The Ross Valley Sanitary District held a meeting on December 1, 2023, to discuss ongoing projects and address infrastructure concerns within the district. A significant focus of the meeting was a storm drain and paving project in the southwestern portion of the district, specifically on Shady Lane, which has a history of flooding.

The project, being implemented by the City of Larkspur, aims to improve drainage in the area, which is characterized by steep terrain and proximity to Baltimore Open Space. The design includes both underground storm drainage and above-ground road modifications, utilizing concrete paving instead of traditional asphalt to better manage peak storm flows.

During the discussions, it was revealed that there had been a miscommunication regarding the alignment of the new storm drain and existing sanitary sewer lines. A new water line installed by Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) had not been properly communicated to the sanitary district, leading to damage during construction. This issue was identified after the fact, prompting immediate attention from district staff.

Phil, a representative from the district, presented a plan to address the damage, which included not only repairing the existing sewer line but also deepening it to ensure sustainability and prevent future issues. The plan aims to replace the damaged infrastructure and eliminate an unnecessary manhole, thereby streamlining the system.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of clear communication between agencies to prevent similar conflicts in future projects. The district plans to move forward with the proposed repairs and improvements to enhance the overall drainage system in the affected area.