CLEARLAKE—Today, following work by the California State Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and Senator Mike McGuire, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state disaster in Lake County in response to the devastating Robin Lane sewage spill earlier this year.

On January 11, 2026, a 16-inch force main pipe ruptured in the Burns Valley area of Clearlake, resulting in the release of 2.9 million gallons of raw sewage, affecting residents in areas surrounding Robin Lane. A local health emergency was declared in response to this event. 

Following the local health emergency, the County of Lake and other local agencies deployed pump trucks to contain the spill, sanitized impacted wells and aquifers, conducted groundwater sampling, installing over 48 water storage tanks and 105 sanitation and filtration systems for affected wells. 

The state disaster declaration will make the County of Lake and other local governments eligible to seek reimbursement through the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA), with the state covering up to 75% of eligible costs associated with responding to the declared emergency.

Eligible costs can include repair, permanent restoration, and replacement of public facilities; overtime and associated wage costs; supplies, materials, and equipment; and basic engineering services when necessary for construction projects. The program can also cover other eligible costs associated with emergency response and recovery activities.

“We’ve been working for months with County leaders and Cal OES to see this day come to fruition. The Robin Lane sewage spill was completely devastating for hundreds of neighbors. While we’ll have more to announce on the wastewater facility very soon, the funding that will come through the declaration will not only help the County, City of Clearlake, and other first responders recoup millions in critical response costs, but also help replenish disaster reserve funds that were originally set aside for wildfires,” said Senator McGuire. “I’m grateful to Supervisor Sabatier, Chair Rasmussen, and the Board of Supervisors for their tenacious work, and Governor Newsom for bringing this much-needed financial assistance to Lake County, and to Cal OES for seeing this funding through and working with us every step of the way. There’s much more work to come.”

 

“Here’s the bottom line: Senator McGuire has always had Lake County’s back through thick and thin,” said Chair of Lake County Board of Supervisors, Brad Rasmussen. “The Robin Lane sewage spill was incredibly challenging, especially for the neighbors who were impacted by this devastating incident. From day one, Senator McGuire went to work bringing all of us together—and this state funding is needed now more than ever. We’re grateful to Governor Newsom and Cal OES for always being there for us in times of need.”

 

“Today’s disaster declaration is a big deal for Lake County and those impacted by the disaster in Clearlake, and it would not have been possible without the tireless work of Senator McGuire,” said Lake County Supervisor Bruno Sabatier. “This devastating spill put an enormous strain on our community, leaving hundreds of families without clean water and facing months of disruptions. This declaration will go a long way towards helping us recover from the costs of the Robin Lane sewage spill, and possible long-term solutions. We’re thankful to Senator McGuire for his persistence and for Governor Newsom for recognizing the full impact of the spill and the needs of Lake County and our impacted community.”

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Mike McGuire is President pro Tempore Emeritus of the California Senate. He represents the North Coast of California, which stretches from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border, including Del Norte, Trinity, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin Counties. Website of Senator McGuire: https://sd02.senate.ca.gov/