Structural integrity of the antiquated dams and earthquake safety considerations are paramount for the safety of downstream residents. Both Scott and Cape Horn dams are old and on unstable footing, making them unsafe. Residents of both Marin and Sonoma counties are concerned about the exploding urban sprawl, which, if fed by the Eel River, will have unsustainable impacts on both the environment and their quality of life. The strongest one reported was a 5.4. This amount of activity may indicate a new fault forming.
Downstream residents are quite nervous .