Posted by Capt Jim Cox
on 3/24/2009, 1:56 pm
98.207.145.56
I attended this scoping meeting along with approximately a dozen other members of the CSBA West Delta chapter. CSBA had with out a doubt the largest group of people present.
After seeing the Dept of Water Resources presentation on their BDCP (Peripheral Canal), if I was just an average citizen I would be thanking God that somebody is looking out for the endangered species in the delta. I would be so appreciative that the DWR is going to all the time and expense to safeguard our delta. To hear them tell it, this project is only to protect the endangered species of the delta and “DEFINETELY NOT” to take additional water from delta sources.
Of course I am being sarcastic here, and am actually very appreciative that through my involvement with CSBA I am an informed citizen! I listened to their public relations presentation, I cannot even call it a sales job because that would imply that we have the choice to buy or not buy, and then was told that we the public can influence the eventual finalized plan by our questions, input, and comments. Like that is going to happen.
I salute all the people who made comments and asked some very pointed questions, but am most proud of my fellow CSBA members, who’s comments were right on target.
I would like to mention some the members and the questions/comments they made.
Joe Horn asked what will happen to all the additional waste water from fields that will be irrigated with this water. Also that the downstream flushing of the delta appears to be all San Joaquin river water that is the most polluted in the state, and the S.J. runs dry at times of the year … No real answer
Gary Adams mentioned that at the panel meetings that led up to this point no real delta stake holders were included. Also that additional water exports over the current levels were discussed but the presentation promises no increase in exports…No real answer
Bill Worrel actually spoke up 3 times but the basis of his questions were the effect this will have on the Antioch water supply salinity levels that are guaranteed under law. He actually got a scientific double speak answer that they have hydraulic studies going back 80 years that shows all different rainfall situations and what the corresponding salinity would be. No answer that this means a safe water supply for Antioch. Bill also mentioned that numerous state laws that affect water ways have been broken in the past, and the building of dams or locks in the delta would actually be against state law… no answer.
I spoke and asked why, with the history of broken promises by the DWR we should believe them this time when they promise no additional water exports and no pumping at times that effect fish. (The exact same promises made 20 years ago when the pumps were expanded by 50%) The answer I was given is that this BDCP would be made law, and that under that law the current levels would have to be maintained.
Roger Mammon then spoke and pointed out that the laws that created the DWR water have been broken repeatedly so shouldn’t that put all you people in jail? No answer…
I would like to point out that if they won’t comply with the laws that created the DWR, why should we think that they would comply with any new ones?
I have paraphrased the members comments and each member did say more than I am writing here.
One last question and answer: One of the audience members asked what amount of water is needed to move through the delta to maintain the eco-system. The scientist with his 80 years worth of water studies said they do not know. They are working on that. Is it they do not know, or is it they do not care?
There were many other contradictory statements made in this presentation. The most glaring is that even though they promise no additional water exports they also say that they must plan for an ever growing state population and increasing demand for water. How do you do both? They of course have no answer.
This whole situation clearly shows the need for us to voice our opinions to our elected officials. Our comments made at these meetings fall on deaf ears only letters starting with Governor on down through the political system will offer us any glimmer of hope.
Capt Jim Cox
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