Complaint Filed Over Untreated Runoff
A sport fishing group filed a complaint against the State Fair organization because untreated runoff from the horse track is pouring into the American River near a popular swimming hole.
The complaint, filed this month against Cal Expo by the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, is a precursor to a lawsuit and alleges that discharges of urine, feces, soap and trash are harming people and fish.
Runoff from rain and washing horses is carrying manure and soiled straw to a storm drain that flows into the river near Paradise Beach.
Cal Expo has been aware of the problem for two years and said it was working to stem the flow of pollution. But the group said it doesn’t don’t have the estimated $2 million needed to solve the problem.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
