The California Environmental Quality Act Process,Or By The Direct Operation Of California And Federal Laws

ftc.gov, Sep 12, 2005

The Truckee River are listed as among the nation’s most polluted waterways by the State Water Resources Control Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency due to excessive sediment loads. Squaw Creek’s South Fork drains the slopes of Squaw Peak and then joins the North Fork at the western end of Squaw Valley’s floor. At the eastern end of Squaw Valley, Squaw Creek flows into the Truckee River.

2. Squaw Valley USA ski resort (“Ski Resort”), a 2,800-acre downhill ski area, is located in the Squaw Creek watershed. Rainstorms and snowmelt at the Ski Resort carry sediment into both the North and South Forks of Squaw Creek. Construction of ski runs, ski lifts, access roads, buildings, and other facilities at the Ski Resort have changed natural drainage patterns and vegetation, thereby increasing erosion on the Resort’s land. This contributes excessive sediment to and further degrades the water quality of Squaw Creek.

3. Recent construction activities at the Ski Resort have, in the instances described below, violated water quality standards and prohibitions and construction conditions intended to minimize erosion. Those standards, prohibitions, and conditions are implemented through local, state, and federal permits, through the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) process, nd/or by the direct operation of California and federal laws.

4. By constructing and operating projects without required permits and approvals, without dequate prior environmental review, in violation of approval conditions, or in violation of local, tate, and federal laws, Defendants have harmed and continue to harm Squaw Creek and its ributaries.

5. The People bring this action to enjoin conduct contributing unduly to erosion and
sedimentation, to obtain penalties and liabilities under applicable statutes, and to obtain such other
relief as authorized by law.