|
Progress & Success
America’s Most Endangered Rivers™ Recent Developments
America’s Most Endangered Rivers™: 2008 Edition America’s Most Endangered Rivers™: 2007 Edition America’s Most Endangered Rivers™: 2006 Edition America’s Most Endangered Rivers™: 2005 Edition Past America's Most Endangered Rivers™ Success Stories
We’ve already seen significant movement on this year’s rivers. Most notably:
#1 Catawba-Wateree River, North Carolina and South Carolina
Threat: Outdated water supply management
American Rivers and our on-the-ground partners called on decisionmakers to implement sensible water supply and efficiency policies throughout the Catawba-Wateree River basin. Following the report’s release, the South Carolina Legislature responded by blocking the South Carolina Surface Water Withdrawal, Permitting, Use and Reporting Act (bill S428). This legislation would have been disastrous for the river and the region’s water supply.
#2 Rogue River, Oregon
Threat: Logging and road construction
While the Rogue was one of the original rivers to receive the Wild and Scenic River designation, many of the key streams that feed into the river are vulnerable to destructive logging plans. Proposals to clearcut forest along Rogue tributaries would choke these streams (and ultimately the Rogue) with sediment. Following the release of the report, Reps. Peter DeFazio and Earl Blumenauer and Sen. Ron Wyden introduced legislation to add 143 miles of rivers in the Rogue River watershed to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
#4 St Lawrence River, New York and Canada
Threat: Outdated dam management plan
For the first time in 50 years the management plan for the Moses-Saunders Dam is up for revision. As the St. Lawrence River runs through Canada and the United States, the International Joint Commission will decide on the final management plan. However, Reps. John McHugh (R-NY) and Louise Slaughter (D-NY) have introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives indicating that the sustainable plan B+ is the preferred position of the U.S. Government.
#5 Minnesota River, South Dakota and Minnesota
Threat: Proposed coal-fired power plant
The treasured Minnesota River is threatened by a proposed coal-fired power plant. Recently, Minnesota Administrative Law Judge recommended denial of permits required for the BSII coal-fired power plant.
#7 Gila River, New Mexico and Arizona
Threat: Water development project
New Mexico’s last free-flowing river is threatened by an archaic and costly water diversion project, even when future water supply needs can be met through cheaper alternatives. At the press conference to announce the report’s listing of the Gila River, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson promised in his remarks to protect the Gila, even if that means introducing specific legislation blocking any proposed diversions.
#9 Pearl River, Mississippi and Louisiana
Threat: Irresponsible floodplain development
The Pearl River is threatened by a boondoggle project that would dam and dredge the river to create artificial lakes and islands for private development at a staggering cost to taxpayers. The day after the report’s release, Chairman John Mayo of the Mississippi House of Representatives Conservation and Water Resources Committee announced that he would be holding a hearing on this Pearl River project.
America's Most Endangered Rivers™: 2007 Edition
#1 Santa Fe River, New Mexico
Threat: Severe lack of water in the river
American Rivers and our on-the-ground partner called upon the city of Santa Fe to permanently allocate significant and sustainable flows that would ensure a healthy river. Only a few months later, Mayor David Coss announced a proposal to dedicate 1,000 acre-feet of water to the Santa Fe River, enough water to keep riparian vegetation alive in stretches of the river during the summer months and the first designation of water to a river anywhere in the state.
The people of Santa Fe are making strong efforts to bring their namesake river back to life. In June 2007, a City-sponsored fund to purchase dedicated water rights for the river was formally launched along with the Santa Fe River Trail Corridor Project, which will be one of three primary urban trails serving the Santa Fe area. The Project will provide open space corridors, trails for walking and biking, and a series of river parks. Whether Santa Fe residents will be successful in their efforts to revive the river remains to be seen. What is needed now is a crescendo of public voices championing the importance of a flowing river, and overriding the persistent fears that providing for nature means depriving ourselves.
