To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Authorization for the Public Works Deputy-Director for Environmental Services to Make a Recommendation to the Eel-Russian Project Authority Regarding Diversion Facility Modifications at Cape Horn Dam
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Authorize the Public Works Deputy-Director for Environmental Services to make a recommendation to the Eel-Russian Project Authority regarding the preferred design alternative for diversion facility modifications at Cape Horn Dam.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund (1100251)
DISCUSSION:
On March 19, 2024, the Eel-Russian Project Authority ("ERPA") is scheduled to select a preferred design alternative for diversion facility modifications at Cape Horn Dam on the Eel River. ERPA is a newly formed joint-powers authority comprised of the County of Sonoma, Sonoma County Water Agency, and Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission. These modifications are envisioned to be implemented in conjunction with Pacific Gas and Electric's ("PG&E's) decommissioning of the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project. The selected alternative would be carried forward for further design development and environmental review. This decision by ERPA to select a preferred alternative would be for the purpose of further feasibility and planning studies to inform possible future action. The timeline for alternative selection is driven by PG&E's schedule for preparing their revised license surrender application and decommissioning plan which will be released in June 2024.
In 2023, Sonoma County Water Agency convened a technical advisory group to review the preliminary engineering for two (2) potential water diversion facility alternatives based on specified evaluation criteria. A primary goal is to improve fish passage and habitat on the Eel River sufficient to support recovery of natu...
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