Time to Take Action
 Klamath Basin Water Crisis
 Upholding Americans' rights to grow food,
own property, and caretake our wildlife and natural resources. 

 Water Quality
 
USGS Klamath Lake water quality and sucker distribution updates.
Bureau of Reclamation Hydrology database of the Klamath Project.
State Water Quality Control Board website on Klamath TMDL's: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/rwqcb1/programs/tmdl/klamath/klamath.html
State Water Quality Control Board on blue-green algae: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/bluegreenalgae/index.html
North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board regarding TMDL Implementation Policy Statement for Sediment Impaired Receiving Waters in the North Coast Region: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/rwqcb1/programs/basinplan/tipfsiw.html
Power Point Presentation: Nutrient loading in the Klamath Basin: Agriculture and Natural Sources, Special Report 1023, , by K.A. Rykbost and B.A. Charlton, Oregon State University/Klamath Experiment Station. Posted 1/10/07
Nutrient Loading of Surface Waters in the Upper Klamath Basin: Agricultural and Natural Sources, by Dr. Ken Rykbost, Superintendent Professor, and B.A. Charlton, Faculty Research Assistant, Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, Oregon October 2006
Historical information on Klamath Watershed Hydrology and water quality in the Upper Klamath Basin Presented to the National Research Council Committee on Hydrology, Ecology and Fishes in the Klamath River Basin by Klamath Water Users Association, posted to KBC 10/13/06
Solution save Klamath Dams: To the attention of Mr. Craig Tucker, fellow (anti-dam)campaigners and Klamath Water Users, from Sean McKinney, Australia,  7/4/07.
 Farming practices and water quality in the Upper Klamath Basin, by TID Manager Earl Donosky and UC Davis Agronomist Steven Kaffka, Final Report to the Ca. State Water Resources Control Board (4/16/02) posted to KBC 9/11/06
Algae:
California Department of Public Health:
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/ddwem/bluegreenalgae/index.htm
State Water Resources Control Board:
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/bluegreenalgae/index.html
National Center for Disease Control:
 http://www.cdc.gov/hab/cyanobacteria/facts.htm
 

LETTERS, ARTICLES, TESTIMONY

Big government hijacks Clean Water Act, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, posted to KBC 11/21/11

This week the U.S. Senate will vote on the Barrasso-Heller Amendment, blocking any funding for the Army Corps that's used to expand wetlands jurisdiction, AFP 11/15/11.OREGON -EPA signs off on new Oregon water quality rules--strictest in the nation, Oregonian 10/19/11

Pollution limits under review by DEQ, H&N 10/19/11
 

Oregon Set to Enact Strict, New Water Quality Standards to Satisfy EPA, Tribes, Marten Law 8/23/11. "The new standard for fish consumption is 10 times higher than the previous one, and assumes Oregonians will eat 23 eight-ounce meals of Oregon caught fish per month. That rate of consumption translates into dramatically lower permissible discharge levels for 106 pollutants...which in turn could dramatically increase treatment costs for municipal sewage treatment, agriculture, and many manufacturing industries, including paper mills at a time when those industries are already struggling."

EPA & Army Corps Seek to Expand Clean Water Act, Comments extended to 7/31/11

Scoping input on the Klamath Settlement EIS / EIR Process 7/19/10, by John Menke PhD and Jennifer Menke.

Letter to Mr. Ben Zabinsky, Water Resources Control Engineer, from scientist John W. Menke, PhD. followed by letter from Mr. Zabinsky posted to KBC 7/18/11. "Are you also aware that that board lied to a landowner in the Redding/Anderson area when he refused to join a coalition which that board threatened him with up to a $1,000 per day fine if he did not sign up to join that coalition?  And are you also aware that..."

Water quality process at standstill, H&N 7/16/11

EPA & Army Corps Seek to Expand Clean Water Act, Comments extended to July 31  "...proposed draft Guidance that would expand the Agencies' Clean Water Act (CWA) regulatory authority over more land. In addition, the Agencies are seeking to implement this Guidance without formal input from farmers and ranchers, and other impacted groups." CFBF posted to KBC 6/25/11
Western Business Roundtable on Clean Water Act comment deadline July 1. (extended to July 31)
http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/guidance/wetlands/CWAwaters.cfm.

