Discharge to Hydrologically Connected Waterways
River Watch vs. City of Healdsburg
Case Number: C01-4686 WHA
Date filed: September 17, 2001
Healdsburg owns, maintains, and operates a wastewater treatment, refuse and disposal facility that serves the City of Healdsburg and adjacent areas. Treated effluent is disposed of in Basalt Pond located south of the facility and adjacent to the Russian River. Basalt Pond is hydrologically connected to the Russian River and can be considered a tributary to the Russian River, and therefore waters of the United States. The treatment facility has chronic pollution problems associated with its antiquated collection system, undersized facility, old equipment, and inconsistent maintenance schedule. Due to its proximity to and hydrological connection with the Russian River, Basalt Pond discharges directly to the Russian River. Each day that Healdsburg discharges into Basalt Pond it is violating the Clean Water Act. Healdsburg has no NPDES permit allowing it to discharge to any waters of the United States. After a favorable ruling in U.S. Federal District Court, this case is currently headed for a hearing at the Ninth Cicuit Federal Appeals Court.
Healdsburg to appeal wastewater decision
Issue could end up before U.S. Supreme Court
February 25 / By Ray Holley / Healdsburg Tribune Editor
9th Circuit Affirmed Our Lower Court Victory!
For those of you who have been following our Healdsburg case the 9th Circuit Thursday affirmed our lower court victory. This case is the first from any Federal Circuit after the recent Supreme Court Rapanos wetland decision in July. The unanimous decision was written by the Chief Justice of the Ninth Circuit and sets significant precedence regarding the protection of adjacent wetlands.
click here for the decision in PDF format.
Victory for the Russian River!
United States Federal District Court Judge rules in favor of River Watch
in our case against the City of Healdsburg.
click here to read the Court's Decision
click here to Download Court Decision
in PDF Format
Healdsburg wastewater pond's future use in doubt
Judge says federal permit needed to continue dumping near river
February 5, 2004 / By LORI A. CARTER / THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Healdsburg loses federal lawsuit over wastewater
US District Court judge demands that city
get federal permits for discharge to gravel pit
February 4 / By Ray Holley / Healdsburg Tribune Editor
click here to view the
Press Release in PDF Format
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Press Release in MS Word