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Authority for Project
In 1959, the Soil Conservation Service constructed
the Arroyo Grande and Los Berros Channels. Following it's construction,
the operation and maintenance of the facility was relinquished to the San
Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.
In 1965, the "Operation and Maintenance Manual for Arroyo Grande Creek
Channel and Los Berros Creek Diversion Improvements, Arroyo Grande Creek
Watershed Project" otherwise known as the "O & M Manual" was approved
by Resolution No. 132-66 by the District Board.
Arroyo Grande Creek bank
failure before AG PL 566
Project - 1956
The Natural Resource Conservation Service (formerly
the SCS) the Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District (formerly
the Arroyo Grande Soil Conservation District) and San Luis Obispo County
Engineering Department continue to do yearly inspections of Arroyo Grande
Creek under the AG 566 Project Operation and Maintenance Agreement.
Lost Capacity
The Arroyo Grande Creek was cleaned out on
an annual basis before the AG 566 Project. Arroyo Grande Creek was a dry
sand bed most of the year before Lopez Dam was built because the water
in the creek goes underground near Halcyon and Highway #1. A steady release
of water for farming was an agreement between the farmers and the county
when Lopez dam was being constructed. The released water has contributed
to the growth of willows and other vegetation in the middle of the creek
that traps silt. The capacity of the creek has been reduced to only 15%
of its original design, according to San Luis Obispo County Engineer Greg
Martin, at the October 22,1999 CSLRCD Board meeting.
1978 High Water before creek was cleaned.
Photo by John Taylor
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In 1978 CSLRCD took pictures and documented
the flood potential caused by the creek maintenance not being done annually.
CSLRCD has continued to photograph and monitor the creek conditions as
they deteriorate because maintenance is not done in a timely manner.
Four foot of silt had to be removed in
1978 to prevent flooding.
Official SCS Activity Report March 6, 1978
Silt has been accumulating for the past 20 years.
The lack of consistent maintenance has caused the creek to loose its flow
capacity. Flooding of the farmland, nearby homes and infrastructure is
a very real danger because Arroyo Grande Creek has only a 15% flood capacity
at the present time.
The yearly inspection documentation can be
viewed at the Natural Resource Conservation Service (SCS) Office in Templeton.
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From: Project Status Report,
Reconstruction of Arroyo Grande Creek and
Los Berros Creek Double Levees.
June 1999
San Luis Obispo County 1999 Official Report
for Reconstruction of Arroyo Grande Creek
Arroyo Grande Creek October 1999 photo
indicates need for better maintenance.
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Maintenance Conflict Exists
Between the Farmers and SLO County Report.
"The channel has been maintained since its
construction. Annually vegetation which would substantially affect
the hydraulic capacity of the channel is removed. In addition, the
tops of the levees are mowed for access and fire control. Sediment
is removed following major streamflow events. See Attachment B for
dates and locations of previous work."
(From: Project Status Report June 1999
SLO Co. Engineering Dept.)
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Proposed Project
- Official SLO Co. Report June 1999
Arroyo Grande Farmers
Angered over the Proposed Project Financing Plan
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Section
I (1952-1961) 
