Score: +6
(10/17/4)
Marin County Grand Jury
• 2022-2023
Dam and Reservoir Safety Water May Save Us - Water May Drown Us
Published: June 27, 2023
22 pages
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 5 findings
F1
Climate change is increasing the atmospheric rivers’ strength and frequency which impacts communities across Marin County. Failure to include and recognize these growing threats underestimates current dam safety risks and possible preventive strategies.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
By March 15, 2024, MMWD and NMWD should establish a Climate Change and atmospheric rivers working group to consider, and begin to develop, new hazard mitigation actions. These should be based on the current scientific projections regarding atmospheric rivers and other extreme precipitation events.
F2
MMWD and NMWD are in full compliance with both state DOSD, as well as all federal regulations. However, dam safety analysis and reporting would be enhanced by including current data on probable maximum precipitation (basis for risk analysis) numbers.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
By December 31, 2023, the two water districts should begin work to expand their respective hazard mitigation plans, which should include a new section dedicated to climate change, and a discussion of atmospheric rivers and their accelerating potential threats to dam and reservoir safety.
F3
MMWD and NMWD hazard mitigation plans fail to incorporate the latest scientific studies on climate change. They use DOSD and FEMA climate models that were last updated in 2012. This eleven-year gap may lead to an underestimation of current and future risks.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
By January 1, 2026, the water districts (at the time of their next dam inspections, and when their hazard mitigation plans are revised) should provide the public with new information about the updated plans. This information needs to ensure that they effectively consider flood risks in light of the new science, thus ensuring that the public is aware of this.
F4
FEMA and National Flood Insurance maps may not have entirely incorporated the most recent dam inundation maps and are not available on the MMWD and NMWD websites.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
By September 30, 2023, both water districts should update their websites to include links to the inundation and FEMA maps. They should also provide links to the National Flood Insurance Program.
F5
The advancement of dam safety is greatly enhanced with the expertise of scientific institutions. They use a range of tools and practices such as FIRO, flyovers, weather balloons, radar along the coast, and collaborations between dam owners and scientific institutions. These practices, used by other water districts, serve as an example from which MMWD and NMWD can benefit.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
By December 31, 2023, dam owners should provide the public with easily accessible information on flood risks, as FEMA and National Flood Insurance may not have entirely incorporated the most recent dam inundation maps.
Additional Recommendations 1
These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.
-
R6By December 2023, both water districts should begin to explore collaborations with scientific institutions to learn from, expand their toolkit of mitigation strategies, and thus augment the safety of their dams in light of growing risks posed by atmospheric rivers.
Agency Responses 3
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.
▶
Marin County Board of Supervisors[PDF]
September 19, 2023
•
10 pages
• 10 responses
•
Score: +3
(+6, 1, -3)
View Details ▾
10 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
Climate change is increasing the atmospheric rivers’ strength and frequency which impacts communities across Marin County. Failure to include and recognize these growing threats underestimates current dam safety risks and possible preventive strategies.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
agree with the findings numbered: F2, F6-F7, F9
We disagree wholly or partially with the findings numbered: F1, F3-F5, F8
<b>GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS</b> Recommendations numbered R2 and R5 have not yet been implemented, and will be
implemented in the future.
R1
By March 15, 2024, MMWD and NMWD should establish a Climate Change and atmospheric rivers working group to consider, and begin to develop, new hazard mitigation actions. These should be based on the current scientific projections regarding atmospheric rivers and other extreme precipitation events.
Response: Will Not Implement
Due: March 15, 2024
Scheduled: FY 2021-2022
Score: -1
Disagree. The Marin County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) website homepage (www.marinbhrs.org) prominently features a "call now" button which connects users to the Access Line (1-888-818-1115). The Access Line phone number is also listed on this page for users who are accessing the website via a computer browser without call capabilities. The website includes links to additional information for specific behavioral health issues; including children and youth services, older adult services, substance use services, and suicide prevention. All callers experiencing crisis will recei...
