Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
South Lake Tahoe hires consultant to study El Dorado Beach erosion after exposed plastic sandbags prompt urgent action
Summary
Council authorized a phase‑one contract with Stantech to design and permit interim and permanent revetment options at Lake View Commons after rising lake levels exposed emergency plastic supersacks; council directed staff to prioritize removing or covering exposed plastic and to explore revetment designs that could preserve beach access.
The South Lake Tahoe City Council voted Jan. 21 to hire Stantech Consulting for a phase‑one study of El Dorado Beach and Lake View Commons shoreline protection, authorizing up to $149,971 for assessment, surveying and early permitting work.
The decision follows emergency replenishment work in summer 2025 and repeated high lake levels that exposed plastic “supersack” sandbags installed as an emergency revetment in 2018. City senior civil engineer Briana Greenlaw told the council the bags — large plastic sacks filled with sand — have deteriorated in spots and, when exposed, pose a risk of microplastic contamination to Lake Tahoe.
“Inspection after the winter melt showed the supersack fabric was exposed,” Greenlaw said in her presentation, briefing the council on a timeline of lake levels and previous emergency repairs. She recommended a two‑track approach: short‑term measures to protect water quality and public safety and a longer study and permitting process for a permanent revetment.
Council directed staff to pursue interim options that regulators will permit — including additional sand replenishment and rock toe protection — while Stantech develops designs and opens conversations with permitting agencies including Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, TRPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. When the consultant returns with findings and permit guidance, staff will present more detailed cost estimates and schedule options for council consideration.
Mayor Bass said the city will push to remove or cover exposed plastic as quickly as possible while the permanent solution is developed. Councilmembers asked staff to press state and federal agencies for expedited review on measures that limit microplastic release to the lake.
What the council approved: A phase‑one design agreement with Stantech and direction for staff to pursue interim replenishment or rock toe options that keep sand in place and limit exposure of plastic bags while the city develops longer‑term alternatives such as rock revetments, gabion baskets or— where regulators allow — offshore breakwaters designed to preserve a sandy beach.
What happens next: Consultants will complete survey and feasibility work and return with environmental and cost estimates. Council asked staff to prioritize actions that reduce plastic exposure immediately and to report back after the February shore‑zone committee and at mid‑year budget review.
