Searsville Water Restoration Project environmental review begins

Published on February 20, 2023

Searsville-Dam.jpg

Stanford has formally started the state (CEQA) and federal (NEPA) environmental processes for the Searsville Water Restoration Project in February 2023. The environmental application review process is being conducted by the California Department of Water Resources (as the Lead Agency under the California Environmental Quality Act) who will prepare an environmental impact report, and US Army Corps of Engineers. 

On February 14, 2023, DWR distributed a Notice of Preparation to public agencies and other interested parties to begin the formal CEQA scoping process for the project. The Notice of Preparation informs agencies and the public about the project and DWR’s decision to prepare an EIR, and includes a request for comments on environmental issues that should be addressed in the EIR. 

The objectives for this project include: restoring natural sediment processes and creek flows, restoring historical fish passage, minimizing disruptions to ongoing teaching and research at the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, and protecting important cultural resources.

Written comments can be submitted anytime beginning Feb. 14, 2023, and ending at 5 p.m., March 17, 2023. 

  • By mail with the letter subject heading “RE: Searsville Watershed Restoration Project public comment" to:
    California Department of Water Resources
    c/o Ted Frink
    P.O. Box 942836
    Sacramento, CA 94236-0001
  • Via email with the subject heading “RE: Searsville Watershed Restoration Project public comment” to:
    DWRSearsville@water.ca.gov
Interested parties are encouraged to engage and comment on the Notice of Intent (NOI) and Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the environmental impact report. Comments can be submitted anytime during the NOI/NOP review period. 


Two virtual public scoping meetings will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, at:

  1. Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023
    3–4:30 p.m.
    Meeting link: https://kearnswest.zoom.us/j/82343204260
    Dial-in Number: 1-309-205-3325
    Meeting ID: 823 4320 4260

  2. Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023

    6–7:30 p.m.
    Meeting link: https://kearnswest.zoom.us/j/89875146206
     Dial-in Number: 1-309-205-3325
    Meeting ID: 898 7514 6206

View the Department of Water Resources Notice of Preparation. Comments to the Department of Water Resources are due by March 17, 2023.

View the US Army Corps of Engineers Federal Register Notice of Intent. Comments to the Army Corps are due by March 9, 2023.

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