F2
MMWD and NMWD are in full compliance with both state DOSD, as well as all federal regulations. However, dam safety analysis and reporting would be enhanced by including current data on probable maximum precipitation (basis for risk analysis) numbers.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
agree with the findings numbered: F2, F6-F7, F9
We disagree wholly or partially with the findings numbered: F1, F3-F5, F8
<b>GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS</b> Recommendations numbered R2 and R5 have not yet been implemented, and will be
implemented in the future.
R2
By December 31, 2023, the two water districts should begin work to expand their respective hazard mitigation plans, which should include a new section dedicated to climate change, and a discussion of atmospheric rivers and their accelerating potential threats to dam and reservoir safety.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
R2 and R5 have not yet been implemented, and will be
implemented in the future.
F3
MMWD and NMWD hazard mitigation plans fail to incorporate the latest scientific studies on climate change. They use DOSD and FEMA climate models that were last updated in 2012. This eleven-year gap may lead to an underestimation of current and future risks.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
agree with the findings numbered: F2, F6-F7, F9
We disagree wholly or partially with the findings numbered: F1, F3-F5, F8
<b>GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS</b> Recommendations numbered R2 and R5 have not yet been implemented, and will be
implemented in the future.
R3
By January 1, 2026, the water districts (at the time of their next dam inspections, and when their hazard mitigation plans are revised) should provide the public with new information about the updated plans. This information needs to ensure that they effectively consider flood risks in light of the new science, thus ensuring that the public is aware of this.
Response: Will Not Implement
Due: January 1, 2026
Scheduled: FY 2021-2022
Score: -1
Disagree. The Marin County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) website homepage (www.marinbhrs.org) prominently features a "call now" button which connects users to the Access Line (1-888-818-1115). The Access Line phone number is also listed on this page for users who are accessing the website via a computer browser without call capabilities. The website includes links to additional information for specific behavioral health issues; including children and youth services, older adult services, substance use services, and suicide prevention. All callers experiencing crisis will recei...
F4
FEMA and National Flood Insurance maps may not have entirely incorporated the most recent dam inundation maps and are not available on the MMWD and NMWD websites.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Partially Disagree. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24x7 call, text, and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. We are in alignment with the California Health and Human Services Agency vision of "a behavioral health crisis hotline where those struggling with mental health related distress can access support and de...
R4
By September 30, 2023, both water districts should update their websites to include links to the inundation and FEMA maps. They should also provide links to the National Flood Insurance Program.
Response: Will Not Implement
Due: September 30, 2023
Scheduled: FY 2021-2022
Score: -1
Disagree. The Marin County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) website homepage (www.marinbhrs.org) prominently features a "call now" button which connects users to the Access Line (1-888-818-1115). The Access Line phone number is also listed on this page for users who are accessing the website via a computer browser without call capabilities. The website includes links to additional information for specific behavioral health issues; including children and youth services, older adult services, substance use services, and suicide prevention. All callers experiencing crisis will recei...
F5
The advancement of dam safety is greatly enhanced with the expertise of scientific institutions. They use a range of tools and practices such as FIRO, flyovers, weather balloons, radar along the coast, and collaborations between dam owners and scientific institutions. These practices, used by other water districts, serve as an example from which MMWD and NMWD can benefit.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
agree with the findings numbered: F2, F6-F7, F9
We disagree wholly or partially with the findings numbered: F1, F3-F5, F8
<b>GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS</b> Recommendations numbered R2 and R5 have not yet been implemented, and will be
implemented in the future.
R5
By December 31, 2023, dam owners should provide the public with easily accessible information on flood risks, as FEMA and National Flood Insurance may not have entirely incorporated the most recent dam inundation maps.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
R5 have not yet been implemented, and will be
implemented in the future.
