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McClintock Opposes Flows From New Melones - Letter to Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner

March 20, 2015

Congressman McClintock is very troubled by pulse flows proposed by the Bureau of Reclamation from the New Melones Reservoir for environmental purposes. As the reservoir is only one-quarter full – a dangerously low level for the start of the dry season, these flows threaten to deprive residents of Calaveras County of their drinking water supply. Congressman McClintock discussed the situation with Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Estevan Lopez by telephone and sent a letter to follow-up.

"I can only express directly and unambiguously the consequences of [this action] and to reiterate my warning to you: if you release this water for fish now and the human population of Copperopolis and surrounding communities runs dry as a result – it will be an entirely avoidable human tragedy of your own making," stated Congressman McClintock in the letter.

The letter can be read here.

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