Eastern Sierra News
Written by Benett Kessler Monday, 15 March 2010 17:12
Monday, at a meeting of the APCD Board in Mammoth, Director Ted Schade pointed to what DWP has done - spent $500 million and clean up some 85% of the lake bed. Now, DWP must by order clean up 3.5 square miles. LA wanted to use high rows of dirt to keep dust down, called Moat and Row, but the State Lands Commission, which owns the lake bed, so no.
LADWP Chief David Freeman stood up to say that he was asking for more than mercy. He wanted understanding. Freeman said he feels like a ping pong ball between the State and APCD. Freeman, a master at public relations rhetoric, said he wants to do the best job for Inyo's children and grandchildren. His long-term goal is solar panels on the lake bed and 100% control of dust, plus habitat improvement.
State Lands Commission Chief Paul Thayer said the State has a duty to protect the public trust. He said Moat and Row will not add to public lands beauty, access and use. He said it will all take more time.
Inyo Supervisor Linda Arcularius argued for less use of water since the State has a shortage. She also pled for Moat and Row, although there is no proof it will keep dust down. She said some of the water LA saves could stay in the Owens valley, although DWP has made no such promises.
Mono Supervisor Hap Hazard said the board worked with DWP on a drop dead date of October 1st,and he said to Freeman that if he feels like a ping pong ball or with a gun to his head, it's self-inflicted. Hazard was not willing to give up the daily fines if DWP failed to meet the deadline but said the district might hold the fines in abeyance. Supervisor Byng Hunt said he would allow some more time but then impose fines if that failed.
APCD Director Schade said sometimes the only way to make DWP perform is with a gun to the head. He said DWP needsto wrap up their clean-up duties. With mixed messages, the issue ended. Schade said he is inclined to let things develop and talk later. With recent and violent dust storms in southern Inyo, citizens want it all to end. Mel Joseph, Environmental Director of the Lone Pine Tribe attended the meeting. He said he was glad to hear Supervisor Hazard hold the line on a deadline for DWP.
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Subscribe to this comment's feedwritten by Russ Monroe , March 16, 2010
written by OV5G , March 16, 2010
DWP created this toxic dust problem and now they think they can glorify their remediation by stating how much they have spent and how much they have done. There's not enough dust in that lake bed to cover up the carefully orchestrated myriad of false pretenses that is DWP today.
Thank you Paul Thayer and Hap Hazard for doing what is right for the environment and its people. Your work is greatly appreciated!
written by Ted Schade, Air Pollution Control Officer , March 16, 2010
However, your story misses an important point. You failed to mention that the District has already granted the DWP a one-year extension of the deadline. The Moat & Row was supposed to be completed by October 2009. The extension was granted due to the difficulties the DWP had with their environmental review and permitting. In return for the one-year extension, the District got the DWP to agree to an expedited two more square miles of controls.
These two projects will get us very close to taking care of the final 15%. We will get there.
Editor's Note:
Thanks, Ted. Good point on the already granted extension.
Benett
written by Jeff Klenck , March 16, 2010
written by Durrell Coleman , March 17, 2010
Inyo Supervisor Linda Arcularius argued for less use of water since the State has a shortage. She also pled for Moat and Row, although there is no proof it will keep dust down. She said some of the water LA saves could stay in the Owens valley, although DWP has made no such promises.
You have got to be kidding me!!
Sup. Arcularius is a shill for DWP, not a protector of the Owens Valley air quality.
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