Residents voice water concerns over proposed cannabis grow near Saint Helena Creek

The Planning Commission Meeting held on December 12, 2024, in Lake County, California, focused on significant community concerns regarding a proposed cannabis cultivation project near Saint Helena Creek. The meeting featured public input from local residents, highlighting issues related to water supply and environmental impact.

Commissioner Chavez initiated the discussion by clarifying his standard practice of forwarding public input to the planning commission clerk and ensuring that all comments are added to the public record. He also noted that the Community Advisory Panel (CAP) is not an official advisory board but rather a grassroots coalition for public input.

Nanette De Donato, a resident of Middletown, expressed her concerns about the lack of notification regarding the hearing and the potential impact of the cannabis grow on local water resources. She explained that her community relies on seep wells fed by the creek, which has faced water shortages in recent years. De Donato warned that the proposed cultivation could exacerbate these issues, as well as introduce harmful chemicals into the water system, threatening both local wildlife and the water supply for approximately 20 families living nearby.

The meeting also included a response from the applicant, Navella Nobogdanova, who thanked the commission for their consideration and indicated a willingness to address questions about the project, including the use of shipping containers for construction materials.

The discussions underscored the community's apprehensions about the environmental and resource implications of the cannabis project, setting the stage for further deliberations and potential adjustments to the proposal. The commission's next steps will likely involve continued engagement with residents and a thorough review of the project's impact on local water resources and ecosystems.