Ladders > Lawsuit Filed Against AAC Lining Project

Lawsuit Filed Against AAC Lining Project

EL CENTRO, Calif. (ContentDesk) April 21, 2006 -- Imperial Valley farmers, Mike Abatti and Jim Abatti, and environmental group POWER filed a lawsuit today against the Imperial Irrigation District (IID), San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA), Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation demanding that IID conduct updated environmental and safety review on changes to the design of the proposed All-American Canal (AAC) lining project since it was approved 12 years ago. The lawsuit was filed in the Imperial County Superior Court, Case No. ECU 03006.

Petitioners also intend on seeking an injunction to stop the construction of the canal until questions concerning the canals safety and environmental mitigation are resolved.
The lawsuit was filed after it was discovered that the projects construction drawings did not include previously agreed to safety and environmental features.
The canal lining project approved in 1994 proposes to construct a 23 mile long concrete-lined canal adjacent to the existing unlined canal that conveys Colorado River water to the Imperial and Coachella valleys in southeastern California.
The purpose of the new canal is to stop the seepage of water that occurs through the bottom of the existing unlined canal.
It is estimated that a new lined canal will conserve 67,700 acre-feet of water each year an amount of water valued in excess of $1 billion and capable of serving more than 100,000 new homes.

Most of the water will be made available to the SDCWA, the projects primary beneficiary, with lesser amounts being made available to the San Luis Rey Indian Water Rights Settlement Parties.
The cost of building the project is estimated to be in excess of $200 million and is being funded with $136 million in state monies with remaining amounts to be funded by SDCWA.
The projects construction is being undertaken jointly with the IID who serves as the canals construction manager and operator, and the Bureau of Reclamation who retains ownership to the canal. One of the mitigation measures removed from the project is the installation of escape ridges or steps embedded continuously along the concrete canals side walls, a safety measure which was mandated to allow humans and animals entrapped in the canal a means to escape.
These features, although expensive, were required as part of the projects original approval.

The projects environmental reports note that over time, the side slope of a concrete-lined canal becomes slippery at the water line and below because of silt and aquatic vegetation. That, combined with a lack of handholds above the water line, tends to make escape from the canal extremely difficult. For a swimmer, this could lead to exhaustion and drowning.
In place of the escape ridges, the project proponents have proposed installing less expensive steel ladders in the canal every 750 feet.
Jim Abatti, a plaintiff in the lawsuit, says The problem with the ladders is that animals cant climb ladders and a human cant see them in the dark.

He also explains Lining the canal poses a significant hazard to the hundreds if not thousands of migrants who cross the canal at night each year.
Those of us who live in the Imperial Valley arent interested in sacrificing lives to save San Diego a few dollars.
But what really makes the elimination of the escape ridges appalling are the statements by San Diego County Water Authority staff that the conserved water from the lining project is a cheap source of supply.
Jims brother and co-plaintiff, Mike Abatti, says The elimination of the escape ridges and other mitigation measures from the project is just another example of the contempt with which our neighboring Southern Californias urban water agencies hold the Imperial Valley.
This canal lining project, like the other water transfers proposed under the 2003 Quantification Settlement Agreement (QSA), are unmitigated disasters.
The urban water agencies had a lot of gall three years ago when they asked this valley to fallow our farm land so we could send them water to grow their cities.

I can see this attitude hasnt changed. Mike, who is running for a seat on the IID Board in the upcoming June primary election, adds It is unfortunate that in recent years our own Board of Directors has cared more about our urban neighbors than the valleys residents who elected them.
Plaintiff Protect Our Water and Environmental Rights (POWER), is an environmental organization whose purpose includes protecting and preserving the environmental resources in the Imperial Valley.
In 2003, the organization filed a lawsuit that is still pending against parties to the QSA water transfers for failing to comply with the states environmental laws.The current lawsuit against the AAC lining project alleges that under California law, the IID must update the 1994 Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to consider the project changes that have occurred and new information since the projects original approval. These changes and new information include public safety, regional economics, agricultural sustainability, human migration, homeland security, and environmental concerns.
The lawsuit will seek an injunction against proceeding with the lining project until these concerns are resolved..

