SFPUC approves Montara Mountain radar project after tense public backlash over trail access

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission on a voice vote approved the Montara Mountain rainfall prediction and radio replacement project, adopting the final mitigated negative declaration and mitigation monitoring and reporting program required by CEQA.

The project, presented by Assistant General Manager Steve Ritchie, is part of a Bay Area Advanced Quantitative Precipitation Information (AQPI) radar network funded in part by a Department of Water Resources grant. Ritchie said the Montara Mountain site will help improve precipitation forecasting for reservoir operations and wastewater flow prediction across the region.

The item drew extended public comment and heated exchanges with commissioners after staff described biological surveys that identified habitat for endangered butterflies (including the mission blue and San Bruno elfin). "As part of installing the infrastructure, we would be fully avoiding the habitat associated with butterflies found in the area," said Deb Craven Green, the SFPUC permitting manager, describing consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and avoidance and minimization measures including on-site biologists and vegetative flagging.

Local hikers and running-club members told the commission they were surprised to find a newly erected fence and gate blocking long-used access to North Peak. "For decades people have been climbing to the top of this mountain," said one speaker representing the Coastside Running Club, urging staff to restore access or find alternate routes. Another commenter said the closure "spoils the hike" and asked the PUC to keep a publicly usable summit route.

Commissioners and staff distinguished the installation of a perimeter gate (a watershed-protection action staff said was taken after they observed impacts to sensitive habitat) from the CEQA decision about the radar installation. The commission approved the project but directed staff to meet with community stakeholders promptly to explore access alternatives and report back at the next commission meeting. Steve Ritchie said the gate installation was independent from the project and that staff would pursue a connector trail option shown in earlier watershed plans as one possible path forward.

The commission's action authorizes the general manager to implement the Montara Mountain radar project, with the SFPUC committing to the mitigation measures described in the environmental document. Staff will report on the results of community outreach and potential access options at the next scheduled meeting.