Water Quality Certification Public Notices
Water Quality Certification Actions - Applicants for federal permits that involve dredge or fill activities in surface waters (including wetlands) are required to obtain certification from the state verifying that the activity will comply with state water quality standards. Most of these federal permits are referred to as 404 permits (in reference to Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act). Applicants for some other types of federal license or permits (ex. FERC licenses) that authorize activities that may result in discharges to waters of the United States are also required to obtain state certification. This state certification is called 401 Certification (in reference to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act). In California, 401 certification actions are the responsibility of the State and Regional Water Quality Control Boards. It is the policy of this Regional Board to provide public notice of pending 401 Certification actions in order to gather comments from concerned agencies and the public. The following list contains notification of pending 401 Certification actions.
| Project Name | WDID | County | Location | Description | Comment period | Contact Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ken Wilson Property | 1B24168WNSO | Sonoma | 38.801676 ° N, 122.942504 ° W | The purpose of the Project is to restore and mitigate the unpermitted impacts to wetlands and stream channels of a previously issued violation. The Project will restore 0.189 acres of wetland , create 0.378 acres of wetland, install two appropriately sized culverts, and enhance 0.03 acres of riparian area. Permanent impacts include 0.01 acres of stream channel for culvert installation. Project implementation is proposed to begin in summer 2026 and be completed by October 15, 2026. | May 14, 2026 - June 4, 2026 | Emma Tracy, Emma.Tracy@Waterboards.ca.gov 707-576-2834 |
| Lower French Creek Sediment Reduction and Fish Passage Improvement Project | 1A26052WNSI | Siskiyou | 41.414167, -122.853611 | Primary project objectives of the Project are to improve fish passage by increasing the depth and velocity within the low flow channel to flush sediment through the project reach by installing 5 to 6 large woody structures and grading to excavate 1,760 cubic yards of material from the channel onto the floodplain. Live willow stake will be planted within 16 linear trenched within the adjacent floodplain will add hydrologic roughness further contributing to a more defined channel and will improve water quality for coho salmon over time as they mature and provide shade to the creek. A gravel cattle crossing will be installed. The crossing will allow a singular path for cattle to utilize when being moved between pastures, decreasing their area of impact. This project will greatly enhance habitat on approximately 700 feet of lower French Creek for coho salmon by increasing the depth and velocity within the low flow channel to flush sediment through the project reach and creating cover and scour pools. Over time, as instream and riparian habitat develops, the project will improve water quality to the Scott River by flushing sediment and providing cold water input. The planting of willows will further enhance coho salmon habitat by providing increased shading and future wood recruitment. | May 4 through May 25, 2026 | Jake Shannon, Jake.Shannon@Waterboards.ca.gov (707) 576-2673 |