#2 San Mateo Creek, California
Threat: Proposed highway
California residents spoke with one voice against the proposed toll road, known as FTC-South, which would have cut directly through San Mateo Creek and San Onofre State Beach. The California Coastal Commission listened and denied the toll road in February 2008. If built, the toll road would have had massive impacts on southern California's last remaining pristine coastal watershed, including substantially degrading habitat both for endangered species that live in the state park and surfers who ride the waves at famous Trestles Beach. Editorials in the Los Angeles Times and North County Times both said that the toll road was not worth it, and stories in the San Diego Tribune and Orange County Register showed that nearly 70 percent of local residents were opposed to the road. The Transportation Corridor Agency, a proponent of this and other toll roads in the region is appealing the decision to the Secretary of Commerce. The Secretary will accept public comment in May. Stay tuned for the opportunity to put this misguided project to rest for good.
#3 Iowa River, Iowa
Threat: Weak enforcement of the Clean Water Act
Conservation groups in Iowa are working to draft a set of rules that would keep the Iowa and other rivers in the state from becoming more polluted, but the state Department of Natural Resources is dragging its feet. People in Iowa want clean rivers, and they’re not going to wait forever to get them!
In response to the listing of the Iowa River, the University of Iowa is organizing several events on the River, including three bus tours and a talk about the river as part of their Civic Engagement Program. Plans are also in the works to organize a local group in Hardin County, Iowa to work on improving the river. These discussions include farmers and local people.
#4 Upper Delaware River, New York
Threat: Proposed power line
Plans by New York Regional Interconnect (NYRI), a private power company, to construct a power line that would cut through the Wild and Scenic section of the Upper Delaware River and undermine the river's outstanding natural characteristics, were dropped early in 2008. U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hilary Rodham Clinton had introduced legislation to block federal approval of this highly controversial proposed power line route. NYRI has resubmitted an application that does not mention using the Upper Delaware River either as a primary or alternate route for its power line project. In March, this application was once again deemed incomplete and sent back to NYRI for further analysis.
However, an insidious new development now threatens the river. For the last few years, energy companies have been pushing landowners to sign leases to allow gas drilling on their land in areas of Pennsylvania and New York abundant in natural gas. Rumor has it that people have already signed leases with the gas companies, and many others are about to sign. The same act that could have permitted the power line project, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, exempts the oil and gas industry from the Safe Drinking Water Act, which could threaten 17 million residents who depend on the Upper Delaware River for clean drinking water.
#5 White Salmon River, Washington
Threat: Condit Dam
Designating the White Salmon River as one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers has helped to raise awareness and support for the removal of Condit Dam. Since the listing, local efforts have: turned back a threat from the local electric company to start condemnation proceedings as a way to stall or prevent removal; hosted informational meetings to stir discussion and share facts about dam removal with the community; and appear to be turning back a move by Klickitat County to rezone a large area along the river most critical to salmon restoration. Fish scientists continue to make plans for salmon restoration - some think that rainbow trout found upstream of the dam may actually be steelhead (genetically identical to rainbow trout) that were able to adapt to freshwater life. This means that there may still be native species of steelhead in the river only waiting for the chance to return to the ocean and resume their anadramous life cycle.
It is important that FERC keep dam removal on track. Public support for dam removal is high and growing - the listing of the White Salmon generated 300 comments to the agency. Also, the tremendous public support for the recent removal of the nearby Marmot Dam on the Sandy River just outside of Portland makes Condit Dam an obvious and excellent next step for supporting people and salmon in the Columbia basin.
#6 Neches River, Texas
Threat: Proposed dam project
The fate of the Neches River is still up in the air. Proponents of the Neches River Refuge are waiting for a judge to rule in the lawsuit filed by the City of Dallas to eliminate the refuge. Meanwhile, the Texas state legislature has designated the area as a “unique reservoir site” for Fastrill Reservoir, but the state designation will become relevant only if the refuge is eliminated.
The Neches River recently made an appearance in Sierra Club’s America’s Wild Legacy report. They highlighted threatened wild places in each state - including the Neches River in Texas. Efforts to designate the river as a National Scenic River are still in motion as well.
