Chris Theisen, General Manager for the Ventura Regional Sanitation District spoke first in the Presentations part of Tuesday’s regular meeting. Unfortunately a camera malfunction forced this reporter to leave before hearing the discussion. His remarks will be reported in a later edition. However, a last minute fix permitted some photos.

SESPE AQUIFER EXEMPTION:
The Seneca Oil Company is seeking to have the Sespe aquifer removed from the Safe Drinking Water Act which would permit it to extend its fraction operations closer to Fillmore’s large aquifer. Approximately 40 opponents of the Seneca proposal attended Tuesday’s meeting and urged that the Council send a strong letter to the Environmental Protection Agency condemning such a move.

The Council unanimously agreed to send such a letter. Each member spoke out against Seneca’s plan, arguing that fracking so close to the city’s aquifer could have catastrophic consequences leading to an eventual contamination of the aquifer.

Councilmember Diane McCall recalled an old Western adage, “We fight for whiskey. We kill for water.” That statement metaphorically sums-up the determination of the Council and city to halt any attempt by Seneca Oil to extend its fracking operation closer to our aquifer.

The Council will send a strong letter to the EPA opposing such a move.