American Rivers' President, Rebecca Wodder, sent this letter to the editor of the San Francisco Chronicle regarding the major sewage spills in the Bay that appeared in today's paper.

Editor - Regarding "State EPA chief seeks probe of two sewage spills in Marin" (Jan. 7): The Richardson Bay sewage spill is just a drop in the bucket. Billions of gallons of raw and partially treated sewage pour into California's waters every year.

Keep in mind it takes only about 200,000 gallons to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Our water infrastructure is broken and unless proactive steps are taken, things will get worse.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, California needs $20 billion to address the problems. President Bush has offered up only $555 million for such projects - for the entire country.

I just got this message from the New River Foundation that I wanted to pass along. Have a great Thanksgiving:

"We were hoping to take advantage of the Thanksgiving holiday season to express our thanks for your friendship and support in restoring and protecting the New River. However, we must use this opportunity to relate some unfortunate news instead.