#7 Kinnickinnic River, Wisconsin
Threat: Toxic sediments
The Kinnickinnic River and upstream areas near the Estabrook Dam are well on the path to restoration. Dredging of toxic sediments laced with PCBs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), for which the river was listed, is expected to start in May 2008 and continue through October. Originally laid by fast-paced and unregulated urban development prior to 1970, the toxins have led to hazardous boating conditions, loss of marina recreation and other use, low aquatic species diversity, and fish consumption warnings. Dredging was made possible by federal Great Lakes Legacy Act funds and $17 million appropriated by the state of Wisconsin. Remediation of a contaminated sediment hotspot in a residential area upstream of the Estabrook Dam has already begun -- the first step for Kinnickinnic River communities who want a healthy river on which to raise their families. More studies are being conducted for the larger cleanup of the Milwaukee River and Lincoln Creek upstream of the Estabrook Dam, which will most likely require additional Legacy Act funds or other federal funds.
#8 Neuse River, North Carolina
Threat: Poorly planned development
In early September, elected officials in North Carolina floated the Neuse River to learn about threats to the river’s health, and ways to help protect the river. Upper Neuse Riverkeeper Dean Najouks led them on the trip. He talked about how rainwater running off of lawns, parking lots, golf courses and roads - collectively called stormwater - can harm a river, and how low impact development can help to alleviate these problems. For many, it was an eye-opening experience. Hopefully this trip will help to pass a bond measure in Wake County, NC that would preserve 30% of the county’s land as open space - something that would help to reduce the amount of stormwater funneled into creeks and rivers.
There are still many challenges facing the Neuse River, including a drought this year. Additionally, the state just approved a sewage plant expansion for Johnston County and is endorsing a plan to grant the City of Raleigh a variance request to allow more than 1000 acres of polluted ground water to leach into the Neuse River - that would be more than 120,000 lbs of nitrogen per year for the next 30 years, without any treatment or mitigation. A local blogger explains how you can speak out for the Neuse on this issue.
#9 Lee Creek, Oklahoma and Arkansas
Threat: Proposed dam and weakened state protection for rivers
Arkansas’ Lee Creek continues to face an uphill battle, but efforts to protect this Extraordinary Resource Water are not over yet. In early October, changes to the regulations that protect Extraordinary Resource Waters (ERW) in Arkansas were passed unanimously by the PC&E Commission. These changes provide a way to delist the river as an ERW, which would normally prohibit dam construction, if a community has no alternative source of drinking water. Although this opens the possibility for constructing a dam on Lee Creek, there must be ample proof that it’s absolutely necessary for drinking water. Project proponents have not been able to show this because cheaper and more ecologically sensible alternatives exist for local drinking water.
Additionally, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which passed the Senate and House in late September, renews the 1967 authorization of the Pine Mountain Dam - proposed for Lee Creek - along with 14 other water projects in the state. Funding for study of the dam proposal is provided but there is no guarantee that any funding will be provided for building the dam. Furthermore, the project cited by the Act authorizes the dam for flood control - not water supply - meaning that the dam would still be in opposition to state law protecting ERWs.
#10 Chuitna River, Alaska
Threat: Proposed coal mine
This listing has brought much-deserved attention to the plight of this remote and pristine river gem. PacRim Coal, the company pushing for the coal mine is moving forward with its plans, including permit requests to the state and federal agencies. However, elevated awareness has brought concerned citizens together in efforts to protect the Chuitna River from destructive strip mining. The proposed mine would not only devastate thousands of acres of prime fish, moose, and bear habitat but would also emit huge quantities of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from coal combustion. If built, it would permanently damage the aquifers and complex hydrology supporting this healthy river and the astounding biodiversity it sustains.
While the state of Alaska continues to push this project forward, efforts to slow the project and extend the timeline have been successful. The Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) is now expected to be released in the first quarter of 2009. Residents and others submitted a petition in 2007 requesting that lands within the fish-rich Chuitna River watershed be deemed “unsuitable” for coal strip mining, as nearby native communities and others rely heavily on the Chuitna River region for year-round subsistence fishing and hunting. Denied, residents saw no other option but to appeal the decision in Alaska Superior Court. The appeal is pending.
