The Challenge
The Marin Municipal Water District sought to improve long-term drought resilience by capturing and conveying water from atmospheric river events for storage and future use. The project required new water conveyance infrastructure across multiple jurisdictions, including pump stations and transmission pipelines, while also addressing environmental considerations associated with Halleck Creek and reservoir operations. Regulatory compliance and permitting requirements added further complexity to project development.
Our Solution
Spheros Environmental (formerly Panorama Environmental) provides comprehensive environmental planning and permitting support for the Atmospheric River Capture Project. Our team delivered CEQA and NEPA compliance services, coordinated permitting efforts, and conducted technical analyses to support project development. The project includes two new pump stations in the City of Novato and Marin County, along with approximately 13.2 miles of new transmission pipeline to convey water to Nicasio Reservoir and potentially Stafford Lake during dry conditions.
Environmental Planning and Permitting Consultant
Results +What makes this unique
The project will help enhance regional water supply reliability by enabling the capture and storage of water associated with atmospheric river events, providing additional drought resilience for Marin County. A unique aspect of the project is its integration of new water infrastructure with environmental stewardship objectives, including support for the maintenance and management of Halleck Creek while advancing critical water resource goals.
Project Experts
