Body of News Release
NOVATO, CA — The Marin County Flood Control & Water Conservation District has begun the Novato Creek Sediment Removal Project, with construction officially starting Monday, June 15. This routine maintenance operation removes accumulated sediment from key segments of Novato Creek, Warner Creek and Arroyo Avichi to maintain the creeks’ designed flood-conveyance capacity and reduce flood risk. Work will continue through the end of October 2026.
Approximately every five years, the District removes sediment from Novato Creek between Diablo Avenue and the SMART railroad crossing downstream of Rowland Way. This year, sediment removal will take place across several creek reaches, including:
- Novato Creek: 5,630 linear feet from the Novato Fair shopping center bridge downstream of De Long Avenue to 500 feet below the SMART Rail Bridge.
- Warner Creek: 1,780 linear feet from Diablo Avenue to its confluence with Novato Creek.
- Arroyo Avichi Creek: 680 linear feet from South Novato Boulevard to its confluence with Novato Creek.
Crews will use bulldozers, excavators, and dump trucks to remove the sediment. Upstream of Redwood Boulevard, bulldozers will push earthen material to designated off‑haul locations, where excavators will load the sediment into dump trucks for transport. Downstream of Redwood Boulevard, long‑reach excavators will draw earthen material to the banks and load it into trucks operating along the levee system.
Removed sediment will be managed at suitable locations and may be directed toward future beneficial uses that support the environment and regional climate resilience. Specific placement will follow agency guidance, project needs, and environmental considerations.
Before sediment removal begins in any reach, approved biologists and trained volunteers will conduct fish rescue and relocation operations to carefully remove fish and other aquatic species from the work areas. Three cofferdams are currently under construction to facilitate this work safely and effectively. Fish relocation is ongoing and is being completed in accordance with environmental regulations and biological monitoring requirements.
“Routine sediment maintenance is key to reducing flood risk and keep stormwater moving safely through Novato’s waterways,” said Christopher Blunk, Director of Marin County Department of Public Works (DPW). “With close environmental monitoring and responsible management of materials, we’re safeguarding homes and businesses, supporting local habitats, and investing in reliable creek performance for the long term.”