Calif. Landowner Says Sediment in Delta Channels Increases Flood Risk

A Delta farmer and levee authorities in San Joaquin County, Calif. are suing the state, claiming California water managers are increasing flood risks by allowing sediment to collect in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

Landowner Dino Cortopassi and Reclamation District 2086 say they want the Department of Water Resources to dredge sediment from channel beds so high water will run less risk of engulfing local property.

Cortopassi owns a ranch near Walnut Grove, and he said sediment is piled as much as eight feet high in some areas of the delta.

His attorneys filed the suit in San Joaquin County Superior Court.

A department spokesman says he couldn’t comment before getting a copy of the lawsuit.