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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 10091990 - WC.1 WC1 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS �' ! A- • tra FROM: Water Committee _ - Supervisor Sunne McPeak `as;A.. ... COUNY Supervisor Tom Torlakson DATE: October 3 , 1990 SUBJECT: Water-related Issues SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATIONS)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATION la. . Request Water Committee members to meet with the Fish and Wildlife Subcommittee on wetlands, then meet with pertinent wetland regulatory agencies and legislators, and revise the wetlands definition accordingly, prior to submittal to the Board. 1b. Direct the Fish and Wildlife Committee to-obtain information on the City of Union City wetlands evaluation program, a. western states compact to preserve the Pacific. . flyway', .and financial methods to accomplish implementation and enforcement. 2 . Authorize chair to sign a letter to the Director of. the Department of Water Resources, commending emergency actions to maintain Sherman Island levee integrity, and requesting information on levee rehabilitation and the Department's prioritization process for Delta levee repair. 3a. Authorize Chair to sign aletter commending the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) on their cooperation with the Contra Costa Water District . (CCWD) on establishment of an emergency water supply, a reservoir information exchange agreement with CCWD, and to encourage EBMUD to participate in the Los Vaqueros. Project. 3b. Authorize Chair to sign a letter to CCWD urging continued active consideration of partnership. options for the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Project. 4 . Accept report on Sandmound Slough water quality. FINANCIAL IMPACT None. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: X YES SIGNATURE: _RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR _RECOMMENDATION OF BOARDCO ITTEE _APPROVE _OTHER - // SIGNATURE(S): '1. I aso, ��. ACTION OF BOARD ON October 9, 1990 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED X OTHER VOTE OF SUPERVISORS 1 HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE X UNANIMOUS (ABSENT I ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN. ATTESTED October 9, 1990 cc: Community Development (Orig. Dept.) PHIL BATCHELOR, CLERK OF THE BOARD OF County Counsel SUP ISOR ND COU EYDMINISTRATOR County Administrator Office BY DEPUTY Office of Emergency Services r _N REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION/BACKGROUND la. A wetlands report (recommended definition) was presented at the June, 1990 Water Committee meeting by the Fish and Wildlife Committee. Further comments were received from interested parties at the August 28, 1990 meeting, and initial comments were received from pertinent agencies on October 1, 1990. The Water Committee wishes to receive further comment from relevant agencies involved with wetlands issues. After receipt of comments, the Water Committee will meet with the Fish and Wildlife Subcommittee on wetlands, and later in private session with pertinent agencies and legislators. A revised wetlands definition would then be the subject of a future Water Committee session prior to submittal to the Board. lb. During the October 1, 1990 Water Committee meeting on wetlands, several issues were raised which the Water Committee wishes to consider prior to a final recommended wetlands definition, and requests that the Fish and Wildlife Committee obtain information in regard to the abovementioned items. 2 . The issue of levee integrity is one of concern to many agencies due to significant water quality deterioration which would result within the Delta should a levee break occur. A levee break at Sherman Island would significantly increase salt levels, causing state and federal pumps to be shut down and the Contra Costa Water District intake at Rock Slough would be unusable. A section of levee at Sherman Island has developed large cracks, and a portion of the levee is sinking, causing an extremely serious situation. Continuing engineering efforts by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) , and efforts to manage the emergency situation deserve commendation, but the Water Committee feels that the entire levee requires full restoration efforts. The Water Committee would also request that DWR provide a priority list for restoration of Delta islands crucial to maintain water quality, other islands determined to be salvageable, and projected costs. 3a. Due to the Sherman Island levee instability problem and the resultant threat to CCWD water supply, provisions for an emergency tie to EMBUD water was put in place in order to provide emergency supplies to CCWD in the event of a levee break. EMBUD is providing funding to CCWD as part of an information exchange agreement to continue consideration of a joint, enlarged Los Vaqueros Reservoir project option. The enlarged reservoir is one of many alternatives considered by EBMUD as part of a water supply improvement program. The Water Committee recommends Board encouragement of EBMUD's continued consideration of participation in the Los Vaqueros project. 