📝Written Comments Submit by 5:00 PM on Monday, March 3, 2025
Background
The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board is developing General Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) for commercial agricultural operations in the Scott and Shasta River watersheds. This regulation aims to control discharges of sediment, stormwater runoff, and irrigation tailwater from agricultural properties to protect water quality and implement the Scott River TMDL for sediment and temperature and the Shasta River TMDL for temperature and dissolved oxygen.
Why Your Input Matters
Your comments during the scoping period will help shape the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and influence the final regulations. This is your opportunity to ensure your concerns and knowledge are incorporated into the process.
Who Should Comment
- Agricultural operators in the Scott and Shasta watersheds
- Landowners with property adjacent to waterways
- Irrigation district members and water users
- Conservation organizations and environmental advocates
- Tribal representatives
- Community members concerned about water quality
- Fisheries stakeholders
- Recreational water users
How to Prepare Effective Comments
Focus Areas for Comments
- Project Scope: Is the proposed coverage appropriate? Are there agricultural operations that should be included or excluded?
- Environmental Impacts: Identify potential environmental impacts not adequately addressed in the initial study
- Best Management Practices (BMPs): Suggest effective or alternative BMPs for:
- Riparian vegetation management
- Irrigation efficiency
- Sediment control
- Erosion prevention
- Nutrient management
- Implementation Concerns: Address feasibility, timeline, and cost concerns
- Monitoring Methods: Suggest effective monitoring approaches
- Alternatives: Propose alternative approaches to achieving water quality goals
Tips for Effective Comments
- Be specific and provide clear examples
- Reference relevant scientific studies or data when possible
- Explain how the proposed regulations might affect you or your operation
- Suggest constructive alternatives if you identify problems
- Consider economic, social, and environmental aspects in your comments
- Focus on factual information rather than emotional arguments
- Organize your thoughts with numbered points for clarity
How to Submit Comments
In Person at the Scoping Meeting
Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Miner’s Inn Convention Center
122 E. Miner Street, Yreka, CA 96097
Via Zoom
Link: https://waterboards.zoom.us/j/98392396608
Meeting ID: 983 9239 6608
Passcode: 545813
Call-in Number: 1-669-900-9128
Written Comments
Submit by 5:00 PM on Monday, March 3, 2025
Email: [email protected]
Mail:
North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board
5550 Skylane Blvd., Suite A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Attn: Elias Scott
Fax: (707) 523-0135
Key Elements of the Proposed Order
The Scott and Shasta Order addresses these key areas:
- Irrigation, Nutrient, and Pesticide Management for Surface Water Protection
- Riparian Zone Management for Surface Water Protection
- Sediment and Erosion Control for Surface Water Protection
- Irrigation, Nutrient, and Pesticide Management for Groundwater Protection
- Monitoring and Reporting Requirements
Sample Comment Template
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]
Re: Comments on the Scott and Shasta Order EIR Scoping
Dear North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board,
I am writing to provide comments on the Environmental Impact Report scoping for the proposed General Waste Discharge Requirements for Commercial Agricultural Operations in the Scott and Shasta River Watersheds.
[Choose the applicable statement(s):]
- I am an agricultural operator in the [Scott/Shasta] watershed with [describe operation]
- I am a resident concerned about water quality in the [Scott/Shasta] watershed
- I represent [organization name] with interests in the watersheds
Comments on [Topic Area]:
1. [Specific comment with supporting information]
2. [Specific comment with supporting information]
3. [Specific comment with supporting information]
Suggested Alternatives:
1. [Alternative approach]
2. [Alternative approach]
Thank you for considering my comments.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]Stay Informed
Sign up for the Project email list to receive future notifications:
- Visit the North Coast Water Board Email List Subscription Page
- Expand the “Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)” list
- Check the box for “Scott River – TMDL” and/or “Shasta River – TMDL”
Questions?
Contact Elias Scott at (707) 576-2610 or [email protected]
