Montara Water and Sanitary District Crafts Letter to GGNRA who Ignored Importance of Montara Creek Watershed, Ocean View Farms and Caltrans ROW with their Rancho Park Plans

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VIDEO. From Montara Water and Sanitary District (MWSD) Director’s meeting on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024 at 7:30pm, as a hybrid meeting.

 

Agenda Item

Staff of the Montara Water and Sanitary District (MWSD or District) has reviewed the National Parks Service (NPS) Rancho Corral De Tierra Comprehensive Site Management Plan (Plan, January 2023, DRAFT_Rancho_CMP_2024 (1).pdf – Google Drive ), and associated documents, and have concerns regarding the lack of collaboration with MWSD and the Montara/Moss Beach population in the development of the plan, as well as the Plan’s implications of impact to the watersheds that surround the Montara/Moss Beach community.

 

Background

The District recently learned of the completed Rancho Corral De Tierra Comprehensive Site Management Plan through the Midcoast Community Council (MCC) and concerned community members. As a key stakeholder and provider of water and sanitary services in the region, the District anticipated significant engagement from NPS in the development of the plan and evaluation of alternatives. Previously, staff communicated with representatives from the NPS/Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), and indicated a strong interest in being involved in the development of the plan, however there was no follow-up from GGNRA. The District also made several attempts to reach out to NPS/GGNRA staff for updates, but did not receive a response. The Rancho Corral De Tierra Comprehensive Site Management Plan (January 2023) was released – and appears to be complete – without any involvement or input from the District or its constituents.

 

MWSD Watershed Impacts

Staff believes that the plan does not adequately address watershed impacts in the areas surrounding the Montara/Moss Beach communities. The following summarizes the concerns:

 

• MWSD has critical water supply sources in Rancho Corral De Tierra, specifically in the northern region (Ocean View, Montara Mountain regions), which includes the Montara Creek watershed. It is anticipated that increased parking and park facilities in the region will increase human traffic in MWSD’s most critical watershed.

 

• It is unclear how the new facilities that are being planned in the vicinity of Ocean View Farms will be provided with water or sewer services. This is critical in understanding the impacts these facilities may have to our local aquifers, both with regards to sustainable withdrawals and potential contaminating sources.

 

• There are several sections in the plan that express interest in utilizing the Caltrans ROW in order to improve trail connectivity. For the past decades, the Caltrans ROW has been one of the most promising locations in the District’s service area for the development of new groundwater sources. The District has drilled multiple test wells within the ROW and has made significant attempts to acquire the land in order to further fortify its water supply portfolio. MWSD remains an interested party in acquiring the ROW, and requests involvement in planning any development in this region of the watershed.

 

 

Caltrans ROW (right of way) also known as the Martini Bypass

 

Alta Vista Watershed

 


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Montara Water and Sanitary District (MWSD) Meetings ~ 1st & 3rd Thursdays @ 7:30pm

 

MWSD Agendas and Meeting Links

If you experience technical difficulties or have technical questions prior to or during the meeting, please contact MWSD’s IT support at (650) 728-7843.

 

Meeting Videos

Meeting Schedule

Regular meetings are 7:30pm on the first and third Thursday of each month. They used to held at the District office at 8888 Cabrillo Hwy, next to Pt Montara Lighthouse and Hostel.

To receive agendas by email, send a request to [email protected]

In addition to email, we post agendas before each board meeting:

  • On the District website here
  • Montara post office
  • Moss Beach post office
  • the bulletin board in front of the MWSD office

 


Who is on the Board of Directors?

DIRECTOR TERM
Scott Boyd — President Term 2020-2024
Kathryn Slater-Carter — President Pro Tem, Secretary Term 2020-2024
Peter Dekker — Treasurer Term 2020-2026
Bill Softky — Director Term 2022-2026
Carlysle Ann (Cid) Young— Director Term 2023-2024

All Board members may be reached by sending an email to [email protected].

Services

Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside (SAM) – MWSD is a member of SAM, the agency that collects and cleans our Coastside community’s wastewater before it enters the ocean. SAM meets monthly on the 4th Monday at 7:30pm. Jim Harvey and Scott Boyd presently serve as SAM board members.

Recology of the Coast – MWSD has contracted with Recology of the Coast for trash pickup, recycling, and waste hauling.

Visit County Solid Waste Department for more information about recycling, composting, etc.

 

In an Emergency

Water Emergencies: Call MWSD at (650) 728-3545

Sewer Emergencies: Call SAM at (650) 726-0124

For emergencies that affect life, health or safety:  Dial 911

Contact Us

  • 8888 Cabrillo Hwy
    Montara, California 94037
  • Office Hours:
    8:30AM to 5PM Mon-Fri
  • (650) 728-3545
  • [email protected]

Note: Public participation is not permitted during closed session discussion items.

 

MSWD General Manager Clemens Heldmaier showing a creek filtration system.

 

Coastside Buzz
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