The pilot project targets approximately 1.7 miles of drainage ditch, stretching from Messina Avenue in the north, south through town, and ending just west of Occidental Avenue. Photo courtesy of Wyandotte Creek Groundwater Sustainability Agency

 

OROVILLE, CA (MPG) - The Wyandotte Creek Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA), in coordination with Butte County Department of Water & Resource Conservation and Department of Public Works, is implementing the Palermo Drainage Cleanup Pilot Project to reduce flooding and support groundwater recharge in the Palermo area.

Funded by the California Department of Water Resources Sustainable Groundwater Management Grant Program as part of the Wyandotte Creek Groundwater Sustainability Agency’s Regional Conjunctive Use Project, the Palermo Drainage Cleanup Pilot Project began cleanup activities on Monday, Nov. 10.

The pilot project targets approximately 1.7 miles of drainage ditch, stretching from Messina Avenue in the north, south through town, and ending just west of Occidental Avenue. Work will be completed in phases, starting with areas near culverts and expanding as permits and funding allow. Impacted landowners have been notified and access agreements secured, and additional landowners will be contacted as needed.

“Clearing these ditches ahead of the wet season is critical for protecting homes, roads, and farmland in Palermo,” said Becky Fairbanks, Sustainable Groundwater Management Grants Project Manager, Wyandotte Creek Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA). “This phased approach allows us to maximize safety and water management benefits while working within available resources and permitting requirements.”

The project will improve drainage flow, reduce flood risks, and allow downstream landowners along Wyman Ravine to divert high flood flows for groundwater recharge. Work will be performed by RCI General Engineering under permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Butte County.

This pilot project is part of the larger Wyandotte Creek GSA Regional Conjunctive Use Project, a multi-benefit initiative to enhance surface water irrigation and flood flow management across the region.

For more information about the Palermo pilot project and the broader regional effort, visit: https://www.buttecounty.net/2223/Palermo-Drainage-Cleanup-Pilot-Project