Environmental Quality Commission Approves Revised Water Quality Standards for Oregon, ODEQ, posted to KBC 6/26/11

California water rules rile farmers - Would mean radical changes for industry, Monterey County Herald, posted to KBC 6/25/11

EQC adopts Administrative Rules for Water Quality Standards in Oregon, OFS by attorney Elisabeth E Howard for Dunn Carney, posted 6/19/11

Oregon adopts strictest standard for toxic water pollution in the nation, The Oregonian 6/17/11 (KBC NOTE: Oregon is one of highest states of unemployment in nation)

Letter to Bryan McFadin, staff of North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, from Liz Bowen, President Scott Valley Protect Our Water. "...We checked with the Siskiyou County Public Health Dept and in the last 50 years, there has NEVER been a case reported by a doctor of someone getting sick from swimming in Scott, Shasta or Klamath Rivers....Insinuations are misleading and false.  They also destroy trust...Under the Constitution, government is established to serve the people NOT destroy their lives and livelihoods. We stand resolute... We will NOT obtain a Permit to Farm under any kind of name."

Environmental groups urge Klamath water quality regulations; Klamath settlement parties anticipate legislation this month, Times-Standard, posted to KBC 5/16/11

EPA Guidance Seeks to Clarify Reach of Clean Water Act, Somach, Simmons and Dunn Law, posted to KBC May 12, 2011.

Representative Denham Responds To EPA “Guidance” To Expand Clean Water Act Jurisdiction, 4/27/11. HERE for entire letter from Congressmen to EPA and Army Corp of Engineers: "170 House Republicans and Democrats recently wrote to EPA and the Corps of Engineers to express their concerns that the agencies are circumventing the proper regulatory process in order to push through this expansion of federal jurisdiction."

Review is good for potentially costly standards for Klamath River, H&N 4/27/11

Sediment regulations rankle Scott Valley landowners, Capital Press 4/22/11

Oregon - Ag water quality bill moves to House floor, Capital Press 4/22/11

Oregon DEQ accepts water petitions (from Klamath), H&N, posted to KBC 4/16/11

EQC adopts Administrative Rules for Water Quality Standards in Oregon, OFS by attorney Elisabeth E Howard for Dunn Carney, posted 6/19/11

Taps for future of Oregon's natural resource based economy, Oregon Senator Doug Whitsett, posted to KBC 6/19/11

Scott Valley Watershed Forum, Ridin Point by Siskiyou County Supervisor Marcia Armstrong, posted to KBC 3/21/11

Oregon Senator Doug Whitsett: More job killing rules from ODEQ 3/11/11. "The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is in the process of adopting the most restrictive water quality standards in the nation...These new rules have the potential to profoundly affect the fiscal soundness of businesses, agriculture and forestry in the state. They may be expected to have an extreme negative effect on Oregon’s future job growth and economic recovery...the scientific relevance of these studies is at best pathetic and at worst criminally negligent."

City Council right to fight unrealistic water standards for Klamath River. Herald and News Editorial February 22, 2011

Appeals court grants standing for challenges to impaired water listing, Siskiyou Daily 2/11/11

State Water Board public input deadline is 2/15

State Water Board Seeks Public Input (Deadline Feb 15) in Preparing Environmental Impact Report for Wetlands Policy and Dredge and Fill Regulations, Somach, Simmons and Dunn law firm February 8, 2011

Wetlands Comment Deadline Extension Requested by RCRC, 2/5/11: "RCRC has joined a variety of organizations in requesting the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) to extend the comment deadline by 90 days for the Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and Initial Study (IS) relating to the State Water Board’s Wetland Area Protection Policy and Dredge and Fill
Regulations. The existing deadline for comment is February 15."

Oregonians for Food and Shelter 1/26/11
* DEQ Proposes Revisions for Water Quality Standards to Help Reduce Toxic Pollutants in State’s Waterways; Comment deadline has been extended to Wednesday, February 23rd
 * ODA offers three new publications
* Enviro's file another suit - this one effects the entire nation, not just the Northwest.
* Timber group sues FWS over 'secret meetings' on spotted owl

Farmers assess implications of Klamath water quality plan, California Farm Bureau Federation, posted to KBC 1/26/11

EPA to impose stricter water quality standards for lower Klamath River, KDRV, posted to KBC 1/8/11

EPA approves Klamath River TMDLs, Siskiyou Daily 1/5/11

Water regulations may affect irrigation, H&N 1/5/11, followed by EPA approves water quality plan for Klamath River by JEFF BARNARD.  KBC links to KBRA "friends" (Including PCFFA Glen Spain and Klamath Riverkeeper/Craig Tucker) who sued State water boards to force unattainable mandates on Klamath irrigators. This is the same water board that is the lead agency with Klamath River Tribes strategizing how to increase flows and downsize agriculture. 

