The Toilet That Can Help Solve Our Water and Energy Problems By Gar Smith, Earth Island Journal. Posted December 28, 2009. Upwards of 3 million people die annually from diarrhea, dysentery, and parasitic diseases — all for the want of clean water. Meanwhile, each year in the water-rich United States, 2.1 billion gallons of the […]
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California Water Law Symposium
Who Controls the Water? Reforming California Water Law Governance in an Age of Scarcity. Detailed Description Date: January 30, 2010 Contact: Susan Gilbert-Miller, Ph.D. Location: University of San Francisco School of Law, 2130 Fulton Street, S.F., Fromm Complex. Cost: General Admission ($40); MCLE Credit (6 hours (est)) ($125); Full-time Law School Student ($0 – School […]
Read MoreMore information coming out about pharmaceuticals…
To All, More information coming out about pharmaceuticals… In recent weeks, federal regulators have changed course on regulating pharmaceuticals in public water supplies, taking a critical first step toward acknowledging that they may pose threats to human health. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is considering pharmaceuticals as candidates for regulation in drinking water and examining […]
Read MoreRussian River Gravel Mining Stopped
To All, In case you haven’t seen it, here are some press releases on the very big win in the gravel mining decision. Marc Judge’s decision could halt river gravel mining A decision last week in Sonoma County Superior Court overturned a 2008 Board of Supervisors decision to extend the deadline for terrace gravel mining […]
Read MoreGetting to Know the New Stormwater Permit
Good Afternoon Please go to the links below to download copies of the materials presented at the December 8th “Getting to Know the New Stormwater Permit” program in Sonoma County. One of the presentations is quite large, so it may take a few minutes to download. Mona Dougherty’s “Municipal Storm Water Permit”: http://sfbayaep.org/20091208aepstormwatermonadoughertyrwwqcb.pdf Reg Cullen’s […]
Read MoreSonoma County Waste Management System Discussion
Sonoma County Waste Management System Discussion Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 5-7 pm, Sonoma County Environmental Center 55A Ridgeway, west of Cleveland Ave. Santa Rosa, CA, 95401 www.envirocentersoco.org Free; Healthy snacks will be served. Donations welcome to help cover costs. Featuring: Peter Anderson, Center for Competitive Waste Industry Kevin Drew, City of San Francisco Zero Waste Program Dan Knapp, Urban Ore, Inc. Facilitated […]
Read MoreEnvironmental Forum — Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010
Hi, I love every part of the below series of presentations… What is MOST UNUSUAL AND EXCITING is that Jon Love, ~the co-founder/creator of the Awakening the Dreamer symposium will be presenting! WOWso if you can only join us for a part of the day I would say 3 PM to 5:30 PM is the […]
Read MoreOnline survey at Petaluma 360.com
Online survey at Petaluma 360.com <http://360.com>…http://www.petaluma360.com/section/community0104This is a new survey by the Argus about the so-called “revised” Dutra Asphalt factory at Shollenberger Park and the River.It’s no doubt intended for print next week, if not tomorrow.*Click on the link and vote!!! NOW!*Tell your friends and neighbors too!Dutra will try to make it look like all of […]
Read MoreMonitoring Pollutants in Storm Drains–Ocean Report
Dear Ocean and Coastal Community, Pollutants that get carried off buildings, streets, and yards when it rains is the primary cause of ocean pollution in California. In this Thank You Ocean Report, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s Bridget Hoover discusses the First Flush program which monitors pollutants in storm drains after the first big rain […]
Read MoreOnline Interactive Water Quality Violations Map!
California Coastkeeper Alliance Releases Online Interactive Water Quality Violations Map! Inbox X Reply Tom Lyons show details Dec 10 (5 days ago) California Coastkeeper Alliance (CCKA) has developed an online interactive map to help the public and state agencies track and improve compliance with water quality laws. This tool maps all dischargers within California’s six […]
Read MoreBoondogle Water Project Will Waste Water, Energy
I have a copy of the 1-1/2 inch thick Final EIR/EIS that was sent to SCWC. I read it yesterday and concluded that responses to comments are skimpy. If anyone would like to read it next (to save downloading), you may pick it up from me at 3746 Spring Creek Drive in Santa Rosa. Call […]
Read MoreGetting to Know the New Storm Water Permit Program
Good Afternoon, Getting to Know the New Storm Water Permit Program!!Please join us in Sonoma County on Tuesday, December 8th for program covering the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board’s new storm water permit adopted October 1, 2009. The 2-hour program will include presentations by Mona Dougherty and Reg Cullen. Mona has worked for the North Coast Regional […]
Read MoreCounty Public Hearing on Dutra Asphalt Plant in Petaluma
It is only a matter of days before the *FINAL *Supervisors Hearing forPublic Comment (Tuesday December 8th) on the Dutra Asphalt Plant proposal.It is *crucial *for the community to turn out in large numbers to stand upfor our environment and against this project.*In preperation for the final hearing, we are having an Energy-Raiser Eventon the […]
Read MoreRainwater Catchment & Water Conservation Workshop
Toxic Chemicals in Your Blood
There are more than 80,000 man-made chemicals in use in the U.S. BUT only about 200 have been required to be tested for safety. Every American alive today, including newborn babies, has hundreds of chemicals flowing through our blood. Some of these substances may cause prostate and breast cancers, diabetes, heart disease, lowered sperm counts, […]
Read MoreMore Hermaphrodite Fish in U.S. Rivers
