New report reduces estimated water use for cannabis project in Burns Valley

During the Clearlake Planning Commission meeting on May 24, 2022, significant discussions centered around the water usage and environmental impact of a proposed cannabis cultivation project. The anticipated annual water use for the project has been revised down from an initial estimate of 511,400 gallons to 366,385 gallons for full development, and even lower to 227,660 gallons if only 10,000 square feet of cultivation is developed. This reduction is crucial as it indicates a lesser demand on local water resources.

The Groundwater Hydrology Addendum, prepared by Northpointe Consulting Group, highlighted that the overall water demand for the site will decrease accordingly. The report also noted that the Berne Valley Groundwater Basin has an estimated storage capacity of 4,000 acre-feet, with 1,400 acre-feet being usable. Current agricultural and potential cannabis properties are projected to consume about 661.6 acre-feet, which is approximately 40% of the basin's available water storage. The proposed site would only utilize about 0.07% of this capacity, suggesting that the project is unlikely to adversely affect the existing water supply.

In context, an average California household uses between half to one acre-foot of water annually, which translates to about 325,851 gallons. This comparison underscores the relatively small impact of the cannabis project on local water resources.

Further discussions revealed that the well at the proposed site is situated in a separate aquifer, distinct from the alluvial aquifer that serves surrounding properties. This separation indicates that the water sources are not hydrogeologically connected, which could mitigate concerns about over-extraction affecting neighboring wells. However, the lack of extensive studies on the area's groundwater connectivity was noted as a potential shortcoming.

Commission members suggested the need for additional monitoring wells and possibly a groundwater management plan to ensure sustainable water use in the future. This proactive approach aims to safeguard the community's water resources while accommodating new agricultural developments. The meeting underscored the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship, a key concern for Clearlake residents.