Yes, in some cases, the water that comes from the well has mineral levels that need to be treated before it can be discharged in the sewer system. We don’t believe that this is a likely outcome, but we will continue to monitor during construction to be sure the well water quality is safe. Future … Continued
Yes. Groundwater generated during the well development, pumping tests, and start up events can be captured and repurposed if need.
No, this project will not change the way water drains from the site. There will only be minimal disturbance to soil during construction. Drainage patterns at the project site would remain essentially the same as they currently exist. The project would result in only a minor increase in impermeable surfaces associated with the well treatment … Continued
The Initial Study completed for the project did not identify significant unavoidable environmental impacts that would warrant a more comprehensive study such as an Environmental Impact Report. The Initial Study determines the appropriate level of compliance document, and in this case, a Mitigated Negative Declaration was deemed the appropriate document.
The proposed well has several design considerations that will alleviate concerns regarding groundwater depletion and impacts to nearby building foundations. First, the well will be drilled to a depth of approximately 500 feet and pull water from an aquafer this is located in a deep, hard rock formation. Second, the well will be lined with … Continued
An Initial Study is a preliminary analysis prepared by the lead agency to determine whether the project may cause a significant environmental impact and weather an environmental impact report (EIR) or negative declaration (ND) must be prepared. An Initial Study facilitates environmental review early in the design of a project, enables mitigating adverse impacts, and … Continued
CEQA requires public agencies to “look before they leap” and consider the environmental consequences of their discretionary actions. CEQA is intended to inform government decisionmakers and the public about the potential environmental effects of proposed activities, to identify ways environmental effects can be avoided or reduced, and to disclose an agency’s decision-making process and to … Continued
Anyone can review the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration to learn more about the project and how it was determined to not have significant environmental impacts through mitigation measures. The CEQA document is available for public review online at https://cityofpetaluma.org/capital-improvements-program/. The public is also invited to a community meeting that will be held at … Continued
Because this project did not have significant impacts, direct notices were not sent to neighbors. Instead, the typical public noticing requirements CEQA guidelines was completed as noted in the FAQ that discusses noticing requirements.
The Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration completed for this project determined that with implementation of mitigation measures, the project would not have significant environmental impacts. Therefore, staff did not hold a community meeting.