▶
Marin Municipal Water District[PDF]
September 11, 2023
•
6 pages
• 10 responses
•
Score: 0
(+0, 10, 0)
View Details ▾
10 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
Climate change is increasing the atmospheric rivers’ strength and frequency which impacts communities across Marin County. Failure to include and recognize these growing threats underestimates current dam safety risks and possible preventive strategies.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Climate change is increasing the atmospheric rivers' strength and frequency which impacts communities across Marin County. Failure to include and recognize these growing threats underestimates current dam safety risks and possible preventive strategies. The District partially disagrees with this finding. The Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) agrees that climate change is having an effect on the strength and frequency of weather events, including the larger storm events that are referred to as atmospheric rivers. MMWD staff have been actively participating in webinars and updates from the C...
R1
By March 15, 2024, MMWD and NMWD should establish a Climate Change and atmospheric rivers working group to consider, and begin to develop, new hazard mitigation actions. These should be based on the current scientific projections regarding atmospheric rivers and other extreme precipitation events.
Response: Requires Analysis
Score: 0
.
By March 15, 2024, MMWD and NMWD should establish a Climate Change and atmospheric rivers working group to consider, and begin to develop, new hazard mitigation actions. These should be based on the current scientific projections regarding atmospheric rivers and other extreme precipitation events. This recommendation requires further analysis. The benefit of forming such a working group as compared to participation in existing groups engaged in the same issues is unclear. Examples of existing groups include the California Extreme Precipitation Symposium, the CW3E Water Affiliates Group, and...
F2
MMWD and NMWD are in full compliance with both state DOSD, as well as all federal regulations. However, dam safety analysis and reporting would be enhanced by including current data on probable maximum precipitation (basis for risk analysis) numbers.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
regarding what MMWD is currently doing regarding dam safety.
F2.
MMWD and NMWD are in full compliance with both state DOSD (sic.), as well as all federal regulations. However, dam safety analysis and reporting would be enhanced by including current data on probable maximum precipitation (basis for risk analysis) numbers. The District partially disagrees with this finding. As stated in this finding, MMWD is in full compliance with all state and federal regulations and according to DSOD, all MMWD dams are determined safe for continued use. It is, however, important to distinguish between safet...
R2
By December 31, 2023, the two water districts should begin work to expand their respective hazard mitigation plans, which should include a new section dedicated to climate change, and a discussion of atmospheric rivers and their accelerating potential threats to dam and reservoir safety.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
.
By December 31, 2023, the two water districts should begin work to expand their respective hazard mitigation plans, which should include a new section dedicated to climate change, and a discussion of atmospheric rivers and their accelerating potential threats to dam and reservoir safety. This recommendation has not yet been implemented. As noted in F3, MMWD has a Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) that was adopted in 2022. This plan has a section on climate change and specifically a subsection on dam failure as it relates to climate change. The District currently has plans to update the HMP in 20...
F3
MMWD and NMWD hazard mitigation plans fail to incorporate the latest scientific studies on climate change. They use DOSD and FEMA climate models that were last updated in 2012. This eleven-year gap may lead to an underestimation of current and future risks.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
MMWD and NMWD hazard mitigation plans fail to incorporate the latest scientific studies on climate change. They use DOSD and FEMA climate models that were last updated in 2012. This eleven-year gap may lead to an underestimation of current and future risks. The District partially disagrees with this finding. MMWD has a Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) that was adopted in 2022. This plan has a section on climate change and specifically dam failures as it relates to climate change (See section 15.4, Marin Municipal Water District Hazard Mitigation Plan). MMWD plans to update the HMP in 2024 to incor...
R3
By January 1, 2026, the water districts (at the time of their next dam inspections, and when their hazard mitigation plans are revised) should provide the public with new information about the updated plans. This information needs to ensure that they effectively consider flood risks in light of the new science, thus ensuring that the public is aware of this.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
.
By January 1, 2026, the water districts (at the time of their next dam inspections, and when their hazard mitigation plans are revised) should provide the public with new information about the updated plans. This information needs to ensure that they effectively consider flood risks in light of the new science, thus ensuring that the public is aware of this. This recommendation has not yet been implemented. When a final draft of the updated MMWD HMP is ready, it will be presented to the MMWD Board of Directors at a public meeting for consideration and discussion. The MMWD website does provi...
