Memorandum
Date: February 10, 2026
From: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
Subject: Approve Continuation of a Local Emergency due to the 2026 Robin Lane Sewer Spill (City of Clearlake)
Executive Summary:
Lake County Code Chapter 6 and California Government Code section 8630(a) authorize the Board of Supervisors to proclaim the existence of a local emergency when conditions of extreme peril threaten life, property, or public health and when the Board is in session.
On January 11, 2026, a failure of a 16-inch wastewater force main serving the City of Clearlake resulted in the uncontrolled release of untreated sewage into residential areas, drainage systems, Burns Valley Creek, and Clear Lake. The damaged infrastructure is owned and operated by the Lake County Sanitation District and serves a large portion of the City of Clearlake and surrounding areas.
The spill has impacted at least 58 properties, many of which rely on private domestic wells for drinking water, and has affected stormwater infrastructure, roadways, surface waters, and the Clear Lake watershed. Due to continuing system failures and the inability to fully isolate the damaged pipeline, the duration and extent of contamination and public health risk remain uncertain.
The City of Clearlake has proclaimed a local emergency, and the scope of impacts and required response exceed the capacity of the City alone. Coordinated Operational Area support is necessary to protect public health, support environmental response, coordinate interagency operations, facilitate emergency contracting and procurement, and enable access to state and federal disaster assistance.
This item continues the emergency proclaimed by your board on January 13, 2026.
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