3b. The Water Committee recognizes that the need for better quality water and available emergency supplies extends beyond Contra Costa County. Therefore, continued serious consideration and outreach by CCWD for additional partnership options in Los Vaqueros now and in the future is important to ensure full opportunity for outside agency participation. 4 . Residents of the Sandmound Slough area are concerned about deteriorating water quality, citing local area drainage as the source of the problem. This was determined not to be the case after tests and site visits were concluded by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. The County has no jurisdiction in this case. RG:jl59:wat.brd CONTRA COSTA COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO: Water Committee DATE: September 26, 1990 Supervisor Sunne McPeak Supervisor Tom Torlakson FROM: Roberta Goulart Staff 0n SUBJECT: Sherman Island Levee Security and Emergency Notification Process On September 11, 1990 the Board referred the issue of Sherman Island levee security and the emergency notification process to the Water Committee, the County Administrator's Office and the Director of Emergency Services. A section of levee on the north side of the Antioch Bridge at Sherman Island has become unstable. A half-mile section of the levee east of the bridge has developed large cracks, and a portion of the levee is sinking, causing an extremely serious situation, according to the Department of Water Resources (DWR). Levee failure would flood the island having very serious consequences on water quality within the Delta. Increases in salt levels would require State and Federal pumps to be shut down and the. Contra Costa Water District intake at Rock Slough would be unusable. DWR has classified the situation as extremely serious, but at no time has determined that a levee rupture was imminent. Continuing engineering efforts are underway to stabilize the situation. DWR is the primary agency involved in the emergency notification process. DWR works closely with reclamation districts, and has work teams at Sherman Island and other areas within the Delta. Emergency procedures are initiated when a levee break is imminent, or a levee break has been reported and verified. Levee problems at Sherman Island had not reached this critical stage, therefore, emergency procedures were not instituted. Bill Helms from the Flood Control Division of DWR, stated that two out of three serious levee situations do not result in a flood situation. DWR does not become involved in any sort of emergency notification procedures unless levee rupture is forthcoming, with the exception of high tide warning procedures. Mr. Helms explained that serious levee problems are far too numerous to make cautionary phone calls possible. Of special concern to DWR are the eight westernmost Delta islands, which maintain water quality integrity for the State Water Project (SWP). DWR's established procedures are as follows with imminent levee break or verified levee break: 1. Calls to State Office of Emergency Services and the respective County Office- of Emergency Services. 2. Calls to Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation (the Bureau would then notify the Contra Costa Water District). 3. Calls to Reclamation Districts within the area. The above procedures would take place in a matter of minutes. Further and more detailed communications between agencies would then take place. According to Mr. Helms, if a levee break were to occur (on Sherman Island,for example) resultant water.quality degradation could keep the SWP pumps shut down for up to 20 days. Recent meetings between DWR and Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) have been successful in removing doubts held by CCWD regarding emergency notification procedures, according to Austin Nelson, Director of Water Resources for CCWD. Mr. Nelson commented that even after a levee break at Sherman Island, the water district has a few days before maximum salinities would occur (the period of time needed to flood the island). This would allow time for emergency procedures initiated by CCWD to be established. CCWD is in contact with EBMUD should an emergency hook-up become necessary. RG.jal j158:sherm.mem I CONTRA COSTA COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO. Water Committee DATE: September 27, 1990 Supervisor Sunne McPeak Supervisor Tom Torlakson FROM. Roberta Goulart Staff ✓Y SUBJECT.