Santa Venetia Floodwall Review Reaches October 2026 Decision Stage After Revised Environmental Study

SANTA VENETIA, Marin County — October 28, 2026. A long-discussed plan to improve flood protection along the South Fork of Gallinas Creek reached a significant environmental-review milestone this month. The Marin County Flood Control District held a public hearing scheduled for October 20 on its revised environmental study for the Santa Venetia Floodwall Project. The County Clerk’s public CEQA filing log also records a Notice of Determination filed October 21, 2026 for the project.

What would be built?

The Flood Control District proposes placing a roughly 7,800-foot sheet-pile floodwall on the existing earthen levee, from around 55 Meadow Drive, west of the Meadow Drive Bridge, to Pump Station 5, east of 825 Vendola Drive. The proposed wall would be made from composite or steel sheet piles, with a maximum width of approximately 14 inches. At seven locations where sewer and storm-drain pipes cross the levee, the design would incorporate measures to retain a continuous flood-protection barrier.

Why is it needed?

The county identifies the goal as protecting Santa Venetia against a 100-year flood event over a 30-year design life. This is an engineering design objective, not a guarantee that flooding can never occur. In January 2026, Marin suffered damaging storm surge, high tides and heavy rain, with severe impacts in Santa Venetia. That recent experience underscores why levees, drainage systems and evacuation access need continuing attention.

What does the environmental filing mean?

The county published a revised Draft Supplemental Environmental Review/Subsequent Mitigated Negative Declaration after design updates, accepted comments from August 28 through September 28, 2026, and prepared responses to comments before the board hearing. The October 21 filing is a meaningful public administrative record. It is not itself evidence that a construction contractor has finished the project, that funding is fully secured or that every permit is issued. For the exact board vote and adopted conditions, residents should request the final board action and filed determination.

How can residents follow the next steps?

People living along Meadow Drive, Vendola Drive and the surrounding flood-control zone should review plans for property access, easements, construction phasing and drainage connections. The Flood Control District’s project portal contains the 2026 studies, the hearing materials, earlier drafts and the public responses. Flood insurance and emergency preparedness remain relevant while the project proceeds.

Official sources: Marin County — Santa Venetia Floodwall Project; Marin County Clerk — CEQA filing log, October 21; District 4 flood recovery updates. Checked October 28, 2026.

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