Emily Sohn, Discovery News, September 15, 2009 Male fish with female body parts have been showing up in our nation’s rivers for a while now, but a new study found a surprising number of mixed-up fish. From the Mississippi to the Rio Grande, from the Appalachia to the Colorado, researchers found large numbers of river […]
Read MoreTop 11 Compounds in US Drinking Water
Rowan Hooper, New Scientist – 1/12/09 A comprehensive survey of the drinking water for more than 28 million Americans has detected the widespread but low-level presence of pharmaceuticals and hormonally active chemicals. Little was known about people’s exposure to such compounds from drinking water, so Shane Snyder and colleagues at the Southern Nevada Water Authority […]
Read MoreWater Board Meeting on Stormwater Discharge Permits for SR and SCWA
Hi everyone! On October 1st, sometime after 8:30 (probably 9 AM) the North Coast Regional Board will consider final approval of the MS4 Storm Water and Non-Storm Water Discharge Permit for SCWA and Santa Rosa at their office at 5550 Skylane Blvd. In general, this is a good permit in terms of addressing storm water […]
Read MoreComments on the Klamath TMDL
August 21, 2009Matt St. John North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board 5550 Skyline Blvd, Suite ASanta Rosa, CA 95403Email to: MStJohn@waterboards.ca.gov Subject: Comments on the Klamath Mainstem TMDL Water Quality Restoration PlanGeneral Comments We are pleased with and fully supportive of Staff’s efforts in these Draft Water Quality Restoration Plan (“Implementation Plan”) provisions as well as in […]
Read MoreGraywater Discussion
Hi all, Based on my involvement in this Graywater code revision process, I am finally compelled to offer up a few of my thoughts and experiences to those of you on several of our local listserves concerning with this new and exciting turn of events for making simple graywater systems more accessible, permittable and affordable […]
Read MoreDiscussion on Water Irrigation Article
Here’s the abstract of the paper Ms. Pace refers to (and supplied the link to). Jeavons probably does apply, but the study suggests that it’s also related to how natural processes work in arid lands. Jane Climate change, water supply limits, and continued population growth have intensified the search for measures to conserve water in […]
Read MoreResponse to Frost Protection and Other Vineyard Impacts
I have watched the changes in agriculture from apples and timber to grapes over the years. I have also watched the increase in local flash flooding events in Atascadero Creek and other areas in the county. Vineyards are the obvious culprit responsible for the flash flooding, hot dry creek beds, and the loss of endangered […]
Read MoreSupport a Water Protection and Reinvestment Trust Fund!
Protect and Strengthen Our Public Water – Support a Water Protection and Reinvestment Trust Fund! July 28, 2009 Dear Activists, Our water and wastewater infrastructure is in desperate need of repair. The American Society of Civil Engineers has given both systems a D- grade. In order to protect our essential water resources, create tens of thousands […]
Read MoreFOER’s Comments on North Bay Water Recycling Program
July 20, 2009Marc BautistaSonoma County Water AgencyPO Box 11628Santa Rosa, CA 95406-1628By Email: info@nbwra.orgMarc.Bautista@scwa.ca.govRe: North Bay Water Recycling Program Draft EIR and Draft EISDear Mr. Bautista:Attached are comments on the NBWRA Project DEIR/EIS from Friends of theEel River. Reference materials will follow in a second email.We are looking forward to a comprehensive and effective response.Sincerely,David KellerBay […]
Read MoreThe Water Protection and Reinvestment Act of 2009
FYI, The Water Protection and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Yesterday Congressman Earl Blumenaeur (OR) introduced, The Water Protection and Reinvestment Act of 2009, in Congress. The bill would establish a water protection and reinvestment fund to support investment in clean water and drinking water infrastructure. Today at 2 pm, the U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure […]
Read MoreAction to Support Clean Water!
Contact Your Local County Commissioner and Tell Him or Her to Support Clean Water! The National Association of Counties (NACo) represents county governments all throughout the U.S. Each year, NACo meets to consider resolutions on federal issues that affect their local governments. Because this organization is made up of local officials, NACo is very influential with Congress. In […]
Read MoreSign Up for Tour by Water Agency
Here’s a free tour by people who are intimately familiar with the system. Conversation: Email to WAC and TAC – SCWA Tour Date – Save the date! Subject: FW: Email to WAC and TAC – SCWA Tour Date – Save the date! Save the Date: WAC/TAC Tour of SCWA Russian River Water Supply System What: […]
Read MoreBasin Plan Amendment Decisions at Water Board Meeting
Hi everyone: There is an extremely critical meeting coming up at the North Coast Regional Board on July 23rd at about 9 AM at their offices near the airport at 5550 Skylane Blvd. This is the meeting where they will decide on a Basin Plan Amendment (water law for the North Coast and Russian River) […]
Read MoreUpdate on Fisheries Act–S.1255
To All Clean Water Network Members: This past week, Senator Schumer of New York introduced S. 1255, the “Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act,” a companion bill to HR 1584, introduced in late March by Representative Frank Pallone (NJ-6th). Our friends at the Pew Environment Group are asking conservation organizations to sign-on to the letter copied below, which requests that Senators OPPOSE this […]
Read MoreIt’s Time to Learn From Frogs
June 28, 2009 By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF Some of the first eerie signs of a potential health catastrophe came as bizarre deformities in water animals, often in their sexual organs. Frogs, salamanders and other amphibians began to sprout extra legs. In heavily polluted Lake Apopka, one of the largest lakes in Florida, male alligators developed […]
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