# California approves Sites Reservoir despite tribal objections

> California's largest reservoir in 50 years gets permit after tribal and environmental pushback.
- Title: California approves Sites Reservoir despite tribal objections
- Summary: California's largest reservoir in 50 years gets permit after tribal and environmental pushback.
- Keywords: sites reservoir, california water, tribal objections, cultural genocide, sacramento river, drought, water permit, sacramento valley, salmon, algal blooms, mercury contamination, Sfgate
- Source: Sfgate — https://sfgate.com/bayarea/article/sites-reservoir-approval-permit-22515481.php
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sites reservoir, california water, tribal objections, cultural genocide, sacramento river, drought, water permit, sacramento valley, salmon, algal blooms, mercury contamination, news
## California water board approves Sites Reservoir permit
California water regulators voted to move forward with building the state’s largest reservoir project in nearly 50 years.
## Sites Reservoir capacity and purpose
The reservoir could hold 1.5 million acre-feet of water diverted from the Sacramento River, enough to supply 4.5 million homes for one year.
## State officials call it a smart investment
Supporters including Gov. Gavin Newsom called the $7 billion project a 'smart investment' for California’s future amid climate change.
## California secretary for natural resources
Wade Crowfoot, California secretary for natural resources, said the water system was built for a climate that no longer exists.

> Our water system was built for a climate that no longer exists
## Tribal opposition to reservoir
Tribal groups and environmentalists warned the project would destroy cultural sites and harm the ecosystem.
## Kasil Willie's concerns
Kasil Willie, policy director at Save California Salmon, said the project site falls on tribal ancestral territory and risks destroying cultural sites.
## Cultural genocide claim
Amanda Mitchum, Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians, called the project 'cultural genocide' and warned it would erase tribal history.

> If the water board approves this permit, understand that you are approving the erasure of our past generations and our generations to come
## Environmental concerns
Critics warned the reservoir would worsen water quality with harmful algal blooms and mercury contamination.
## Salmon and ecosystem impact
The project threatens salmon populations and river flows, with critics saying cold water is needed for survival.

> There needs to be cold water flows for salmon
## Project timeline and cost
Construction could start as early as summer 2027, with the project now estimated at $7 billion.
## Key takeaway

California approved Sites Reservoir permit to hold 1.5 million acre-feet of water for 4.5 million homes, despite tribal claims of cultural genocide and environmental concerns.