Protection of Natural Resources

By David A Walker

The Sanitary District has a responsibility to manage the natural resources with which it is entrusted; to provide reliable wastewater services while preserving and protecting the environment for future generations. The wastewater collected from the Districts customers is treated and discharged to the San Francisco Bay, therefore the district must ensure the protection of both the bay and the creeks that flow into it. The continuing sewage overflows into the San Francisquito Creek from the Corte Madera Pumping Station in Portola Valley MUST CEASE. The district must install automatic notification equipment that is capable of alerting staff of reduced flow/over flow situations. The District Board must also enforce all of the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) when authorizing new sewer construction, including the requirement to give public notice and hear public input. Approximately 83 percent of the districts service area is situated within the watershed of the San Francisquito Creek, care must be taken to ensure its protection. If elected I shall ensure that the district fully complies with CEQA and places a higher priority on prevention of sewage overflows.