Brian Barton
The Sacramento River, which runs through California's agricultural heartland, is considered one of the dirtiest rivers in the United States. The river's pollution stems from various sources, including agricultural runoff, urban waste, and homelessness issues. With over 80% of its water used for agriculture, the river faces contamination from chemical pesticides, sewage overflow, and plastic litter. Additionally, the river's ecology is threatened by large-scale water infrastructure projects, climate change, and the presence of invasive species. The Sacramento River's pollution has led to a decline in fish populations and native bird species, highlighting the urgent need for environmental conservation and sustainable practices in the region.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| River's cleanliness | Fairly clean water |
| Pollutants | Methylmercury, microplastics, chemical pesticides, sewage overflow, mine tailings, acid mine drainage, urban runoff, nitrates, rocket fuel, E. coli |
| Sources of pollution | Agricultural practices, urban areas, homelessness, international trade, mining, water diversion, damming projects, climate change, invasive species |
| Impact | Ecological viability threatened, reduced water quality, changes to river's hydrology and environment, endangerment of Chinook salmon and steelhead trout species |
| Efforts to address pollution | California's SB 54, "The Circular Economy and Pollution Reduction Act"; California Department of Fish and Game's Heritage and Wild Trout Program |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic pollution
The Sacramento River, the largest river in California, is facing a plastic pollution crisis. A study by the University of California, Berkeley, found that the river was a major contributor to the over 7 trillion microplastics deposited in the San Francisco Bay each year. The same study also found microplastics in the stomachs of a quarter of the anchovy, striped bass, and salmon in the Bay Area.
The Sacramento River has been subjected to various forms of pollution, including pesticides, nitrates, mine tailings, acid mine drainage, and urban runoff. The river's high mercury levels, a result of gold mining operations during the California Gold Rush, have had detrimental impacts on wildlife and humans. The river's water is also used for agricultural purposes, with over 80% of water consumption from the river being used for large-scale agriculture. This has led to criticisms from more drought-conscious residents of the state.
Homeless encampments and population growth in the urban stretch of the American River by Sacramento have also contributed to the spike in plastic litter pollution. To combat this, the American River Foundation leads monthly river clean-ups by homeless encampments near the state capitol, trying to curb the scourge of plastic litter in the river waters.
To address the issue of plastic pollution in the Sacramento River, the California state legislature considered SB 54, "The Circular Economy and Pollution Reduction Act." The act aims to require plastic container manufacturers to ensure that by 2030, all single-use disposable products are made of recyclable or compostable materials. However, as of 2019, the act had stalled in the assembly without passage.
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Pesticides and agricultural pollution
The Sacramento River is the lifeblood of California's Central Valley, the state's agricultural heartland. The valley is one of the most important agricultural regions in the United States, producing one-third of the country's total agricultural output. The river is the primary source of irrigation water for the valley, with over 80% of its water consumption dedicated to agricultural purposes.
However, this heavy reliance on the river for irrigation has had detrimental effects on the river's ecosystem and water quality. The use of chemical pesticides in agriculture is a significant contributor to the pollution of the Sacramento River. In 2017, over 200 million pounds of agricultural pesticides were used in the Central Valley, and these chemicals have made their way into the river. Pesticides such as diazinon and chlorpyrifos, commonly used in almond and stone fruit orchards, have been found at toxic levels in the river. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation has noted the negative impact of these pesticides on local wildlife, including aquatic birds and river animals, as well as regional biodiversity.
The agricultural industry's influence has also hindered efforts to address the pollution problem. Large farming businesses have obstructed environmental restoration initiatives, fearing that they may reduce the water available for irrigation. This has created a challenging situation where regulatory efforts have stagnated, and community-based solutions are needed to fill the gap.
In addition to pesticides, the Sacramento River also faces pollution from other agricultural practices. Irrigation projects that divert river water for agriculture have damaged the surrounding natural environment. The river's water has been diverted, dammed, and altered for human purposes, threatening the river's ecological viability. The river's ecosystem is further threatened by climate change, invasive species, and overfishing, which have weakened salmon, trout, and steelhead populations.
Despite the challenges, ongoing restoration efforts offer hope for the future of the Sacramento River. The California state legislature has considered ambitious proposals, such as SB 54, "The Circular Economy and Pollution Reduction Act," which aims to reduce plastic pollution and promote recyclable materials. While this particular act stalled, it represents a growing awareness and commitment to addressing the environmental issues facing the Sacramento River and its surrounding ecosystems.
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Mercury pollution
The Sacramento River is one of the dirtiest rivers in the United States, and mercury pollution is a significant issue. The river provides energy, food, and water and supports one of the most important agricultural regions in the country. However, mercury contamination poses a threat to both the ecosystem and human health.
Mercury was historically used in gold production, and the Sacramento River Valley was the site of the famous 19th-century California Gold Rush. The mercury used in the gold mining process was deposited in the river as miners tried to isolate gold deposits. Even after mining operations have ceased, mercury persists in the environment and continues to contaminate the river. The Sacramento River Watershed Program has identified Cache Creek, a tributary of the Sacramento River, as having a watershed area that includes several large abandoned mercury mines and a gold mining and processing facility.
