Action Alert: Stop the Water Board From Granting Waivers To Ag Water Polluters

Dear Gentlefriends:  We're all busy and overcommitted and the last thing any of us need is someone asking us to get involved in yet another issue.  But, here I am.  Seldom does an occasion present itself where each of us has the opportunity to make a fundamental difference in protecting the environment and human health.   I believe such an opportunity is at hand. 

Waste discharges from agricultural activities are the largest source of pollution and toxicity to Central Valley waterways.  For more than 20 years, the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board has granted waivers that exempt farmers from regulations applicable to virtually every other segment of society; from municipalities, to industry, to construction to mom & pop businesses.  The failure to regulate agricultural discharges is a major cause of the collapse of Central Valley fisheries.  It has increased the costs of wastewater and drinking treatment and imperiled the health of all who recreate in or eat fish caught from these waters. 

The latest version of agricultural waivers expires in July and a coalition of environmental, fishing and environmental justice organizations has coalesced to oppose their renewal.  The decision will be made at the Regional Board's 22 June 2006 meeting.  The existing waivers have been such a failure that, frankly, the issue is in doubt and an overwhelming turnout by the environmental and fishing communities may make the critical difference. 

We'll be gathering at 11020 Sun Center Drive #200, Rancho Cordova 95670 at 8AM (google for map).  This gathering of the environmental, fishing and environmental justice clans will be a celebration for water quality.  The Day will include a press conference, signs, buttons, refreshments, music (hopefully) good friends (and the opportunity to make more) and the chance to speak loudly on behalf of the victims of agricultural pollution (actually, quite a few of the real victims will be present).

I urge you to be there.  Better, bring friends.  Best, bring lots of friends to join the merriment.  We'll provide fact sheets, talking points and frequent flyer miles to heaven (no blackout dates).  Do this for your spirit!  And remember, most of our environmental successes have come when individuals put themselves on the line and spoke up at hearings.  This will be no exception.  Please spread the word.  Cheers!

Bill Jennings, Chairman
Executive Director
California Sportfishing Protection Alliance
Watershed Enforcers
3536 Rainier Avenue    
Stockton, CA 95204
t: 209-464-5067
c: 209-938-9053
f: 209-464-1028
e: deltakeep [at] aol.com