Update on America’s Most Endangered Rivers™: 2006 Edition
#1 Pajaro River, California
Threat: Failure to adopt a comprehensive flood control project
The Pajaro’s dubious distinction as America’s Most Endangered River of 2006 has been a catalyst for government agencies and concerned citizens to continue gaining insight into both the challenges and the potential of this river. Unfortunately, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is still dragging its feet on a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) that should offer the opportunity to restore natural flood protection benefits along the entire length of the river. Originally scheduled for completion last summer, the DEIS is now slated for release in December 2007.
On a more positive note, the state of California recently contributed $25 million to support local collaborative efforts to integrate environmental, water quality and water supply goals with the flood protection plan for the river. As an example of how the report listing has brought much-needed public attention to the river, Mount Madonna School in Watsonville has incorporated the Pajaro River into its curriculum, and students are already undertaking projects to help protect their hometown river.
#2 Upper Yellowstone River, Montana
Threat: Floodplain development
Bank stabilization projects and riverside development continue to compromise the integrity and scenic beauty of the Upper Yellowstone River. Shortly after the report’s release, U.S. Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) demanded that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stop stalling on its Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) for the river. Since then, the agency has completed much-needed impact studies. Also, earlier this year the agency held a public scoping meeting on the SAMP, for which public comments are being accepted until April 21, 2007. The public continues to push for the Corps to establish a firm cap on the amount of bank stabilization activity that is allowed on this treasured river.
#3 Willamette River, Oregon
Threat: Industrial and municipal pollution
Though toxic mixing zones are still a problem on the Willamette River, the Oregon Legislature is taking up the issue this year. Co-sponsors have signed on to move legislation that would phase out toxic mixing zones and in the interim will mark where these mixing zones exist. Governor Ted Kulongoski and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality — both well aware of popular support to restore the Willamette River — have jointly proposed a new $1.5 million program to monitor toxic pollution in the river.
#4 Salmon Trout River, Michigan
Threat: Acid mine drainage
The fight to save the Salmon Trout River is heating up. After tentatively approving permits for the Kennecott Minerals Company’s nickel and copper mine, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) recently withdrew this draft decision after the public release of an internal report questioning the soundness of the mine’s design. The report, written by an agency consultant, raised concerns over the possibility of the mine’s roof collapsing — an alarming issue considering that the proposed Eagle Project would be located squarely in the headwaters of the Salmon Trout. Mining pollution would pose a direct threat not just to the Salmon Trout, but also to Lake Superior, the most pristine of the Great Lakes. The MDEQ has pledged to thoroughly review its own reports and to investigate why the information was kept from the public record. In other good news for the river, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced that Kennecott also would have to ensure that the mine complies with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Unfortunately, another threat has emerged that would also put people, rivers and wildlife at risk from acid mine drainage. Canadian-owned Prime Meridian Resources Corp. recently announced plans to begin test drilling for nickel and copper in the Upper Peninsula’s Baraga basin — just two miles from Kennecott’s proposed mine.
#5 Shenandoah River, Virginia and West Virginia
Threat: Runaway development
Progress on the Shenandoah River has been slow but steady. Counties throughout the watershed are considering new policies that will protect their water resources, including ways to encourage more compact, denser development. On surrounding farmland, innovative agricultural pilot projects promise new ways to reduce the nutrients entering the waterway. Land trusts also had a record year, permanently protecting thousands of acres in the region from future development. However, fish kills on the Shenandoah continue, with another occurring this past December. Meanwhile, the Shenandoah River Fish Kill Task Force is still investigating the mysterious fish kill two years ago that eliminated up to 80 percent of smallmouth bass and sunfish populations. Last fall, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine authorized $150,000 from the state’s Environmental Emergency Response Fund to support these scientific efforts. The Virginia Senate also passed legislation authorizing $100,000 to support additional research on the problems plaguing the river.