EPA PRESS RELEASE: EPA Approves Historic Salmon Restoration Plan for Klamath River, with additional media PCFFA and Calif State Water Control Board 1/5/11 (KBC NOTE - PCFFA sued to mandate unattainable water quality rules)

Klamath River pollution limits approved; New rules for Oregon, California likely would be costly for city, agriculture, H&N 1/5/11, followed by Pollution plan under review 

WATCH OUT TODAY FOR THE DANGEROUS CLEAN WATER EXPANSION ACT, by Fred Kelly Grant 12/22/10

State issues final order on pollution limits, EPA has 30 days to approve or reject the order, H&N 12/22/10. HERE for Water Quality page.
Related info: who is demanding our water quality requirements: Posted 11/4/10 - California State Water Resources Control Board demands impossible TMDL's/water quality demands of the Klamath Basin considering that the source of the water is naturally high in minerals. Klamath Water Users Association/KWUA wrote the board July 2009 explaining the "unachievable load allocations" demanded by the water board.
    These unattainable demands are the result of KWUA's friends on their KBRA agreement, PCFFA/Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen, and tribes and other environmental groups, litigating to demand these regulations. Water Board Adopts Pollution Limits for the Klamath Basin, Indybay 9/8/10. "Representatives from the PCFFA, Karuk Tribe, Yurok Tribe, Klamath Riverkeeper, the Klamath Forest Alliance and the Sierra Club testified at the meeting in support of the TMDLs." (KBC NOTE: a KBRA author Craig Tucker, spokesman for the Karuk Tribe and former environmental activist, is a member of Klamath Forest Alliance and founder of Klamath Riverkeeper.
     Their KBRA, Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement, says, "The Parties commit, subject to Applicable Law, to support the development and implementation of appropriate TMDLs and other water quality improvement programs adopted by the states within the Klamath Basin."

TMDL bureaucrats blindly enforce regulations, Pursue legal action; federal, state policies arbitrary, unreasonable, H&N guest writer Dennis Linthicum, posted to KBC 12/8/10.

Oregon’s Integrated Water Resources Strategy Issue Papers, open to public review and comment deadline is March 1, 2011, on IWRS website: http://www1.wrd.state.or.us/pdfs/November_18_2010_Issue_Papers_v2.pdf

Environmental Quality Commission to Consider Adoption of 401 Water Quality Certification Rules, posted to KBC 11/29/10

TMDL's public comment period coming soon. This Notice is being sent by the California Water Boards on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 11/17/10. "On November 12, 2010, U.S.EPA approved California’s 2008-2010 Section 303(d) list of impaired waters requiring TMDLs, and disapproved the omission of several water bodies and associated pollutants that meet federal listing requirements.  U.S.EPA identified additional water bodies and pollutants for inclusion on the State’s 303(d) list. U.S.EPA is providing the public an opportunity to review its decisions to add waters and pollutants to California’s 2008-2010 Section 303(d) List.  U.S.EPA will consider public comments received..."
 Strategy to form the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement: Cal/EPA Environmental Justice Action Plan May 18, 2005. Lead Agency: State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)

(Klamath) County officials want answers to proposed TMDL, H&N 10/7/10. Meeting tomorrow, Monday Nov 8. Scroll down to Nov. 4 post on TMDL's. More on Water Quality page.

Posted 11/4/10 - California State Water Resources Control Board demands impossible TMDL's/water quality demands of the Klamath Basin considering that the source of the water is naturally high in minerals. Klamath Water Users Association/KWUA wrote the board July 2009 explaining the "unachievable load allocations" demanded by the water board.
    These unattainable demands are the result of KWUA's friends on their KBRA agreement, PCFFA/Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen, and tribes and other environmental groups, litigating to demand these regulations. Water Board Adopts Pollution Limits for the Klamath Basin, Indybay 9/8/10. "Representatives from the PCFFA, Karuk Tribe, Yurok Tribe, Klamath Riverkeeper, the Klamath Forest Alliance and the Sierra Club testified at the meeting in support of the TMDLs." (KBC NOTE: a KBRA author Craig Tucker, spokesman for the Karuk Tribe and former environmental activist, is a member of Klamath Forest Alliance and founder of Klamath Riverkeeper.
     Their KBRA, Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement, says, "The Parties commit, subject to Applicable Law, to support the development and implementation of appropriate TMDLs and otherwater quality improvement programs adopted by the states within the Klamath Basin."

State issues final order on pollution limits, EPA has 30 days to approve or reject the order, H&N 12/22/10. HERE for Water Quality page.

