Debunking Wildfire Myths to Save Our Forests, Our Climate, and Our Communities
On Wednesday May 31st, W.A.T.E.R. is hosting a presentation on Debunking Wildfire Myths by Dr. Chad Hanson, a research ecologist and the director of the John Muir Project of Earth Island Institute.
Natural fires are as essential as sun and rain in fire-adapted forests, but as humans encroach on wild spaces, fear, arrogance, and greed have shaped the way that people view these regenerative events and have given rise to misinformation. The peril that these myths pose to forests is profound—affecting whole habitats and the wildlife that depend on them. The exploitation of these carbon dioxide-absorbing ecosystems also threatens humanity's chance...
Plastic Pollution Solutions
The Toxic Legacy of the Plastics Industries Must Finally Be Addressed.By Geneva Omann and Margaret Shepard In June Governor Newsom signed into law SB 54, legislation designed to reduce harmful plastic pollution and make the plastics industry responsible for its waste. The bill is touted as the “nation’s most sweeping law to phase out single-use plastics and packaging waste.”1 This legislation appears to be a major step forward in holding the plastics industries accountable for the harmful waste they produce. Industry representatives are not fond of the new law. Some environmentalists are satisfied, some think it does not go far enough. The state...
Communities Opposing Divide-and-Conquer
Lessons Learned from the Crystal Geyser Campaign
Published as a Guest Editorial by Daniel Axelrod in the September 7, 2022 Mount Shasta Herald
This past May, something good happened. The California Court of Appeals found that Siskiyou County, CA, and Crystal Geyser Water Company (CGWC, a subsidiary of a multibillion- dollar Japanese Pharmaceutical corporation) used dubious procedures to push through approvals of a beverage-bottling plant on Ski Village Drive in Mt. Shasta, CA; approvals which violated established environmental law. This correct decision came well after CGWC itself decided to withdraw from the project in the face of what...
California FPPC Imposes $67,508 Penalty on Crystal Geyser Water Company and its Fake Grassroots PAC
After a five year investigation, the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) found that Crystal Geyser Water Company (CGWC) intentionally hid their identity as sponsors of the political action committee (PAC), “Committee for a Strong Siskiyou Economy, No on Measure H” (Committee), and that their actions caused “significant public harm”. At its meeting on August 10, 2022, the FPPC approved a stipulation that stated Crystal Geyser Water Company (CGWC), its PAC, and the Committee’s principal officer, Jill Harris, and treasurer, Kelly Lawler, had violated the California Fair Political Practices Act (CFPPA)--a total penalty of $67,508 was...
California Renews Emergency Drought Regulations for the Scott and Shasta Rivers
Collaborative Effort Seeks to Make Regulations Permanent.
In 2021, California’s Governor proclaimed a State of Emergency due to drought for 50 (of 52) counties, including Siskiyou County, and renewed the proclamation in March of this year. Today, more than 95% of Siskiyou County is under extreme drought conditions. Local communities have already started restricting use of municipal water sources for outdoor watering. And the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) will continue to impose emergency drought regulations initiated last fall for water rights holders and water users in the Shasta River and Scott River water sheds.
Forest Service Plans Large Project on South Fork of the Sacramento River
W.A.T.E.R. recently submitted a comment on the Scoping Letter that was issued for the Forest Service’s South Fork Sacramento Public Safety and Forest Restoration Project. This project covers 21,400 acres on both sides of the road going up the south fork of the Sacramento River above Lake Siskiyou to the Gumboot Lake area and also along the road up to Castle Lake and beyond into the Castle Crags Wilderness. It’s a large project aimed at increasing public safety and improving fire resilience as well as expanding recreational opportunities. The recreational elements of the plan would “provide for improved and enhanced sustainable recreational opportunities...
New Drinking Fountain and Water Bottle Refill Station for Mt. Shasta High School
When Nathaniel Bekaert, a student in Mt. Shasta High School’s leadership class, asked W.A.T.E.R. for help in funding water bottle refill stations for Mt. Shasta High School, W.A.T.E.R. said YES!
W.A.T.E.R. is funding the purchase and installation of a combined drinking fountain/water bottle refill station for the school’s main lobby, where students, visitors, and athletes from events in the nearby gym will be able to refill their own reusable water bottles. The unit is ADA compliant, will filter out unpleasant contaminants, and will replace an existing drinking fountain that does not have a bottle refill function.