#6 Boise River, Idaho
Threat: Cyanide leach mine
Earlier this year, Boise Mayor David Bieter announced his opposition to the proposed cyanide heap leach gold mining operation near the headwaters of the Boise River. Mayor Bieter said that more than two years of studying the proposal, as well as last year’s Most Endangered Rivers listing of the Boise River, convinced him that the mining company’s plans for protecting the environment are grossly inadequate given the enormity of the threat. Despite the mining company’s assertions to the contrary, open pit cyanide heap leach mining has an abysmal environmental record not only in the western United States but around the world, the mayor said. While the city of Boise has no regulatory authority over the mine proposal, the mayor called upon the U.S. Forest Service and the state of Idaho to hold the Atlanta Gold project to the highest operational, financial, transportation and environmental standards allowed by law. The mayor is also urging other local governments across the state to go on record in opposition to the mine.
#7 Caloosahatchee River, Florida
Threat: Releases of toxic water
The Caloosahatchee River remains besieged. Last summer the Caloosahatchee experienced the worst algal blooms in recent memory, with outbreaks of red tide and blue-green algae turning the river a kaleidoscope of colors. Over the winter, two to three feet of macro-algae could still be found piled on beaches near the river’s mouth. The Caloosahatchee also continues to be regularly inundated with toxins, leading to fish kills and human health problems. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has proposed a revised operating plan that would reduce the release of the most harmful contaminated flows from Lake Okeechobee into the Caloosahatchee River. However, the agency’s proposal would increase slightly less harmful releases from the lake, which are likely to negate any potential benefits of decreasing the worst kind of releases. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed dramatic reductions in pollutant flows into the lake from surrounding lands in its draft pollution standards, but these solutions have met with resistance. Making matters worse, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced earlier this year that it will create new, downgraded water classifications. These new classes have the potential to render the Caloosahatchee River no longer suitable for swimming and general recreation. This pattern of neglect for the river puts at stake the $2 billion tourism industry, the commercial fishing industry, and important habitat for wildlife, including the endangered Florida manatee.
#8 Bristol Bay, Alaska
Threat: Open pit mining
In the wake of last year’s Most Endangered Rivers designation, thousands of Alaskans have joined the campaign to stop construction of Pebble Mine, a massive open pit gold, copper and molybdenum mine proposed in southwest Alaska. Perched at the headwaters of rivers feeding Bristol Bay — home to the largest-known wild sockeye salmon runs on Earth — Pebble Mine has sparked serious political debate in the state. Those opposed to the mine include not just conservationists, but the United Fishermen of Alaska, the largest statewide commercial fishing organization, dozens of Alaska Native corporations and tribes, more than three dozen leading sporting goods retailers, and even Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK). The Alaska Legislature is also considering bills to protect salmon habitat and to designate a large swath of the Bristol Bay watershed as a protected fish refuge, which could thwart Canadian-owned Northern Dynasty Mineral’s plans to build the Pebble Mine. However, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management is moving forward with plans to allow mining in more than one million federal acres in the region.
#9 San Jacinto River, Texas
Threat: Unregulated sand mining
Earlier this year, Texas State Sen. Tommy Williams (R-District 4) introduced legislation to establish a pilot program that would protect portions of the San Jacinto River from sand and gravel mining. If passed, the bill would allow the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the San Jacinto River Authority and Texas Parks and Wildlife to monitor sand and gravel mining operations on the west and east forks of the San Jacinto River. The bill also would require environmental restoration of these pits to prevent harm to surface and groundwater and, at a minimum, twice-yearly visual inspection and sampling. Conservationists applaud Sen. Williams for leading the charge to protect the San Jacinto watershed. Also deserving of praise is the bill’s co-sponsor, Texas State Rep. Corbin Van Arsdale (R-District 130), who wants to expand the legislation to include the Spring Creek tributary.
#10 Verde River, Arizona
Threat: Groundwater pumping
Proponents of the Big Chino Pipeline continue to make headway, despite evidence that pumping groundwater from the Big Chino aquifer will result in drastically diminished flows in the Upper Verde River. The U.S. Geological Survey has concluded that the Big Chino aquifer supplies more than 80 percent of the water emanating from the headwater springs that maintain flow in the Upper Verde — particularly during the driest times of year when freshwater is needed most for both people and wildlife. Nearly 5,000 concerned citizens have sent letters to federal, state and local officials opposing the pipeline. In addition, the river is on track to be designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as critical habitat for endangered fish species. Despite these developments, and the fact that cost estimates for the project have more than doubled to nearly $200 million, the Prescott City Council remains committed to moving forward with the pipeline. Construction could begin as early as fall 2007, and the pipeline could begin carrying water from the Big Chino aquifer to new development in the fast-growing cities in the Prescott area by 2009.
