Stormwater Management - Groundwater Recharge
Sonoma County’s weather is characterized by rainy periods (generally October through March), followed by long, dry months. This Mediterranean climate makes Sonoma County a great place to live, farm and enjoy the outdoors – but can create flooding and water supply challenges. Large, heavy winter storms often inundate creeks and streams, flooding local communities. Periodic droughts can stress groundwater and surface water resources.
In three of its flood zones, the Sonoma County Water Agency is identifying opportunities to alleviate flooding, while possibly recharging groundwater aquifers or providing other benefits. The “Stormwater Management-Groundwater Recharge” studies are currently assessing the feasibility of projects in Laguna-Mark West watershed, the Sonoma Valley watershd and the Upper Petaluma River watershed.
Goals of Studies
The goal of the initial scoping studies (one in each watershed) is to establish the project objectives, identify potential project concepts, and determine, at a preliminary level, the technical and practical feasibility of projects that would reduce flooding while providing additional community benefits. These benefits could include groundwater recharge, water quality improvements, water supply improvements, improved ecosystem functions, preservation of agricultural land use, preservation or enhancement of open spaces, system sustainability or benefits like recreation, public access or education.
To accomplish this goal, consultants in each watershed are collecting and assessing technical data and information about the watersheds, and have met with active stakeholders to discuss project objectives and goals and to solicit ideas on potential projects.
The second phase of the studies is to identify possible project opportunities and evaluate at a more detailed level the feasibility of implementing those projects.
Process & Timeline
- Phase 1 – Initiated in December 2010. Draft studies were submitted in Spring 2011. Stakeholder input was provided in Spring-Summer 2011.
- Phase 2 – Based on comments received in Phase 1, consultant teams are drafting studies identifying possible project areas. Meetings were held in fall and winter 2011-2012 to discuss findings with stakeholders and community members.
- Phase 3 – For those projects where partners and potential partners express interest, the Water Agency will move forward with engineering and other supporting studies. The goal is to be positioned to take advantage of potential grant and other funding sources.
Upper Petaluma Watershed
Scoping Study Documents
- Concepts Screening Evaluation, December 6, 2011
- Project Concepts Identification & Description, December 6, 2011
- Draft Issues Assessment
- Draft Project Objectives
- Project Area Map
- Project Area Geologic Map
- Project Area Floodplain Map
- Frequently Asked Questions
Meeting Information
- Agenda - December 8, 2011
- Presentation - December 8, 2011
- Meeting Notes - December 8, 2011
- Agenda - October 5, 2011
- Presentation - October 5, 2011
- Zone 2A Meeting notice - October 5, 2011
- Zone 2A Meeting Minutes - July 21, 2011
- Presentation – April 28, 2011
- Workshop Summary - April 28, 2011
Sonoma Valley Watershed
Scoping Study Documents
- Sonoma Valley Draft Screening Evaluation and Prioritization Memorandum
- Final Project Objectives: Sonoma Valley Stormwater Management Groundwater Recharge Scoping Study
- Final Issues Assessment: onoma Valley Stormwater Management Groundwater Recharge Scoping Study
- Sonoma Valley Stormwater Management Groundwater recharge Draft Screening Memorandum
- Draft Issues Assessment (PDF)
- Project Objectives Framework - DRAFT (PDF)
Meeting Information
- Agenda, October 20, 2011
- Background – Issues & Objectives Presentation, October 20, 2011
- Potential Project Types Presentation, October 20, 2011
- Project Screening Presentation, October 20, 2011
- Prioritization & Next Steps Presentation, October 20, 2011
- Meeting Minutes, October 20, 2011
- Agenda/meeting announcement, April 21, 2011
- Issues and Objectives presentation 1 (PDF), April 21, 2011
- Project Concepts presentation 2 (PDF), April 21, 2011
- Meeting Minutes and Written Comments, April 21, 2011
Laguna/Mark West Creek Watershed
Scoping Study Documents
- Technical Memorandum: Laguna-Mark West Watershed Scoping Study
- Technical Memorandum # 1 - Project Objectives, Study Area, and Outreach
Meeting Information
- Agenda, February 27, 2012
- Presentation, February 27, 2012
- Agenda/meeting announcement, April 27, 2011
- Presentation, April 27, 2011
- Stakeholder Meeting Handout, April 27, 2011
- Meeting Minutes, April 27, 2011
For more information:
If you would like more information about these studies, please contact
Kent Gylfe
Project Manager
(707) 547-1977
kgylfe@scwa.ca.gov