LAKEPORT, Calif. – Staff of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Central Valley Region, will hold a board workshop on Wednesday, July 18, to discuss the status and the board’s potential next steps associated with the Clear Lake Nutrient Total Maximum Daily Load Control Program.

The Central Valley Water Board workshop will take place in two sessions: an on-site discussion from 11 a.m. to noon at Library Park with a meeting to take place from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St., across the street from the park.

In August 2017, Central Valley Water Board staff conducted a public meeting in Lake County regarding the status of the Clear Lake Nutrient TMDL Control Program. The upcoming board workshop is a response to the concerns heard during that meeting.

Stakeholders expressed concerns regarding a proposed extension of the June 2017 TMDL compliance date.

In response to the stakeholder concerns associated with an extension to the TMDL, board staff is recommending revising the next steps for the TMDL.

Though an extension of the compliance date continues to be a potential option, staff is prioritizing assessment of attainment of the waste load allocations by further gathering and evaluating water quality data and information from the responsible parties identified in the TMDL.

Once the board makes additional determinations regarding attainment of allocations, appropriate next steps will be identified.

At the August 2017 workshop, stakeholders also expressed a desire to speak directly to the board decision makers.

To address this request, and to provide an update to stakeholders on the status of TMDL implementation activities, the Central Valley Water Board will be hosting a workshop in Lakeport.

Board members and management will attend and be available to hear input directly from stakeholders on the TMDL, priorities the board should focus on within the Clear Lake watershed, and recommended next steps.

Stakeholders will also hear updates on various water quality efforts currently taking place within the watershed by other organizations.

At the afternoon meeting, board staff will present their current assessment of each responsible party’s load allocation progress, next steps in this process, and other board activities taking place related to the Clear Lake Nutrient TMDL Control Program.

In addition, other organizations will give presentations on their current efforts within the watershed. This will allow board members and the public an opportunity to learn about current water quality initiatives in the Clear Lake watershed.

A technical memorandum for the meeting can be found here.