MOORPARK : Report Cites Benefits of Channel Work

Widening a large section of the Arroyo Simi Flood Control Channel in Moorpark would cause no significant environmental damage, and would actually increase the amount of wetlands in the area, according to a new county report.

The project calls for widening the channel and replacing a 16,000-foot section of its concrete lining to guard against floods, officials said. The improvements would enable this portion of the channel between Hitch Boulevard and Spring Road to withstand a 100-year storm.

The project, expected to cost $4 million to $6 million, would also help reduce annual maintenance costs along the channel, while at the same time protect against erosion of its banks, according to the project’s environmental impact report.

Although construction work related to the improvement project would cause increased traffic, noise and pollution, the environmental report recommends steps that can be taken to reduce their impact on the surrounding area. Construction activities, for instance, would be limited to weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The report found that the project would result in some benefits, primarily creation of an additional 11 acres of wetlands due to the widening of the channel, Deputy Public Works Director Alex Sheydayi said.

The Board of Supervisors will consider the environmental report Tuesday.