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Marin Water halts Bolinus Road pipeline work after workers uncover possible human remains
Summary
Marin Water suspended its Bolinus Road pipeline construction after contractor crews encountered possible human remains; Fairfax Police, the Marin County Coroner and the Native American Heritage Commission were notified and an archaeological and forensic review is underway, delaying the previously announced schedule.
Marin Water told Fairfax Town Council on June 3 that construction crews working on the Bolinus Road pipeline replacement halted work after uncovering what were initially identified as possible human remains.
"The contractor uncovered what were initially identified as possible human remains within the project area," said the Marin Water engineering director (identified as Alex). Work was stopped immediately, Fairfax Police Department and the Marin County Coroner were notified, and the Native American Heritage Commission was contacted for consultation.
Marin Water said it respects the sensitivity of the discovery and that an archaeologist and a team will conduct field evaluation and consultation within the following 48 hours. "We will remain in close communication with the town and present new findings as they develop," the utility said.
Councilmembers asked staff about the expected timeline. Marin Water staff said the situation is developing and they could not yet give a firm resumption date; they said updates would be published as soon as available. Officials described the site as secure and said a team including archaeologists and representatives from state and tribal authorities would examine the discovery and advise on the next steps.
Residents and business operators in the audience asked whether the pause could extend into the holiday season and how Marin Water will communicate changes. Marin Water replied it will post revised schedules on its project web page and on project signage, and it will provide a phone number and outreach notices to affected businesses.
The council acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation and urged transparent and timely public communication.
What happens next: Marin Water will coordinate forensic/archaeological assessments with the coroner and the Native American Heritage Commission. Until those reviews conclude, the pipeline contractor will not resume the discovery area work and Marin Water will provide schedule updates to the town and the public.
