Cloverdale council updates on Potter Valley Project: state, county and city to document water shortfalls; council to consider intervention timing

Cloverdale council members updated the City Council on Aug. 13 about ongoing work on the Potter Valley Project decommissioning application submitted by PG&E and related regional planning.

Why it matters: The Potter Valley Project and any decommissioning plan could affect water availability for Cloverdale and neighboring communities; council members described active coordination with Sonoma Water and county officials to ensure local water needs are addressed.

Mayor Todd Lands said the council has asked state partners to define key terms used in PG&E’s application — specifically what the application means by “final decommissioning” and what the term “adequate” means for Cloverdale’s water supply. He said the current decommissioning plan “does not provide adequate water for Cloverdale.”

Council members said the state will prepare a joint letter, to be signed by state officials, the county, Sonoma Water and the city, documenting water-supply shortfalls in the decommissioning plan and signaling willingness to work as partners to address gaps. The council noted an approved $50,000 contribution from Sonoma Water toward geological engineering work to explore deeper wells in Cloverdale.

Staff and council also discussed PG&E public outreach and the company’s recent town hall; one council member said PG&E’s application is being driven by investor considerations rather than seismic safety. A council member with water-committee responsibilities reminded the public that a FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) comment period will open and encouraged submitting letters during that period; the council discussed seeking authorization to intervene in FERC proceedings when the comment period opens.

Councilmembers also reported work with local stakeholders, including former PUC attorneys and other technical experts, and ongoing coordination with the Russian River Property Owners Association and others exploring alternative water solutions such as pipeline options and Coyote Dam modifications.

After discussion, councilmembers agreed the item can be removed as a standing agenda item and handled via committee reports or as needed; no final regulatory decision was taken by the council at the meeting.