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Federal scientists find Klamath dam sediment to be non-toxic
"Getting rid of these dams will actually solve toxin problems by alleviating the massive blooms of toxic algae," according Karuk Klamath Coordinator Craig Tucker.
Photo: Toxic algae blooms like this one take place every summer in Iron Gate and Copco reservoirs on the Klamath River. Photo courtesy of the Klamath Riverkeeper.
Photo: Toxic algae blooms like this one take place every summer in Iron Gate and Copco reservoirs on the Klamath River. Photo courtesy of the Klamath Riverkeeper.
Federal scientists find Klamath dam sediment to be non-toxic
by Dan Bacher
Happy Camp, CA - Federal scientists on August 12 released data indicating that sediment stored behind Klamath River dams targeted for removal is non-toxic. This data confirms findings from previous sediment studies performed by California agencies, according to a news release from the Karuk Tribe.
"Toxins in sediment are often a concern for dam removal projects," said Craig Tucker, Karuk Klamath Coordinator. "Often dam removal efforts are stymied by sediments behind the dams being contaminated by mercury or other hazardous substances."
However, Tucker noted that since almost all of the gold mining on the Klamath River happened downstream of Iron Gate Dam, toxins such as mercury were not found in sediments. Levels of other potential hazards such as dioxin were found to be similar to background levels and well below levels that pose health risks.
"Getting rid of these dams will actually solve toxin problems by alleviating the massive blooms of toxic algae," according Karuk Klamath Coordinator Craig Tucker.
Currently, the Klamath reservoirs are posted with warnings against contact with the water due to blooms of the toxic blue green algae Microcystis aeruginosa. Most scientists agree that dam removal would alleviate these blooms.
The toxics analysis was performed as part of a comprehensive analysis of the risks and benefits associated with the implementation of the Klamath Restoration Agreements of which dam removal is but one potential action.
"Other benefits of the agreements include enhanced water security for Klamath Irrigation Project farmers, resolution of some of the more contentious water rights disputes in the basin, and a plan to reintroduce salmon to their historic range upstream of the dams," added Tucker.
An environmental impact statement on the proposed Klamath Agreements is due out next year and a finalized technical report on the sediment study results as well as other data will be included. Based on the EIS and other data, the Secretary of the Interior is required to make a determination as to whether or not dam removal and the other associated actions in the Agreements are in the public interest by March 2012.
For more information, contact Craig Tucker, Klamath Coordinator, Karuk Tribe, 916-207-8294 or go to: http://www.klamathrestoration.org.
On August 9, the State of California and U.S. EPA issued a warning against blue-green algae in Iron Gate and Copco Reservoirs.
"Due to its potential health risks, federal, state, and tribal agencies are urging swimmers, boaters and recreational users to avoid contact with blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) now blooming in Copco and Iron Gate Reservoirs on the Klamath river in Northern California," according to a news release from the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, North Coast Region.
California agencies including the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), Department of Public Health, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Yurok and Karuk Tribes urge residents and recreational water users of Copco and Iron Gate Reservoirs to use caution or avoid getting in the water near these blooms, especially during the upcoming summer months.
“As blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can pose health risks, especially to children and pets, we urge people to be careful where they swim when visiting these Reservoirs” said Catherine Kuhlman, Executive Officer of the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. ”We recommend that people and their pets avoid contact with the blooms, and particularly avoid swallowing or inhaling water spray in an algal bloom area."
The algal blooms look like green, blue-green, white or brown foam, scum or mats floating on the water. Recreational exposure to toxic blue-green algae can cause eye irritation, allergic skin rash, mouth ulcer, vomiting, diarrhea, and cold and flu-like symptoms.
“This is a situation that anyone who comes into contact with water in Iron Gate or Copco Reservoirs should be aware of. Vacationers and the public should adjust their activities accordingly, said Catherine Kuhlman, Executive Officer, North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.”
The Statewide Guidance on Harmful Algal Blooms recommends the following:
· Avoid wading and swimming in water containing visible blooms or water containing algal scums or mats.
· If no algal scums or mats are visible, you should still carefully watch young children and warn them not to swallow the water.
· Do not drink, cook or wash dishes with untreated surface water under any circumstances;
· Consuming shellfish from these waters previously tested positive for an algal toxin. People should avoid eating shellfish as public health authorities are evaluating the risk to human health.
· If fish are consumed, remove guts and liver, and rinse meat in clean drinking water.
· Take care that pets and livestock do not drink the water or swim through heavy scums or mats, nor lick their fur after going in the water.
· Get medical treatment immediately if you think that you, your pet, or livestock might have been poisoned by blue-green algae toxins. Be sure to alert the medical professional to the possible contact with blue-green algae.
