Water Resources Investigations to Evaluate Streambed Clogging Impacts on Riverbank Filtration
Summary
SCH Number
2025020888
Public Agency
Sonoma County Water Agency
Document Title
Water Resources Investigations to Evaluate Streambed Clogging Impacts on Riverbank Filtration
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/25/2025
Document Description
Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) uses riverbank filtration (RBF) as a sustainable alternative to traditional drinking-water treatment. RBF relies on maintaining the natural hydraulic connection between surface water and groundwater across the streambed of the Russian River. RBF operations are affected more directly by changes in environmental conditions (e.g., droughts, floods, nutrients) than conventional systems. During the most recent drought, reductions in water-withdrawal efficiencies at Sonoma Water’s Wohler facility were significantly greater than have been observed in the past. Careful and ongoing study is needed to address any uncertainties that may exist from potential changes in surface-water quality and quantity to carefully plan for and mitigate operational risks and costs (e.g., pumping strategies).
Sonoma Water is coordinating with United States Geological Survey (USGS) to identify environmental drivers (winter storms, temperature, water quality) related to variability in abundance, structure, and persistence of microbial biomass within the hyporheic zone at Sonoma Water’s RBF sites. Under the agreement, USGS will continue to collect and analyze groundwater, surface water, and streambed sediment samples to identify various factors related to water quality and biological responses in the Russian River streambed (e.g. streambed clogging) to changing climate, surface, and groundwater conditions, and predict possible future outcomes for riverbed filtration efficiency.
Contact Information
Name
Connie Barton
Agency Name
Sonoma County Water Agency
Job Title
Senior Environmental Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Cities
unincorporated area
Counties
Sonoma
Regions
Unincorporated
Other Location Info
Information collection would occur at Sonoma Water’s facilities located at 9765 Wohler Road and 10290 Westside Road.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15306: Information Collection
Reasons for Exemption
The project consists of data collection and research activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource or result in a substantial adverse change to a historical resource.
County Clerk
Sonoma
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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