A daily compilation for DWR personnel of significant news articles and comment
August 6, 2007
1. Top Item
'A 75-year vision' to save
By Michael Gardner, staff writer
Nearly 50 years ago, a young Greg Smith celebrated July Fourth fishing, learning to water-ski and getting sunburned on a favorite beach at the
Today, Smith is an
“We've gone through the hand-wringing,” Smith said. “Now is the time to do something.”
That something could cost $8.9 billion over the next 75 years.
Legislation to launch a comprehensive revitalization plan – one of the most ambitious in the nation's history – is pending in the Legislature and could reach Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk this summer.
The measure's immediate goals are modest. Just $47 million would be infused to continue piecemeal restoration efforts. The structure of an oversight agency that would steer the sea back to life remains unsettled.
The sea is
More difficult choices lie ahead. Within a few years, funding agreements need to be struck, the federal government has to be satisfied and a $1.5 billion dike designed to provide recreational waterways must overcome doubts. Also, business interests will need to agree to a taxing scheme, and residents require protection from dust storms that blow salty crust from the sea's shrinking shore.
Nevertheless, momentum is building for a limited, five-year undertaking focused on restoring 2,000 acres of wildlife habitat along the sea. Then, after environmental and financial studies provide a compass, the more difficult steps can be mapped.
“My big concern is the sea will die before we can save it,” said Rick Daniels, executive director of the Salton Sea Authority, a public agency involved in preservation.
The Schwarzenegger administration in the spring released its strategy to save the polluted, salt-choked sea that straddles Imperial and
“It's a 75-year vision,” said Mike Chrisman,
And what does Chrisman see?
A dike to create a recreational lake, wetland havens for birds, cleaner water and flourishing seaside businesses.
Others, though, still see a lake filled with belly-up fish, casting a stink for miles and not worth anything close to $9 billion.
“What are the redwoods worth? What is
The current sea was created in 1905 when a breach in a levee along the
Runoff from modern-day farms not only sustains the sea, but adds to the salinity and pollution. Already saltier than the
Adding to the pressure: Ten years from now,
Even under the rehabilitation plan, the sea still will greatly shrink.
Once flush with fish – trophy-size bass and croaker have disappeared – only the more resilient tilapia survive. Even those die by the hundreds, probably from algae blooms that choke off oxygen.
If the sea is lost, the state would lose a significant bird sanctuary, making it even more difficult to sustain 400 species, such as the brown Pelican, eared grebe,
“The
Economics also drive the campaign to save the sea. Growth could accelerate between
That's a pretty big if.
“This is not going to be a Garden of Eden,” said Smith, who is part of a team of community leaders advising officials on the next course.
But, he said, “when the water's gone, what are we going to be left with?”
Smith and others don't want to find out. They remember when the sea was a playground for families and celebrities alike – not an evaporating sink shunned by many.
Tim Kelley, executive director of the Imperial County Economic Development Corp., said the region already has attracted new development. Ethanol and geothermal plants for renewable energy are in the works.
“Once you start, people will believe it's real and we'll see increased investment around the sea,” Kelley said.
The community is growing impatient after repeated false starts, Kelley said.
“It's time to quit doing studies,” he said. “It's time to start building.”
Perhaps they will.
The Schwarzenegger administration's plan, to be carried out in phases over the next 75 years, would create 62,000 acres of marshland for aquatic life, a separate 45,000-acre body of water for fish and recreation, two brine sinks to isolate salt, a 52-mile barrier to divide the sea and 158 miles of berms.
The nearly $9 billion price tag may be spread out over a lifetime, but those making the decisions today must weigh existing competition for funding, from schools to roads.
“The question is where do we get the money? The answer is, 'I don't know,' ” said Delfino, the environmentalist.
Ducheny acknowledged that $8.9 billion sounds scary.
“The cost is what's making people nervous,” she said.
Those involved note that taxpayers will not be the sole source. Local business taxes and user fees could be earmarked for restoration.
The sea's second-tier status is evident at the top. Schwarzenegger is pitching a $6 billion bond to restore the Sacramento Delta and build new reservoirs. The
But by authorizing Chrisman's efforts, Schwarzenegger is demonstrating a commitment to move ahead, aides say.
Generally, the strategy is to use already-approved funds for some immediate habitat improvements that have stirred little opposition.
Then, the more complex, controversial and costly projects – such as the huge sea-dividing dike – can be tackled after the environmental reviews and economic analyses come in. Taxpayers eventually could be asked to approve billions of dollars in bond proceeds, squirreled away in measures put on the ballot over time.
The health effects of more playa dust have raised alarms. The plan could shrink the sea, exposing an additional 106,000 acres of shore and putting thousands at risk if dust is not controlled.
“
Other major players have not fully blessed the plan, either.
The federal government, which has vast holdings along the shores and must sign off on many of the ideas, has urged restraint.
“We would rather go slow with a 'what you know' approach,” said Mike Walker, the federal Bureau of Reclamation's point person on sea issues.
“It's a huge amount of money and it doesn't come with a guarantee,” he said.
Federal holdings include nearly 50,000 acres of a wildlife refuge. The Navy, which once used the sea for test bomb drops, has 36,600 acres, some of which is underwater.
Tribal interests also must be satisfied. The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Tribe holds 24,000 acres, of which 11,000 acres are inundated, along the north side of the lake.
The tribe is concerned that shrinking the sea could expose cultural sites, leaving them vulnerable to theft and vandalism. It has a financial interest as well: the tribe operates a small casino near the sea and may pursue a second gaming facility. Tribal representatives did not return a call requesting comment.
Despite the hard decisions ahead, most of those involved believe a deal can and must be struck.
“We have to do something or the whole sea will die,” said Gary Wyatt, an
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20070806-9999-1n6salton.html
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