Endangered Species Act Covers Disasters

Al Sanders, conservation chairman of the Sierra Club’s Sespe Group, is quoted as saying that the Endangered Species Act probably would have been violated had the Army Corps of Engineers permitted the emergency pumping of water from Ormond Beach Lagoon.

In fact, the Endangered Species Act provides the means for federal agencies to safeguard human life and property in emergency situations without fear of violating the act. This provision applies to situations involving acts of God, disasters, casualties, national defense or security emergencies. Had the corps determined an emergency flood control situation existed, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could have been quickly consulted, recommended ways to reduce adverse effects of pumping on any endangered species, and the corps then would have issued a permit.

The service appreciates the efforts of individuals and groups, such as Mr. Sanders and the Sierra Club, on behalf of the conservation of endangered species and the habitats upon which these species depend. However, the interests of these species would be best served by a thorough understanding of the provisions of the Endangered Species Act. Misrepresenting the authorities of the act can be particularly harmful when many are seeking to weaken this important conservation law.

JUDY HOHMAN

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Ventura