UPDATE: The Marin Municipal Water District is taking immediate action to address serious flooding concerns in Nicasio, California, with a significant investment of $387,685 for a comprehensive study. This urgent response follows mounting pressure from local residents who feared that a canceled reservoir expansion plan could worsen flooding issues affecting Nicasio Creek and Halleck Creek.
Residents have reported increased flooding, damaging roads, yards, and the community school. The district’s board approved the contract with Environmental Science Associates during a meeting held on November 18, aiming to pinpoint the factors causing reduced creek flow and evaluate potential long-term management solutions.
Ben Horenstein, general manager of the Marin Municipal Water District, emphasized the district’s responsibility in addressing these environmental challenges:
“What we found is, without question, there’s district responsibility. We feel that there are some opportunities and needs for us to address the streams and the property.”
Chair of the board, Matt Samson, acknowledged the steep cost of the study but affirmed its necessity:
“I think it’s merited, and I think it’s on us. I appreciate the fact that we’re moving forward with it and better understanding not only the impacts of what’s going on out there.”
The original plan to expand the Nicasio Reservoir aimed to enhance the county’s water supply and strengthen drought defenses. However, escalating costs—initially estimated between $10 million and $15 million—ballooned to an alarming $37 million to $54 million, leading to its cancellation in August. Residents celebrated this decision but demanded further action to alleviate flooding.
The district’s study is not linked to any future reservoir modifications. Adriane Mertens, spokesperson for the district, clarified: “The study is focused on meeting our commitment to convene key stakeholders and gather objective, science-based information about current creek conditions.”
Community members, including Martha Davis from the Nicasio Landowners Association, expressed appreciation for the district’s efforts but highlighted the need for ongoing monitoring. “This is a living ecosystem. You’re going to need to understand how the system is responding to any of the changes that you’re making within it,” Davis stated.
In addition, the district is pursuing emergency permits from the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Board to clear accumulated debris from Nicasio Creek. This critical step, requested by residents, aims to improve water flow and reduce flood risks. If approved, the clearance could take approximately two to three weeks.
As the district moves forward, residents remain vigilant about the impact of potential new projects, such as the proposed 13-mile, 36-inch pipe connecting to the Russian River. Concerns persist about the reservoir’s capacity to handle increased water flow during drought conditions.
The situation in Nicasio reflects a broader struggle between environmental management and community safety, making the upcoming study a pivotal moment for both the district and its residents. As the district gathers crucial data, all eyes will be on how these findings will shape future water management policies.
The urgency of this flooding issue cannot be overstated, as the community awaits results that could dictate the future of their environment and safety. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
