HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 06262012 - C.45RECOMMENDATION(S):
ADOPT the Delta Needs List of projects the County may advance for future Delta-related funding efforts, as
recommended by the Transportation, Water and Infrastructure Committee.
FISCAL IMPACT:
NONE to the General Fund. The County will benefit if it receives funding for one or more of the projects on the
Delta Needs List, from regional, state or federal funding programs.
BACKGROUND:
Contra Costa County staff currently is following five ongoing or potential efforts at generating funds for Delta-related
projects and/or studies. They include the following:
1) the Delta Regional Finance Plan being developed by the Delta Conservancy;
2) the Planning and Conservation League's "Coalition to Support Delta Projects";
3) a potential revised water
APPROVE OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
Action of Board On: 06/26/2012 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
Clerks Notes:
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
AYE:John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II
Supervisor
Mary N. Piepho, District III
Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV
Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V
Supervisor
Contact: John Greitzer,
674-7824
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board
of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: June 26, 2012
David Twa, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: June McHuen, Deputy
cc: Mary Jane Robb, Linda Martinez, Susan Gohs
C. 45
To:Board of Supervisors
From:Transportation, Water & Infrastructure Cmte.
Date:June 26, 2012
Contra
Costa
County
Subject:Delta-related projects for funding consideration
BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)
bond that could appear on the ballot this November or in 2014;
4) a potential opportunity to ask for federal or state funding for Delta-related studies that we believe are important
in light of other ongoing Delta planning efforts; and
5) a joint effort between the Delta Counties Coalition (which includes Contra Costa County) and the San Joaquin
Valley Partnership to build a coalition around Delta-related projects the two groups can support.
The County's inter-departmental Delta Staff Team has developed a list of potential projects and studies (the Delta
Needs List) which could be forwarded into the various funding efforts mentioned above. The Delta Staff Team
includes staff from the County's Public Works Department (Flood Control), Department of Conservation and
Development, Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services, and the County Administrator's Office, along with our
consultant on Delta issues and our state and federal legislative advocates.
The Transportation, Water and Infrastructure Committee reviewed staff's draft list on May 3, 2012, suggested
some additional items, and recommended the Board of Supervisors adopt the revised Delta Needs List. The list is
attached for Board adoption.
The list includes 11 specific projects and five legislative changes that would support the County's Delta interests.
The list serves as a "master list" for potential projects to submit for the funding efforts mentioned earlier. Not all
of the projects would be eligible for all of the funding efforts; staff will submit projects from the list that fit a
particular funding program, at the appropriate time for each funding effort.
The list is intended to be dynamic rather than static, and will be changed as some projects are completed or Delta
priorities change.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Staff will be reluctant to submit Delta-related projects for funding, without having Board adoption of the master
list of projects. Given that other agencies will have board or council-adopted project lists, negative action could
put the County in a disadvantageous position when funding opportunites arise.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
NONE.
ATTACHMENTS
Delta Needs List 2012
Delta Needs List:
Potential Delta Projects
In Contra Costa County
Prepared for future Delta-related funding plans
Recommended to the Board of Supervisors
by the Transportation, Water and Infrastructure Committee
2
I. Restore the Delta Shoreline
The Delta shoreline is defined as that swath or ribbon of land adjacent to the Delta. The
Contra Costa County General Plan identifies the Delta waterways as a scenic resource. As a
county, we are required to improve water quality for waters leaving the county and draining
into the Delta through our National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
Permit. Restoration of the Delta shoreline at strategic and appropriate locations will provide
for biological cleansing of stormwater before it enters the Delta. This will help meet our
stormwater permit requirements, enhance riparian and habitat value, improve water quality
near drinking water intakes and protect scenic waterways.
Stormwater filters needed in 25 locations: Estimated Cost $30 million
Knightsen Biofilter: Estimated Cost $10 million (includes $500,000 phase 2 feasibility
study)
Old River Shoreline. Old River has been the principal in-Delta Conveyance Route to the
south Delta pumps. Basic shoreline restoration: Estimated Cost $50 million
II. Protect Groundwater Resources
Most of the communities in eastern Contra Costa County (the Delta area) derive their water
supply from ground wells. It is important to protect those resources and prevent intrusion of
salt water or other waters laden with pollutants into the ground water supply. Detailed
geologic and hydrogeologic reports would be required.
Groundwater studies: Estimated Cost $10 million
Groundwater management/protection: Estimated Cost $100 million
III. Remediate the Mount Diablo Mercury Mine
This mercury mine is located in the headwaters of Marsh Creek on the eastern slopes of
Mount Diablo. It is the largest contributor of mercury in the county to the Delta and San
Francisco Bay. The mine needs to be fully remediated and downstream reaches restored to
reduce pollutant loading and improve water quality in the Marsh Creek watershed. The
County needs liability protection on any County action taken.
