Lake Mendocino Mussel Infestation Prevention Program
Summary
SCH Number
2026090657
Public Agency
Sonoma County Water Agency
Document Title
Lake Mendocino Mussel Infestation Prevention Program
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/16/2026
Document Description
Dreissenid mussels are an invasive freshwater mussel that can severely devastate the natural environment if introduced into a waterway. They can clog water and flood protection infrastructure, and result in millions of dollars in maintenance. These mussels are commonly transported between waterways by watercraft, primarily recreational boats. Specially trained detection canines are used to inspect watercraft for the detection of mussels and their microscopic larvae and are often more efficient than human inspectors.
The Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) has coordinated a successful watercraft inspection program at Lake Mendocino since 2008. The project includes adopting a Resolution ratifying and approving the signing and filing of grant applications to the California Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Boating and Waterways. If the grant is awarded, the funds would be used to maintain enhanced watercraft inspection services and increase the hours of canine watercraft inspections on peak boating days to prevent quagga and zebra mussel infestation into Lake Mendocino. The funds would also provide public education, outreach, a survey, monitoring, and management of boating recreation activities that are permitted on the Lake.
Contact Information
Name
Connie Barton
Agency Name
Sonoma County Water Agency
Job Title
Senior Environmental Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Ukiah
Counties
Mendocino
Regions
Northern California
Cross Streets
North State Street
Zip
95482
State Highways
State Highway 101
Waterways
Russian River
Other Location Info
1160 Lake Mendocino Drive, Ukiah, California
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15309, Inspections
Reasons for Exemption
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15309, project activities are limited to watercraft quagga and zebra mussel inspections and inspection training that help prevent the potential for infestation at Lake Mendocino. Pursuant to Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 21083, the project does not have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, have a cumulatively considerable effect, or cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly. Pursuant to PRC Section 21084, the project would not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an historic resource or tribal cultural resource.
County Clerk
Mendocino
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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