5 of 10 Threatened Rivers See Action, Group Says
American Rivers has provided an update of actions taken on the rivers it monitors since the April release of America’s Most Endangered Rivers™.
Each year, the America’s Most Endangered Rivers report highlights the rivers facing the most uncertain futures. The report presents alternatives to proposals that would damage rivers, identifies those who make the crucial decisions, and points out opportunities for the public to take action on behalf of each listed river.
“Thousands of Americans have taken action on behalf of these endangered rivers this year,” said Rebecca Wodder, president of American Rivers. “This six-month check-in serves to keep these rivers in the public eye, and remind decision makers that actions are still needed.”
Sacramento-San Joaquin River System (Calif.)
Threat: Outdated Water Supply and Flood Management Systems
Update: Launch of the Central Valley Flood Management Planning Program – a comprehensive approach to restoring the Sacramento and San Joaquin
Flint River (Ga.)
Threat: Proposed Water Supply Dams
Update: Federal judge blocks Georgia’s drinking water withdrawals from Lake Lanier
Lower Snake River (Idaho, Ore., Wash.)
Threat: Four dams
Update – Still threatened
Mattawoman Creek (Md.)
Threat: Proposed Highway
Update: Maryland Department of Environment delays decision on the highway from May 31 to December 1
North Fork of the Flathead River (Mont.)
Threat: Proposed mines
Update: Still threatened
Saluda River (S.C.)
Threat: Sewage pollution
Update: The town of Williamston has committed to stop wastewater discharge into the Saluda and irrigate farmland with the treated effluent, completely removing their discharge of phosphorus to the river.
Laurel Hill Creek (Pa.)
Threat: Water withdrawals
Update: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection denies withdrawal permit to water bottling companies
Beaver Creek (Alaska)
Threat: Proposed oil and gas development
Update: Still threatened
Pascagoula River (Miss.)
Threat: New petroleum storage
Update: Still threatened
Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (Minn., Wis.)
Threat: Loss of Wild and Scenic River protections
Update: Still threatened