North Bay Residents Protest Nicasio Dam Expansion

Community Fears Raised by Reservoir Expansion Plan

The Marin Municipal Water District has proposed an expansion plan that would increase the water level of the Nicasio Reservoir by several feet. This plan has sparked significant concern among local residents, who fear that the project could lead to flooding in their homes.

The agency has released a public statement acknowledging the concerns of the community and is currently reviewing them as part of the Environmental Impact Report process. This report is essential for moving forward with the dam's elevation.

Nicasio, a small town located in Marin County, California, is at the center of this controversy. The town, which has about 250 homes and a population under 1,000, is situated just upstream from the reservoir. Residents rely on wells for their water supply and do not receive direct benefits from the reservoir except during flood events.

Amy Morse, a 40-year resident of Nicasio, explained the situation: "Thirty-seven square-miles of watershed and when it rains a tremendous amount of water from Hallett Creek, Lucas Valley Creek and Nicasio Creek flow down through our valley." She emphasized that the community is not opposed to the project out of self-interest, but rather due to the potential risks involved.

Martha Davis, a long-time resident, described the opposition as far from being NIMBYism (Not In My Backyard). She recalled that the idea of expanding the reservoir was previously considered in the 1980s, but it was rejected because it would have flooded homes and the historic school in Nicasio. "They promised to dredge the tributary streams," she said. "They stopped doing that at the end of the ‘70s."

Thomas Wood, who has lived in the town for 50 years, noted that the silt buildup in the streams is at least 15 feet or more. He pointed out that the water district has not responded to calls for dredging the creek.

Residents have observed the effects of the silt accumulation firsthand. KTVU reporter Tom Vacar stood on a smooth, flat stone that used to be a sitting bench. Now, it's part of the creek bed and will be gone within a year. On the water district's property, there are massive stacks of wood, trunks, and branches that have flowed downstream toward the reservoir. These structures resemble giant beaver dams and contribute to flooding.

Kasey Briare, a 38-year resident, expressed frustration with the situation. "Every year, it already floods half-way up to our house. So we'd like them to take care of the problems they have existing before they even introduce a new problem."

Governor Gavin Newsom has highlighted the impact of climate change, noting that it leads to hotter summers, drier periods, and wetter winters. Davis added that the community is already experiencing flooding conditions almost every winter. "So if we have more intense storms coming in and the reservoir is higher, all it's gonna do is intensify the flooding here."

The Marin Municipal Water District has acknowledged the concerns raised by residents and is working on the Environmental Impact Report as part of the process to evaluate the potential effects of raising the dam. This report is a crucial step in determining whether the project can proceed.

Residents remain determined to voice their concerns and seek solutions that protect their homes and community from the potential consequences of the reservoir expansion.