TAHOE CITY, Calif. – As construction plans move forward on the Tahoe City Public Utility District’s largest infrastructure project in recent history, some Tahoma residents continue to raise concerns about potential impacts to wildlife.

On Thursday, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency approved Phase 1 of the Tahoe Cedars Water System Reconstruction Project. The project will fully rebuild the Tahoe Cedars water system, originally constructed in the 1940s and now considered by TCPUD to be in active decline. While broadly acknowledged as necessary, the project has drawn continued opposition from a group of local residents who argue that elements of the reconstruction could result in long-term ecological damage.

At the center of those concerns is a previously proposed construction staging area in a forested site near the top of Antelope Way, above Elm Street and adjacent to existing TCPUD water tanks.

Residents say development in that area could disturb sensitive habitat and wildlife, including the protected Northern goshawk, which has reportedly nested nearby in recent years. In California, the species is designated as a Bird Species of Special Concern (Priority 3) and is also listed as sensitive by both the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the United States Forest Service.

Recent revisions to the project removed the need for the staging area in Phase 1. However, TCPUD General Manager Sean Barclay said the location is expected to be considered in a later phase. The deferral would allow additional time to study biological and cultural resources at the site, though it does not eliminate the possibility of its future use.

During TRPA’s public hearing on phase 1, residents urged both agencies to permanently remove the area from consideration across all phases of the project.

“Given the fact that we know it is a breeding area for a vulnerable species, and we know it will result in degradation to the environment that could be permanent, I don’t understand why this is continuing to be considered for future staging areas,” said one Tahoma resident.

“I want to urge TRPA and TCPUD to make a definitive decision to protect this area — for the wildlife, for the community,” she added. “Why would we intentionally degrade a natural area when there are other options? Take this off the table once and for all.”

Public Hearings Officer Marsha Burch acknowledged the concerns but emphasized the limits of her authority.

“What is before me today is a project that doesn’t include that site,” Burch said. “I cannot reach beyond what is before me and make decisions about the future use of that property.”

The public hearing focused on approval of Phase 1 of the construction project, which no longer included the staging site.

In a statement, a TCPUD spokesperson said a qualified biologist will conduct biological surveys prior to any construction activities, and that the district will comply with all nest protection area requirements. TCPUD also said its initial investigations had not detected an active Northern goshawk nest in the area.

The spokesperson added that the district became aware of an active nest in mid-2025 and has since reviewed changes in the presence of special-status wildlife species in the protected area. TCPUD said it has continued working with its project team to identify and address potential impacts, including adjusting the timing, methods, and approach to construction to allow additional review and ensure compliance with nest protection restrictions.

Approval of Phase 1 allows the district to begin initial construction, while debate over later phases — and the potential use of the contested staging area — is expected to continue.