Number: 1989-21
WHEREAS, the Atlantic and Gulf coasts are drained by scores of discrete river systems, rather than a few large rivers; and
WHEREAS, the configuration of these watersheds has drawn interest to possible inter-basin transfers of water; and
WHEREAS, rates of population growth and economic development in several of these watersheds have been among the highest in the nation; and
WHEREAS, transbasin diversion of water from several of these rivers is occurring or is proposed, such as the proposal by the city of Virginia Beach, Virginia, to divert 60 million gallons per day from the Roanoke River Basin; and
WHEREAS, many of these rivers flow into estuaries of great natural, scenic, and recreational importance; and
WHEREAS, diversion of water from a basin reduces the instream flows in the basin of origin by the amount exported, in contrast to uses within the basin, and may be damaging to the water regimes in the receiving basins; and
WHEREAS, reports by the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment and the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee have documented the serious decline in water quality and biological productivity of shallow coastal waters; and
WHEREAS, the complex problems resulting from existing diversions often remain unresolved for decades;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 16-19, 1989, in Arlington, Virginia strongly recommends that before any new or enlarged transbasin diversion from any coastal river of the Atlantic or Gulf Coast takes place, a full Environmental Impact Statement be prepared and presented, documenting a range of water management options and alternatives to diversion, and their associated environmental effects; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation urges that any such inter-basin transfers as may subsequently be approved shall be contingent upon and subordinate to the satisfaction of such requirements as are necessary to achieve and maintain productive estuaries, indigenous riparian habitat, and recreational opportunity in the basin of origin; and to assure the prudent management of supply and demand for water, and the avoidance of waste, in the receiving basin.