Why do we oppose the expansion of the Soulajule reservoir?
We are a group of West Marin families working together to save Hicks Valley. We oppose a reservoir expansion project proposed as part of Marin Water’s “Water Supply Roadmap”. The three reservoirs under evaluation for possible expansion are Soulajule, Upper Nicasio, and Kent. The target date for selection of the preferred project is January- February 2025.
A report prepared by the University of California, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, analyzes the impacts these proposed water storage projects would have on Marin agriculture.
Expanding Soulajule will cause irreparable harm for little to no benefit
Flooding will destroy Hicks Valley homes and businesses, and make remaining lands inaccessible
Greater wildfire danger
The augmented reservoir may not be sustainable
Methylmercury levels in Soulajule will need monitoring
Plan is too costly - Projected costs are underestimated, incomplete
Soulajule’s waters are difficult and expensive to access
The increased reservoir area will be too shallow
Loss of carbon sequestration
Construction of dam harmful to endangered species