Mt. Shasta High School...
In a Win for Winnemem Wintu Tribe and W.A.T.E.R., the Third District Court of Appeal Rejects Crystal Geyser Project EIR Approval
In a victory for a community effort led by the Winnemem Wintu Tribe and We Advocate Thorough Environmental Review (W.A.T.E.R., a grassroots, community non-profit organization based in Mt. Shasta), California’s Third District Court of Appeal ruled in the groups’ favor in a long-running fight against approvals by Siskiyou County and the City of Mt. Shasta for the Crystal Geyser Water Company (CGWC) bottling plant project. The ruling capped an 8.5 year effort by community members to ensure the proposed project would not harm the environment and community.
W.A.T.E.R. and the Winnemem Wintu Tribe challenged the adequacy of the Environmental Impact...
Crystal Geyser Deceptively Sponsored Fake Grassroots Committee in Violation of the California Fair Political Practices Act
FPPC Commissioners Reject Proposed $48,000 Fine, ask for a larger penalty
After a nearly five year investigation, the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) found that Crystal Geyser Water Company (CGWC) intentionally hid their identity as sponsors of the “Committee for a Strong Siskiyou Economy, No on Measure H” (Committee) and that their actions caused “significant public harm”. The FPPC noted that Crystal Geyser formed and controlled the Committee and provided funds for 98% of the Committee’s activities. The California Fair Political Practices Act (CFPPA) requires that Crystal Geyser, as a major sponsor, be named in campaign...
Climate change and the local weather
The unusual weather this winter - wet in October and December, then almost totally dry until mid April - raises a serious question: was this persistent pattern a forerunner of what we should expect from global warming? Or was it just a fluke?
The scientific answer is complicated and incomplete, but progress is being made. Two important peer-reviewed scientific studies were recently published in technical journals on this matter, using computer-based modeling. One of them (Swain et al, Nature Climate Change, 2018) predicts that precipitation in California will become much more "volatile". Many winter seasons will feature precipitation that...
WATER joins coalition to support AB2201
WATER joined a coalition of environmental groups to submit a letter of support of California Assembly Bill 2201. This bill would give Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) greater authority to regulate well permits to ensure groundwater sustainability.
Read the letter.
Friends of the Shasta River Poised to Sue Feds to Protect Coho Salmon Habitat
In bold action to protect the riparian ecology of the Shasta River and the endangered species therein, the Friends of the Shasta River, with collaborators Environmental Protection Information Center and Western Environmental Law Foundation, issued a notice of intent to sue the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for violating and continuing to violate the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in regard to Coho salmon in the Shasta River. The notice states, “NMFS has violated the ESA by authorizing, approving, causing, or otherwise carrying out agency actions that jeopardize the continued existence of coho salmon in the Shasta River, a species listed...
W.A.T.E.R. supports WCWC’s fight against corporate bullying
Water for Citizens of Weed California (WCWC) is actively defending citizens’ rights to participate in civic activities. W.A.T.E.R. feels this is so crucial that we have submitted an Amicus Brief (“friend of the court”) supporting this lawsuit (link HERE). Fighting this corporate bullying designed to silence civic engagement is vital for all citizens and organizations.
As a grassroots community group WCWC was outspoken in objecting to Roseburg Forest Products (RFP) efforts to force the City of Weed to give up water from Beaughan Springs that the citizens had enjoyed for over a century. For those efforts, WCWC was sued by RFP in what was declared...
The new water bottle refill station is installed and working.
The new water bottle refill station is installed and working.Dedication this Saturday!December 4, 2021 from 1-2 PM
Crystal Geyser Lawsuit Continues
Crystal Geyser Lawsuit ContinuesIn 2013 W.A.T.E.R. organized to challenge the proposed Crystal Geyser Water Company (CGWC) beverage bottling plant which would have proceeded without an environmental review, even though there was considerable community concern about suspected significant environmental impacts of plant operations. The seven and one-half years of persistent community work paid off. In May of 2021, CGWC issued a public statement that they will not be operating the beverage bottling plant and the property was listed for sale. W.A.T.E.R. and many in the community are hopeful the property will be used by a new occupant for purposes benefiting...
Underground the Lassen Substation Power Lines!
