Environmental Assessment & Preliminary Design Update

The environmental assessment and preliminary design phases of the Diablo Road Trail have been successfully completed. In spring 2023, the Town submitted applications for environmental permits to both state and regional regulatory agencies, including the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) and Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB).

Unfortunately, the winter storms of 2023 not only led to the collapse of the Diablo Road culvert but also led to considerable erosion of the creek embankment designated for the trail alignment. In fall 2023, CDFW issued the Town an extensive list of conditions for permit approval. Beyond significantly increasing the project’s scope and corresponding costs, the Town believes that these conditions appear to be disproportionate to the project’s limited environmental impact. Over the next several months the affected areas will be resurveyed, redesigned, and resubmitted to the regulatory agencies with a detailed response.