Crews Begin Sediment Removal Project In Novato Creeks

NOVATO, CA — Crews have begun a major sediment removal project in Novato Creek and nearby waterways as part of routine flood-control maintenance, Marin County officials said.

The Marin County Flood Control & Water Conservation District began construction June 15 on the Novato Creek Sediment Removal Project, which will continue through October.

The work will remove accumulated sediment from portions of Novato Creek, Warner Creek and Arroyo Avichi to help maintain flood capacity and reduce flood risk.

The district performs sediment removal in parts of Novato Creek about every five years, officials said.

"Routine sediment maintenance is key to reducing flood risk and keep stormwater moving safely through Novato's waterways," said Christopher Blunk, director of the Marin County Department of Public Works. "With close environmental monitoring and responsible management of materials, we're safeguarding homes and businesses, supporting local habitats, and investing in reliable creek performance for the long term."

This year's project includes 5,630 linear feet of Novato Creek from the Novato Fair shopping center bridge downstream of De Long Avenue to 500 feet below the SMART rail bridge. Work will also take place along 1,780 linear feet of Warner Creek from Diablo Avenue to Novato Creek and 680 linear feet of Arroyo Avichi Creek from South Novato Boulevard to Novato Creek.

Crews will use bulldozers, excavators and dump trucks to remove and haul away sediment.

Before work begins in each creek section, biologists and trained volunteers will conduct fish rescue and relocation operations to move fish and other aquatic species out of the work areas, officials said.

Three cofferdams are also being built to help crews safely complete the work.