Impacts of
Building a Dam
The California American Water Company (Cal Am) claims the proposed dam would improve the environment using statements of non-experts; Cal-Am should present us with the statements of the National Marine Fisheries (NMFS), the California Department of Fish and Game (F&G) and the Sierra Club's hydrologist. The experts' comments on the proposed dam reveal its artificial flows would be a significant problem for the Carmel River ecosystem. The expert comments are a part of the public record on the dam, available to anyone asking for them, but ignored in Cal-Am.'s slick brochure.
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Environment- Wilderness
"Reservoir behind existing Los Padres, earthen dam" © 1999 Kira Carrillo Corser
All of the trees and land that you see in this picture will be underwater if the new dam is built.
The proposed new dam will destroy 130 acres of natural habitat, including 24 acres of designated wilderness, 27 cultural archeological sites, many of them sacred to the Esselen Indians and all of cultural importance to California's indigenous heritage.
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The area in Danish Creek is one of the most beautiful in the Ventana Wilderness, including waterfalls. Danish Creek is part of the Wilderness area that will be drowned by the proposed dam's reservoir. This stream rises near the 3600 foot level at Big Pines wilderness Camp and flows east to enter the reservoir behind Los Padres dam. Locals pronounce it duh-neesh Creek, possibility a native language origin. |
"Carmel River" © 1998 David Gubernick
Dams can alter water temperatures affecting the ability of insects and plants survival. They also disrupt the flow of water, and virtually cut off the flow of sediment past the dam. When the current dissipates in the reservoir, its suspended particles in the water sink to the bottom, trapped for the life of the dam. Very little gets past a large dam.
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Environment - Vineyards
Photographer David Gubernick asked Jack Galante, of Galante Vineyards in Cachagua, "What will be the impact of the proposed new Los Padres Dam on your vineyard?"
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Environment - Artists
Many photographers and artists will contribute their works in the coming weeks. Denise Sallee presents her "Field Notes" on the sights and feelings of this very special area.
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