I understand the turbidity and solids issue, completely - I worked as a Water Treatment Plant operator for P&G - my questions were because, in some personal emails, etc., people have told me that the suction dredge laws include my highbanker, so I was wanting a little clarification.
I do not, personally, think that California should be banning it - actually, I even have an issue or two with them even putting out permits, rather than just controlling WHEN someone can dredge. These environmentalists have everyone in their grasp convinced that turbidity and solids are detrimental - and they can be during a certain point (like spawning), but after spawning, and during other times, roughing up the water with elements that are natural (like dirt) is actually beneficial to many, many species of fish - it turns up food, softens spawning beds and allows easier access to oxygen-rich water along with tiny elements (like algae and other things) that new fish have to have.
I am certainly against dyes and chemicals being dumped directly into the water, but, unless you are a huge operator, most dredge operations do not make enough turbidity to cause any problems with anything. Even in the Federal laws for large firms - it is a really high number for it to be an issue.
Pretty soon we will be like parts of Canada (Yukon) - take all the water out you want, but don't put any back in. Stupid.
B