A draft Environmental Impact Report for the Clos de la Tech winery project has been released by the County Planning Commission for public comment. The public comment period opened on July 16, with the release of the document, and extends for 45 days, until Sept. 5. There is one scheduled meeting to receive public comments on August 27. A copy of the draft EIR can be obtained from the County website at http://tiny.cc/RhvYf (It is also attached to this posting.) If you do not have web access, you can obtain a copy of the DEIR at the Guild office. It is a 300-page document.

San Mateo county has released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the proposed Clos De La Tech Winery project.

It is available from the County Planning and Building Department.

http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/smc/department/home/0,,5557771_5558929_1313...

The Clos de la Tech winery/vineyard development (CDLT) had planned to plant 15 acres of steep slopes directly above the main water supply for Cuesta La Honda, in the Woodhams Creek drainage.

Recently, CDLT proposed a lot line adjustment with an adjacent neighbor, such that CDLT would gain 15 acres to plant in Langley Creek drainage, and abandon plans to plant in Woodhams Creek drainage. This proposed lot line adjustment will soon be up for review by the San Mateo County Planning Commission. The Guild supports this action, as it decreases the risk to our water supply.

For the first time in recent years—and perhaps in Guild history—the Public Works Department, in conjunction with the State Department of Health Services (DHS—the regulatory agency primarily responsible for safeguarding water quality) issued, and then promptly cancelled, a Boil Water Order in mid July. Along with causing inconvenience, confusion and concern, the process undoubtedly left many residents asking “Why?”

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors will consider possible approaches to developing an ordinance to regulate vineyard planting on steep slopes at its next meeting, August 15 at 9:00 a.m. at the County Center in Redwood City.