Posted 11/4/10 - California State Water Resources Control Board demands impossible TMDL's/water quality demands of the Klamath Basin considering that the source of the water is naturally high in minerals. Klamath Water Users Association/KWUA wrote the board July 2009 explaining the "unachievable load allocations" demanded by the water board.
    These unattainable demands are the result of KWUA's friends on their KBRA agreement, PCFFA/Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen, and tribes and other environmental groups, litigating to demand these regulations. Water Board Adopts Pollution Limits for the Klamath Basin, Indybay 9/8/10. "Representatives from the PCFFA, Karuk Tribe, Yurok Tribe, Klamath Riverkeeper, the Klamath Forest Alliance and the Sierra Club testified at the meeting in support of the TMDLs." (KBC NOTE: a KBRA author Craig Tucker, spokesman for the Karuk Tribe and former environmental activist, is a member of Klamath Forest Alliance and founder of Klamath Riverkeeper.
     Their KBRA, Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement, says, "The Parties commit, subject to Applicable Law, to support the development and implementation of appropriate TMDLs and otherwater quality improvement programs adopted by the states within the Klamath Basin."

Comments on Klamath River Basin TMDL, to California State Water Resources Control Board by Tom Mallams, President Klamath Off-Project water Users, and Chairman, Klamath Headwater Local Advisory Committee, posted to KBC 9/15/10

State Water Board approves Klamath TMDLs, Siskiyou Daily, posted to KBC 9/14/10

State to set rules for improving Klamath River water quality; owner of dams sees proposed regulations as flawed and unrealistic, Times Standard 9/4/10

Water Quality and Suction Dredging, Letter by Gerald Hobbs 8/28/10, President of Public Lands for the People.

City: DEQ proposal too strict, expensive, H&N 6/9/10

111th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 5088 Clean Water Act, posted to KBC 6/4/10. Government would control, "all other waters, including intrastate lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, or natural ponds..."

**Input sought on (Klamath) water quality plan,  Public DEQ meeting will be Thursday night , H&N, posted to KBC 5/12/10

Clean water bill ends local control, 5/4/10

Klamath TMDLs accepted by water board at Eureka meeting, Siskiyou Daily News 4/2/10

Letter to Steve Kirk, Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality, by Tom Mallams, Off-Project irrigator, posted to KBC 3/27/10. "Since the development of the Klamath Reclamation project, and irrigation development in the upper basin, there is a recorded increase of 30% in flows downstream (study done by Mark Van Camp, a hydrologist).  Without the project all the water from Lost River would never reach the Klamath River.  Before the project, Lost River ended up in  Tulelake and simply evaporated away there."

DEQ standards for Klamath River system are unreasonable, H&N editorial, posted to KBC 3/26/10

Senator (Whitsett) questions science behind pollution rules, H&N 3/18/10 

Cook and Bennett to present county’s TMDL concerns, Siskiyou Daily News, posted to KBC

Presentation on (Klamath)River, Clean Water Act, planned by Klamath Riverkeeper, Tuesday 5:30-7  (Clean Water Act raises hackles, Capital Press 7/2/09. "The move brings the country one step closer to the largest federal land grab in our history, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association said.") KBC NOTE: Riverkeeper opposed the KBRA, and was formed by Craig Tucker, board member and also supporter/stakeholder on Klamath Agreement as Karuk Tribal spokesman. Tuesday meeting supports CWA, which will destroy private property rights

Dam removal: Making the decision, H&N, posted 2/13/10. "However, the effect of Upper Klamath Lake in the equation is the “600-pound gorilla,” Anderson said.   The hope is that restoration activity impacting the nutrient load into the lake will reduce the amount of nutrients exported down river. (KBC NOTE: National Academy of Science professor William Lewis, in 2004 workship, " When asked if it would work to control the significant part of the ph load, Lewis responded that the lake is 140 square miles...that is not feasible to change."

* Klamath River and Lost River TMDL Implementation Plan,  Workshop, public comment period ends 2/9/10

TMDL's, Total Maximum Daily Load for the Klamath River and Lost River - implementation plan, comments by Rex Cozzalio, 1/29/10

Support, concern and questions expressed at TMDL workshop, Siskiyou Daily News 1/29/10

Klamath TMDL revisions presented to public, Siskiyou Daily, posted to KBC 1/29/10

Klamath TMDL, by Siskiyou County Supervisor Marcia Armstrong, posted to KBC 1/24/10. "The North Coast Water Quality Control Board will be receiving oral comments on the Klamath and Lost River Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) on Wednesday, January 27 at 10 a.m...."

TMDL workshop (Jan. 27th) addresses changes to the Klamath plan, Siskiyou Daily News 1/21/10

Clean Water Act fix may not be navigable in 2010, E&E 1/21/10

California Regional Water Quality Control Board agenda for Yreka, Santa Rosa, and Klamath, Calif., posted 1/10/10. HERE for more on workshop and TMDL comment period.