The presence of mercury in the river has dangerous consequences for both wildlife and humans. Mercury can be converted into methylmercury by organisms in the soil and sediment of the river. Methylmercury is a highly toxic compound that can accumulate in fish populations. When consumed by humans, it attacks the central nervous system and can cause adverse health effects on the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system. It can lead to a decline in motor skills, dulling of the senses, and even death in extreme cases.
To address mercury pollution in the Sacramento River, various efforts are being made. The "Be Mercury Free" program, a collaboration between SacSewer and the Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership, aims to educate residents and businesses about the sources and effects of mercury and reduce the amount of mercury entering the river watershed. Treatment plants are also working to minimize the levels of mercury discharged into the river. Additionally, there is a focus on reducing the use of mercury-containing equipment and chemicals in institutions such as hospitals, schools, and dental offices, and proper disposal methods are being promoted.
Regulatory and private sector obstacles have hindered the progress of mercury cleanup efforts in the Sacramento River. The complex water management system in California, involving various authorities, has created challenges in implementing effective solutions for water quality improvement and estuary restoration. The presence of thousands of mines in the area and the competing priorities of water quality authorities have also contributed to the slow pace of mercury remediation.
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Invasive species
The Sacramento River is California's largest river, providing 35% of the state's water supply. It is also an important habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species, including anadromous fish such as Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead trout.
In addition to the threats posed by pollution and climate change, the Sacramento River ecosystem is also under pressure from invasive species. More than 100 invasive species have been identified in the Sacramento River Watershed, and they are estimated to represent 95% of the region's total biomass. These invasive plants and animals compete with native fauna and wildlife for resources, including water, and can also provide fodder for wildfires.
One of the latest invaders is the nutria, a large rodent native to South America. Nutria are a concern because they devour vegetation and destabilize levees by burrowing into them. Other invasive species in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta include Brazilian waterweed and water hyacinth, which are particularly problematic for public agencies and marinas, costing millions of dollars to manage.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is working to address the issue of invasive species, and expects to provide a monitoring report with recommendations by the end of the year. However, experts have noted that interagency coordination could be improved, and that there is a lack of existing infrastructure to effectively monitor and manage invasive species.
The Sacramento River Wildlife Refuge provides a safe haven for migrating bird species, and organizations like the San Francisco Baykeeper, the Environmental Defense Fund, and Save the Bay are leading activists in the fight for stronger environmental protections for the San Francisco Bay area.
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Sewage and waste
The Sacramento River is a vital source of energy, food and water, and it supports one of the most important agricultural regions in the United States. However, it is also one of the dirtiest rivers in the country. The Sacramento River's pollution is closely linked to agricultural practices, with chemical pesticides and sewage overflow causing reduced water quality and elevated E. coli levels.
The California Coastkeeper Alliance, a local non-profit, has sued Sacramento County, alleging that they have violated the Clean Water Act by dumping raw sewage and other pollutants into several waterways, including the Sacramento River. The lawsuit claims that the county's failing infrastructure has resulted in spills and discharges that harm the Delta ecosystem, fisheries, wildlife habitat and human health.
Homeless encampments along the river have also contributed to plastic litter pollution, and over 100 invasive species have been identified in the Sacramento River Watershed. The combination of these social issues, climate change and invasive species presents significant environmental challenges for the region.
To address plastic pollution and waste, the California state legislature considered the Circular Economy and Pollution Reduction Act (SB 54). This act, regarded as the most environmentally ambitious proposal of the 2019 legislative cycle, aimed to require plastic container manufacturers to ensure that all single-use disposable products were made of recyclable or compostable materials by 2030. However, it stalled in the assembly without passage.
The Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer) is responsible for sewage treatment and resource recovery, with sewage collection provided by the city of residence. Their mission is to protect public health and the environment by collecting, treating and recovering resources from sewage.
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Frequently asked questions
The Sacramento River is considered to have fairly clean water for a river of its size. However, pollutants flow into the river from its tributaries and man-made channels. The primary sources of pollution are agricultural and urban runoff, including pesticides, chemical fertilisers, and sewage overflow.
The Sacramento River and its tributaries once supported a vast population of salmon and other fish species. Pollution has had a heavy impact on the river's environment, with occasional harmful algae blooms and massive fish kills caused by irrigation withdrawals. The river's ecological viability is further threatened by water infrastructure projects, climate change, and invasive species.
Efforts are being made to address pollution and environmental damage in the Sacramento River. For example, the California Department of Fish and Game operates a programme focused on replenishing steelhead trout populations. Additionally, the California state legislature considered the "Circular Economy and Pollution Reduction Act" to promote recyclable and compostable materials for single-use disposable products.
Agriculture is a significant contributor to pollution in the Sacramento River due to the heavy use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers, which find their way into the water system. Over 80% of water consumption from the river is for agricultural purposes, and the diversion of water for irrigation has negatively impacted the river's ecology.
The Sacramento River's pollution sources include pesticide runoff, especially DDT, urban runoff, mercury from historical mining activities, and microplastics. Homeless encampments along the river have also contributed to plastic litter and E. coli bacteria contamination.
