Glenn judge tosses BEC suit

The Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District got the green light to dig seven high-capacity wells on Aug. 13, when Glenn County Superior Court Judge Donald Byrd rejected a lawsuit from the Butte Environmental Council seeking further review of the project.

The GCID had claimed an exemption from review because the wells were primarily for research into the holding and recharge capacity of underground aquifers. BEC had charged that was a dodge and that the wells, which could pump up to 27,000 acre-feet of water annually, were really part of a scheme to sell surface water to downstate districts.

Funding for the wells comes from state and federal agencies. Total cost is $3.1 million.

BEC’s director, Barbara Vlamis, has said her group is considering an appeal.