by Phillip Ed Nickerman
To the County Supervisors, Local Media and General Public:
The proposal to remove the Potter Valley water project dams is one of the most misguided ideas of our time. These dams, which divert water from the Eel River through the Potter Valley tunnel to the Russian River, have provided immense benefits to millions of people, protected communities from devastating floods, and turned arid lands into thriving agricultural hubs. Removing them would undo more than a century of progress.
When these dams were originally constructed, their primary purpose was flood control for the Eel and Russian River regions. Before their installation, seasonal floods caused widespread destruction in villages and towns near Humboldt Bay. Over time, these dams not only mitigated flooding but also created valuable reservoirs, including Lake Pillsbury and Lake Mendocino, which support communities, agriculture, and ecosystems.
Today, over 7 million people depend on this water supply for drinking, farming, and irrigation. The water has transformed the region, enabling the cultivation of grapes, fruit, vegetables, and other crops in Marin, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties—areas now renowned for world-class wine production. Without this reliable water source, these agricultural industries would collapse, taking with them the livelihoods of countless farmers, workers and the general public.
The Broader Impact of Dam Removal
Removing these dams would have disastrous consequences:
1. Property Values:
• Homes and properties near lakes and rivers would lose 40-50 percent of their value.
• Wells, currently shallow and reliable, would need to be re-drilled at a prohibitive cost of $1,000 per foot.
2. Flooding Risks:
• Without the dams, flooding will return to the Humboldt Bay and Eel River areas, putting homes, infrastructure, and lives at risk. Who will be responsible?
3. Agriculture:
• Farmers currently pay around $20 per acre-foot of water. Without the project, irrigation costs could skyrocket to $100-$200 per acre-foot, forcing many out of business.
4. Economic Losses:
• Lower property values and diminished agriculture will devastate local economies and strain county budgets, including funding for reassessing properties. Where will we get the money for this?
Environmental Misconceptions
Some argue that the dams are harming salmon populations, but the reality is more complex. The decline of the salmon industry began in the late 80’s and 90’s, due to international overfishing practices, not because of the Potter Valley project. In fact, the dams have coexisted with sustainable salmon runs for most of the century.
A Better Solution
Rather than dismantling these vital dams, we should focus on preserving and enhancing the water project. PG&E, which has operated the project for years, plays a critical role in the region’s infrastructure. If maintaining the project is financially challenging for PG&E, a small surcharge—just $1 per month—on water bills in the affected areas could generate $12 million annually to sustain operations.
Additionally, as a gesture of fairness, Lake Pillsbury and surrounding government-owned shoreline could be deeded to Native American tribes for housing, recreation, and cultural development. In exchange, tribes could manage and maintain the lake and dams, preserving this essential resource for future generations.
Let’s build, not destroy
At a time when water shortages are growing more severe, removing dams is counterproductive. Instead, we should focus on increasing water storage capacity. For instance, raising the height of Lake Mendocino’s dam by just 10 feet would double its storage capacity. We need forward-thinking solutions that address our water needs, not short-sighted actions that harm our communities.
In closing, I urge you to consider the following questions:
• Who will pay for the removal of these dams, and who will profit from the process?
• Who will be held accountable for the flooding and property damage that will inevitably follow?
• Why has Lake County, home to Lake Pillsbury, been excluded from many of these discussions?
Rather than dismantling critical infrastructure, let’s work together to preserve it. The Potter Valley water project has served us well for over 100 years. Let’s ensure it continues to benefit our communities for generations to come.
– Phillip Ed Nickerman is a Potter Valley resident
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