Clearlake council ratifies emergency declaration after Robin Lane sewer spill; residents press for answers

Clearlake Mayor George Sloat and the City Council on Jan. 15 unanimously ratified an emergency declaration tied to a sewer‑main failure that city staff said contaminated private wells in the Robin Lane area.

City Manager Flora told the council the leak affected properties “south of Pond Road, north of Broomsey Road, west of Robin Lane and east of Pamela,” and that sewage flowed for "37 and a half hours," damaging wells for homeowners who rely on private supplies. Flora said the system is operated by Lake County Special Districts and that the county had declared a public‑health disaster; county supervisors also declared a disaster and the city sought to preserve access to potential state or federal resources.

The move to add the emergency item to the agenda was prompted by Flora’s earlier proclamation; after a voice motion to add the item, a council member moved to adopt Resolution 2026‑05 to ratify the declaration, and the council approved it unanimously.

Residents used the meeting’s public‑comment period to press for more information and action. A resident identified as Sterling urged the council to ask Special Districts why their director had not appeared at a recent town hall and questioned whether local agencies had appropriate emergency equipment, asking why the county had to bring in equipment from Sacramento. Sandra Barnes and others asked about school impacts and whether families with school‑age children in the affected area were being contacted; staff said the city is coordinating with the school district and that the county is the appropriate contact for technical testing and utilities questions.

City Manager Flora reported later in the meeting that garbage service had resumed in the impacted area, hotel stays for displaced residents were extended at least through Tuesday for those temporarily relocated, potable water tanks were being refilled at selected homes, and animal water needs were being addressed. He said environmental‑health testing had expanded from two sampling teams to seven and that public maps of affected wells and properties were being prepared for release.

Flora told residents to contact Lake County Special Districts at (707) 263‑0119 or Supervisor Sabatier at (707) 695‑0834 for help and up‑to‑date information. The council did not take additional formal action beyond ratifying the emergency proclamation and encouraging residents to use the county’s resources.