UPDATE: The Marin Municipal Water District has just announced a significant investment of $387,685 to address escalating flood concerns in Nicasio. This urgent study follows growing frustrations from residents regarding flooding along Nicasio Creek and Halleck Creek, which they believe is exacerbated by sediment buildup.
Residents initially protested a now-canceled plan to expand the Nicasio Reservoir, fearing it would worsen flooding issues. Reports indicate that the flooding has caused damage to roads, yards, and even the community school, prompting officials to take swift action. During a board meeting on November 18, the district approved a contract with Environmental Science Associates to investigate the flooding’s root causes.
Ben Horenstein, general manager of the district, stated, “What we found is, without question, there’s district responsibility.” He emphasized the need to address the streams and property effectively. Board chair Matt Samson acknowledged the study’s high cost but confirmed its necessity, saying, “I appreciate the fact that we’re moving forward with it.”
The now-defunct Nicasio Reservoir expansion was initially a cost-effective solution aimed at bolstering the county’s water supply. However, as project estimates skyrocketed from $10 million to a staggering $54 million, the board decided to terminate the plan. Residents welcomed the cancellation but insisted the district must now focus on flood mitigation.
The purpose of the new study is to identify factors contributing to reduced creek flow and propose long-term management strategies. Adriane Mertens, spokesperson for the district, clarified that this study is independent of any future spillway modifications.
Community member Martha Davis, of the Nicasio Landowners Association, expressed appreciation for the district’s response, highlighting the importance of 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.”
Residents are also concerned about the district’s proposed atmospheric river capture project, which aims to carry water from the Russian River into the Nicasio Reservoir. They worry about the reservoir’s capacity to handle such an influx.
In addition to the study, the district is seeking emergency permits from the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Board to remove accumulated debris from Nicasio Creek, further addressing flood risks. If approved, this removal could take as little as two to three weeks.
As the district moves forward with these critical actions, residents remain hopeful for effective flood management solutions that will protect their community’s well-being. The call for collaboration and understanding between the district and residents is more urgent than ever as they navigate these challenging waters.