Mercury Mine Remediation: Estimated Cost $15 million
Reservoir rehabilitation and mercury sediment encapsulation: Estimated Cost $10 million
Watershed mercury assessment and monitoring: Estimated Cost $3 million
3
IV. Maintain and Improve Levees
Many of the levees in eastern Contra Costa County are substandard and protect valuable
commercial, residential and agricultural properties. Levees help maintain water quality in the
Delta, particularly in the western Delta. Levees facilitate conveyance of water north of the
Delta to export pumps in the South Delta. The levees protecting residential homes and
urbanized uses need to be brought up to PL84-99 standards and improved to a 200-year-flood
level of protection. Agricultural levees need to be improved to withstand overtopping of a
100-year-flood without breach or levee failure. If Sherman and Twitchell Island levees are
not restored, then adjacent levees will also require additional restoration and protection. A
detailed list of specific levee projects, updated in February 2012, is available upon request.
Total levee improvements, including developed islands/tracts and Jersey Island, plus
levees along major creeks. Estimated Cost: $ 1.4 billion.
Bethel Island and Hotchkiss Tract. These are the two residential communities in Contra
Costa that would be subject to deep flooding if their levee failed. These two levee
systems should be the first to be improved in any phased approach to levee restoration.
Holland Tract, Webb Tract, Veale Tract, Bradford Island. Additional levee projects sought
by reclamation districts.
Contra Costa Canal Replacement Project in Rock Slough area: This would convert an
open canal to an enclosed pipe, enabling the elimination of eight miles of levee
embankment.
Delta Long Term Management Strategy (LTMS). LTMS is an ongoing joint state-federal
process for permitting and implementation of beneficial reuse of dredged material for
levees and ecosystem enhancement. Additional funding is need to complete the process.
Estimated Cost $3 million ($1 million/year for 3 years).
Emergency Stockpile. Riprap needs to be stockpiled at strategic locations throughout the
Delta to be used for repair of levee breaks and impending breaks Estimated Cost: $5
million.
V. Emergency Response
The Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) responds to emergencies in the Delta,
including flooding that could result from levee breeches. The Sheriff’s Office also has a
Marine Patrol Unit that patrols the Delta waters. Equipment is needed both for responding to
levee breeches and to assist the Sheriff’s Office in patrolling the Delta. Airborne patrolling is
key, as there are many areas in the Delta that are not easily accessible and can best be viewed
by helicopter. The helicopter has enabled the Sheriff’s Air Support Unit to spot boils or
seepage in levees, release of refinery items (?) and abandoned vessels that could not be seen
from the ground. These incidents were immediately reported from the helicopter to the
appropriate response agency. Due to aging equipment aboard the helicopters, the Sheriff’s
Air Support Unit needs a number of items to enable it to continue protecting the Delta.
These items are included in the list below, along with ground-based equipment needs as well.
4
Delta Incident Communications Equipment. The Contra Costa County Office of
Emergency Services seeks mobile equipment for incident communications, for dealing
with Delta area emergency incidents. Estimated Cost: $100,000.
First Responder Response Safety: 150 personal flotation devices for emergency
responders. The personal flotation devices would be distributed to law and fire first
responders in the jurisdictions along the Delta. These inflatable vests provide emergency
flotation protection for flood fight operations. Estimated cost: $50,000.
Specific helicopter-related equipment for the Air Support Unit, as shown below (total
estimated cost $1,050,000):
Avalex 15-inch monitors (2). The current onboard monitor is small and hard for the crews
to view. The new monitors will allow the crews to view levees and pollutant spills more
easily. The monitors also will improve the ability to collect video evidence of Delta
incidents. Estimated cost: $20,000.
FLIR Video Extender (2). This item will allow the crew to zoom in closer to the effected
area while maintaining their flight altitude. This will enable them to avoid disturbing
Delta wildlife while patrolling, and increase safety for the flight crew. Estimated cost:
$30,000.
FLIR 8500 Imaging System with Extender: Due to the age of one of the helicopter’s
visual imaging systems, a new one will need to be purchased. This will provide the
helicopter with two systems so the Delta can be viewed any time of day or night.
Estimated cost: $290,000.
Avalex DVR Thumb Drive Recorder (2). This system allows for instant downloading of
video evidence onto a thumb drive. The current system can only be downloaded after the
completion of the flight, and on to a DVD+R. Most DVD+Rs cannot be played on the Air
Support Unit’s system. This means multiple conversion steps must be taken in order to
prepare video evidence taken from helicopters. Estimated cost: $20,000.
Augmented Reality System (ARS) Moving Map (2). This item will allow the aircrew to
view incidents in front of them on a screen without interruption. Currently the crew must
scan between video screens and map screens with the possibility of losing items when
switching. This will increase safety for Delta boaters. Estimated cost: $280,000.
Technisonic Radios (2). These new radios will be part of the new multi-jurisdictional
radio system agreement. This will allow the various agencies in the Delta area to
communicate with each other without delay. Estimated cost: $210,000 including certified
installation.
