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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 12111990 - WC.2 WC-2 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Contra FROM: s % l ` Costa FROM: WATER COMMITTEE SUPERVISOR SUNNE WRIGHT McPEAK r ' SUPERVISOR TOM TORLAKSON County DATE: DECEMBER 5, 1990 SUBJECT: DRAFT ORDINANCE FOR DUAL AND RECYCLED WATER SYSTEMS; POTENTIAL LOW FLOW PLUMBING PROGRAM; AND SOUTH DELTA WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM EIR/EIS h SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATIONS) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Direct the Community Development Department to meet with water/wastewater agencies instrumental in developing the Dual and Recycled Water Systems (reclaimed water) draft ordinance in order to add changes proposed by the Water Committee, then submit to County Counsel prior to submittal to the Board. 2a. Authorize chair to sign letters to sanitary districts requesting 1�input as to how *a low flow plumbing fixture retrofit program for existing developments would conform with their respective Master Plans. 2b. Direct the: Community Development Department to obtain informationifrom the City of Santa Monica and other cities with low flow programs on the effects of these programs on sewer line maintenance, flow data, and solid-to-liquid ratios. 2c. Direct the Community Development Department to coordinate with the Committee for Water Policy Consensus regarding their Best Management Practices program for water conservation as it relates to low flow plumbing fixture rebate programs. 3 . Authorize Chair to sign a letter to the Department of Water Resources requesting additional Delta flow modelling as part of the South Delta Water Management Plan EIR/EIS to better determine operational settings, based upon parameters to be provided by? the Water Committee. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENTi: xx YES SIGNATURE RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S) : Supervisor^Sunne Wright McPeak Supervisor Torlakson ACTION OF BOARD ON rT1 �, 1qg� APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED _ OTHER VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A UNANIMOUS (ABSENT TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF AN AYES: NOES: ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED ON THE ABSENT: ABSTAIN: MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN. Orig: Community Development Department ATTESTED DEC 11 1990 cc: County Administrator Office PHIL BATCHELOR, CLERK OF County Counsel .: THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS County Health Services Department - AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR Environmental 'Health RG/ BY C4 , DEPUTY wa:Rev20rd.bo Draft Ordinance for Dual and Recycled Water Systems; et al Continued - Page 2 FISCAL IMPACT None. BACKGROUND/REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS 1. County water reclamation policy in effect since February, 1989, calls for reclaimed water use to be considered in new developments. This policy requires all developments to meet reclamation standards, which would be consistent with water district standards. On March 14, 1989 the Board requested the Water Committee to follow-up on an ordinance or resolution to require use of reclaimed water and dual use water systems in new developments. The Water Committee addressed this issue through the review of the San Diego Water Authority Water Reclamation Ordinance for applicability to the County. On May 15,1990 the Board requested that a draft water reclamation ordinance be prepared by Contra Costa Water District (acting as lead) , the East Bay Municipal Utility District, and interested wastewater agencies. Several meetings were held over the next two months, and a draft ordinance was presented to the Water Committee during the November 19, 1990 meeting. The Water Committee requested that a few additional terms be defined, and suggested some minor changes prior to submittal to County Counsel, and the Board. 2a. As part of ongoing County water conservation efforts, the Water Committee was directed by the Board to consider a program to consider the retrofitting of low flow plumbing fixtures in existing developments. Letters were sent to water and sanitary districts in order to enlist support and interest in a retrofit program. The water districts and several sanitary districts have indicated an interest in some type of program at this time. Several types of programs are being evaluated (rebate program, rate discount, or free low flow equipment, for example) . In addition, some areas may be better suited to low flow conditions. Therefore, the Water Committee recommends eliciting further information from water/wastewater agencies to better determine a suitable retrofit plan for the County. 