Battle Over Massive Nestle Water Bottling Plant to Protect Mount Shasta Headwaters in Tiny Northern California Community of McCl

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Debra Anderson, Brian Stranko, and Brian J. Johnson
Protect Our Waters

Nestle has made some important concessions in recent days regarding its proposed massive water bottling plant in McCloud, CA, indicating that the company is willing to complete more rigorous environmental review than previously promised before building a massive water bottling facility in McCloud. But, like all large-scale projects, the devil is in the details. We are encouraged that Nestle has asked Siskiyou County to recirculate its Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to include more scientific study and cap the type and amount of water it would extract. Still, we are eager to see the specifics of what will be studied, and how the science will be conducted in the new EIR.

The proposed plant will have undetermined impacts to Squaw Valley Creek and the McCloud River. These spring-fed rivers and streams draw visitors from all over the world to fish their pristine waters for the famous Shasta rainbow trout, and to view the spectacular McCloud River Falls. These resources are an integral part of the region’s current and future economic potential.

We assume that Siskiyou County will support Nestle’s wishes and issue a notice of preparation for the new EIR, which will outline the new scope of the proposed environmental review. We believe an adequate EIR must fully address potential negative impacts on the biological and physical watershed/stream system. It must also offer a comprehensive picture of how quality of life in McCloud would be affected by the facility, including rigorous traffic and air quality studies. The development of pre-project information is necessary for the purpose of evaluating potentially significant impacts of the proposed project, refining our understanding of how the stream system works, and successfully designing mitigation measures.

In addition to the many environmental impacts this plant would have on McCloud and the surrounding area, a new Nestle plant also would affect the economic climate in the area. A November 2007 economic report analyzed the long-term impact of the proposed plant in McCloud and showed that the facility is unlikely to create a significant net gain of long-term, permanent jobs for residents. The independent report was prepared by ECONorthwest, a firm with 30 years experience specializing in economic and financial analysis of public policy.

The report states that the proposed contract between Nestle and the MCSD creates a number of risks for the people of McCloud and Siskiyou County. An analysis of similar plants in other parts of the country showed that such facilities do not appear to be strong engines for local economic growth. The plants do create some jobs, but most of these are production positions with relatively low wages. At the same time, much of what makes a place like McCloud appealing to tourists, entrepreneurs and retirees, and is likely to be lost through the location of a bottling plant in the area.