DOCUMENTS

The complete FEIR/FEIS is comprised of four separate files and can be viewed by clicking on the links below:

  1. FEIR/FEIS for the Tahoe Keys Aquatic Weed Control Methods Tests
  2. FEIR/FEIS Appendix A – Written Comments Received during Public Review
  3. FEIR/FEIS Appendix B – Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
  4. FEIR/FEIS Appendix C – Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement

INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS

TKPOA submitted the Tahoe Keys Lagoons Aquatic Weed Control Methods Test Application, triggering the need for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (Lahontan Water Board), and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) required by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA).

close up view of curlyleaf pondweedThe Control Methods Test application proposes the use of targeted herbicides as one of the control methods to test in combination with other methods, including Ultraviolet Light tests, to reduce and control the abundant growth of non-native and nuisance aquatic weeds that are compromising the water quality and degrading the beneficial uses of the Tahoe Keys lagoons, as well as threatening the future ecosystem and water quality of Lake Tahoe.

The final environmental analysis determined the use of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) approved herbicides can meet the strict environmental standards of Lake Tahoe’s classification as a Tier Three, Outstanding National Resource Water.

The environmental analysis team, TRC Solutions, assembled a team of independent experts who collected and analyzed data to understand the impacts of the proposed tests, along with alternate management options during 2019 – 2021.

ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS TIMELINE

2022 Updated Project Review Timeline

The lead agencies received thousands of comments about the Tahoe Keys Lagoons Aquatic Weed Control Methods Test draft environmental document. The agencies reviewed all comments, finalized the environmental document, conducted a peer review of the proposed project’s monitoring program, and coordinated with myriad agencies and partners throughout the basin.

Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board released a Draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit with an Antidegradation Analysis in fall 2021 with adequate time for the public to provide comments and feedback.

The Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement was released prior to the lead agencies considering the document for adoption.

The Tahoe Keys Lagoons Aquatic Weed Control Methods Test was approved by both lead agencies in January 2022:

MANAGEMENT TIMELINE