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Feinstein fires at DFG for not controlling stripers and black bass in the delta

Diane, we need to talk. Let's get the record straight. The striped bass has been a California native since the 1880's, far longer than most of its human counterpart. In all of those years it's been an exemplary citizen, providing food and recreation for millions of California anglers while peacefully co-existing with the largest runs of salmon in California. Both flourished until the infamous pumps and toxins caused the demise of the state's greatest waterway and its magnificent fishery. Ed.

From Aquafornia: Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on December 19, 2008 at 1:56 pm

12-19-08 -- In a letter addressed to the California Department of Fish & Game, Ms. Feinstein writes “regulatory actions must be taken to address all points of stress on the Delta, including not just the State and federal water projects, but also ammonia discharges from wastewater treatment plants, the predation of native fish by striped bass, black bass and other non-native species, invasive species, lack of sufficient habitat, pyrethroids and other pesticides, other toxics and other problems”.

Ms. Feinstein further urges the Department of Fish & Game to take action on those stressors on the Delta that fall under the agencies regulatory responsibilities. [Added content: She goes on, "I request that you provide me with information on your plans to address non-native predatory and invasive species in the Delta in the months ahead. This should include plans related to striped bass, black bass and other predatory species." ] You can read the full text of this letter from Diane Feinstein to the Department of Fish & Game by clicking here.

In a second letter sent earlier in the week, Ms. Feinstein addresses the State Water Resources Control Board and the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board regarding Sacramento’s wastewater treatment plant facilities discharges, which contain substantial amounts of ammonia. Noting that recent research has shown that ammonia may be having detrimental effects on the ecosystem and inhibiting phytoplankton, Ms. Feinstein notes that 10 out of 11 wastewater treatment facilities located in the Delta have implemented (or are in the process of implementing) new treatment methods to eliminate ammonia. The only wastewater treatment plant not in the process of upgrading is the facility for the Sacramento area, which is also the largest.

Ms. Feinstein also notes that the permit for Sacramento’s wastewater treatment plant is operating under an expired permit and the Central Valley Regional Water Control Board has been processing the new application. She writes “I understand that such permit renewals are complex matters in the face of differing views and science which is inevitably imperfect. But the ecosystem is in nothing short of a crisis. The main water supply that fuels the state’s economy is in jeopardy. Delaying action is simply not an option.”

She continues, “The State Water Resources Control Board and its Central Valley Regional Board have an obligation to protect the Delta and to uphold its policies that seek to limit resource degradation by under-treated wastewater discharge and other threats.”

You can read the complete letter to the State Water Resources Control Board here.