The Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are resisting compliance with the Clean Water Act. Instead of fixing their broken roads that bleed sediment into salmon-bearing streams, these federal agencies are opposing new regulations that would hold them accountable for repairs. We think this stinks. If you do too, let the Forest Service know!
The Clean Water Act & California’s Role
The Clean Water Act is unique. Although it is a federal law, its implementation is left to individual states. In California, we enforce the Clean Water Act through the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act. Under Porter-Cologne, the state is divided into various districts, each responsible for regulating water pollution to meet water quality objectives—ensuring that all waters are drinkable, fishable, and swimmable.
The Problem: Logging & Sediment Pollution
Logging has significantly impaired water quality across the state. In our region, many rivers are classified as "impaired" due to sediment pollution. As the largest landowner in the area, the federal government has played a major role in both historic and ongoing water quality degradation. Too many poorly maintained roads continuously bleed sediment into nearby streams - sometimes gradually, sometimes in sudden, catastrophic bursts.
Fortunately, sediment pollution can be dramatically reduced. Rocking and outsloping roads help minimize routine sediment runoff, while properly sizing culverts for large storm events reduces the risk of major failures.
The Fight Over Regulations
The Regional Board recently updated its regulations to close a loophole. Previously, the Forest Service and BLM were only required to complete restoration activities when creating new pollution. Now, the Regional Board is mandating a proactive, long-term watershed restoration program targeting the worst and most persistent sources of sediment pollution.
For federal agencies, this should be an improvement. By separating restoration from individual projects, agencies no longer need to secure additional funding every time they undertake new work - making projects easier, quicker, and cheaper to implement. Instead, they simply need to establish and execute a long-term restoration plan to curb controllable sediment pollution. A win-win, right?
Yet, after the Regional Board approved the order, the Forest Service and BLM appealed the decision to the State Water Quality Control Board. Why? Because they claim the Regional Board lacks the authority to require them to clean up pollution issues. We believe this argument not only misinterprets the law but is also stubborn and irresponsible. If you agree, help us let the BLM and Forest Service know.
How to Give Public Comment
Click Here to send a letter to the Regional Forester and BLM State Director urging them to drop their appeal.
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