Court Rules Against Nestle Waters: Small, Historic Mill Town Wins Battle to Save Pristine Waters from Corporate Profiteering

A superior court decision in Siskiyou County was granted against the attempt of the unincorporated town's special district to contract a deal with Nestle Waters for a massive water bottling plant in the small historic mill town of McCloud, CA. The Superior Court ruling on March 21, 2005 confirms the belief of many McCloud citizens that Nestle and the McCloud Service District were negligent and in violation of state law when they finalized their contract in the absence of public review or support.

(PRWEB) March 29, 2005 -- The McCloud Watershed Council (MWC) is pleased to announce that the Siskiyou County Superior Court has granted the Petition against the McCloud Community Service District (MCSD) requesting that the contract with Nestle Waters of North America (NWNA) be set aside due to non-compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

In his ruling, Superior Court Judge Roger Kosel agreed with the plaintiff that, "...the agreement constitutes an initial and integral stage of the proposed project". He also criticized the McCloud Service District for "...divesting itself of any modicum of control over the compliance process.." and for their "...abuse of discretion..." for not proceeding with CEQA compliance prior to approval of the agreement.

This ruling confirms the belief of many McCloud Citizens that Nestle and the MCSD were negligent and in violation of state law when they finalized their contract in the absence of public review or support.

The McCloud Watershed Council will continue to work to ensure that the democratic process and state and federal law is upheld in any further action taken by the district regarding McCloud's water resources. The McCloud Watershed Council will also remain diligent as a watchdog organization concerning any further attempt on the part of Nestle to obtain rights to McCloud's water resources. Most importantly, the MWC is committed to ensuring that the vital resources of the McCloud watershed are protected from profiteering and remain under local and regional control. For more information: www.mccloudwater.com

About McCloud Watershed Council:

The McCloud Watershed Council was formed as a grassroots response to an unprecedented plan by Nestle Waters of North America to appropriate and sell millions of gallons of water belonging to the small historic mill town of McCloud, California.

On September 29, 2003, with virtually no public input, the five member board of directors of the McCloud Community Services District signed a 100 year contract on behalf of their approx. 1400 constituents. The contract entitles Nestle to 1600 acre feet per year of our pristine, spring fed public water supply on Mount Shasta.

For more information on the contract and the devastating impacts of the proposed one million square foot water bottling plant in McCloud, please go to:

www.mccloudwater.com

Press Contacts:

Lori Vance

530-964-2050

Richard McFarland

530-941-3692

Debra Anderson

530-345-5603

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