An earthen berm composed of river deposits currently extends from the Robles Diversion Facility to approximately 4,200 feet downstream near the community of Meiners Oaks. While this non-engineered berm provides limited flood protection to rural residential properties in low-lying areas of the floodplain, it is not expected to withstand a 100-year flood (one percent chance) nor does it meet FEMA certification requirements.
Intermediate design plans for a new Meiners Oaks levee are currently on hold pending concurrence on a preferred alternative at Robles as part of the Robles re-design process. Final design plans supported by Wildlife Conservation Board grant funds will then address existing flood risks as well as increased flood risks associated with the removal of Matilija Dam. The new levee system and/or other flood protection measures will meet FEMA certification requirements under post-dam removal conditions, and will extend from the Robles facility to a new terminus not more than 0.9 miles downstream.
