The dataset represents the Public Trust Review Area which identifies the area which is required to be evaluated per potential environmental adverse impacts to public trust resources in navigable waterways before Permit Sonoma approves a permit to drill a new well or replacement of groundwater wells.

On April 4, 2023, the Board of Supervisors gave final approval to amendments to the County’s Well Ordinance brought forward by Permit Sonoma and adopted the Well Ordinance Update. Updated regulations went into effect on May 18.

The County’s Well Ordinance Update was in response to the evolving California case law that requires local governments to protect the health of rivers and other public trust resources. To comply with a 2018 decision by the state Court of Appeal, the county has evaluated and will be required to mitigate the impact(s) of well permits on public trust resources in navigable waterways, such as the Russian River, along with the habitat and wildlife they support, including the endangered Coho salmon. The amended ordinance also includes requirements for water conservation measures for all new wells, and requirements for well meter installation and water use reporting of new non-residential wells.

For further information, refer to Well and Septic Systems – Well Ordinance Update: https://permitsonoma.org/divisions/engineeringandconstruction/wellandsepticsystems/wellordinanceupdate