water quality
New Sierra Boulevard officially unveiled with ribbon cutting ceremony
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/01/2019 - 10:58am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Almost six months after work on the rehabilitation of Sierra Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe began, an official ceremony dedicating its reopening was held Thursday.
"The Sierra Boulevard project is more than just a road project," said SLT Mayor Brooke Laine. "It is a quality of life project. Its completion brings more than a half-mile of bike and walking trails to this area."
STPUD informs Alpine County they are ending recycled water agreement
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/25/2019 - 9:18am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Effective the end of November, the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) is ending an agreement with Alpine County regarding its recycled water operations.
STPUD has paid Alpine County an annual mitigation fee to address potential impacts caused by recycled water for 35 years, a fee that is approximately $100,000 per year.
STPUD says there have not been adverse impacts from the recycled water operations and the agreement is no longer necessary.
Volunteer mapping of invasive plants along Upper Truckee River completed
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/12/2019 - 9:45am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A three-year effort to survey the Upper Truckee River for aquatic invasive plants has wrapped up. Community members, supported by staff from the League to Save Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Resource Conservation District, and California State Parks joined together to map the plants in order to prevent their spread during major upcoming restoration projects along the river, Lake Tahoe’s largest tributary.
Update on fiery tanker explosion in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/09/2019 - 4:31pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 36-year-old man from North Highlands, California has been identified as the driver of the gasoline tanker involved in Saturday's deadly crash and explosion.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has released more information based on its investigation. No names are being released at this time.
On September 7 at approximately 11:45 a.m. a tanker truck and trailer fully loaded
Highway 50 and Sierra Boulevard projects heading into final weeks
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/03/2019 - 11:36pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With summer over and the October 15 deadline for grading projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin, contractors are working to wrap up work on Sierra Boulevard and Highway 50.
Community meeting for the West Fork Carson River Vision Project
Submitted by paula on Sat, 08/31/2019 - 10:37pm
Event Date:
September 10, 2019 - 5:30pm
The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Alpine Watershed Group Meeting will be holding a public meeting on the West Fork Carson River Vision Project on Tuesday, September 10, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
No visible or laboratory evidence of toxic algae in Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/30/2019 - 3:10pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The tests are back and there is no visible or laboratory evidence of toxic blue-green algae in Lake Tahoe.
On August 21 it came to the attention of authorities that the owner of a dog said his pet died after swimming in water behind the Tallac Historic Site on Kiva Beach in South Lake Tahoe. Even though there was no evidence of toxic blue-green algae, Lahontan Regional Water Quality Board took samples and submitted them for testing.
Public comment sought at South Lake Tahoe US 50 Main Street Open House
Submitted by paula on Mon, 08/26/2019 - 8:41pm
Event Date:
August 27, 2019 - 5:30pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The next public US Highway 50 Main Street Management Plan open house will be held on Tuesday, August 27 at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel Tallac Room from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The event will consist of a series of informational stations where residents can give input on the planning stages of this transformational project. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) are seeking comments as different options for the design of the corridor come into focus.
Toxic algae tests underway on samples from South Lake Tahoe beach
Submitted by paula on Mon, 08/26/2019 - 3:48pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Authorities are testing water and algae in the Kiva Beach area after a man reported the death of his dog after allegedly being in Lake Tahoe behind Tallac Historic Site a week ago.
The death of the dog came to the attention of Lahontan Regional Water Quality Board late Wednesday, August 21. The following day they were joined by the El Dorado County Environmental Health Department along the stretch of beach the dog's owner said they were at the previous Sunday. They spoke with the owner and retraced their steps that day.
Community meeting on vision plan for Kahle Drive and surrounding area
Submitted by paula on Thu, 08/22/2019 - 8:33pm
Event Date:
September 4, 2019 - 4:00pm
STATELINE, Nev. - A draft of the vision plan for the Kahle Drive and Lower Kingsbury areas along the US 50 corridor between Lake Parkway and Elks Point Road will be unveiled during a community meeting on Wednesday, September 4.
The meeting will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Tahoe Transportation Center, 169 US Highway 50, across from the Lakeside Inn and Casino where LTVA and Tahoe Chamber have their offices.
