Sierra Club
Redwood Chapter Newsletter
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Lake Group Report Juliana Vidich | |
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Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine EPA Superfund Site + Clearwood Geothermal = ??? By the time you read this, the Lake Group will have had its March 19 general meeting at which Richard Sugarek, the EPA Manager for the Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine Superfund site cleanup on the eastern shore of Clear Lake, will have presented the current status and future plans for the 12-year old EPA cleanup effort. One very interesting aspect of the EPA effort is how it might be affected by the development of the Clearwood geothermal power plant at the same site. There is much concern locally that this will lead to increased mercury pollution of Clear Lake. In fact, there has been a great deal of activity in Lake County recently by people who oppose the proposed Clearwood geothermal project on the eastern shore of the lake. They have formed a citizens' action alliance which has distributed flyers and newsletters, written letters to the editor and put on meetings to educate people and rally support for their opposition to the proposed project. The Sierra Club Lake Group continues to stay involved in the review process and is waiting to review the draft EIR. Anyone who has experience or interest in assessing the environmental impact of geothermal development and is willing to help us address this proposed project, please call Juliana Vidich at 707-277-7670. Lake County Grading Advisory Committee Progress The Lake County Grading Advisory Committee continues to meet twice a month to hammer out a revised grading ordinance. So far, they have worked on defining the terms used in the ordinance, although they have not yet agreed on the meaning of the term "ongoing agriculture". For anyone who wants to read it, the current (unrevised) Lake County Grading Ordinance is available online at www.bpcnet.com/codes/lakeco/. For more information call Paul Marchand, 707-277-7670. |
Needed: Environmental Advocates on Lake County Subcommittees There are several Lake County Resource Management subcommittees, whose meetings are open to the public, that need environmental advocates to balance pro-development interests. We need volunteers to attend these meetings and speak in favor of preserving our beautiful environment. Some of these subcommittees are: Biological Resources Subcommittee, Water and Land Subcommittee, and Clear Lake Advisory Subcommittee. There are also several "CRMP" (Coordinated Resource Management Planning) groups that work to protect and restore specific watersheds, such as the Big Valley CRMP, Middle Creek CRMP, Scotts Valley CRMP, and Upper Putah Creek CRMP. For more information, please call Juliana Vidich, 707-277-7670. Lake County General Plan Update Did you know that every California city and county is required to have a General Plan which documents its goals, objectives and policies regarding future growth and development? The plan has to address at least the following areas: land use, circulation, housing, open space, conservation, safety, seismic activity, noise and scenic highway. By this writing, Lake County will already have had three workshops, on March 10, 11, and 12, for the public to give input regarding the General Plan Update. Find out how you can submit your input by contacting Richard Coel, Principal Planner, at 707-263-2221. |