Toxic Runoff

USGS scientists are criticizing a plan to "solve" the toxic runoff problem from Westlands (prior post):

Biologists, water districts and growers alike have tried dozens of innovative approaches to get rid of the runoff that collects after farmers irrigate their crops.

[snip]

But growers say fallowing fields would rob them of their livelihoods and cause major job losses throughout the region. Given the huge expense required to fix the drainage problem, farmers say they need a permanent water contract to ensure their financial viability, and to keep growing the fruits and vegetables the nation relies on.

No, farmers need to stop growing crops with imported water in soil that's contaminated by thousands of years of mineral accumulation.

Bottom Line: The Westlands water district only exists because the government was stupid enough to bring water to it. Given that it is killing wildlife, its existence is even less useful. Stop bringing water to Westlands, pay off the farmers (perhaps the price they paid for the land) and end the agony.