New channels planned for the Upper Truckee River in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/13/2019 - 9:33pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy had originally planned to get work started on their $9 million, multi-stage Upper Truckee River project to restore and enhance over 500 acres of floodplain this fall, but that has been postponed until 2020.
Wildfire weather is here. Are you prepared for power shutoffs?
Submitted by paula on Mon, 08/05/2019 - 5:00pm
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – As we move into the warmest and driest days of summer and early fall, the threat of catastrophic wildfire increases throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin. High winds, low relative humidity, and dry vegetation are a dangerous combination. When dangerous fire weather is forecasted, the National Weather Service may issue a Red Flag Warning.
Harmful algal bloom at Indian Creek Reservoir prompts warnings
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/02/2019 - 9:48am
MARKLEEVILLE, Calif. - Elevated levels of blue-green algae in the Indian Creek Reservoir have prompted officials to warn users to stay away from algae and scum in the water and both humans and pets should avoid drinking it.
Routine sampling at the reservoir on July 22 found levels of cyanotoxin, Microcystins at 4.39. µg/L (microgram per liter), which is above the 0.8 µg/L level established for safety and triggers notification of the public.
South Tahoe Public Utility District manages the property and has posted caution signs at the reservoir
Conservancy to consider selling some "Asset Lands" for implementation of Meyers Area Plan
Submitted by paula on Thu, 07/25/2019 - 2:14pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Most have seen the blue and gold placards attached to trees on lots around Lake Tahoe, signifying the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) owns that piece of property.
CTC currently owns nearly 4,700 of these labeled parcels comprising around 6,500 acres around Lake Tahoe. Over 4,300 of these parcels are environmentally sensitive, leaving 331 parcels as "asset lands."
Cycling icon Levi Leipheimer partners with “My Tahoe” license plate campaign
Submitted by paula on Wed, 07/03/2019 - 11:04pm
Professional cycling legend Levi Leipheimer was in Lake Tahoe recently to promote the Lake Tahoe specialty vehicle license program of the California Tahoe Conservancy.
Leipheimer, a two-time U.S. national champion, Olympic medalist, and three-time Tour of California winner, has continued to use his role in cycling to advance good causes, including through his King Ridge Foundation, which supports programs serving at-risk youth across the country.
The three-mile long Tahoe East Shore Trail opens to bikes and pedestrians
Submitted by paula on Fri, 06/28/2019 - 4:35pm
LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - The Tahoe East Shore Trail at Lake Tahoe is now open to non-motorized bicycle and foot traffic. The Nevada Department of Transportation and Tahoe Transportation District, along with their partners in the project, celebrated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday afternoon the three-mile path between southern Incline Village and Sand Harbor State Park.
Updates to PCE contamination in South Lake Tahoe to be discussed at public meeting
Submitted by paula on Mon, 06/24/2019 - 12:28pm
Event Date:
June 26, 2019 - 6:00pm
A 400-acre plume of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) has been found in some of the South Lake Tahoe groundwater and the agencies tasked with protecting the local drinking supply will be updating the community on cleanup efforts and the status of the plume on Wednesday, June 26 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the South Lake Tahoe City Council Chambers at the airport.
Conservancy approves $500K to spend on Alta Mira project in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sat, 06/22/2019 - 7:26pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) board voted Thursday to spend $500,000 to start planning for improved beach access, stormwater improvement, and shoreline stabilization along part of the South Lake Tahoe shoreline that once housed the Alta Mira Building.
Conservancy votes to allow Oflying Water Control Project to move forward on their land
Submitted by paula on Sat, 06/22/2019 - 6:43pm
The California Tahoe Conservancy voted during their board meeting on Thursday to allow El Dorado County to use five of their parcels to develop a water quality project in the Tahoe Paradise neighborhood.
The project will include the construction of conveyance channels and detention basins, and install perforated pipes to infiltrate stormwater, which will increase groundwater recharge and reduce stormwater volumes, peak flows, and stormwater pollutants.
Conservancy to help improve Kings Beach neighborhoods
Submitted by paula on Fri, 06/21/2019 - 9:51am
At its meeting yesterday, and following a tour of the properties, the Conservancy Board directed staff to begin pre-sale activities for the two parcels: 8602 North Lake Boulevard and 8644 Speckled Avenue. Potential opportunities for the parcels could include new affordable housing or mixed-use development, as well as improvements for people walking and riding bicycles, water quality improvement projects, and placement of conservation easements over sensitive open space.