Underground the Lassen Substation Power Lines!Current power lines crossing Hatchery Lane, due to be replaced with taller poles and increased voltage.
After the complete destruction of Paradise, CA and Greenville, CA in above-ground powerline-initiated fires, you would think that the authorities and electric power companies would do the best they can to assure that any new construction was undergrounded and fire safe. But you would be wrong. Pacific Power is still planning to replace a major above-ground line just west of I-5 and Mt. Shasta City, not with an undergrounded line, but with 1.5 miles of above ground metal tower-supported lines.The...
Over Extraction and Drought Decimate Local Rivers
Over Extraction and Drought Decimate Local RiversState Water Board approves Drought EmergencyRegulations for the Scott River and Shasta RiverSince May, when Governor Newsom declared a drought emergency for many parts of the state, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has been developing drought emergency regulations for the Scott and Shasta Rivers. The process has involved several public hearings and comment periods. W.A.T.E.R. submitted a forceful letter advocating immediate and strong action to protect the rivers.
On August 17 the SWRCB approved Drought Emergency Regulations for the Scott River and Shasta Rivers, likely to go into...
W.A.T.E.R. and WWT file reply briefs in Appellate Court
Crystal Geyser, Siskiyou County and Mt. Shasta City continue to defend EIR on abandoned plant project in Mount Shasta.
W.A.T.E.R. and the Winnemem Wintu Tribe (WWT) have filed reply briefs to the briefs filed by Siskiyou County, Mt. Shasta City and Crystal Geyser (respondents) in our ongoing struggle to overturn the flawed Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on the Crystal Geyser (CG) plant project in Mount Shasta. Even though CG has announced its decision to abandon the plant project and put the property up for sale, CG continues to defend the EIR in court. We believe it is essential to continue this case to prevent the flawed EIR from...
Mount Shasta Water Bottle Refill Station and Drinking Fountain is a GO!
Mt. Shasta’s Parker Plaza will soon be home to a drinking fountain and water bottle refill station. Community members and visitors alike will soon be able refill their own reusable water bottles with pure, world famous Mt. Shasta water. Spearheading this effort, W.A.T.E.R. worked with the City of Mt. Shasta Beautification Committee to make this project possible and last year the City Council approved a Water Bottle Refill Station & ADA drinking fountain at the NW corner of Parker Plaza with W.A.T.E.R. pledging to raise the needed funds. We were able to arrange a $5,000 grant from Plastic Oceans International’s ‘Rethink. Refill.’ program, a $4,974...
Save the Shasta River!
The Shasta River, collecting water from Mt. Shasta and the Eddy Mountains, meanders for 58 miles through the Shasta Valley, draining into the Klamath River. For millennia, half of all salmon returning to the entire Klamath and Trinity watersheds came back to spawn in the Shasta River, until the early 20th Century when massive irrigation development depleted the river’s water thus robbing it of its native Coho and Chinook salmon spawning habitat. Excessive irrigation continues today in the Shasta Valley, where water-hungry crops are grown in a desert environment. Although the Shasta River historically has flowed at rates greater than 150 cubic feet...
MT. SHASTA MOBILITY PLAN - Walk Bike Ride
The City of Mt. Shasta is preparing a mobility plan called Walk Bike Ride Mt. Shasta. Through this effort, the City will develop strategies and ideas for transportation improvements to foster a vibrant, sustainable community with accessible connections between businesses, neighborhoods, schools, and our surrounding natural environment.
How can streets be made safer? How can it be made easier for more people to walk, bike, or ride the bus to get where they need to go? How can the transportation system support local businesses, be resilient to climate change and adapt to changing technology?
The City will be working on this study from March...
Dare to Dream! W.A.T.E.R. and Winnemem Wintu Tribe Statement on Crystal Geyser.
It was reported at the May 10 Mount Shasta city council meeting that Crystal Geyser Water Company (CGWC) is not proceeding with their beverage bottling project and the property is up for sale. This was reported shortly after We Advocate Thorough Environmental Review (W.A.T.E.R.) and the Winnemem Wintu Tribe (WWT) filed a brief with the State Appeals Court challenging Siskiyou County’s shockingly inadequate Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the CGWC beverage bottling plant. W.A.T.E.R., the WWT, and large numbers of local residents and others concerned about the environment enthusiastically welcome the departure of Crystal Geyser.As many people...
