Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration Project

Environmental Review | Scoping  | CEQA Compliance

Quick Links

The Ventura County Public Works Agency – Watershed Protection (VCPWA – WP) is soliciting input from reviewing agencies and the public regarding the scope and content of a Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) for the proposed Modified Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration Project (the Project) which will focus on the dam removal component of the Project. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), VCPWA – WP requests that agencies review the Project Description provided in the Detailed Reissued Notice of Preparation (NOP – provided as a quick link) and provide comments on environmental issues related to the statutory responsibilities of the agency. The EIR will be used by VCPWA – WP when considering approval of the proposed Modified Project and by other Responsible and Trustee Agencies to support their discretionary actions related to the proposed Modified Project. VCPWA – WP is also seeking the views of residents, property owners, and the public regarding issues that should be addressed in the EIR. Dam removal has the potential to impact the Matilija Creek and Ventura River floodplain and adjacent properties.

In October 2000, the VCPWA – WP (then the Ventura County Flood Control District) initiated the Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration Study as a joint effort between VCPWA – WP and United States Army Corps of Engineers to develop a project resulting in the removal of Matilija Dam. The Project objectives included: aquatic and terrestrial habitat improvement along Matilija Creek and the Ventura River to restore a viable and abundant run of steelhead trout; restoration of natural sediment transport processes; and an increase in recreation opportunities. The joint National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)/CEQA EIR was certified in 2004. Also in 2004, the Board of Supervisors of the Ventura County Flood Control District approved Alternative 4b as the approved Project. In June 2017, the VCPWA – WP received funding to implement the Matilija Dam Removal 65% Design Planning Project. The updated plan to remove Matilija Dam incorporates new information garnered from recent dam removal projects, technical studies and stakeholder involvement. The VCPWA – WP has determined that preparation of an SEIR is warranted to evaluate the proposed revised Project. The SEIR will provide a complete and objective analysis of the revised methods for dam removal.

Environmental Review

Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15081, VCPWA – WP has determined that the proposed Modified Project may have a significant effect on the environment. VCPWA – WP has not prepared an Initial Study and will instead begin work directly on the SEIR, as allowed under State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15063(a).

Scoping Process and Scoping Period

The process of determining the focus and content of the SEIR is referred to as “scoping” under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15083. Scoping helps to identify the range of actions, alternatives, environmental effects, and mitigation measures to be analyzed in depth, and eliminates from detailed study those issues that are not pertinent to the final decision on a proposed project. Scoping is also an effective way to bring together and address the concerns of the public, affected agencies, and other interested parties. Significant issues may be identified through public and agency comments. 
 
Scoping is not conducted to resolve differences concerning the merits of a project or to anticipate the ultimate decision on the proposal. Rather, the purpose of scoping is to help ensure that a comprehensive and focused SEIR will be prepared that provides a firm basis for the decision-making process. Members of the public; affected federal, State, and local agencies; interest groups stakeholders; and other interested parties may participate in the scoping process for the proposed project by providing written comments or recommendations concerning the issues to be analyzed in the SEIR. 
 
All interested parties are invited to submit comments on the scope and content of this SEIR throughout the scoping period which starts November 20, 2023, and ends December 20, 2023. Scoping comments can be submitted in one of the following ways. Comments must be postmarked by December 20, 2023: 
 
Submittal by Mail or Submittal by E-mail 
Ventura County Public Works Agency – Watershed Protection 
Attn: Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration Project 
800 S. Victoria Ave. / #1600 
Ventura, CA 93009 
Contact: Donna Hebert 
(805) 477-1976 MDERP@ventura.org. 
Please remember to include your name and return address in the email message. 
 
Scoping Meeting: A public scoping meeting will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the County of Ventura Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza Meeting Room, located at 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009. The Scoping Meeting is being held to provide an overview of the proposed project and provide an opportunity for the public to ask questions and submit comments relating to the scope of the SEIR. Comments and questions may also be emailed to MDERP@ventura.org. Scoping comments will be addressed in the SEIR.

Public Comments

VCPWA – WP is also seeking the views of residents, property owners, and the public regarding issues that should be addressed in the SEIR. All interested parties are invited to submit comments on the scope and content of the SEIR. Responsible and Trustee Agencies may need to use the SEIR when considering permits or other discretionary approvals your agency may issue for the Modified Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration Project. 
 
Comments can be submitted using the button below or by emailing MDERP@ventura.org through your email provider. All scoping comments must be received by December 20, 2023.  

Inquiries

For general questions, please contact the Project Environmental Planner, Donna Hebert. 
 
Ventura County Public Works Agency – Watershed Protection 
Attn: Donna Hebert 
800 S. Victoria Ave., #1600 
Ventura, CA 93009 
(805) 477-1976