.75-acre waste transfer, recycling and trucking facility is illegally... (Continued) _____________________________________
State Board to Hold Hearing to Consider Delta Fish Needs CSPA and PCFFA only fishery groups participating by Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director March 4, 2010 -- The California Legislature enacted SB1 in November 2009 requiring the State Water Board to develop new flow criteria for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta ecosystem within nine months. Pursuant to that mandate, a hearing to receive scientific... (Continued) ______________________________________
CSPA protests Bureau plans to expand CVP exports by Chris Shutes, CSPA Water Rights Advocate
March 4, 2010 -- CSPA has reaffirmed its protest of 32 water rights petitions that seek 20 more years for the Bureau of Reclamation to use more water in the Central Valley Project. In a letter to the State Water Board, CSPA states that the Bureau’s effort represents “speculation with no substantive basis. It not only perpetuates a system where more water is promised that can be delivered, it proposes to expand it.”
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CSPA Sends NOI to North Valley Disposal
March 4, 2010 -- CSPA sent a Notice of Intent to Sue for violations of the federal Clean Water Act to North Valley Disposal (USA Waste/Waste Management) for illegally discharging polluted stormwater in violations of the substantive and procedural requirements of the General Industrial Stormwater Permit. North Valley Disposal is a 4-acre waste transfer and recycling facility in Chico California, which discharges to Little Butte Creek and thence to the Sacramento River. The Law Offices of Andrew Packard and Jackson & Tuerck are representing CSPA in this matter.(Continued)
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CSPA settles Melrose Metals pollution suit by Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director March 4, 2010 -- CSPA has settled a Clean Water Act lawsuit against Melrose Metal Products, Inc. regarding serious violations of the California General Industrial Stormwater Permit (attached). Melrose Metal Products operates a metal work manufacturing... (Continued) _______________________________________ Westlands seeks permit to use aqueduct as sewer by Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director March 2, 2010 -- Attached are coalition scoping comments that CSPA and other organizations (including California Water Impact Network, Sierra Club, PCFFA, AquAlliance, Restore the Delta, Planning and Conservation League, Friends... (Continued) _______________________________________ CSPA serves notice on Cook Concrete Products by Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director March 2, 2010 -- On 2 March 2010, CSPA sent a Notice of Intent to Cook Concrete Products, Inc., in Redding California, for violations of the federal Clean Water Act (attached). The notice letter alleges that the five-acre industrial site is illegally... (Continued) ______________________________________ CSPA serves notice on Baldwin Contracting by Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director March 2, 2010 -- On 12 February 2010, CSPA sent a Notice of Intent to Sue Baldwin Contracting Co., Inc., in Oroville California, for violations of the federal Clean Water Act (attached). The notice letter alleges that the 60-acre sand and gravel mining and... (Continued) ______________________________________ CSPA serves notice on Anderson Landfill by Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director March 2, 2010 -- On 5 February 2010, CSPA sent a Notice of Intent to Sue Anderson Landfill, Inc., in Anderson California, for violations of the federal Clean Water Act (attached). The notice letter alleges that the 246-acre landfill is illegally discharging... (Continued) ___________________________________ CSPA serves notice on Republic Services/Allied Waste Services by Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director March 2, 2010 -- On 22 January 2010, CSPA sent a Notice of Intent to Sue Republic Services, Inc./Allied Waste Services of Sacramento, in Rancho Cordova California, for violations of the federal... (continued) ___________________________________ CSPA serves notice on Air Liquide Industrial by Bill Jennings, CSPA Executive Director March 2, 2010 -- On 25 January 2010, CSPA sent a Notice of Intent to Sue Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP, in Martinez California, for violations of the federal Clean Water Act (attached). The notice letter alleges that the 5-acre industrial site is illegally discharging... (Continued) ____________________________________ CSPA asks for Hilmar Cheese NPDES review February 26, 2010 -- The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) respectfully submits the attached Petition for Review in the Matter of Order No. R5-2010-0008 and Time Schedule Order No. R5-2010-0009, Hilmar Cheese Company, California Regional Water Quality Control Board - Central Valley Region. The hearing in this matter was conducted on 29 January 2010. ______________________________________ CSPA asks for City of Sacramento NPDES review February 26, 2010 -- The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) respectfully submits the attached Petition for Review in the Matter of Order No. R5-2010-0004, Waste Discharge Requirements for the City of Sacramento Combined Wastewater Collection and Treatment System, California Regional Water Quality Control Board - Central Valley Region. The hearing in this matter was conducted on 28 January 2010. _______________________________________ CSPA asks for Thunder Valley NPDES review February 26, 2010 -- The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) respectfully submits the attached Petition for Review in the Matter of Order No. R5-2010-0005, Waste Discharge Requirements for United Auburn Indian Community Thunder Valley Casino, California Regional Water Quality Control Board - Central Valley Region. The hearing in this matter was conducted on 28 January 2010. ______________________________________ CSPA asks for Colfax NPDES review February 26, 2010 -- The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) respectfully submits the attached Petition for Review in the Matter of Order No. R5-2010-0001, Cease & Desist Order for the City of Colfax, California Regional Water Quality Control Board - Central Valley Region. The hearing in this matter was conducted on 28 January 2010. ___________________________________ CSPA asks for Yuba City NPDES review February 26, 2010 -- The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) respectfully submits the attached Petition for Review in the Matter of Order No. R5-2007-0134-01 as amended by R5-2010-0007, Waste Discharge Requirements for Yuba City Wastewater Treatment Plant, California Regional Water Quality Control Board - Central Valley Region. The hearing in this matter was conducted on 29 January 2010. _______________________________________
CSPA asks for Turlock NPDES review February 26, 2010 -- The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) respectfully submits the attached Petition for Review in the Matter of Order No. R5-2010-0002, Waste Discharge Requirements for City of Turlock Wastewater Treatment Plant, California Regional Water Quality Control Board - Central Valley Region. The hearing in this matter was conducted on 28 January 2010. _______________________________________ | 
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