The Fort Mojave Tribe has filed a lawsuit against a California gas company, alleging that its water treatment plant is destroying a sacred site.

The Topock Maze, a series of rock formations, is considered by the tribe to be the portal into heaven. Once covering 50 acres, a power plant has already destroyed much of the site.

The tribe wants to prevent even more damage from Pacific Gas & Electric's water treatment plant. The lawsuit claims the company failed to identify the potential harms to the site, also known as the Mystic Maze.

The tribe is seeking the support of state and federal officials. The National Congress of American Indians passed a resolution last week calling for oversight hearings.

Get the Story:
In the Desert, a Soul's Journey vs. Water Risk (The Los Angeles Times 6/21)
pwpwd

Related Stories:
Tribes battle gas company over sacred site along river (03/21)