These TMDL mandates are the result of a court action by Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen, a "stakeholder" at the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement negotiations.
 * Klamath River Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, Nutrient, and Microcystin TMDLs, public comment period ends February 9, 2010.
*Notice of Availability of Draft Documents, Public Comment Period, Public Workshop, and Public Hearing for Klamath River and Lost River TMDL Implementation plans
 * Klamath River and Lost River TMDL Implementation Plan Workshop Jan 27, 2010 Yreka, 10 a.m.

EPA representative describes relationship to Klamath TMDL by David Smith, Siskiyou Daily News 9/25/09. "According to the Environmental Protection Information Center Web site, the consent decree was entered at the conclusion of a lawsuit filed against the EPA titled “Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, et al. v. Marcus.” The site states that the suit was aimed at compelling the EPA to create the TMDLs for 17 north coast rivers and streams..."

*** Public Comment!  until 8/27/09 Ca. Regional Water Board action mandates regarding Draft Klamath River Total Maximum Daily Loads. This this is a draft mandate to improve naturally warm and mineral-laden water.
What do you think of a gigantic water plant to clean the naturally mineral-laden water coming from springs and Klamath Lake? How about 100's of MILLIONS of dollars to decommission roads, clean the water, pipe water, monitor all water, reroute water? It is very important that you read this lengthy volume of draft mandates for water in the Klamath watershed and send comments by 8/27/09!
HERE for CA Regional Water Board draft mandates, money you will spend, what you must do to make your water pristine.
 Here for Tulelake KBC report 3/16/09 > Regional Water Quality Control Board wants Klamath Project's historically putrid water to become cold and clean. Lawsuit by Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement parties causes Water Board to target Klamath Project water users.
Transcripts from the four public scoping meetings held in N. California in Oct. regarding dam removal and environmental concerns. They were held by the Calif. Water Quality Control Board. Full transcripts of the public comments are included, as well as introduction and explanation of the purpose of the meetings. Please send comments to the board by Feb. 23. Yreka   Klamath   Orleans   Eureka   Two groups at the Klamath settlement table, North Coast Environmental Center and Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen, support taking out the Keno Dam as well. People at the Yreka meeting presented testimony objecting to dam removal. Most of those objecting are not allowed at the table. Eureka.
Strategy to form the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement: Cal/EPA Environmental Justice Action Plan May 18, 2005. Lead Agency: State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)
 Comments Klamath River Total Maximum Daily Loads and Action Plan Addressing Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, Nutrient, and Microcystin Impairments, by Marcia Armstrong posted to KBC 8/20/09

 

 

Klamath TMDL peer reviewer concerns addressed in report, Siskiyou Daily News 9/18/09

Klamath TMDL both supported and opposed at meeting, Siskiyou Daily News 9/18/09

Supervisors discuss comments to Klamath TMDL plan, Siskiyou Daily News, posted to KBC 8/30/09. "Not a single person present at the meeting spoke in favor of any portion of the Draft TMDL analysis and action plan."

Public Comment!  until 8/27/09 Ca. Regional Water Board action mandates regarding Draft Klamath River Total Maximum Daily Loads. This this is a draft mandate to improve naturally warm and mineral-laden water.

Comments Klamath River Total Maximum Daily Loads and Action Plan Addressing Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, Nutrient, and Microcystin Impairments, by Marcia Armstrong posted to KBC 8/20/09

New clean water bill should clarify federal law, not muddy it, by Dan Keppen, guest writer H&N 7/26/09

County comments on Klamath TMDL analysis/ action plan, Siskiyou Daily News, posted to KBC 7/14/09. “We have a full scale EIR going on in regard to suction dredge mining,” noted supervisor Armstrong. “We have sent you information about the lack of bad effects from dredging. It seems like you’ve already made up your minds about dredging.”

Questions, public comments probe Klamath TMDLs, Siskiyou Daily News, posted to KBC 7/13/09. "A woman representing the Klamath Riverkeeper organization spoke during the session as well, voicing her support for the TMDLs, saying that she supports fishermen and tribes and would like to see the TMDLs be as stringent as possible and that she does not want to see the process left to self regulation." (KBC NOTE: it's interesting to note that Riverkeeper, supporting TMKL's that will severely impact agriculture and suction dredge mining, opposes the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement, however Riverkeeper's board is comprised of Craig Tucker, Karuk spokesman at the KBRA table , and Leaf Hillman, on the Karuk Tribal Council)

               
July 7, '09 The Ca Regional Water Board met in Klamath Falls to discuss Klamath River Total Maximum Daily Loads and Action Plan. Although the historic Klamath Lake was undrinkable and laden with natural minerals, the board has models that they think tell how bad the water was before we humans made it worse, and we need to try to purify it before it is diverted into the Klamath River. Remember, Link River historically went dry, and the water where we now farm historically did not go into the Klamath River. Very few attended because they didn't know about this public meeting. KBC. Public comment is extended to August 23rd. See TMDL mandates in documents here >***Basin Wide TMDL (water quality) plan for public review from Calif. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, 7/2/09

