Watson Water Diversion Removal and Stream Crossing Project (Notification of Lake or Streambed Alteration, No. EPIMS-MEN-65336-R1C)

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Region 1, has executed Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement EPIMS-MEN-65336-R1C with James Watson for the Watson Water Diversion Removal and Stream Crossing Project. Located in the Eel River watershed in Mendocino County, approximately 8.8 miles north of Laytonville, the project is classified under NAICS code 237990. The work is subject to categorical exemptions Classes 2 and 4 under the California Code of Regulations and is managed by Environmental Scientist Penny Lancaster. The project scope consists of two primary encroachments. The first involves upgrading a stream crossing culvert from 12 inches to 24 inches in diameter, which includes excavation, installation, backfilling, and rock armoring to prevent erosion. This phase also includes restoring 25 feet of the stream channel by removing 2.31 cubic yards of aggraded sediment and shaping a new streambed 6 inches wide and 1 foot deep with 2:1 slopes. The second encroachment involves decommissioning water diversion infrastructure by removing a 55-gallon barrel and between 0.65 and 1.3 cubic yards of fill, with a total disturbance footprint of approximately 12 square feet.