F4
FEMA and National Flood Insurance maps may not have entirely incorporated the most recent dam inundation maps and are not available on the MMWD and NMWD websites.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
FEMA and National Flood Insurance maps may not have entirely incorporated the most recent dam inundation maps and are not available on the MMWD and NMWD websites. The District partially disagrees with this finding.
The FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) and the companion Flood Insurance Study (FIS) maintained by Marin County do not include dam inundation mapping. These flood risk products are instead based on flooding from various hydrologic scenarios and used for flood insurance purposes. Marin County may inquire with FEMA directly about the mapping criteria and other significant informat...
R4
By September 30, 2023, both water districts should update their websites to include links to the inundation and FEMA maps. They should also provide links to the National Flood Insurance Program.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
.
By September 30, 2023, both water districts should update their websites to include links to the inundation and FEMA maps. They should also provide links to the National Flood Insurance Program. This recommendation has been implemented. MMWD provides links to inundation maps at marinwater.org/DamSafetyProgram (see "Inundation Maps" link). This web page links directly to the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Division of Safety of Dams' (DSOD) inundation mapping portal. MMWD feels this is the most appropriate public user interface for dam inundation mapping and is the repository of the most...
F5
The advancement of dam safety is greatly enhanced with the expertise of scientific institutions. They use a range of tools and practices such as FIRO, flyovers, weather balloons, radar along the coast, and collaborations between dam owners and scientific institutions. These practices, used by other water districts, serve as an example from which MMWD and NMWD can benefit.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The advancement of dam safety is greatly enhanced with the expertise of scientific institutions. They use a range of tools and practices such as FIRO, flyovers, weather balloons, radar along the coast, and collaborations between dam owners and scientific institutions. These practices, used by other water districts, serve as an example from which MMWD and NMWD can benefit. The District partially disagrees with this finding. It is important to note that Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) is only fully practiced at one dam in California: Lake Mendocino1. It is considered a pilot progra...
R5
By December 31, 2023, dam owners should provide the public with easily accessible information on flood risks, as FEMA and National Flood Insurance may not have entirely incorporated the most recent dam inundation maps.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
.
By December 31, 2023, dam owners should provide the public with easily accessible information on flood risks, as FEMA and National Flood Insurance may not have entirely incorporated the most recent dam inundation maps. This recommendation has been implemented. See explanation to R4 above regarding inundation mapping and FEMA flood mapping.
R6.
By December 2023, both water districts should begin to explore collaborations with scientific institutions to learn from, expand their toolkit of mitigation strategies, and thus augment the safety of their dams in light of growing risks posed by atm...
▶
North Marin Water District[PDF]
August 16, 2023
•
12 pages
• 11 responses
•
Score: +3
(+4, 6, -1)
View Details ▾
11 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
Climate change is increasing the atmospheric rivers’ strength and frequency which impacts communities across Marin County. Failure to include and recognize these growing threats underestimates current dam safety risks and possible preventive strategies.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agree with the findings numbered: F5
Disagree partially with the findings numbered: <u>F1, F2, F3</u>
Disagree <i>wholly</i> with the findings numbered: F4
(Attach a statement specifying any portions of the findings that are disputed; include an explanation of the reasons therefor.
R1
By March 15, 2024, MMWD and NMWD should establish a Climate Change and atmospheric rivers working group to consider, and begin to develop, new hazard mitigation actions. These should be based on the current scientific projections regarding atmospheric rivers and other extreme precipitation events.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
because they are not warranted or are not reasonable. (Attach an explanation.) Myhll- Date: 8/16/27 Signed: Number of pages attached: 7 ATTACHMENT 1
NORTH MARIN WATER DISTRICT Response Form Continuation - Statements and Explanations Marin Civil Grand Jury Report Dam and Reservoir Safety: Water May Save Us - Water May Drown Us ("Report") Report Findings
F2
MMWD and NMWD are in full compliance with both state DOSD, as well as all federal regulations. However, dam safety analysis and reporting would be enhanced by including current data on probable maximum precipitation (basis for risk analysis) numbers.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
regarding what NMWD is currently doing regarding dam safety.
