November, 2014 Dear RRWPC Supporter:
With the end of the year almost upon us, it’s time to recount RRWPC’s accomplishments, count our blessings, and look to the future to see where we go next. For the last 35 years, RRWPC has served as an articulate voice for protection of the lower Russian River. We have carefully studied the issues, respectfully spoken truth to power, and continued to maintain our independent voice on behalf of the river environment. Santa Rosa leaders and the Press Democrat have openly acknowledged RRWPC’s significant role in removing Santa Rosa wastewater discharges from the river.
This last year we have written numerous articles for the Sonoma County Gazette on urban water supply and drought, Regional Water Board pathogen studies and anticipated septic rules to come, and problems with urban over-irrigation of wastewater and inadequate regulation of toxins in wastewater (see website http://www.rrwpc.org). To substantiate irrigation runoff, we have gone out on many occasions to photograph its occurrence in Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park. We have urged the Regional Board to take strong action against repeat offenders and they are currently working on the issue. It is noteworthy that wherever we saw irrigation systems turned on, runoff was occurring.