Water Storage Reservoirs and Community Forest Project

The proposed project includes construction of three raw water reservoirs and development of a publicly-accessible community forest. Each reservoir would have a storage capacity of 45 acre-feet (approximately 14.6 million gallons), for a combined storage capacity of 135 acre-feet (approximately 44 million gallons). The reservoirs would be located approximately 0.3 mile southeast of Summers Lane Reservoir, north of an existing dirt road and south of the PG&E utility easement. The project would include a lot line adjustment such that the three reservoirs are within one parcel. A raw water pipeline, approximately 5,000 feet in length, would travel along the reservoirs to the northwest and would turn east at Summers Lane Reservoir to connect to the City’s existing water infrastructure. The reservoirs would be filled during the winter with water pumped up from the Noyo River or from Waterfall Gulch. Water would be drawn from the reservoirs during summer when flows in the channels are low, reducing the impact on aquatic species. The water would flow primarily by gravity to the City’s Water Treatment Plant. A two-bedroom, two-bathroom caretaker unit and storage building would be constructed adjacent to the Summers Lane Reservoir, on APN 019-070-11. A second caretaker unit may also be constructed. Figure 3 shows the proposed conceptual site plan. The proposed community forest, which would encompass the remainder of the project site, may include public trails throughout the project site. A trailhead, parking lot, and vault toilet would be constructed at an existing disturbed site approximately 750 feet north of Highway 20 and Gravel Pit Road. The parking lot would be approximately 1,800 square feet.