Casino news source: ABC30 - http://abclocal.go.com
Plan To Release Chukchansi Casino Sewage Water Into Creek Has Residents Concerned
By Gene Haagenson
04/27/2007 - A plan to let treated sewage water flow from the Chukchansi Casino into a mountain stream isn't sitting too well with some Madera County residents. They met with federal experts and casino officials Thursday night Coarsegold.
The EPA was ready to approve the casino's plans to let treated sewage water flow into Coarsegold Creek, but protests and media coverage forced the federal agency to hold a public hearing to find out what the people think.
The massive Indian owned resort and casino treats its sewage on site, using the recycling cleaned wastewater to irrigate the landscaping. But as it grows, the resort is generating more wastewater than it can use.
One solution, treating it, then letting the water flow into a nearby stream. The EPA says it's not an unusual practice
Doug Eberhardt, Environmental Protection Agency, says "it's very common, all the cities in California have sewage treatment plants and most of those discharge into streams."
The wastewater would flow from the casino into Coarsegold Creek, which flows into the Fresno River, and into Hensley Lake. Folks living along those waterways fear the water will be loaded with dangerous chemicals and disease carrying microorganisms.
Maryann McKinley, Coarsegold Resident, says "so why in the world should the people who live downstream take the chance of having those organisms affect their kids who wade in there, affect the fish they might want to eat out of there, why should we have that risk?"
Others are worried about their property values. Joe Speer, Coarsegold resident, says "who is gonna buy a piece of property when you tell them there is a possibility sewage overflow may come right by your house on Coarsegold Creek."
The Chuckchansi Resort believes its treatment plan will produce water clean enough to drink. But general manager Jeff Livingston says if the EPA does not approve the plan an acceptable alternative will be found.
"We want to create a very clean way to process water. If the permitting to give you an example didn't go through, we'll do whatever we have to make sure our communities are served well and the business is served well" says Livingston.
Environmental Activist Lloyd Carter offered the Indian casino an alternative solution. "I suggest you buy ten acres of land next to the tribal lands and grow yourselves a nice cedar forest with this water instead of sending it into the creek" suggested Carter.
The EPA will take the testimony heard Thursday night under advisement and is accepting written comments until May 9th. After the comments are analyzed the agency can decide to either issue or deny a permit, or hold more hearings. |
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