Upper York Creek Dam Removal: A Milestone in Environmental Restoration

ST. HELENA, CA — After a challenging journey spanning 28 years, a significant milestone has been achieved in the City of St. Helena’s commitment to environmental stewardship with the completion of the Upper York Creek Ecosystem and Aquatic Habitat Restoration project.

Government officials, environmental advocates and the community gathered June 27 to commemorate the removal of the Upper York Creek Dam and honor the people and organizations that played a vital role in this transformative endeavor. After an event that took place at St. Helena’s City Hall, elected officials, project partners, and City staff went to the Upper York Creek restoration site to unveil new informational signage marking the completion of the project.

Originally constructed in 1900 to serve as a reservoir for the residents of St. Helena and the surrounding vineyards, the dam eventually became obsolete due to the proliferation of alder, willow and invasive ivy in the sediment infill behind the barrier. In 1992, a routine maintenance mishap led to the release of fine silts downstream, resulting in water pollution and a noticeable fish kill. In addition, the dam's presence blocked access to 1.5 miles of critical steelhead spawning habitat after the California Central Coast Steelhead was listed as a federally threatened species in 1997.

Over the years, the City of St. Helena has faced numerous challenges and incurred substantial fines from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, amounting to over $190,000. However, these hurdles did not deter the City’s unwavering commitment to environmental restoration.

"The total cost for the dam removal was $9 million over 28 years with $4.2 for the construction phase, of which 68% or $2.9 million was paid for by the City," said Anil Comelo, city manager for the City of St. Helena. "This was a significant investment underscores the City’s ongoing commitment to care of wildlife and the environment. While this project was a long time in the making, the end result is one that everyone can be proud of and that it has already been transformative for our regional ecosystem."

In 2020, amid the COVID-19-induced shelter-in-place orders, the removal process commenced. A total of 1,933 heavy truckloads, carrying 22,000 cubic yards of material, were extracted and deposited into two nearby landfills. This undertaking had a profound ecological impact, as the dam no longer impedes fish from spawning in the 4.4-square-mile watershed of York Creek. In all, getting through the regulatory, planning, design and funding phases took approximately 28 years. The construction and habitat restoration work was completed in just four months.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable individuals and organizations who made this achievement possible," said Mayor Paul Dohring. "First and foremost, we acknowledge the unwavering dedication and tenacity of Erica Smithies, our former Public Works Director, whose leadership played a pivotal role in guiding this project to its successful completion. We also express our appreciation to all the other contractors who worked on the project including McCullough Construction, Britton Trees, Green Valley Consulting, EKI Environmental and Water, Inc., WRA Environmental Consultants, the County of Napa, Upper Valley Disposal, and NOAA Fisheries."

McCullough Construction Inc., the prime contractor for the project, spearheaded the dam removal and provided essential emergency fire clearing at the Louis Stralla Water Treatment Plant before the September 2020 Glass Fire, the mayor said. This critical action, along with the valiant efforts of six City of St. Helena Public Works staff members who fought the fire overnight, undoubtedly saved the water plant, Dohring said.

"Special Counsel Mike Biddle from Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP provided indispensable behind-the-scenes support, ensuring the smooth progression of the project," Dohring said. "Green Valley Consulting Engineers carried out meticulous construction inspection, while Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California facilitated tribal monitoring during the construction phase. The EKI Environment & Water, Inc. and WRA Environmental Consultants teams worked closely with various regulatory agencies, skillfully navigating the intricate processes involved."

Additional partners that helped complete this vital project included Spring Mountain Vineyards, Napa County’s Public Works Department, U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson and his office including Deputy Chief Brad Onorato, Sen. Bill Dodd, and Assemblymember Cecilia M. Aguiar-Curry. Each elected official and their staff helped to get the necessary permits and approvals from the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the California State Water Resources Control Board, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the mayor said.