***Notice of Availability of Draft Document, Public Comment Period, and Public Workshops, For the Klamath River Total Maximum Daily Loads and Action Plan Addressing Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, Nutrient, and Microcystin Impairments:
Regional Water Board staff, in conjunction with staff from EPA Region 9 & 10 will host public workshops to present the Public Review Draft Klamath River Total Maximum Daily Loads:
7/6/09, 6 p m Klamath Falls, Oregon State University Ag Extension Office
7/7/09 6:00 p.m. Yreka Miner's Inn
***The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board will be giving a presentation on the Klamath TMDL to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday July 7 at 10:25 a.m. (second floor, Courthouse Yreka)

Klamath TMDL in a nutshell, by Siskiyou County Supervisor Marcia Armstrong 7/3/09
***Basin Wide TMDL (water quality) plan for public review from Calif. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, 7/2/09
 Excerpts from the Klamath TMDL compiled by Siskiyou County  Supervisor Marcia Armstrong 7/2/09
 Cal/EPA Environmental Justice Action Plan for Klamath, May 18, 05. Lead Agency: State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)

 

EPA enforcement plan must address runoff, utilities say, Greenwire, posted to KBC 12/20/09

Clean Water Act raises hackles, Capital Press 7/2/09. "The move brings the country one step closer to the largest federal land grab in our history, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association said."

***Immediate Action Alert: S. 787 Clean Water Restoration Act To Be Marked Up Thursday, June 18 @ 9:30 a.m. PLEASE write!

Water board discusses Klamath with county leaders, Siskiyou Daily News, posted to KBC 4/10/09. "Measurements at the state line show Oregon has problems,” ...Overall opportunities for improvement, he said, might include centralized treatment facilities and reduction of nutrients and organic loads through wetlands and other treatment systems." (KBC NOTE: Last month the state water board came to Tulelake. Residents from Oregon and Calif. explained to the board that the water in Upper Klamath lake is naturally high in Phosphorus, and  100,000 acres of Off-Project Ag land.have already been taken out of production and turned into wetlands. The result was less water available because of evaporation and worse water quality. Here for Tulelake report > Regional Water Quality Control Board wants Klamath Project's historically putrid water to become cold and clean. Lawsuit by Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement parties causes Water Board to target Klamath Project water users. KBC report 3/16/09

KBC responds to Felice Pace article, Keno Reservoir and Interim Dam License Conditions – A Klamath Sleeper Issue, posted 3/29/08. Pace wants to downsize ag more and create more wetlands (there are already more than 100,000 acres of wetlands) or build a treatment plant, the same possibly proposed requirements as the Calif. water board. National Academy of Science Dr. William Lewis said this water was historically naturally saturated and laden with phosphorus. Also, 70 million tons of bird poop makes a lot of natural nitrogen, much being certified organic.

March 27 - Comments due on draft Klamath River TMDL implementation plan in Calif.

Lawsuit Aims to Protect Northern California Salmon Habitat, posted to KBC 3/20/09. Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen, North Coast Environmental Center, Klamath Riverkeeper are among Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement stakeholders suing the Calif. Water Quality Control Board to regulate water quality in the Klamath Basin. The historically warm, mineral laden water must become clean. February 2009 lawsuit. Court petition HERE.

TMDL Implementation Scoping Workshop Power Point Presentation at Tulelake by Calif. Regional Water Quality Control Board, March 2009

Regional Water Quality Control Board wants Klamath Project's historically putrid water to become cold and clean. Lawsuit by Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement parties causes Water Board to target Klamath Project water users. KBC report 3/16/09

Klamath TMDL public comment period drawing to a close, Siskiyou Daily News, posted to KBC 3/16/09

The public comment period will close at 5:00 p.m. on March 27, 2009.

