Harrison Ford jumps into fray over Hetch Hetchy reservoir

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 8/20/6 | Phillip Matier, Andrew Ross

[SmithL]

Can Indiana Jones rescue Hetch Hetchy Valley from its watery Temple of Doom?

No sooner did the California Department of Water Resources issue a report concluding it would cost between $3 billion and $10 billion to drain the Hetch Hetchy reservoir and replace San Francisco's water and power supply than never-say-never environmentalists enlisted action hero actor Harrison Ford to their daunting cause.

The 64-year-old Ford flew his own plane into Tuolumne County this past week, then drove to Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite National Park to shoot a bit of added footage and commentary for the 19-minute Environmental Defense documentary, "Discover Hetch Hetchy." The short film, which has already premiered at a Nevada City film festival, also features the likes of former U.S Secretary of Interior Don Hodel and state Assemblywoman Lois Wolk, D-Davis.

Jennifer Witherspoon of Environmental Defense, which has been leading the charge to restore Hetch Hetchy, said Ford was tapped for the role because he is "really dedicated to protecting and restoring important natural places around the world."

But Tony Winnicker, spokesman for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, whose 2.4 million customers rely on the Hetch Hetchy for their drinking water, had a very different take on Ford's involvement: "As an actor best known for starring in major fantasy and science fiction movies, appearing in a film about draining the Hetch Hetchy sounds like a role right up his alley."

[quadrant]

Drain the lake and give the people of San Francisco a taste of reality rather than water.

[thackney]

the obvious consequence would be the depopulation of San Francisco, and how would that be wrong?

Would you want them to leave San Francisco and come live in your neighborhood, vote in your local elections?

[Old Student]

"Would you want them to leave San Francisco and come live in your neighborhood, vote in your local elections?"

Why would they want to move to Oklahoma? Nah, I figure they'll go to Los Angeles or New York.

[Carry_Okie]

A big chunk of the recent cash behind EDF is from the Starr Foundation, basically AIG Insurance money.

Starr is also a big donor to the CFR.

[Axenolith]

People are already hiring like this is a done deal, this is from Thingamajob...

High Level CEQA Project-Hetch Hetchy Dam Job
Description:

Immediate opening for CEQA gurus. We are looking for at least 10 CEQA professionals to work on a six year project at Hetch Hetchy Dam. Hetch Hetchy Dam is being taken down and we need people knowledgeable in CEQA to oversee the construction of new reservoirs, pipelines, as well as deconstruction of pipelines, power houses, and the actual Dam itself.

This is a great opportunity to work on a high level project. Candidates must have at least 3 years of experience with CEQA and EIS and EIR statements. Pay for the position is anywhere from 75-90K. Position will be based out of San Francisco but travel is required up to Hetch Hetchy and various part of the valley to conduct EIS's and EIR's.

For immediate consideration send an updated resume to Jeff Stieler at jstieler@aerotek.com

Required Skills for High Level CEQA Project-Hetch Hetchy Dam Job: CEQA About Aerotek E & E: Join Aerotek E & ESM. We specialize in the Environmental, Civil, Geotechnical and Construction Management industries. We are one of the nation's largest and fastest growing providers to these industries. We offer nationwide opportunities and comprehensive benefits to include medical, dental, optical, and optional 401k. Don't put your career in the hands of just anyone, put it in the hands of a specialist. Join the Aerotek E & E team! Allegis Group and its subsidiaries is an equal opportunity employer.

Contact Information Jeffrey S. Stieler Apply Now! Begin by filling out the "Apply Online for this Job" section at the top of the page Need Directions? Get office driving directions with Google Maps jstieler@aerotek.com Aerotek E & E - Stockton, CA 1776 W. March Lane Suite 120 Stockton, CA 95207 TEL: (209) 955-2660 TEL: (888) 874-1772 FAX: (209) 955-2691

[Axenolith]

Mono Lake has always been saline, and it's recovered loads of water in recent years due to a deal that keeps LA from usurping its entire input from the surrounding mountains.

Around 92-3 I was there and the towers were out of the water and they had these little monuments for the anticipated rate of refill. I went up 4 or 5 years later and the towers were 50 yards out in the lake. It was filling back far faster than anticipated.

[Tokra]

The king of One Dimensional has to be Patrick Swayze (sp?), though

or Clint Eastwood
or Jack Nicholson

[Robert A Cook PE]

They need a bunch of CE Quality Assurance" types to tear down a dam?

Just how much QA is involved in tearing DOWN a simple dam? (And how much overhead is THAT going to add?)

[Axenolith]

CEQA is California Environmental Quality Act. They will have to perform years of impact statements and studies.

I've been convinced for a while that much of this crap is just employment insurance for gobs of otherwise "useless eater" consultants (insultants in our lexicon). They probably staff and fund half the tree hugger rent-a-mob crews...

[MrLee]

Both "The Mosquito Coast" & "Witness" weren't bad. Stars Wars(1st 3) were better though...

[Axenolith]

As an aside, we're on Hetch Hetchy too, in W. CC County, and it's REALLY good water. I'll be pretty pissed at this coming to pass for sure...

[Texan5]

And while they're quibbling over QA, they'd also better make sure they have an alternate water supply for SF before they even think of tearing down dams...

[Robert A Cook PE]

Thanks for the correction.