Emergency Declaration for Carmel River Bank

DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY STATUS FOR THE CARMEL RIVER 

Effective today, and until rescinded, the Carmel River between the Los Padres Reservoir at River Mile (RM, from the Pacific Ocean) 25.30 and the Carmel Area Wastewater District Ocean Outfall Pipeline at RM 0.67 is hereby declared to be in emergency status. This area has been subject to high Carmel River flows, and there is a potential for bank erosion and structural damage. On January 9, 2023, low-lying areas adjacent to the Carmel River were inundated and damaged by high river flows. There is a continuing clear and present danger to life and property.

This declaration is made in order to expedite erosion protection work, flood protection work, and debris removal during and following damaging Carmel River flows. Application for an emergency River Work Permit must be filed with the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District not later than ten days following commencement of such work. Applications must include a description of the work, with drawings or sketches showing the work and its location. Permits from other governmental agencies and rights-of-entry from other property owners may be required.

This declaration is made pursuant to Monterey Peninsula Water Management District Rule 126.C, Carmel River Management, River Work Permits, Emergency Procedure.

/s/ Maureen Hamilton, District Engineer

Dated: January 11, 2023

Click here to view the Declaration of Emergency Status letter