WILLITS >> The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board fined two people who own property near the Upper Main Eel River for an unauthorized discharge of sediment-laden water.
Polly Franklin, listed as trustee, and her son Daniel Franklin were allegedly storing water for fire protection in a 50,000 gallon fuel bladder that burst, according to a press release. At least 50,000 gallons of water flowed 2,000 feet downstream, reportedly tearing out plants, stripping away soil, rocks and boulders, and entered a small water channel into the river.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reported that the water was noticeably cloudier for at least a day and half after the burst and that many fish left the area. They said it affected the river more than three miles downstream, at the Van Arsdale fish station. The Regional Water Board, CDFW and the California Geologic Survey inspected the damage, and the board decided Daniel Franklin was responsible for the bladder failure, which they called “negligent.” They determined the discharge was a violation of the Clean Water Act and posed a significant threat.
The board noted that many storage bladders are not designed to hold water, and that water released from ruptured bladders can cause erosion and damage aquatic habitats.
Bladders are often used for storing gas or oil for fuel.
