The "Geysers Alternative"

MADRONE AUDUBON IS poised to join a lawsuit against the proposed Geysers wastewater pipeline, if necessary to assure that the pipeline does not violate the National Audubon Society's Mayacamas Mountains Sanctuary, near Healdsburg.

At issue is the proposal to inject Santa Rosa's treated wastewater into the Geysers steam energy field, presumably renewing that energy source while solving the City's wastewater problem and reducing the need for discharges into the Russian River. As currently proposed, the pipeline, along with its huge tanks and pump stations, would be constructed through the National Audubon Society's Mayacamas Mountains Sanctuary, near Healdsburg.

The Sanctuary is protected under a "forever wild" conservation easement, and Madrone Audubon is vehemently against any route that would violate the easement. We believe such a violation may be illegal and would set a terrible precedent in environmental law. Madrone Board members Joanne Dranginis and Bill Payne have been working diligently on this issue for the Chapter, and Audubon-California is opposing the route on behalf of National Audubon.

The Alexander Valley Association, representing landowners in the area, also has many concerns about the proposed pipeline, and supports our position that it should not violate the Sanctuary. Negotiations are being held with the City of Santa Rosa in hopes of avoiding litigation. However, the AVA is prepared to sue if its concerns are not substantially met, and the Madrone Board of Directors has voted to join the suit if necessary.