2b. The Water Committee has reviewed the City of Santa Monica comprehensive low flow plumbing fixture program for applicability to the County. Sanitary districts have expressed some concern regarding the potential for sewer problems associated with widespread low flow equipment, especially in older areas. The Water Committee recommends that information be obtained from the Cities of Santa Monica, Phoenix, and San Jose to obtain background data on sewer line maintenance, and flow data regarding solid-to-liquid ratios. 2c. The Committee for Water Policy Consensus is addressing the low flow plumbing fixture issue as part of a larger, Best Management Practices approach for total water conservation through the. land use process. The Water Committee recommends that the Community Development Department monitor and . coordinate with the Committee throughout this process. 3 . The South Delta Water Management Plan EIR/EIS is one of three major programs concurrently undergoing environmental review. The South Delta Program, with the North Delta Water Management Plan and the Los Banos Grandes Reservoir will comprise those projects intended to improve channel capacity and conveyance and institute a water banking program, which in turn will Draft Ordinance for Dual and Recycled Water Systems; et al Continued - Page 3 begin to correct existing problems through winter banking of water south of the Delta. The South Delta Program EIR/EIS would include enlargement of the Clifton Court Forebay (in almost all alternatives) , and various scenarios for placement of new pumping locations and barrier systems in south Delta Channels. This is intended to improve circulation and flow patterns, address (mitigate) existing problems to some degree, and provide more operating flexibility for the State Water Project. The South Delta Program would also require a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers to increase exports to a monthly average of 10, 300 cubic feet per second (cfs) , from 6,400cfs. Computer modelling of flows was utilized, and aided in determination of the best placement of barrier facilities. The Water Committee recommends that additional modelling be done in order to better identify operating parameters of this potential system using various assumptions. Further modelling is necessary in order to determine how this system could realistically operate with various constraints, such as allowances for Delta outflow, chloride levels, or seasonal pumping restrictions, for example. The additional research is necessary to better determine potential constraints of this system through consideration and inclusion of the additional operational parameters as part of the overall modelling procedure. Suggestions for additional modelling parameters will be provided by the Water Committee at a later date. RG/ wa:Rev2Ord.bo t Contra Costa County Community Development Department DATE: November 19,1990 TO: Water Committee Supervisor Sunne McPeak Supervisor Tom Torlakson FROM: Roberta Goulart, Staff SUBJECT: South Delta Water Management Program EIR/EIS ---------------- ------------- BACKGROUND; DELTA PROGRAMS The South Delta° Water Management Program, the North Delta Water Management Program and the Los Banos Grandes Reservoir are three projects concurrently going through the environmental review process. The draft EIR/EIS for the South Delta Program has been released, with comments due November 30,1990. The deadline for comments will likely be extended, however, so these projects may be evaluated simultaneously. The North Delta Program is designed to change current adverse flow conditions and improve flood control. This project would include enlargement of the North fork of the Mokelumne River to Highway 5, and ongoing improvement to the Lambert Road structure, which drains the south Sacramento area. A West Delta Program also exists for Sherman Island, where habitat would be developed in an effort to deal with the subsidence issue (and possibly some water quality issues as well) , guaranteeing landowners full market value. There are several ongoing efforts as part of the South Delta Program. First is the draft EIR/EIS. Second, public negotiation for fisheries, wildlife and.wetlands. Third, a separate environmental document for land acquisition of the expanded Clifton Court Forebay. Fourth, a contract with the South Delta Water Agency. THE SOUTH DELTA WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Currently, the following problems within the South Delta area are addressed as part of the program, and include natural water level fluctuation, degraded San Joaquin River inflow, local agricultural diversion and returns, inadequate channel capacities, and State Water Project (SWP) and Central Valley Project (CVP) . operations. Objectives of the plan include the improvement of local water conditions for south delta channels, improvement of SWP operational flexibility, phase 1 water banking, reduction of fishery impacts, improvement to !navigation and flood protection, enhancement of recreation opportunities, and provision for a Contra Costa Canal tie-in. The Preferred Alternative The preferred alternative involves enlargement of the Clifton Court Forebay from 2,100 to greater than 5 , 000 surface acres