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Larkspur councilmember urges coordinated communications after RVSD reports 30,000‑gallon king‑tide sewer spill
Summary
Larkspur Councilmember Sarah Margulies asked Ross Valley Sanitary District to develop a joint communications SOP after January king‑tide overflows. GM Steve Moore said RVSD diverted roughly 75% of spill volume and plans more proactive outreach, including Nextdoor messages and mailed letters.
Sarah Margulies, a member of the Larkspur City Council, submitted written public comment to the Ross Valley Sanitary District on Feb. 18 urging the utility to develop a formal communications strategy with local jurisdictions after January king‑tide sewer system overflows.
"I am writing to request that a communications strategy/plan be developed for the local jurisdiction(s) impacted," Margulies wrote, noting Larkspur staff learned of a sewer leakage only because they were physically present in the neighborhood during the event.
General Manager Steve Moore responded in an email and attached letter saying RVSD "agrees that communications could be improved" and describing steps the district has taken and plans to take. In his letter to Riviera Circle property owners, Moore wrote: "Due to our preparation and response, we were able to divert approximately 75% of the sewer spill volume to our pump station on Doherty Drive." The letter also states RVSD estimates about 30,000 gallons spilled from the public sewer system and that January’s water levels were the highest recorded in the neighborhood since 1998, exceeding predictions "by about a foot and a half."
Moore outlined planned outreach measures for future events including posting more signs at receiving waters, sending Nextdoor messages when floods are predicted or occurring, and direct mail to affected residents. He also said RVSD staff repeatedly contacted city staff and consultants during the January event and stands ready to coordinate further.
Why it matters: council and district officials said clearer, joint communications would help ensure timely public‑safety information reaches residents when flooding affects sewer facilities. Margulies asked staff to work with local jurisdictions to create an SOP so that residents receive specific, concise alerts about sewer overflows and mitigation actions.
Next steps: Margulies requested her email be submitted as public comment for the Feb. 18 meeting. RVSD has committed to improved outreach and to continue coordinating with Larkspur and other local agencies.
