the Russian River Estuary (Estuary). As previously noted in Chapter 2.0, Project Description,

the Estuary Study Area comprises the Russian River Estuary (Estuary), which extends approximately seven miles from the mouth of the Russian River upstream to Duncans Mills just beyond the confluence of Austin Creek. Under certain closed conditions, the Estuary may backwater to Monte Rio, and as far upstream as Vacation Beach. Although this condition may periodically occur, potential impacts related to water quality are generally thought to be limited to the seven mile area downstream of Austin Creek. Where appropriate, discussion of water quality impacts within the Estuary Study Area and the larger maximum backwater area, which extends upstream past Austin Creek to approximately Vacation Beach, is provided (Please refer to Figure 2-3 in Chapter 2.0, Project Description. Potential impacts relating to flooding and drainage conditions are presented in Section 4.2, Hydrology and Flooding. Potential impacts to fisheries and biological resources are discussed in Section 4.4, Biological Resources, and Section 4.5