Garmin 500H Flight Display, and related Garmin equipment (2). These systems will
allow the aircrew to know if other aircraft, approaching storms, terrain or towers are in the
area. This will enable the crew to pay stricter attention to the Delta without constantly
valuating if there are obstructions in the vicinity. Estimated cost: $200,000.
5
VI. Restore Delta Creeks
The creeks leading into the Delta need restoration to improve water quality entering the Delta
and improve habitat for aquatic species. These creeks include Kellogg Creek, Fisk Creek,
Brushy Creek, East Antioch Creek, West Antioch Creek, and Marsh Creek.
Estimated Cost: $125 million
VII. Provide Upland (On-Land) Disposal Sites for Dredged Material
The improvements envisioned in the Delta Vision and other Delta planning documents will
require ongoing maintenance. These maintenance requirements will include sedimentation
removal and dredge reuse sites. Disposal sites in upland areas need to be identified and
acquired for such purposes. One proposed site, for example, is the Sherman Island
rehandling facility. This could be done in conjunction with the LTMS Study.
Estimated Cost: $25-$30 million to secure land for 3 or 4 sites
VIII. Water Quality and Water Quantity Stations
In order to monitor and understand the changes in water quantity and water quality entering
the Delta from eastern Contra Costa County, water quality stations and stream gauges should
be installed and maintained at specific locations on select streams entering the Delta. Better
understanding of hydrology is needed to design and implement sustainable restoration of East
County creeks, and water quality information will help inform decisions on improving
habitat for aquatic species.
Estimated Cost: $250,000
IX. Recreational Trails
The East Bay Regional Park District has developed a master plan of trails to provide for
recreational use and access to natural resources in eastern Contra Costa County.
Estimated Cost: $25 million.
X. State Route 4 – Old River Bridge Replacement (Contra Costa and San Joaquin
Counties)
Old River Bridge is an obsolete and inadequate bridge crossing Old River at the County line
on Highway 4. The bridge approaches are unsafe and turn 90° immediately after the bridge
abutment. This bridge needs to be realigned and replaced for goods movement, public safety,
and emergency response and evacuation purposes.
Feasibility Study: Estimated Cost $ 1 million.
Environmental/Permitting/Design: Estimated Cost $ 10 million
Bridge Replacement Construction: Estimated Cost $100 million
6
XI. BDCP Impact Determination
The Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP), at least in its currently proposed project, will have
a huge impact on Contra Costa County, but it is beyond the technical abilities of County staff
to analyze these impacts. The County needs resources to provide an independent and
objective analysis of BDCP to determine its impacts. These impacts include both
environmental impacts, and economic impacts for Contra Costa businesses that depend on
the Delta.
Technical Consultants: Estimated Cost $300,000
XII. Sewer pipe replacement and relocation at Orin Allen Youth Facility
A sewer pipe at the Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Facility in Byron is located in an area
where it is frequently cracks due to weather and deterioration, which causes sewage spills
and water pollution problems in the Delta watershed. The pipe needs to be relocated
underground where it will not be vulnerable. This is a recurring water quality issue.
Estimated Cost: $100,000
XIII. General Plan Amendment Studies to improve consistency with the Delta Plan
These studies would be for portions of the County within the Delta and would include, but
not be limited re-evaluation of the Circulation Element of the County General Plan (GP) to
improve its consistency with policies that ensure preservation of non-urban, agricultural,
open space and other areas identified outside the Urban Limit Line.
Estimated Cost: $250,000
XIV. Assist with species recovery actions called for under East Contra Costa County Habitat
Conservation Plan / Natural Community Conservation Plan (HCP/NCCP)
The County and other partners implementing the HCP/NCCP need to acquire approximately
30,000 acres of land to conserve habitat for 28 rare, threatened and endangered species and
protect wetlands, waters and watersheds within and along the western edge of the Delta.
Approximately half this acreage is in excess of mitigation requirements and is intended to
contribute to recovery of these species. This portion of the HCP/NCCP is intended to be
funded with grants from public agencies and private foundations. Approximately $35
million has been raised so far, but an addition $125 million is needed.
Estimated Cost: $125,000,000
LEGISLATIVE CHANGES
A. Levee Subvention Program (now SB 200)
Support extension of the (up to) 75% state cost-share for levee rehabilitation through the
levees subvention program that is scheduled to sunset this year. Support multi-year
7
budgeting/funding commitment for the levees subventions program.
B. Water Bond
Support removal of 50% local match in the proposed water bond. This local match
requirement for Delta sustainability grants is not affordable for Delta communities and
should be eliminated.
C. Ground Water Monitoring
Support legislative requirements that would enable counties to develop a revenue stream to
pay for newly required groundwater monitoring. This could be achieved through a regional
water use fee or by establishing the ability to develop a local fee.
D. CALFED
Support and advocate for the CALFED Levee Stability Improvement Program