While applauding today’s agreement by the State of California to adhere to a specific timeline for Salton Sea restoration projects in the coming years, a coalition of environmental groups reminded policymakers that the clock is still ticking toward an ominous Dec. 31 deadline when required water deliveries will cease to be delivered to the Sea. Representatives of Audubon California, Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife, and the Pacific Institute emphasized that the state needs to begin work on the ground immediately to avert a public health disaster and destruction of vital habitat for migratory birds.
The State Water Resources Control Board approved the agreement, called a stipulated order, at its meeting today. The order includes commitment from the state to complete 29,800 acres of air quality and habitat projects over the next decade, with annual benchmarks that start with at least 500 acres constructed by December 31, 2018.
“Agreeing to this new timeline is a strong indication that the state is more serious about resolving the crisis at the Salton Sea,” said Frank Ruiz, Salton Sea program director for Audubon California. “But we’re past the point of celebrating new promises. It’s time for the State to get to work.”
"It is certainly our hope that agreeing to this timeline will help the State meet its obligation to avoid an environmental and human health disaster at the Salton Sea,” said Sarah Friedman, senior campaign representative with the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign. “Time is running out for the local communities suffering from some of the worst air in the nation, and for the fragile wildlife populations. The State must commit and fund projects on the ground to protect the Sea, our ecosystem and surrounding communities."
Today, the Salton Sea region also serves as critical habitat for more than 400 bird species in a state that has seen more than 90% of its wetlands destroyed by development, agriculture, and drought. The Sea’s diminishing habitat and increased salinity levels will make it increasingly uninhabitable for a variety of wildlife.
“Certainly, a sense of urgency is good, but we won’t be able to wave a piece of paper at the dust clouds, or the dead or absent wildlife,” said Kim Delfino, Defenders of Wildlife’s California program director. “Fourteen years ago when the State promised to address the problems at the Sea, 2018 seemed like plenty of time to protect and restore the Sea. Now we’re two months away from the deadline and impending disaster, and it’s time to get some shovels in the ground and a lot more money dedicated to the Sea.”
"We’re encouraged to see the State commit to a real timeline, but it’s long past time for plans. The Salton Sea needs projects on the ground, now, and a real commitment to make that happen," said Michael Cohen, Senior Research Associate at the Pacific Institute.
Defenders of Wildlife is celebrating 75 years of protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.2 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit defenders.org/newsroom and follow us on Twitter @Defenders.