Notice of availability of draft document, public
 comment period, and public workshops
 concerning development of the water quality
 restoration plan for the Klamath River Basin
 in California: Draft Scoping for TMDL
implementation, posted to KBC 2/25/09
Public Workshops: Regional Water Board staff
will host five public workshops to present the
Water Quality Restoration Plan and to receive
oral and written comments from the public. The
workshops will be held as follows:
March 4, 2009, 6:00 p.m. Tulelake-Butte Valley
Fairgrounds Floriculture Room, Tulelake
March 5, 2009, 6:00 p.m.Willow Creek
School, 5321 York Rd, Montague
Draft Klamath River TMDL's, Implimentation
Plan, Summary and Scoping, posted to KBC 2/25/09. "
North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board:
The Water Quality Restoration Plan will be available
for review on or before February 19, 2009 at:
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/northcoast/water_
issues/programs/tmdls/klamath_river/

PLF PRESS RELEASE: New Fund Will Aid Family Farmer’s Defense Against Abusive Clean Water Act Regulators, posted to KBC 3/13/09

Klamath TMDL, by Siskiyou County Supervisor Marcia Armstrong 3/6/09. "...rather than attempt to clear algae from reservoirs, PacifiCorp/Power’s ratepayers may be asked to fund the establishment of wetlands in the upper basin to filter nutrients or perhaps fund a water treatment plant at a narrow point like the Klamath Straits Drain to treat the water or mechanically remove algae and organic matter before it comes down river."

March 4, Tulelake, public meeting and comments regarding Water Quality regulations.  

*Response to Klamath Hydroelectric Project (FERC 2082), Water Quality Certification, request to extend the February 23, 2009 comment deadline. More info on comments needed.**Response to Klamath Hydroelectric Project (FERC 2082), Water Quality Certification, request to extend the February 23, 2009 comment deadline.

VERY IMPORTANT!! March 27 - Comments due on draft Klamath River TMDL implementation plan in Calif.

Yreka - Residents sound off at dam meeting, Siskiyou Daily News, posted to KBC 10/29/08.
 Water board mulls PacifiCorp project; Locals say they want Upper Klamath Basin dams to remain, Capital Press, Article and VIDEO
  IMPORTANT! KBC INFORMATION from Ca. Water Board - Send written comments regarding the Klamath Hydroelectric Project Environmental Impact Report to the address below. Identify a contact person in case the board has any questions about your comments. Comments must be received by 4 p.m. FEB 23, 2008.
FERC’s Final EIS is available at: http://www.ferc.gov/industries/hydropower/enviro/eis/2007/11-16-07.asp

Attention: Jennifer Watts
State Water Resources Control Board
P.O Box 2000
Sacramento, CA 95812-2000

Phone:  (916) 341-5397
Fax:      (916) 341-5400
Email:   jwatts@waterboards.ca.gov

Comments on Draft Scoping for TMDL Implementation in the Klamath Basin, 3/25/09

Agencies ordered to share documents with environmentalists, Capital Press, posted to KBC 2/27/09.

EPA - Agencies Revise Guidance to Protect Wetlands and Streams, 12/3/08
Clean Water Act definitions of "Waters of the United States."

Water quality comments submitted for Siskiyou County by our environmental consultants to the State of California Water Resources Control Board on the likely impacts of considering dam removal as a cure for water quality issues (algae, temperature) in the operation of the hydroelectrioc dams.

Harvesting Klamath algae, H&N, posted to KBC 10/30/08, followed by, Why is there so much algae in the lake?

Notice of preparation and of scoping meetings for an environmental impact report for 401 water quality certification of the Klamath hydroelectric project, posted 10/5/08.
MEETING NOTICE - Ca State Waterboard explains the Environmental Impact Report for water quality certification, followed by public comment. posted 10/5/08 Important to attend!

Judge rules on toxic algae regulations, H&N, posted 6/16/08.

EPA affirms clean water permits, EPA News Release, posted 6/10/08

Water Quality, Shasta Valley, Wetlands & Riparian, by Marcia Armstrong, Siskiyou County Supervisor, posted to KBC 5/4/08

Commentary: The truth about the Clean Water Restoration Act, CFBF 4/16/08

Family Farm Alliance brings testimony and press release on Clean Water Act concerns, FFA 4/10/08

Don’t take away my fishing hole, H&N 4/1/08. "If algae in the Klamath River is a problem caused by the PacifiCorp dam system, then please explain the source of the algae blooms in Lake of the Woods, Fish Lake, Hyatt Lake, and all the other fishing sources in the area."

$48 million requested for Basin, Rep. Greg Walden asks for money to research salmon disease in the Klamath River, projects at OIT, H&N 4/1/07

Maps put basin's water, fertilizer in perspective, Geologic study changes thought on sources of irrigation, water quality, Capital Press, posted 3/29/08. "...new findings show phosphorous is naturally occurring in Upper Klamath Lake. Roseburg said phosphorous is a major element that contributes to algae blooms in the lake and the Klamath River. When the blooms die, the decomposition process uses oxygen in water, which can result in fish die-offs."