Overnight closures of SR28 for final roadway striping near Incline Village
Submitted by paula on Sat, 06/15/2019 - 5:55pm
Overnight road closures will take place on State Route 28 south of Incline Village June 17 and 18 as the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) places final roadway striping as part of the installation of the State Route 28 shared used path.
Both directions of SR 28 will be closed between Lakeshore Boulevard in southern Incline Village and the U.S. 50 junction from 8:00 p.m.-6:30 a.m. nightly June 17 and 18 as final roadway striping is placed on the highway.
Public meetings to discuss control of aquatic invasive weeds in the Tahoe Keys
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/11/2019 - 10:23pm
Event Date:
June 25, 2019 - 5:00pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif.- The problem of aquatic invasive weeds and nuisance plants in the Tahoe Keys continues to grow, even with the Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association (TKPOA) investing time and money to control the problem. The aquatic invasive species (AIS) continue to spread and the costs continue to grow.
Summer 2019 edition of Tahoe In Depth now available
Submitted by paula on Fri, 06/07/2019 - 5:58pm
STATELINE, Nev. – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has published the summer 2019 edition of Tahoe In Depth. The award-winning newspaper, in its seventh year of publication, strives to provide residents, visitors, and policymakers with information about protecting, enjoying and exploring the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Having a voice in the Lake Tahoe Main Street Management Plan
Submitted by paula on Fri, 05/31/2019 - 9:01am
STATELINE, Nev. - Dozens of residents from both sides of the state line on the South Shore attended the Main Street Management Plan workshop Wednesday to participate in planning the future of Lake Tahoe Boulevard from Pioneer Trail/Raley's area to MontBleu.
14th annual Tahoe Bike Challenge June 1-14
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/28/2019 - 10:02am
It appears Mother Nature will be offering some great biking weather for the hundreds of participants in the 14th annual Tahoe Bike Challenge June 1 - 14. The two-week basin-wide event is a team-based challenge to encourage everyone to ride and experience the benefits and joys of cycling.
The event is co-sponsored by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition/
Recycled water spills into Grass Lake Creek
Submitted by paula on Thu, 05/09/2019 - 9:29pm
5.10.19 Update: On Thursday, May 9, 2019, recycled water from a South Tahoe Public Utility District Luther Pass storage tank leaked into Grass Lake Creek. Water samples collected from Grass Lake Creek immediately following the spill showed no change in coliform bacteria, meaning the spill caused no significant impact to water quality. A leak from the overflow pipe inside the tank was the cause of the spill. The tank has been drained and taken off-line until repairs can be made.
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Seasonal dog closure for Upper Truckee Marsh in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/01/2019 - 12:05pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Starting Wednesday, May 1, the California Tahoe Conservancy will be initiating their seasonal dog closure at the Upper Truckee Marsh in South Lake Tahoe. This annual closure will last through July 31.
The purpose of the closure is to keep dogs out of critical breeding habitat for special, threatened and endangered species such as the Willow Flycatcher.
19th annual Snapshot Day to unveil conditions in Lake Tahoe and Truckee River
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/30/2019 - 9:34am
For the past 18 years, volunteers have been monitoring water quality conditions across the Lake Tahoe and Truckee River watersheds, collecting data at a single point in time to better understand the area as a whole. It is a bi-state collaborative that can achieve a larger watershed approach to successful data collection.
On May 17 and 18, 2019, volunteers will once again head out and perform a variety of tests including temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, algae, and nitrogen.
Navigating through South Lake Tahoe road construction
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/25/2019 - 12:14pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With three major road construction projects on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe this summer, both residents and visitors alike will have their patience put to the test as they navigate local roads.
Not only will CalTrans have three major projects on Highway 50 between Echo Summit and Al Tahoe Boulevard, but the City of South Lake Tahoe will have their own road projects going on at Sierra Boulevard and Gardner Mountain.
It truly will be a six-month-long "Road Construction Season."
Lake Spirit Awards highlight ways to protect Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/24/2019 - 8:27pm
LAKE TAHOE, Nevada – Five people were recognized at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) meeting Wednesday for their commitment to protecting and enhancing Lake Tahoe’s unique natural environment.
