SMWD is committed to a thorough and open environmental review process for the Upper Chiquita Reservoir, which includes regular communication with our customers, an informational meeting and the preparation of a full Environmental Impact Report that analyzes the project under the strict regulations of the California Environmental Quality Act.

As the lead agency for the Upper Chiquita Reservoir, SMWD prepared a draft Environmental Impact Report outlining plans for the domestic water storage facility, its potential impacts and mitigation measures that will reduce or eliminate those impacts. The draft EIR was released February 12th, beginning a 45-day public review, which ended March 28th. During this time, SMWD invited all interested parties to review and comment on the DEIR and held a public open house in early March to discuss the reservoir and its draft EIR. The District is now reviewing the comments received and finalizing the EIR. The Board of Directors will consider the project at a public hearing. Please check back soon for the date of the hearing.

The official comment period has ended and the District is preparing the Final EIR.