F2.
MMWD and NMWD are in full compliance with both state DOSD (sic.), as well as all federal regulations. However, dam safety analysis and reporting would be enhanced by including current data on probable maximum precipitation (basis for risk analysis) numbers. Response = Disagree partially with the finding <u>Statement:</u> It is not clear what "current data" in general or specific to the Novato Creek watershed above Stafford Dam is available and would be included in a probable maximum precipitation (PMP) analysis. Stafford Dam wa...
R2
By December 31, 2023, the two water districts should begin work to expand their respective hazard mitigation plans, which should include a new section dedicated to climate change, and a discussion of atmospheric rivers and their accelerating potential threats to dam and reservoir safety.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
R2 R3 R5 R6
but will be implemented in the future.
F3
MMWD and NMWD hazard mitigation plans fail to incorporate the latest scientific studies on climate change. They use DOSD and FEMA climate models that were last updated in 2012. This eleven-year gap may lead to an underestimation of current and future risks.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agree with the findings numbered: F5
Disagree partially with the findings numbered: <u>F1, F2, F3</u>
Disagree <i>wholly</i> with the findings numbered: F4
(Attach a statement specifying any portions of the findings that are disputed; include an explanation of the reasons therefor.
R3
By January 1, 2026, the water districts (at the time of their next dam inspections, and when their hazard mitigation plans are revised) should provide the public with new information about the updated plans. This information needs to ensure that they effectively consider flood risks in light of the new science, thus ensuring that the public is aware of this.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
R3 R5 R6
but will be implemented in the future.
F4
FEMA and National Flood Insurance maps may not have entirely incorporated the most recent dam inundation maps and are not available on the MMWD and NMWD websites.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agree with the findings numbered: F5
Disagree partially with the findings numbered: <u>F1, F2, F3</u>
Disagree <i>wholly</i> with the findings numbered: F4
(Attach a statement specifying any portions of the findings that are disputed; include an explanation of the reasons therefor.
R4
By September 30, 2023, both water districts should update their websites to include links to the inundation and FEMA maps. They should also provide links to the National Flood Insurance Program.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
.
to the inundation and FEMA maps. They should also provide links to the National Flood Insurance Program. Response = Recommendation has been implemented Summary of Actions: The NMWD website does provide information on the dam and spillway inundation maps: https://nmwd.com/your-water/novato-water/ (see "dam Inundation Mapping" link). The website links directly to the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Division of Safety of Dams' (DSOD) inundation mapping portal. NMWD feels this is the most appropriate public user interface for dam inundation mapping and is the repository of the most current ...
F5
The advancement of dam safety is greatly enhanced with the expertise of scientific institutions. They use a range of tools and practices such as FIRO, flyovers, weather balloons, radar along the coast, and collaborations between dam owners and scientific institutions. These practices, used by other water districts, serve as an example from which MMWD and NMWD can benefit.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agree with the findings numbered: F5
Disagree partially with the findings numbered: <u>F1, F2, F3</u>
Disagree <i>wholly</i> with the findings numbered: F4
(Attach a statement specifying any portions of the findings that are disputed; include an explanation of the reasons therefor.
R5
By December 31, 2023, dam owners should provide the public with easily accessible information on flood risks, as FEMA and National Flood Insurance may not have entirely incorporated the most recent dam inundation maps.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
R5 R6
but will be implemented in the future.
R6
By December 2023, both water districts should begin to explore collaborations with scientific institutions to learn from, expand their toolkit of mitigation strategies, and thus augment the safety of their dams in light of growing risks posed by atmospheric rivers.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
R6
but will be implemented in the future.