Update on America’s Most Endangered Rivers™: 2005 Edition
#1 Susquehanna River, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland
Threat: Sewer pollution and dam construction
Within days of the report's release, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency dropped its proposal to adopt a new policy on “blending,” which would have legalized the dumping of partially treated sewage into rivers across the country. Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich also backed away from his proposal to reduce cleanup efforts along the lower Susquehanna River. Locally, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission agreed to institute yearly analysis of the river and its tributaries. In addition to these immediate successes, persistent work on the ground paid off.
In February 2008, the misguided inflatable dam proposal in Wilkes-Barre was buried when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced its decision that the dam would cause unacceptable impacts to the river and wasn't in the public interest. Also, a partnership of NGOs, local citizen’s groups, and municipal, state and federal agencies, has since removed 6 dams that were in place on creeks that feed the Susquehanna at the time of its listing.
#2 McCrystal Creek, New Mexico
Threat: Coalbed methande drilling
In December 2005, New Mexico’s Water Quality Control Commission acted to protect McCrystal Creek and all waterways in the Valle Vidal by designating them as Outstanding National Resource Waters. By preventing any future degradation of water quality, this step means that the area’s pristine streams no longer face the threat of coalbed methane drilling.
#3 Fraser River, Colorado
Threat: Water withdrawals and trans-basin diversion
Less than two weeks after its listing, Rep. Mark Udall (D-2nd) released a statement and met with the head of the Denver Water Board seeking answers on their proposed plans to divert 85% of the water from the Fraser River. In part a result to Rep. Udall’s efforts, last summer, Denver Water, Colorado’s largest utility, announced that it would meet with several west slope water utilities in an attempt to craft a water-sharing plan to protect mountain communities and to provide the Denver metropolitan area with adequate water. Recently, Denver Water delayed its plans to divert water and their Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the diversion project has been pushed back until late 2006. Rather than taking water from communities that depend on the Fraser without negotiating a deal that protects their needs, Denver Water has instead entered into conversations about a possible compromise that will satisfy local concerns about growing water demands. This is a victory for the Fraser River and the communities that depend on it.
#4 Skykomish River, Washington
Threat: Runaway development
The Snohomish County Council finalized its comprehensive land use plan, which produced a more positive than expected result for the river. The new plan adopted an overall lower-growth alternative, as opposed to the maximum-growth option which would have increased development pressure on the Skykomish watershed. However, the plan allows for the development of “fully contained communities” small cities built in rural areas where forests now stand that could threaten clean water. The County Council has yet to revise its Critical Areas Ordinances, rules that protect sensitive lands while safeguarding property, clean water, and river health. A proposal is expected in late summer 2006, after which the public will have a chance to comment.
#5 Roan Creek, Tennessee
Threat: Factory dairy farm
The river remains on the Tennessee’s “impaired” list, plagued by siltation and bacterial contaminants. The listing prompted local officials in Mountain City, TN to voluntarily decrease the amount of pollution the town contributes to Roan Creek. There is also an effort to persuade Mayor Harvey Burniston to secure state and federal monies to ensure adequate sewage treatment in the face of expected growth. Unfortunately, the company Maymead, Inc. is preparing lagoons and laying the foundation for a 700-cow dairy farm. Citizen opposition to Maymead’s factory farm operation remains strong.
#6 Santee River, South Carolina
Threat: Hydropower dam
There is still no decision from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) on the Santee-Cooper utility’s water quality certification with mandatory terms and conditions for the new license because sufficient information has not been received from the utility. This certification is necessary for the utility to get a new hydropower license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and ensures that hydropower operations meet state water quality standards. On April 12, 2006, Santee-Cooper withdrew the application it submitted in 2005 which was set to expire, and reapplied for certification. This means the permitting clock restarts and SCDHEC has one year in which to issue a certification. Limited information that has been received demonstrated excessive dissolved oxygen violations. A recently completed freshwater mussel survey showing an abundance of a rare mussel species could also affect SCDHEC’s decision. American Rivers and other stakeholders are reviewing a seriously flawed water flow report published by the utility and additional information to determine how much flowing water is needed to protect public uses of the Santee River.
