8/17/10
Federal scientists have confirmed a California agency's findings that the sediment trapped behind four Klamath River dams is largely uncontaminated, a critical determination if the removal of those dams is to go forward. The U.S. Interior Department's preliminary review of the muck behind the dams found that there would be no human health risk due to contact with the sediment if it were to be released downstream when the dams are razed. PCBs, trace metals and dioxins were found only at low levels, according to data in the report. The findings confirm a 2006 California Coastal Conservancy study that found the 11.5 to 15.3 million cubic yards of sediment behind the dams is mostly very fine, organic material that had low levels of contamination. ”As far as I'm concerned it's good news for people, the environment and everybody,” said U.S. Geological Survey Program Manager Dennis Lynch, who is heading up the effort to collect information that will inform the U.S. interior secretary on whether removing the dams is in the public interest. Had the sediment been found to be heavily contaminated, it almost certainly would have doomed efforts to remove the dams. A project that would have drained reservoirs and dredged out toxic mud for shipping to a certified landfill is believed to be far too costly.