With proper precautions to avoid water contact people can still visit Copco and Iron Gate Reservoirs and enjoy camping, hiking, biking, canoeing, picnicking, or other recreational activities, excluding direct contact with the algal bloom scum. For more information, please visit:
World Health Organization Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality, 3rd Edition: http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/gdwq3/en/index.html
California Department of Public Health:
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/environhealth/water/Pages/Bluegreenalgae.aspx
State Water Resources Control Board
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/bluegreen_algae/
National Center for Disease Control:
http://www.cdc.gov/hab/cyanobacteria/facts.htm
Siskiyou County Public Health Department:
http://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/phs/
(530) 841-2100
by Dan Bacher
Happy Camp, CA - Federal scientists on August 12 released data indicating that sediment stored behind Klamath River dams targeted for removal is non-toxic. This data confirms findings from previous sediment studies performed by California agencies, according to a news release from the Karuk Tribe.
"Toxins in sediment are often a concern for dam removal projects," said Craig Tucker, Karuk Klamath Coordinator. "Often dam removal efforts are stymied by sediments behind the dams being contaminated by mercury or other hazardous substances."
However, Tucker noted that since almost all of the gold mining on the Klamath River happened downstream of Iron Gate Dam, toxins such as mercury were not found in sediments. Levels of other potential hazards such as dioxin were found to be similar to background levels and well below levels that pose health risks.
"Getting rid of these dams will actually solve toxin problems by alleviating the massive blooms of toxic algae," according Karuk Klamath Coordinator Craig Tucker.
Currently, the Klamath reservoirs are posted with warnings against contact with the water due to blooms of the toxic blue green algae Microcystis aeruginosa. Most scientists agree that dam removal would alleviate these blooms.
The toxics analysis was performed as part of a comprehensive analysis of the risks and benefits associated with the implementation of the Klamath Restoration Agreements of which dam removal is but one potential action.
"Other benefits of the agreements include enhanced water security for Klamath Irrigation Project farmers, resolution of some of the more contentious water rights disputes in the basin, and a plan to reintroduce salmon to their historic range upstream of the dams," added Tucker.
An environmental impact statement on the proposed Klamath Agreements is due out next year and a finalized technical report on the sediment study results as well as other data will be included. Based on the EIS and other data, the Secretary of the Interior is required to make a determination as to whether or not dam removal and the other associated actions in the Agreements are in the public interest by March 2012.
For more information, contact Craig Tucker, Klamath Coordinator, Karuk Tribe, 916-207-8294 or go to: http://www.klamathrestoration.org.
On August 9, the State of California and U.S. EPA issued a warning against blue-green algae in Iron Gate and Copco Reservoirs.
"Due to its potential health risks, federal, state, and tribal agencies are urging swimmers, boaters and recreational users to avoid contact with blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) now blooming in Copco and Iron Gate Reservoirs on the Klamath river in Northern California," according to a news release from the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, North Coast Region.
California agencies including the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), Department of Public Health, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Yurok and Karuk Tribes urge residents and recreational water users of Copco and Iron Gate Reservoirs to use caution or avoid getting in the water near these blooms, especially during the upcoming summer months.
“As blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can pose health risks, especially to children and pets, we urge people to be careful where they swim when visiting these Reservoirs” said Catherine Kuhlman, Executive Officer of the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. ”We recommend that people and their pets avoid contact with the blooms, and particularly avoid swallowing or inhaling water spray in an algal bloom area."
The algal blooms look like green, blue-green, white or brown foam, scum or mats floating on the water. Recreational exposure to toxic blue-green algae can cause eye irritation, allergic skin rash, mouth ulcer, vomiting, diarrhea, and cold and flu-like symptoms.
“This is a situation that anyone who comes into contact with water in Iron Gate or Copco Reservoirs should be aware of. Vacationers and the public should adjust their activities accordingly, said Catherine Kuhlman, Executive Officer, North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.”
The Statewide Guidance on Harmful Algal Blooms recommends the following:
· Avoid wading and swimming in water containing visible blooms or water containing algal scums or mats.
· If no algal scums or mats are visible, you should still carefully watch young children and warn them not to swallow the water.
· Do not drink, cook or wash dishes with untreated surface water under any circumstances;
· Consuming shellfish from these waters previously tested positive for an algal toxin. People should avoid eating shellfish as public health authorities are evaluating the risk to human health.
· If fish are consumed, remove guts and liver, and rinse meat in clean drinking water.
· Take care that pets and livestock do not drink the water or swim through heavy scums or mats, nor lick their fur after going in the water.
· Get medical treatment immediately if you think that you, your pet, or livestock might have been poisoned by blue-green algae toxins. Be sure to alert the medical professional to the possible contact with blue-green algae.
With proper precautions to avoid water contact people can still visit Copco and Iron Gate Reservoirs and enjoy camping, hiking, biking, canoeing, picnicking, or other recreational activities, excluding direct contact with the algal bloom scum. For more information, please visit:
World Health Organization Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality, 3rd Edition: http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/gdwq3/en/index.html
California Department of Public Health:
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/environhealth/water/Pages/Bluegreenalgae.aspx
State Water Resources Control Board
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/bluegreen_algae/
National Center for Disease Control:
http://www.cdc.gov/hab/cyanobacteria/facts.htm
Siskiyou County Public Health Department:
http://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/phs/
(530) 841-2100
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