#7 Little Miami River, Ohio
Threat: Sewage and polluted runoff
This river continues to face significant water quality threats from a proposed 1.4 billion dollar rail and highway expansion. Despite concerns that dumping more treated sewage into the river would lead to high amounts of phosphorous that causes oxygen-depleting algae blooms, the Ohio EPA approved a permit for the Sycamore Creek and Wards Corner wastewater treatment plants. The agency is currently reviewing permits for four additional sewage plants along the river. If all are approved, the Little Miami Wild and Scenic River would be at risk from sewage pollution.
#8 Tuolumne River, California
Threat: Water diversions
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission scrapped plans to build a huge pipeline across the San Joaquin Valley, which would have sucked water from this national Wild and Scenic River.
#9 Price River, Utah
Threat: Dam construction and dewatering
The goal of last year’s report was to have the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation drop its plans for a reservoir in favor of higher efficiency water delivery and irrigation systems. To date, the agency has fortunately not moved forward with these plans, but they have not yet dropped them altogether.
#10 Santa Clara River, California
Threat: Runaway real estate development
Several environmental groups have since filed a lawsuit to overturn the City of Santa Clarita’s approval of Newhall Land and Farming’s 1,100-unit Riverpark development project within a designated Significant Ecological Area less than 100 feet from the river. In February of this year, three more environmental groups filed another suit, this one against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for issuing more than 100 development permits in the last five years on sites along the river without proper environmental analysis.
Past Most America's Most Endangered Rivers™ Success Stories
Penobscot River, Maine
The Penobscot, New England’s second largest river, was listed every year from 1989 to 1996 because of existing or proposed dams. Our efforts, along with those of our strong local partners, blocked new dams and helped spur a landmark agreement in 2004 to remove two dams and improve operations on a third. In the last year we were able to secure $10 million from the federal government which matches the funding previously raised from private and public sources and assures that the power company will relinquish three of its dams, making the restoration of the river inevitable. These efforts will help bring back the fabled Atlantic salmon and other fish and wildlife, and will create new economic opportunities connected to a healthy river.
Spokane River, Idaho and Washington
Excessive phosphorus pollution from wastewater discharges prompted this river’s listing in 2004. In late 2005, the Washington Department of Ecology publicly committed to reducing phosphorus levels in the river by half over the next 20 years.
Colorado River, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona and California
One year after the Colorado River topped the 2004 list, the U.S. Department of Energy announced its intention to relocate a 12 million ton pile of radioactive waste away from a flood-prone location on the riverbank. In addition, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano ordered state agencies to conduct a pollution survey of the river.
Susquehanna River, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland
At risk from sewage pollution and dam construction, the Susquehanna was number one on the list in 2005. Within days of the report’s release, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency dropped its proposal to adopt a new policy which would have legalized the dumping of partially treated sewage into the Susquehanna and other rivers across the country. In 2008, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers denied the permit to construct an inflatable dam on the river, killing the illadvised proposal.
Tennessee River, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Kentucky
Six months after the Tennessee River appeared on the 2004 list, the Knoxville Utility Board settled a lawsuit with conservationists, committing to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows into the Tennessee River within ten years.
Ipswich River, Massachusetts
After Massachusetts’ Ipswich River appeared on the 2003, list, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued new water usage regulations along the river limiting the amount of water municipalities can withdraw during low flow periods and, also requiring them to monitor water use.
McCrystal Creek, New Mexico
The threat of coalbed methane drilling put McCrystal Creek in the Valle Vidal region of New Mexico on the list in 2005. Shortly after the report’s release, the state of New Mexico took action to protect this pristine and beautiful stream from drilling and other harmful development by designating all the surface waters of the Valle Vidal as Outstanding Resource Waters.
