Rocky Ridge Temporary Precipitation Forecasting System. WO# 8173, CP#21-24

Rocky Ridge Temporary Precipitation Forecasting System. WO# 8173, CP#21-24

The Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) and several other agencies in the Bay Area have collaborated with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Colorado State University's Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, the United States Geological Survey• pacific Coast and Marine Science Center, and the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at Scripps Institute of Oceanography, to develop a regional project called the "San Francisco Bay Area Advanced Quantitative Precipitation Information System" (AQPI Project). Its purpose is to provide early notification of more precise rainfall forecasting for atmospheric rivers, including location, intensity, and amounts, for the improved management of water supply reservoirs, the improved operations of combined sewer and wastewater systems, the improved operations of flood protection facilities, and numerous other benefits to flood control managers, emergency responders, transportation officials, and media outlets. The Project consists of a sublease agreement and temporary placement, operation, and maintenance of a precipitation forecasting system at Rocky Ridge, off Bollinger Canyon Road, in Castro Valley, California, with American Towers, LLC. The precipitation information system will improve the region's early warning capabilities to avoid life-safety threats from potential land sliding, debris flows, flooding, erosion, road hazards or other fire related problems that could be compounded from heavy rain events. The temporary precipitation forecasting system also will give flood control managers, emergency responders, transportation officials, and media outlets more precise information on just where, when, and the intensity of expected rainfall. Current use of the site is a telecommunications facility consisting of existing 200-foot-tall radio tower, several communication buildings, large generators, propane tanks, and multiple antennae. The site is closed to the public and enclosed by a barb wire topped chain link fence. The project would place a self-contained precipitation forecasting system on an existing concrete pad within the fence line. The system consists of an eight-foot high by eight-foot wide by ten-foot long shelter topped with a fully enclosed rotating antenna. The height of the antenna would be under 20 feet from ground level and would not adversely impact a scenic or historical resource. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that any permit that may be applicable is obtained from any regulatory agencies, including but limited to Contra Costa County Building Inspection Division, Public Works Department, CDFW, RWQCB. and BAAQMD.

Contra Costa

Northern California, San Francisco Bay Area, Unincorporated

Contra Costa