Residents of Middletown oppose cannabis farm citing water depletion and environmental concerns

Concerns over a proposed cannabis farm in Middletown took center stage at the Lake County Planning Commission meeting on December 12, 2024. Residents voiced strong opposition, highlighting potential environmental impacts and water shortages that could arise from the project.

Nanette De Donato, a local resident, raised alarms about the water supply for families living near Saint Helena Creek, stating that the creek is their only source of water. "When there's no water in the creek, there's no water in our wells," she explained, emphasizing that the proposed cannabis grow could exacerbate existing water shortages for about 20 families in the area. De Donato also expressed fears about chemical runoff from cannabis cultivation contaminating the creek, which feeds into Lake Berryessa, a vital water source.

The applicant, Navella Nobogdanova, defended the project, asserting that accusations regarding water usage were unfounded. "We never lived there... we don't use anything out of the ordinary," she stated, attempting to dispel concerns raised by neighbors.

Residents also questioned the integrity of the application process, with Elizabeth Kershaw urging the commission to investigate claims of regulatory violations by the landowner. "We are very mistrusting," she said, calling for thorough verification of compliance with environmental regulations.

The meeting concluded with the commission preparing to discuss the public input before making a decision on the cannabis farm permit. The outcome remains uncertain, but the strong community opposition signals a contentious path ahead for the proposed project.