FAQs - North Pond Modernization

What's wrong with the ponds? Why are we dredging them?

The ponds haven't been dredged in approximately 40 years.  They've filled with sediment, cutting storage capacity by about half. The aeration system is outdated and needs modernization. Restoring the ponds protects their roles as stormwater detention, a reliable source of firefighting water, and improves habitat for the western pond turtle. 

Why wasn't the project completed over the summer?

The project was scheduled to take place over the summer, however, multiple regulatory requirements and permits delayed the start. Fortunately, this delay also allowed the work to begin after the local bird-nesting season, thereby avoiding distrurbance to active ground nests.

Given the University's financial challenges, why is this a priority?

The ponds play a critical role in firefighting response as a secondary fire water source. Recent wildfire events (e.g. the 2025 Pacific Palisades fire) underscored how limited water availability can worsen outcomes - reinforcing the need for dependable on-site reserves.

How is the University monitoring the environmental impact?

A qualified biologist completed pre-construction surveys and will be on-site whenever work occurs to monitor and guide protections. In addition, western pond turtles will be captured and relocated from active work areas before dredging operations begin.

Will you be safely moving the fish?

There are no current plans to move fish. However, environmental regulations may require the removal of non-native species. Dredging will be hydraulic, so the ponds will not be drained.

Will fish be removed and, if so, will the ponds be restocked?

There are no current plans to remove fish. However, the ponds contain several invasive non-native species that harm western pond turtles. If required by the environmental regulatory agencies as part of habitat restoration, non-native fish may be removed. In that case,  we would not restock the ponds, as stocking would undermine the habitat improvements.

Will the project impact parking or the road?

There may be single-day delays for routing and removing pipelines across campus; within one week in advance of the activity, campuswide emails will share dates and map detours so the community can plan ahead.

Will the project impact students' access to services or facilities?

Staging will use the far east practice fields (nearest Petaluma  Hill Road); other fields remain open. The North Ponds area will be closed for the project's duration. Work is anticipated to finish by the end of 2025.

What can I expect in regards to noise and/or smell from the project?

At  the staging area, there is  potential for a minor odor in the storage area while the material is damp, but this is expected to dissipate as the material dries. There will be hydraulic pumps running continuously in this zone, which will produce an audible sound in the vicinity, but noise blankets will be utilized to dampen the noise and minimize the potential for disruption outside the immediate storage area.