MOUNT SHASTA CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS STATE THAT CRYSTAL GEYSER WILL NOT PROCEED WITH BEVERAGE BOTTLING PROJECT!
At the May 11 Mount Shasta city council meeting council member Tim Stearns stated that Crystal Geyser representatives had called council members to inform them that Crystal Geyser has “no intention of proceeding” with the project, that they have placed the property up for sale and that they have “vacated” the building that was to be the beverage bottling plant on Ski Village Drive. Council member Stearns advocated using this information to annex the property into the city limits to have more control over the property’s future development. Stearns had previously been one of the major boosters of the project, having "cut the ribbon" for it at a ceremony...
W.A.T.E.R. submits comments on Mount Shasta General Plan 2045, Water Resource Element.
The City of Mount Shasta is planning to update the city’s general plan (City General Plan webpage). Included in this is an important section on water usage and planning (Water Resource Element PDF). W.A.T.E.R. found serious deficiencies in this document and has submitted comments to further protect and preserve our water resources. Some of our comments: • “All ordinances on the books must be reviewed as to how the Water Element is affected. For example, the Water Bottling exemption is still on the books, that must be removed as soon as possible. Every project must be permitted and able to be reviewed rather than ministerial permits which allow projects...
Comments Presented to the Mt. Shasta City Council
Submitted by Geneva Omann
I am here as a representative of the non-profit, WA.T.E.R. to request that the City Council send a formal request to Siskiyou County asking that they initiate negotiations with Pacific Power to put the powerlines associated with the Lassen Substation upgrade project underground. Please make this an agenda item for your next meeting and act as quickly as possible. The area for these lines is within your “sphere of influence” and as an agency, keeping our area safe from fire danger is crucial.
These lines are in unincorporated Siskiyou County and the County has $5 million in Rule 20A funds that are expressly...
Reckless logging will increase wildfire risk for mountain towns
Reckless Logging Will Increase Wildfire Risk for Mountain Towns
By Karen Maki, Jeff Stone, and Raven Stevens for We Advocate Thorough Environmental Review
Over four million acres burned in California in 2020. Despite this unprecedented climate disaster, CalFire is poised to increase future wildfire risk for residents of Dunsmuir, Mt. Shasta City, McCloud and Castella by approving the Soda Springs Timber Harvest Plan (THP), which would use an unnecessarily dangerous even-aged logging method, similar to clearcutting.
Changes to Forest Management Will Reduce Wildfire Risk
California officials and state agencies have repeatedly...
Expanded Power Lines on Old Stage Road Pose Fire Risk!
First Call for Action in 2021!
It takes our collective voices to make change. Contact the Mt. Shasta City Council, Board of Supervisors and the Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and demand the power lines be put underground. They need to hear from the community!
Speaking at the December 14 Mount Shasta City Council meeting, W.A.T.E.R. continued to push for undergrounding the proposed power line expansion along Old Stage Rd, crossing Fish Hatchery Ln. This project proposes to enlarge and heighten the power lines leading from the power substation to the Crystal Geyser plant, the primary beneficiary of this project. This power line project...
W.A.T.E.R. is working with the City to install a water refill station in Parker Plaza.
Mt. Shasta is at a pivotal turning point, we know that single use plastic is devastating the environment and most plastic is NOT recycled. W.A.T.E.R. is working with local agencies and businesses to reduce plastic use right here in Mt. Shasta. During last July 4th’s walk/run, the Mountain Runners stopped distributing single use water bottles in favor of water refill stations, greatly reducing the amount of plastic waste from that event. What an exciting shift! W.A.T.E.R. then worked with the City of Mt. Shasta Beautification Committee and City Council who approved a water bottle refill station and ADA Drinking Fountain Water Bottle Refill Station...
Crystal Geyser removes equipment from Mt. Shasta plant.
Last December we noticed that Crystal Geyser removed two large cooling units from the North side of the building. Within the last month Crystal Geyser also removed two large gas tanks and an evaporator on the East side. Crystal Geyser has not revealed changes to their previously stated plans for the plant or its operations. In a continuing pattern of secrecy, as far as we know, neither Siskiyou County or City of Mount Shasta officials have been informed of what Crystal Geyser plans to do with the plant. In January 2020 a Crystal Geyser spokesperson said they “continue to assess (their) California business strategy...” (Mount Shasta Herald).
