Stupid....
OS,.... From your post, I'm not sure what part of this makes you upset.... Is it the potential for increased rates You say, "....this is not the solution...." but if this isn't, what is Not sure what Westlands role in this is. Lots of emotion, tho.
Personally, I have mixed emotions about the required upgrade but to be fair to the State Water Board, their job is to propose the requirements for issuance of a permit (....we voted boards of this nature into existence didn't we ). Negotiations on this permit have been ongoing for 5 years, already, and there're reportedly 8 years left to comply with the new requirements. Further, The Sacramento District has operated under it's current permit for a lengthy period prior to negotiations on this one began. So they can't claim they didn't know that there was a potential for this to happen....
The required upgrade will not only address elimination of ammonia but some treated solids that are discharged as well. That will result in cleaner water which should make a lot of downstream users (cities/growers/fish/wildlife, etc.) happy. Enough of the obvious....
Now, financing this project doesn't have to be exclusively thru rate increases even tho the district has emotionalized the issue by saying that's the only method. I'm wondering if the district has asked for stimulus money or any number of low interest, long term grants/loans. How about a bond issuance The district certainly has had enough time explore them. From their own pronouncements, they apparently only considered rate increases. At any rate, the district will undoubtedly appeal the boards decision. So, any increase in cost is not imminent. I don't particularly like the prospect of increased rates but if that's the outcome, I guess we're gonna be stuck with it (the cost of clean water).
The SacBee is guilty of playing both sides of this issue for it's own benefit. There have been numerous articles in the Bee over the last few weeks both pro and con. So, in this instance, its editorial doesn't carry much weight with me.
"America is a country which produces citizens who will cross the ocean to fight for democracy but won't cross the street to vote."
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