Remote Control Automatic Pool Cleaner Now At Cool Pool Deals Easily Spot-Clean Swimming Pools with the Dolphin 2002 Pool Cleaner

June 2, 2005 -- Internet swimming pool store Cool Pool Deals, Inc. (www.coolpooldeals.com) now features the Dolphin 2002 Automatic Pool Cleaner, the remote-controlled model of the popular Dolphin line of automatic pool cleaners.
Complete with its own caddy, the Dolphin 2002 (Product Number NE260) is available online at http://www.coolpooldeals.com/pumpscleanersheaters/automaticcleaners/ig_dolphin2002.html for $1119.95. An intuitively designed remote control mechanism lets swimming pool owners easily clean soiled areas on pool walls and floors in between regular cleanings.
During scheduled full-pool cleanings, the Dolphin 2002 Automatic Pool Cleaner remains equally efficient and convenient.

It traverses swimming pool walls, eliminating dirt, algae and bacteria while expertly maneuvering...

Remote Control Automatic Pool Cleaner Now At Cool Pool Deals Easily Spot-Clean Swimming Pools with the Dolphin 2002 Pool Cleaner

Ladders > Remote Control Automatic Pool Cleaner Now At Cool Pool Deals Easily Spot-Clean Swimming Pools with the Dolphin 2002 Pool Cleaner

How to Modify Your Landscaping to Protect Your House from Burglars

Believe it or not, landscaping can be an important part of a good home security plan. A burglar who is "casing the joint" from the street will choose the house with tall shrubs and trees that provide hiding places. Homes with little or no outdoor lighting are preferred targets as well.So, how can you landscape to protect against burglars while still creating an aesthetically pleasing yard? Here are a few tips:You don't need to eliminate trees, but keep them trimmed back from your house; tree branches can be used as a ladder if they are next to a window or skylight.Mow your lawn regularly; an unkempt lawn can suggest to a thief that the owners are away on a trip.Store ladders, lawn chairs, and picnic tables out of sight lest they be used as a means to reach high windows.Trim back shrubs growing near doors and walkways, keeping them 3 feet or shorter in height. Also, don't allow shrubs to block any of your windows.Adding gravel under windows makes for noisy footing for would-be thieves.Consider...

How to Modify Your Landscaping to Protect Your House from Burglars

Ladders > How to Modify Your Landscaping to Protect Your House from Burglars

Bunk Bed Basics

Bunk beds are a great way to fit two beds into a smaller space, or to maximize the floor space of a shared room. There are now bunk beds available with storage drawers, roll out mattresses and even some that double as desks and workstations. All the additional amenities that bunk beds now offer are certainly something to be considered, but nothing is more important when purchasing a bunk bed than safety. Know what to look for and you will get a great looking bunk bed that serves its purpose. There are certain things an educated consumer should know to look out for, and it also goes without saying that not all bunk beds are created equal.

There are several manufacturers of bunk beds who make quality furniture pieces, and armed with a little knowledge, you can purchase the right bed for your children.

All bunk beds should have rails for the top bunk. Without question, the number one cause of bunk bed related injuries stems from children falling out of the top bunk....

Bunk Bed Basics

Ladders > Bunk Bed Basics

Lawsuit Filed Against AAC Lining Project

Lawsuit Filed Against AAC Lining Project

Ladders > Lawsuit Filed Against AAC Lining Project

Boat Docks

If a person has waterfront property, "boat docks" are a great addition.
A boat dock, available in varying sizes and shapes, is a place to moor a boat and provides easy leisure access for swimming and fishing. There are aluminum docks, steel docks, floating docks and post docks. These classifications depend on materials and style that are used to build the docks. All are designed to offer the best that one could possibly expect in a wet and dry storage facility.

Many accessories, which make it fun and functional, can be seen alongside a dock. Among the accessories are benches, boarding ramps, bumpers, cleats, boat lifts, deep water braces, dock boxes, flagpole holders, handrails, swing and straight ladders, light brackets, shore end wheel kits and storage sheds.

There are a variety of choices in residential lake dock and commercial dock systems. The residential dock is built to fit the location and recreational needs of a customer. Private or...

Boat Docks

Ladders > Boat Docks