Chico advances waterway protection measures and prepares response to regional groundwater plan

Chico advances waterway protection measures and prepares response to regional groundwater planThe California municipality is prioritizing the environmental quality of its local creeks and preparing to weigh in on the Vina Groundwater Sustainability Agency’s upcoming submittal to state regulators.

Councilmembers voted 5-2 to agendize a discussion on sending an official letter to the Vina Groundwater Sustainability Agency regarding its final Groundwater Sustainability Plan.

The council directed staff to draft municipal code updates to improve the security and environmental quality of flood-prone riparian corridors and greenways.

Newly appointed City Manager Gillian Haen conducted an operational review of the city's wastewater treatment facility during her first week.

The Chico City Council is moving to assert greater control over its local water resources and infrastructure, advancing initiatives to protect surface waterways and scrutinize regional groundwater management during its August 18 meeting. In a 5-2 vote, the council approved a request by Councilmember Katie Hawley to agendize a future discussion on the Vina Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA). The upcoming session will explore drafting an official letter to the Vina GSA board of directors outlining how its final Groundwater Sustainability Plan—soon to be submitted to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR)—will impact the city. Several councilmembers requested that the future discussion include a presentation by municipal or county staff to detail the specific local impacts of the groundwater plan before any formal letter is finalized. Separately, the council directed city staff to draft municipal code updates aimed at protecting local riparian corridors, such as Little Chico Creek and Annie's Glen. Councilmembers highlighted the need to secure these greenways without relying on temporary fencing, which is costly and easily damaged. Councilmember Addison Winslow emphasized the urgency of protecting these waterways, noting that the areas serve as critical floodplains. Unregulated encampments in these greenways pose significant risks to both environmental water quality and public safety during sudden flood events. Additionally, newly appointed City Manager Gillian Haen reported that she conducted a site tour of the city's wastewater treatment facility as part of her initial municipal infrastructure assessments.