Since 2011, TRPA has awarded the Lake Spirit Awards to individuals from both the North and South Shores who are either citizens or agency representatives/environmental scientists.
Building trails, promoting climate change awareness, organizing beach cleanups, and preserving cultural resources are some of the ways this year’s award winners show their dedication to Lake Tahoe.
Two-year long NDOT US50 Spooner Summer project to begin this week
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/23/2019 - 9:48am
The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) will begin a two-year long storm drainage project to help preserve water quality and reduce erosion on US 50 between Carson City and Spooner Summit on Thursday, April 25.
Public comment sought on USFS-Liberty Utilities plan to thin forests around power lines
Submitted by paula on Sat, 04/20/2019 - 7:00am
Liberty Utilities and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) are working together on a proposal to reduce the risk of unwanted wildfires on approximately 6,300 acres of forest in the Lake Tahoe Basin along 55 miles of power line corridors.
The Liberty Utilities Resilience Corridors Project would help create healthier and more resilient forests while reducing the risk of unwanted wildfires that could ignite either from vegetation coming in contact with utility infrastructure or failures of infrastructure.
Roadwork schedule for $5.5M Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets Project
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/17/2019 - 5:30pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After this summer's work is completed on Sierra Boulevard, those driving, walking and riding on the road will enjoy sidewalks, Class 1 and Class 2 bike lanes, parallel parking spots, reduced lane size, lighted sidewalks, underground utilities, landscaping, crosswalks and see the new water quality improvements.
The $5.5 million project on the .6 mile long Sierra Boulevard is funded mostly by grants.
SLT City Council meeting to include construction allocations, camping regulations
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/12/2019 - 7:00am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Tuesday's evening meeting of the South Lake Tahoe City Council will have a full agenda that includes replacement of aging snow removal equipment, a Lime License Agreement, and temporary suspension of the City's Residential Allocation Procedures.
Work resumes on shared use path in Incline Village along SR28
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/11/2019 - 12:08pm
LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - The final stage of the three-plus mile shared-use path from the southern end of Incline Village to Sand Harbor State Park along SR28 will begin on April 22, ending a four-year, multi-agency water quality and traffic safety improvement project.
Conservancy approves City's purchase of Bijou Park Creek watershed lot
Submitted by paula on Wed, 03/27/2019 - 5:14pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) Board has approved the City of South Lake Tahoe's proposal to purchase an ecologically important parcel on Rockwood Drive as part of its broader plans to restore the Bijou Park Creek watershed.
Column: Fees benefit water quality and trails
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/21/2019 - 7:32pm
While it still feels like winter, with a healthy snowpack and ski resorts reporting record monthly snowfall in February, another building season is fast approaching. One of the questions people ask the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency each year is why they have to pay mitigation fees for their development, like new homes and remodeling projects.
Lake Tahoe gas station owners pay $1M fine, face other sanctions
Submitted by paula on Wed, 03/20/2019 - 3:12pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After a multi-year investigation into conditions at their Lake Tahoe gas stations, one local businessman is now banned from owning or operating gas stations with underground tanks in California while another faces sanctions.
Azad Amiri and Sarbjit S. Kang were accused of violating multiple underground storage tank (UST) requirements at five Lake Tahoe area gas stations: 1140 Emerald Bay Road, 913 Emerald Bay Road, and 2304 Lake Tahoe Blvd. in South Lake Tahoe, 3208 Highway 50 in Meyers, and 8070 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach.
Other possible sources of PCE contamination identified in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 03/08/2019 - 12:27am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With a 400 acre plume of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) in some of the South Lake Tahoe groundwater, agencies tasked with protecting the local drinking supply updated the community on cleanup efforts and the status of the plume Wednesday evening.
Authorities originally identified the chemical entered the groundwater at the site of the old Lake Tahoe Laundry Works which was located at the South Y Center that is now home to Raley's and KMart.
How full is Lake Tahoe?
Submitted by paula on Wed, 03/06/2019 - 2:27pm
LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Sierra Nevada has seen epic amounts of snowfall this winter and recent measurements at both Phillips and Mt. Rose show water content of the snowpack well above normal.
