California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Compliance
The Final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report certified in 2004 was a programmatic document that evaluated alternatives combining dam removal, sediment relocation, flood protection (levees), two bridge replacements, new recreation features, giant reed removal, and modification of water supply facilities. (See 2004 Final EIS/EIR for additional information.)
Technical studies to refine project features continued between 2008 and 2016, resulting in a new dam removal method and reevaluation of other project components. In 2017, Watershed Protection received funding to implement the Matilija Dam Removal 65% Design Planning Project, comprising additional technical studies, construction design, and updated analyses under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Watershed Protection has determined that preparation of a Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) is warranted to provide a complete and objective analysis of the modified approach to dam removal and related Project components. Per CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(d), a Subsequent EIR shall be given the same notice and public review as required for a Draft EIR. Details concerning the SEIR scope, process, timeline and public involvement opportunities are available via Watershed Protection’s Supplemental EIR webpage.
Matilija Dam circa 2007