Vulakh Stream Crossings and Water Diversion Removal Project (Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement No. 1600-2019-0384-R1)

Vulakh Stream Crossings and Water Diversion Removal Project (Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement No. 1600-2019-0384-R1)

The project is limited to seven encroachments (Table 1). The first encroachment is for the removal of an existing on-stream pond water diversion. A small earthen dam had been previously constructed to impound water. When the impoundment was full, water was passively diverted from the impoundment via a buried flex pipe to a nearby rainwater catchment pond. In May 2020, the flex pipe was excavated, disconnected from the rainwater catchment pond, and directed towards the stream channel below the on-stream impoundment. The work to be completed under this Agreement includes fully removing the on-stream pond and restoring the stream channel to its natural course. Work for this encroachment will include excavating the dam, re-contouring the slopes to as close to natural grade as possible, stabilizing the disturbed area with erosion control measures, and revegetating the disturbed area. All restoration work will follow a stream restoration and revegetation plan that the Permittee will provide for review and acceptance by CDFW. Four proposed encroachments are to upgrade failing and undersized stream crossings. Work for these encroachments will include excavation, removal of the failing crossings, replacement with new properly sized crossings, backfilling and compaction of fill, and rock armoring as necessary to minimize erosion. The two other proposed encroachments are to maintain and make improvements to existing stream crossings. Work for these two encroachments will include rock armoring as necessary to minimize erosion and regular maintenance to keep the culvert inlets and outlets clear of debris. Project activities at all stream crossings and the on-stream pond removal shall require pre-construction surveys by a Designated Biologist if surface water is or becomes present during construction. The Permittee disclosed additional features of interest (Table 2). The Notification describes the condition of the rainwater catchment pond and provides actions to bring it to a stable condition that will meet current performance standards. Existing features disclosed in the Notification, but not included as 1602 projects with fees, are not covered under this Agreement. If maintenance or other work become necessary, that work may need to be covered by a major amendment or a separate Notification. The Notification also discloses the use of a well located at Lat/Long 39.0662, -123.2180. This well is presented as the sole source of water for all needs on the property. CDFW did not evaluate hydraulic connection of the well to surface water, nor was a hydrogeologic evaluation prepared by a licensed geologist provided for CDFW review. No other projects that may be subject to FGC section 1602 were disclosed. This Agreement does not retroactively permit any constructed reservoirs (including “ponds”), stream crossings, water diversions, modifications to riparian buffers, or other encroachments not described in Table 1.

Ukiah

Mendocino

Northern California