As with any project of this type, various permits and environmental clearances had to be obtained prior to any work beginning at the site. In addition to that, a thorough Monitoring and Reporting Plan (MRP) had to be written and approved by the Regional Water Quality Control Board. CEQA documentation included a notice of intent to adopt a Negative Declaration, meaning that after review there was found to be “no substantial evidence, in light of the whole record before the agency, that the project may have a significant effect on the environment” (CEQA Article 6, Section 15070).

Coordination had to take place with the Santa Barbara County Flood Control District (SBCFCD) staff, as the channel being used in this project is under their purview. Permission was granted for the project to come under the permit held by the SBCFCD for annual routine maintenance of the channel.