December 31, 2016
to:  Mr. Parker Thaler
      California Water Board
 

Dear Mr. Thaler,

For many decades, the Klamath Basin has been struggling with water issues. These issues currently threaten the very existence of the economic and social base of all the Basin's citizens.

There is no doubt that a balanced water settlement is desperately needed. However, the current proposed agreements do not achieve this balance. Any appearance of wide spread support for the current agreements, have NEVER, and will NEVER  exist.

Klamath County Board of Commissioners opposition to these agreements to date has been consistent for the last four years.  The citizen's opposition dates back at least another three years. This continued opposition has been upheld by the citizens, specifically in regards to the Klamath Dam Removal Agreement, by the advisory ballot results in the November 2016 election. A resounding 73% of the voters simply said NO to the removal of the four Klamath River dams. And this was achieved with literally no political campaigning.

Siskiyou County citizens said NO to the tune of 80%, in their 2010 ballot. The Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors have opposed Klamath Dam Removal since first being proposed in 2008. 

I ask that you read, study and analyze the seven attachments before making any decision on this ill-fated direction. Klamath dam removal clearly does not have the support from the citizens that live and work in the counties where all four of the dams are located.

The actual Federal Government studies show a very cost prohibitive and epic environmental disaster picture of removing dams especially with the 22 million cubic yards of sediment being dumped down river. In contrast, the bought and paid for "science", being presented by those favoring dam removal, ignores the very obvious costs, liabilities and environmental dangers. 

Please consider this email correspondence along with the seven attachments, as my formal comments. Please view in electronic form or color printed format for easier to understand viewing.

Thank you for the opportunity to offer comments and documentation,

Tom Mallams

Klamath County Commissioner