Freeport Regional Water Project - Golden Mussels

The Sacramento County Water Agency is seeking authorization to utilize copper compounds and other necessary chemicals at the Freeport Regional Water Project intake facilities to treat and control golden mussels. This action follows the 2024 discovery of these invasive mussels within the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, which pose a significant threat of biofouling that could block municipal and industrial water intakes and diminish overall water quality. To support these efforts, the agency proposes an amendment to the 2006 Operations and Maintenance Agreement to formally permit the use and storage of sodium hypochlorite and other chemicals required to combat golden mussels and other invasive species. Managed under solicitation number PLER2026-00041, the project is categorized as an emergency under CEQA Guidelines Section 15359 to address the immediate threat to essential public services and water conveyance infrastructure. The initiative is being coordinated by the Sacramento County Environmental Coordinator and Principal Civil Engineer to ensure the continued functionality of the regional water system.