The state of the Sacramento Delta Why you should care. Dan Alvardo Santa Clara University December 2, 2004

Transcription

1 The state of the Sacramento Delta Why you should care Dan Alvardo Santa Clara University December 2, 2004

2 What s The Connection? The Sacramento San Joaquin River Delta is the heart of California s water system. Degradation of the Delta has consequences on living things on an incalculable level. Water is a common good and needed by all. Catholics have a responsibility to protect and care for the land as requested by God.

3 Genesis 2:15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it

4 The Sacramento River Delta is San Francisco Bay s greatest source of fresh water. The Sacramento Delta

5 Who cares about the Delta? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says this corridor vital to the survival of many migrating birds and home to many fish. Half of all farm land in California uses water from the Delta system. 22 Million human water drinkers as far away as LA county get their water from the Delta System.

6 What is wrong with the Delta? I. Run off of fertilizers and pesticides II. Contamination from unused mines III. Storm water pollution IV. Over Use California is ranked 11th in the nation for highest toxic releases into water ways Photo taken by Geoff Fricker

7 I. Run off of fertilizers and pesticides 1. Pesticides travel via surface water runoff and through ground water contamination. Run off control isn t enough. 2. Nitrates contained in fertilizers pose a serious health risk to humans.

8 II. Contamination from unused mines 1. Sulfide found in metal ore becomes extremely hazardous sulfuric acid over time. 2. Methyl mercury enters the food chain and becomes concentrated in the food we eat. 3. The chemicals released from the ground by abandoned mines destroys life. Stock Photography Copyright 2001 Steven Holt/Stockpix.com

9 III. Storm water pollution 1. Road pollution is cleaned off by rain and flushed through storm drains that empty, often directly, into the rivers that feed the Delta. 2. Storm drains are frequently used as garbage dumps by people. Out of site, out of mind? 3. Rain water rinses the earth of its chemicals and brings them to the rivers, lakes and oceans.

10 IV. Over Use 1. Millions of gallons of water are pumped to Californian cities in the south and out of the state by local and federal projects. 22 million + users 4 million + acres of farm land 2. Half of all the agriculture in the state is fueled by the Delta watershed. 3. So much water is being used that there isn t enough to cleanse the Bay. California Aqueduct

11 Catholics and the Environment world Catholic social teachings: Common Good and Community The obligation to "love our neighbor" has an individual dimension, but it also requires a broader social commitment Stewardship of God's Creation The goods of the earth are gifts from God, and they are intended by God for the benefit of everyone. Rights and Responsibilities Human rights need to be respected and can be met by taking social responsibility and acting through catholic integrity "respect for life and for the dignity of the human person extends also to the rest of creation, which is called to join man in praising God." ~Pope John Paul II~ man

12 Get to the point! Care of the Sacramento San Joaquin Delta isn t just a catholic concern, but an environmental justice concern as well. Catholic Importance Stewardship of the land Intrinsic value of God s Earth Global Solidarity and Human rights Environmental Justice Importance Populations affected by other people s decisions Ecosystem being damaged by misuses up river

13 "Am I my brother's keeper?" Yes, human beings are their brother's and sister's keepers. The Catholic Church is behind you: go forth and care.

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