In Flood Control Zone 3, which covers portions of Mill Valley, Marin City, and Tamalpais Valley, preventative maintenance for all five pump stations takes place every year and includes the inspection, testing, and as needed replacement of electrical and mechanical components. All pump station back-up generators have been run-tested and the fuel checked and maintained as needed. This maintenance was completed in September.
However, last week, maintenance staff identified issues with the motor on pump #2 at the Crest Marin Station. The motor has been removed and staff anticipate that the motor will be repaired or replaced with a new one by mid-December. It is important to note that the two back up pumps that are in place each have an equivalent capacity to pump #2 and are fully operational.
Three consultant proposals were received for a comprehensive condition assessment for Crest Marin Pump Station. Work is expected to begin with the highest qualified consultant in early 2023. The primary outcome of the assessment will be to identify the scope of a design project to upgrade the pump station. Concurrent with this assessment, District staff are preparing a hydraulic model of the storm drain system flowing to Crest Marin Pump Station in order to identify potential storm drainage upgrades that could be incorporated into the scope of a design project for the pump station.
A second phase of rodent control was completed along the levees this fall. New burrows have already been observed. Conditions of the levee are continually inspected throughout the winter during storms, and/or high tides when seepage is most evident. In October, a geotechnical consultant visited the levee section along Cardinal Road where increased seepage has been reported by residents recently. The consultant is preparing potential options to reduce seepage of water through the levee and the report is expected in February.
Sediment removal was completed in Crest Marin Creek in the vicinity of the Ross Drive footbridge and along a tributary to Nyhan Creek at the Tam Valley Elementary school.
The City of Mill Valley also conducts maintenance of their stormwater facilities and drainage channels each year with funding support through a cooperative agreement with Flood Zone 3.
For questions, please email Marin County Flood Control District.
Top 5 ways to protect yourself and your property:
- Don’t rake leaves into the street, please use your green container. Leaves and yard debris left in the street will clog street drains and cause localized flooding.
- Clean out the drainage structures on your property, such as rain gutters and drain grates. Do this in advance of a storm and in a safe manner, don’t wait for the rain to start falling.
- Register with Alert Marin to received urgent news and notifications during emergency situations. Resources: https://www.marinsheriff.org/services/emergency-services/alert-marin
- Stay informed by listening/watching local news from reliable news sources.
- Have an emergency “Go Bag” ready at all times, so that you can be prepared to evacuate quickly and safely. This should include knowing your potential evacuation routes. Resources: https://firesafemarin.org/prepare-yourself/