Do You Want The Corps Of Engineers In Your Backyard?  You’ll get that result of S 1870 passes the Senate and Congress. Please Send Senate your Testimony On Clean Water Act (Wetlands) by April 8th! posted 3/28/08

Poll Results Back Group's Stance Against Expansion Of Clean Water Act, Western Business Roundtable, posted 2/28/08

From Senator Whitsett, posted 2/21/08. "...ranching and farming activities do not, and could not, cause these elevated phosphorous concentrations, and that steps to reduce fertilizer use or cattle grazing would have little or no impact on improving water quality in the Upper Klamath Basin."

‘Good science’ casts doubt on blame laid on Basin farms Herald and News 2/19/08. "Ian Madin, chief scientist for the department, however, questions how accurate that claim is and how much value there is in efforts to reduce fertilizer use and ranching to decrease phosphorous in the water. "Some of the impact of phosphorous is natural,” Madin said. “If a large percentage is natural and farmers are not allowed to use phosphorous, it could have no impact on the water quality, but could be detrimental to farmers.” (KBC NOTE: Much of the Klamath Settlement evolved from the 'Phosphorous myth.' It was used to acquire 100,000 acres of ag land in the Upper Basin by Nature Conservancy and feds, and in the settlement agreement it demands 30,000 acre feet more water of the dab they have left. The settlement also says this acquisition and flooding ag land will create more storage when in fact is will evaporate more water.)

***The PHOSPHOROUS SCAM! Mapping out a new mindset/Studies indicate phosphorous occurs naturally, H&N, posted to KBC 2/17/08. (KBC NOTE -- In the Klamath 'settlement' agreement, section 16 tells about 30,000 acre-feet being demanded from Off Project irrigators. Of 150,000 acres of land irrigated by surface water, 100,000 has already been taken out of agriculture and flooded, evaporating much more water than it saves. That leaves 50,000 acres, of which 1/2 must be retired according to this fair settlement, decimating off-Project folks. The excuse of The Nature Conservancy and Gov't agencies and tribes is more water and better water quality, when in fact it evaporates more water, and does not help water quality. Read phosphorous link above. Read Senator Whitsett's scientific knowledge regarding phosphorous. Read Klamath Tribe document on intentions from settlement land and money and taking private ag land -- water quantity and quality, along with casinos and etc.)

Retired vet teaches science in state Capitol. Years of experience help legislator bring rural perspective to issues, Capital Press 2/8/07. “As cattle develop, they convert vegetative phosphorus into muscle and bone. Ranchers are being blamed for polluting the waters with phosphorus while the cattle above the lake are removing as much as 300 tons of phosphorus out of the Upper Klamath Basin each year. What they said the cattle were doing to the lake is impossible.”

Attorney fears federal revision will engulf U.S. (with Clean Water Act); Proposed legislation broadens legal definition of waters of the U.S.’ Capital Press 12/7/07. WRITE! Comment period extended!

Water law proposal alarms, Organization opposes bill that would redefine waters addressed, Capital Press 11/30/07. "If this passes, the federal government will have the authority to control all our water and activities affecting our water, thus pre-empting state and local government authority over land- and water-use decisions..."

Battle Over New Dams Sinks California Water Bond Plan. How The ‘Clean Water Restoration Act’ Would Expand, Not Restore Federal Powers. October 2007 Family Farm Alliance weekly update. 10/15/07

Congress Should Oppose Expansion of the Definition of Waters of the United States, WAC 10/07. "It expands the regulatory authority of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to include all “intrastate waters” – essentially all wet areas within a state including impoundments, groundwater, ditches, pipes, streets, gutters, and desert features."
Please contact your Congressmen to oppose H.R. 2421/ S. 1870. HERE for information.

ESA does not trump Clean Water Act, Stoel Rives, posted 8/31/07

North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board Scott Shasta algae tour, Siskiyou County Supervisor Marcia Armstrong District 5, posted to KBC 9/28/07. "...the Karuk tribe, one of the complainants regarding algae, has been selected to do the collection and analysis of algae samples...They claim that algae has detrimental effects on salmonids as well as people. It is one of the arguments they use for removing the dams."

Board discusses Klamath Watershed, Siskiyou Daily News, posted to KBC 8/23/07. "... he did an excellent job, especially in providing the clarification that the blue-green algae is a natural occurrence – that the source of phosphorous is not purely an act of man but of nature.” (KBC NOTE: Miller, paragraph 10, wrote in his publication that if all nutrients into Klamath Lake were halted (1965) there would be enough nutrients already in the system to keep the same high level of algal productivity for 200 years.)

These lakes could be toxic. Water board posts warning signs around Copco, Iron Gate; CDC, Karuk to study water, blood samples, Pioneer Press, posted 8/2/07

No secrets, Pioneer Press, posted 8/2/07. Water quality control board had secret tour/meeting with Karuk Tribe, Klamath Forest Alliance subgroup Riverkeeper, and kicked out the press.