Canning River, Alaska
Flowing through Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the Canning River, threatened by oil exploration and drilling, was listed in 2001 and 2002. For the Canning, energy development would have meant the pumping of millions of gallons of water, huge new gravel mines in its floodplain, and serious disturbance to fish, polar bears and other sensitive wildlife. So far, Congress has blocked several attempts by drilling proponents to open the refuge to oil and gas development.
Wolf River, Wisconsin
At risk from a zinc and copper sulfide mine, the Wolf River, one of the last wild rivers in the Midwest, was on the list in 1995, 1997 and 1998. The mine, located at the Wolf ’s headwaters, would have dumped 44 million tons of waste into this National Wild and Scenic River, threatening trout, sturgeon, and the area’s recreation and tourism. Mine pollution also threatened wild rice beds and sacred lands of the Menominee, Sokaogon Chippewa, and Potawatomi tribes. Thousands spoke out against the mine, and in 2003 two tribes bought the mine site. The land purchase killed the mine proposal, and ensured the area will be protected to support clean water, tourism jobs and tribal culture.
Columbia River’s Hanford Reach, Washington
The Hanford Reach is the last free-flowing stretch of the Columbia River and supports the only reliably harvestable runs of Chinook salmon in the upper Columbia and Snake rivers. The Hanford Reach was listed in 1997 and was number one in 1998 because of the threat of harmful land development. Our advocacy helped create the Hanford Reach National Monument in 2000, protecting the 51-mile Hanford Reach and almost 200,000 acres of surrounding lands.
Guadalupe River, Texas
Three years after its listing, the future of this river, deep in the heart of Texas, now looks brighter. In February 2006, a state district court ruled in favor of a coalition of conservation groups fighting for the legal right to keep water in the river. The judge’s ruling means that water rights for the purpose of maintaining stream flows will receive equal consideration as water rights for consumption.
Altamaha River, Georgia
Proposals for new dams and power plants that would reduce river levels, destroy habitat and concentrate pollution put the Altamaha on the list in 2002. Our report highlighted the need for increased water and energy efficiency as an alternative to these irresponsible proposals. Following the listing, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rescinded its permit for a new reservoir on a tributary of the river.
Hudson River, New York
A few months after the 2001 listing, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ordered General Electric to foot the bill for cleaning up tons of PCBs from its factories that contaminate the river bed.
Blackfoot River, Montana
The threat of a cyanide heap-leach gold mine landed the Blackfoot, one of Montana’s great trout streams and recreation destinations, on the list in 1998. The mine, which would have been developed less than a quarter-mile from the river’s edge, carried the risk of pollution from cyanide and acid mine drainage. Shortly after the report’s release, voters in Montana enacted a ballot initiative banning the use of cyanide in extracting gold in the state.
San Mateo Creek, California
A proposed toll road landed San Mateo Creek number two on the list in 2007. The 16-mile long road would have cut through the creek, causing significant damage to the watershed and to surfing at the world-famous Trestles Beach, whose reef depends on the creek for sand and cobbles. The voices of thousands of Californians helped convince the California Coastal Commission to deny the road proposal in February 2008.
Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone, Montana and Wyoming
The Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone was number one on the list for three straight years from 1994 to 1996. The river and nearby Yellowstone National Park were threatened by the proposed New World gold mine. Toxic waste from the mine would have posed an unacceptable risk to clean water, fish and wildlife, and the millions of Americans who enjoy the park. In 1996 our efforts culminated in a Presidential Action to stop the mine and protect this national treasure.
ONE TO WATCH...Yazoo River and Big Sunflower River, Mississippi
For almost 70 years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been trying to push through a plan now estimated to cost $220 million to drain more than 200,000 acres (an area greater than all five boroughs of New York City) of wetlands in northwestern Mississippi to enhance production of subsidized crops. The threat of this enormously destructive “Yazoo Pumps” project landed the Yazoo River in the America’s Most Endangered Rivers™ report in 1997, 2002, 2003 and 2004 and the Big Sunflower River in the report in 1997. Fortunately, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has begun a Clean Water Act veto process to kill the proposal. When this boondoggle is buried for good, it will be a victory for fish and wildlife, natural flood protection, and common sense. |
|