with two new intakes, at the north end of Victoria Island. A portion of Middle River would be enlarged, and up to four barriers would be installed in south delta channels. Locations of intakes and barriers for all alternatives can be seen on the attached maps, taken from the EIR/EIS. Some flexibility in final configuration of forebay expansion, intakes and barriers is assumed within the EIR/EIS. The preferred alternative provides the most operational flexibility for the SWP, which translates to a lessening of impacts to surrounding channels and delta fisheries. With an expanded forebay, pumping could occur when energy is cheaper (nights, seasonally). Moving intakes to the north would take advantage of better water quality. Improvements to fishery conditions are anticipated to be due to the following; 1) additional' intakes are expected to decrease predation, 2) increased exports are expected to take place primarily during the winter, when fish are less in abundance, and 3 ) with an expanded forebay, the Delta cross-channel can be closed more frequently. Other Alternatives Under the Northern Intake - Barrier A alternative, the forebay would remain the same ( 2,100 acres) , a new intake structure would be constructed in the northeast corner of the forebay, and portions of the Middle River, Victoria and North canals would be dredged `to increase channel capacity and conveyance. Three barrier facilities would be installed at locations illustrated on the attached map. The Northern Intake - Barrier B alternative has the same intake location and channel improvement scenario as the barrier A alternative, but the locations of barrier, facilities I are different as seen on the attached map. The Highway 4 Intake - Barrier B alternative would include forebay enlargement, with an intake structure located south of Highway 4 on the northeastern corner of Byron Tract. Portions of Middle River, North Victoria and Woodward canals would be enlarged. Three barrier facilities would also be installed. The Barrier Facilities Barriers are proposed for installation at various points in Delta channels to improve water levels and circulation. This would be accomplished by the incoming tide passing through open barrier gates, which would then close during outgoing tides, retaining a higher water level upstream. Several types of barrier facilities 2 are being considered. Other Considerations All alternatives evaluated (other than no project) would require a permit from the Corps of Engineers to increase exports to a monthly average of 10,3010 cfs (from, 6,400 cfs) during high flow conditions, for winter banking purposes. High flow conditions, as detailed in the EIR/EIS include 1) water available after Delta protection standards have been met, 2 ) high demands, and 3 ) sufficient downstream storage. The documentstatesthat flows exceeding 8 ,000 cf-s-:would---occur-�;les;s- than- Z& percent- of the time. 'Computer modelling of flows was utilized to determine the best placement of barr " ier facilities. The South Delta Program impacts on flows, as well as the effects of increased exports on the Delta will be the subject of a later report. Some Preliminary Conclusions The South -Delta Program is inconsistent with established Contra Costa County Waper Agency policy in that it advocates increased exports before revised Bay_ -Delta standards are established through the State Water Resources Control Board, and before past impacts to fish and wildlife have been mitigated. All needs of the Bay-Delta estuary will not have been met prior to additional exports under this plan. However, the South Delta Program is consistent with Water Agency policy in some respects; 1) increased exports during high flow periods would go to water storage facilities (Los Banos Grandes Reservoir) ; 2 ) this program utilizes a through-Delta system, versus an isolated water transfer facility which the County and the Water Agency oppose, and which may once again become an issue ' in the future. 3 Aw ■�� PALM ° _ LOWER JONES TRACT TRACT ORWOOD WOOD- TRACT WARD UPPER JONES /} ISLAND TRACT ' Q MIDDLE ROBERTS ISLAND VICTORIA 0 ISLAND C?� 7- UNION UNION ISLAND UPPER ROBERTS ISLAND FABIAN TRACT BANKS TRACY MPING /.PUMPING STEWART PLANT PLANT Q' TRACT �G Legend Siphon Barrier-Type Forebay Facility Enlargement Channel 0 Enlargement Forebay Gate Structure Figure 3-5. The Preferred Alternative --mow NORTHERNINTAKE NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE BARRIER CONFIGURATION-A ALTERNATIVE ORWOOD wOOD•O A� UPPER JONES Y ORRACT WDOD � O UPPERJONES\ 4 TRACT WARD� .L TRACT S Z TWARP� TRACT S Z ISLAhU rib Isurn iib O MIDDLE ROBEATS L MIDDLE ROBERTS L VICTORIA v ISLAND p VICTORIA V Is u NO D p ISLAND Q p BYRON p TRACT 0 i BTRA� a 2 Ga O O UPPER UNION ISLUPPER AND UNION ISLAND ROBERTS 9 �unet UPPER 5. ISLAND L LtoAT"t;: ISLAND .rssKan,., GRANT LINE CANAL GRANT LINE CANAL30 It FABIAN d q� FABIAN A TRACT �/ TRACT STEWARTLEGEND `F,Q STEWART TRACT jOM TRACT EXISTING FORESAY EXISTINGEOR ND •y S.", c CHANNEL ENLARGEMENT •y� Sbuq S FOREBAY INTAKE