John Thiel: New man at the helm of South Tahoe Public Utility District
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/04/2019 - 8:42pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After Richard Solbrig told the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) Board of Directors he was retiring in January 2019 after 29 years with the agency the hunt was on for a new general manager.
It turned out they didn't have to look far.
John Thiel had been hired by Solbrig in 1992 as a staff engineer and he worked his way up through the ranks over the last 27 years until the Board chose him as the new general manager.
Updates on the South Lake Tahoe PCE contamination at public meeting
Submitted by paula on Wed, 02/27/2019 - 4:02pm
Event Date:
March 6, 2019 - 6:00pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) was found in drinking water wells in South Lake Tahoe near the "Y" in 1989, and it remains in the groundwater today, forming a containment plume from the intersection of Highway 50 and State Route 89 and heading toward Lake Tahoe through the Tahoe Keys.
TRPA accepting project nominations for Best in Basin
Submitted by paula on Mon, 02/11/2019 - 7:27pm
Stateline, Nevada – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is accepting project nominations for its annual Best in Basin awards program now through Tuesday, April 2.
TRPA created the Best in Basin awards program as a way to recognize public and private projects that demonstrate exceptional planning, design, and compatibility with Lake Tahoe’s environment and communities.
South Lake Tahoe City Council on a delayed start Tuesday
Submitted by paula on Mon, 02/04/2019 - 9:08pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to the current blizzard, the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 5 will start two hours late at 11:00 a.m. The closed session portion of the meeting will start at 10:30 a.m.
City officials said this delayed start will allow attendees to get to the meeting safely.
There are 15 items on the agenda including the final vote on a cannabis use ordinance and first reading on a mobile vending ordinance.
Column: Building on Lake Tahoe’s Progress
Submitted by paula on Sat, 01/19/2019 - 5:40pm
2018 was an extraordinary year for Lake Tahoe, and one of the region’s most successful years in decades. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) assisted by dozens of partners approved landmark programs and projects, including a new Shoreline Plan, a comprehensive update of TRPA’s development rights system, and the U.S. 50 South Shore Community Revitalization Project.
Tips for a safe winter and holiday season
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/10/2018 - 11:40pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Winter has arrived in the Lake Tahoe Basin along with the holiday season. Local fire districts and their partners would like to take this opportunity to remind residents and visitors to properly dispose of fireplace/woodstove ashes and to use caution when decorating for the holiday. The following safety tips are recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to help keep your home safe this winter/holiday season.
Fireplaces and Woodstoves
Caltrans thanks South Lake Tahoe businesses and drivers for patience during highway project
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/03/2018 - 12:44am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Phase II of the three-year, $57,000,000 Highway 50 project from the Y to the Trout Creek Bridge in South lake Tahoe is complete and Caltrans will back in the Spring of 2019 to work on the final phase.
The project is a water quality project that has also addressed ADA compliance on curbs, widened bike paths to six feet, added bus pullouts, replaced curbs, gutters and sidewalks, added new pavement, added one stop light, and will have replaced two others and added left turn lane improvements at Sierra Boulevard when it wraps up next year.
US 50/South Shore Community Revitalization Project approved by TRPA
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/15/2018 - 7:09pm
LAKE TAHOE, CA/NV - It's been 38 years in the making. On Thursday, November 15, 2018, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Board of Directors unanimously approved the final joint environmental document for the US 50/South Shore Community Revitalization Project, also known as the "Loop Road."
Last week, the board of the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) unanimously approved the same document, the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS/EIS).
Letter: A positive change in the City Clerk's office with Sue Blankenship
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 10/29/2018 - 7:16am
Hello, my name is Susan Blankenship, Assistant City Clerk, and I am running for City Clerk of South Lake Tahoe.
I have served as the Assistant City Clerk since May 2016. Prior to coming to work for the City, I served as Board Clerk for the State Allocation Board and the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board. These positions provided me with the work experience I needed to transition to working for the City Clerk’s Department.
Letter: Lou Pierini would bring well-rounded background to STPUD board
Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 10/27/2018 - 12:28pm
I’m Lou Pierini and I am running for the South Tahoe Utility District Board of Directors. I would like to be part of the process that makes decisions regarding our sewer and water service. I have the experience, the knowledge and the ambition to positively contribute to the direction South Tahoe Public Utility District takes now and in the future.
