Why is suction dredging now illegal in California?
SB 670 (Wiggins) was enacted on August 6, placing a temporary prohibition on the use of vacuum or suction dredge equipment for instream mining in any California river, stream or lake, regardless of whether the operator has an existing permit issued by the Department of Fish and Game (DFG). The temporary moratorium does not apply to suction dredging operations performed for the regular maintenance of energy or water supply management infrastructure, flood control, or navigational purposes.