BARRIER-TYPE FACILITY FOREBAY INTAKE s NORTHERN INTAKE HIGHWAY 4 INTAKE BARRIER CONFIGURATION-B ALTERNATIVE BARRIER CONFIGURATION-B ALTERNATIVE ORWOOD WOOD.O UPPER JONES( ORWOOD OO UPPER JONES TRACT WARD TRACT S: Z TCT WARD TRACT S 9Z RA ISUN) �/b ISLAND /b MIDDLE ROBERTS L O / DOLEISU No ERTS O I VICTORIA t/ ISLAND D VICTORIA - P v A C) ISLAND +�,,, 47 O ISLAND Q BY" n GYP TRACT 4 JP O UNION ISLAND RO8ERTS • O UNION ISLAND UPPER ROBERPPIFTS 9 arta; ISLAND L ,a, ._ ISLAND G GRANT LINE CANAL (YGRANT UNE CANAL FABIAN9/ TRACT ~fir 9f TRACFABIAH a hA r ; LEGEND 4 y STEWART TRACT LEGEND �F9 , STEWART TRACI EXISTING FOREBAY EXISTING FOREBAY C� CHANNEL ENLARGEMENT C::', ^-� Sb FOREGAY ENLARGEMENT CHANNEL ENLARGEMENT •ti SM BARFIEfl•TYPE FACILITYt �i 4 FOREBAY INTAKE • FOREBAY INTAKE BARRIER•TYPE FACIUTY SIPHON � r Figure 3-3. South Delta Water Management Program Alternatives 40 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY a� ORDINANCE tJ� REQUIREMENTS FOR DUAL AND RECYCLED WATER SYSTEMS 1 . Purpose The purpose of tliis ordinance is to establish procedures so that the -County cooperates with water suppliers and wastewater agencies in the development of p''rojects using non-potable and recycled-; water° within _ their jurisdiction whenever feasible and consistent with applicable legal, public health, safety and environmental requirements. 2. Definitions - a. Agricultural Purposes: Agricultural purposes include but are not limited to the production and processing of field, nursery and row crops, trees, vines, fish, cut flowers, and the feeding of fowl and livestock and related enterprises. Agricultural purposes are not considered "commercial" or "industrial" sources for the purpose of this ordinance. b. Commercial Office Building: Any building for office and commercial uses with water requirements which include, but are not limited to, landscape irrigation, toilets, urinals and decorative fountains. c. Greenbelt Areas: A greenbelt area includes, but is not limited to, golf courses, cemeteries, parks, highway landscaping and other urban landscaping. Greenbelt areas do not include agricultural operations for the purpose of this ordinance. d. Industrial Process Water: Water used by any industrial facility with process water 'requirements which include, but are not limited to, rinsing, washing, cooling, boiler feed, and circulation, or construction. e. Potable Water: Water which conforms to the federal, state -and local- standards ocal standards for human consumption. f. Non-Potable Water: Water that is not potable, and includes for example, surface and groundwaters and recycled water. g. Non-Potable Water Use Area: Certain areas designated by the local=_...._ water or wastewater, agency- having jurisdiction as having a dependable supply of non-potable water available or where the feasibility of distributing a non-potable water...supply.has.:been determined::-_..-__.h. Recycled Water: Water which, as a result of treatment of wastewater, meets all applicable requirements established by the Regional Water Quality Control Board governing the use of recycled water and is suitable for a direct beneficial use or controlled use that would not otherwise occur. 3. Examples of appropriate uses for non-potable water: a. agricultural irrigation b. landscape impoundments C. commercial office buildings d. landscape „irrigation e. industrial process water f. construction 4. County-owned Properties: It shall be the policy of the County to plan and design facilities for all new properties and property improvements owned by the County to use non-potable water in compliance with this ordinance. 5. Application for Construction a. The County Community Development Department is responsible for reviewing applications and issuing permits for construction within their jurisdiction. b. All new applications submitted to the County Community Development Department for development projects larger than 2 acres, or greater than 20,000 square feet in floor space, shall be referred to the local water or wastewater agency having jurisdiction which may require a separate plan to utilize non-potable water for appropriate uses within the project, as a condition of service. c. Certain areas may be designated by the local water or wastewater agency having jurisdiction as "non-potable water use areas" which may require, as part of the plan, installation of a separate dedicated meter(s) and systems for use of non-potable water for irrigation or other appropriate uses at the time of service or in the future. d. If it has been determined that any new construction is within a non- potable water use area, .County shall not issue a land use permit until applicant has received written notification of all requirements imposed by the local water or wastewater agency for non-potable water distribution systems. e. Existing consumers within a non-potable water use area who received service prior to designation of said use area, may, at the discretion of the local water or wastewater agency, be connected to the non-potable water system.