Lake Mendocino Mussel Infestation Program
Summary
SCH Number
2022070402
Public Agency
Sonoma County Water Agency
Document Title
Lake Mendocino Mussel Infestation Program
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/21/2022
Document Description
Quagga and zebra mussels are an invasive mussel that, if introduced into a waterway, can devastate the natural environment, clog water and flood protection infrastructure, and cost millions of dollars in maintenance. Mussels are transported between waterways by watercraft, primarily recreational boats. Trained canines can detect microscopic mussel larvae and more efficient than human inspectors.
The Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) has coordinated a successful watercraft inspection program at Lake Mendocino since 2008. The project includes adopting a Resolution ratifying and approving the signing and filing of grant applications to the California Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Boating and Waterways. If the grant is awarded, the funds would be used to provide watercraft inspection services and increase the hours of canine watercraft inspections on peak boating days to prevent quagga and zebra mussel infestation into Lake Mendocino. The funds would also provide inspection training, education, and outreach activities, and would coordinate with qualified consultants to help develop year-round inspections.
Contact Information
Name
Connie Barton
Agency Name
Sonoma County Water Agency
Job Title
Senior Environmental Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Cities
Ukiah, Willits
Counties
Mendocino
Regions
Countywide
Other Location Info
1160 Lake Mendocino Drive, Ukiah, California
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15309, Inspections
Reasons for Exemption
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15309, project activities are limited to watercraft quagga and zebra mussel inspections and inspection training that help prevent potential for infestation at Lake Mendocino. Pursuant to Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 21083, the proposed project does not have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, have a cumulatively considerable effect, or cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly. Pursuant to PRC Section 21084, the project would not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an historic resource or tribal cultural resource.
County Clerk
Mendocino
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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