Sonora resident Keith Walker is challenging in court new state regulations on suction dredging.
He claims the state of California is overreaching its authority with the regulations, according to uniondemocrat.com.
Suction dredging uses a motorized vacuum pump system to sift through gravel in streams. Prospectors often prefer the system over traditional panning because it is more efficient and brings in more gold. However, environmentalists have claimed dredging harms fish populations by stirring up the gravel beds and clouding the water.
“ I fully intend to appeal this thing if I lose,” Walker said on Monday. “ I’ve got an eight inch dredge just sitting there that’s practically worthless now (because of the regulations).”
[mappress]
Dredging Today Staff, June 6, 2012;