In an earlier letter, I described how the single-minded determination of Friends of the Eel River (FOER) to close the 100-plus-year-old tunnel to the PG&E power plant in Potter Valley threatens the future of Lake Pillsbury. In fact, FOER”s activities jeopardize four counties.
If the power plant closes, Lake Pillsbury will no longer be needed to provide a reliable water supply. Scott Dam could be torn down, which would be a substantial loss to Lake County.
Closing that plant removes a source of pollution-free electricity. Without the outflow from the power plant, which runs into Lake Mendocino, Redwood Valley, where I live, could be without water in a dry year (like 2009).
The economic devastation of Lake Mendocino running dry would be felt along the entire Russian River and would severely impact Mendocino and Sonoma counties.
The Eel River, like most California streams, does have serious problems.
Historically heavy logging on steep hillsides and close to streams, poorly constructed logging roads and horrific wildfires has caused silt to cover spawning beds killing fish eggs. Water withdrawn during the summer, especially by illegal pot grows, reduces flow and raises water temperature, killing young fish. Predatory fish eat young salmon.
Periodic flood events cause serious erosion and plug the mouth of the river. None of these are caused by the PG&E tunnel.
Why then, does FOER insist on focusing on closing that tunnel? Well, because it”s easy. Create a scapegoat, create an uproar about it, and well-intentioned people will contribute money, which pays salaries, and keeps the organization going. Unfortunately it does not resolve any of the difficult problems I mentioned above.
This brings us to the fourth county that will be affected by FOER, Humboldt County.
FOER is currently soliciting its members to raise half a million dollars to send a lawyer to Sacramento to pursue closing the PG&E plant.
None of that money will be spent in Humboldt County and the Eel will continue to suffer.
If you would like to learn more, let me invite you again to take one of the tours Mendocino Farm Bureau is offering this month.
The first is a one-day tour on April 20 covering Lake Pillsbury, the diversion and the power plant, to give you an idea what would be lost and how little water is really involved, and a two-day tour on April 28 and 29 of the vast Eel River watershed ? the other four forks. Knowledgeable tour leaders will provide lots of information and answer your questions. There is no charge for either tour.
For details or to reserve a place on the tours, contact Devon Jones at mendofb@pacific.net or call 462-6664.
Hal Voege
Redwood Valley
