The tribes and environmental groups argue that out-of-date water quality standards in the Delta have led to collapsing fish populations and worsening toxic algae blooms, harming tribes whose traditions are tied to the rivers and leaving residents in South Stockton and other areas with stagnant waterways often choked with algae.

“The board needs to protect these waterways and prevent harmful algal blooms and prevent loss of native fish species,” said Stephanie Safdi, an attorney with Stanford University’s Environmental Law Clinic who represents the groups and tribes. “The discrimination that the board has been causing to tribes and communities of color has been going on for years because they haven’t done what the law requires, which is to go in and update water quality standards.”

Los Angeles Times - 8/11/23