• Update on East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Issues American River Water Rights, Mokelumne River flows, Potential participation in Los Vaqueros American River Water Rights EBMUD's right to take delivery of up to 150,000 acre-feet per year (afy) of American River water at the Folsom-South Canal is now assured, due to lack of appeal on a recent court decision. This concludes over 18 years of litigation over EBMUD's 1970 contract with the Bureau of Reclamation to take delivery of American River water. The 1989 decision by Superior Court Judge Richard Hodge (Hayward) will allow EBMUD to take delivery of up to 150,000 afy, but only during high-flow periods, establishing the need for storage facilities. EBMUD can divert water as long as the following American River flow levels are maintained from Folsom Dam to the river's mouth: 1,750 cubic feet per second (cfs)from July Ito October IS 2,000 cfs from October 15 to February 28 3,000 cfs from March 1 to June 30 EBMUD efforts will now be directed towards planning efforts, and environmental review for conveyance facilities, probably consisting of a pipeline to link the Folsom South canal to EBMUD facilities. Mokelumne River Flow., Declining Fish Populations In January, 1961, an agreement was reached between the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and EBMUD, to provide flows for the Mokelumne River as mitigation for development of the Camanche Dam. The agreement provided for flows of 13,000 acre-feet per year. Since that time, both agencies have engaged in negotiations to identify problems and devise solutions. DFG has been conducting in-depth studies of the condition of the Mokelumne River since 1984. The Department is currently completing a five-year study of the Lower Mokelumne River fishery and measures for its restoration, currently scheduled to be presented to the State Water Resources Control Board in March of 1991. In 1987 and 1989, significant fish losses occurred at the Mokelumne River fish hatchery due to drought-related conditions. Warm temperatures, algae blooms, and vegetation buildup on reservoir slopes (in areas now submerged) caused decomposition to occur, depleting oxygen and resulting in increased hydrogen suede levels (toxic to fish) to occur in the water. (According to Jerry Mensch, DFG, the hydrogen su fide problem also occurred during the 1976-77 drought, but was not quantified at that time.) In a report to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) in May, 1990, the DFG requested permanent releases of water from Pardee and Camanche Reservoirs to improve fish hatchery conditions, totalling 120,000 of in dry years and 170,000 of in normal years. This would severely decimate EBMUD supply, especially in dry years. SWRCB hearings on this issue were suspended until the Lower Mokelumne River fishery report is completed by DFG, and negotiations with EBMUD continued. EBMUD released 450 cfs (versus the usual 230 cfs)from Pardee reservoir for a 10-day period in late June of this year in an attempt to determine whether increased flows would improve water quality problems. Initial results indicated no water quality improvement, according to EBMUD. As a result of recent fish losses, San Joaquin County filed a Criminal complaint against EBMUD. Court requirements for dismissal were later satisfied through an interim agreement, and continued efforts towards a long-term solution, agreed upon earlier this month. The interim agreement between DFG and EBMUD (September, 1990), provides water quality and quantity standards for the Mokelumne River in order to improve the Chinook Salmon fishery for the period between October 15, 1990 and June, 1991, but does not establish long-term goals. The goal of the interim plan is to attract 2,000 adult Chinook salmon to spawn in the Mokelumne River. Flows will be determined by the number of adult salmon counted at the Woodbridge Dam; the more salmon counted, the higher the fiows. Next Spring, fiows of 400 cfs will be released if unimpaired runoff exceeds 550,000 acre feet; if not, EBMUD will truck outbound salmon past the Delta until June 1991. In addition, EBMUD will pay to raise 240,000 additional steelhead trout at the Camanche fishery, and renew river gravel beds. Recent efforts by EBMUD to curb drought deterioration of water quality at the Mokelumne hatchery include releasing water through sluice valves rather than through power generation facilities to oxygenate water; installation of aerators in hatchery channels; installation of a fioating pump at Camanche Dam to draw optimum water (for temperature and oxygen content), and a chemical feed system using potassium permanganate to neutralize hydrogen sulade levels. Jerry Mensch from DFG commented that the Department feels the interim agreement and EBMUD's short-term solutions are about the best we can do, given a four-year drought. Mr. Mensch also stated that a technical advisory committee comprised of State and Federal water flow and fishery management experts would continue to attend meetings on this issue, working towards additional studies and a new, long-term agreement. The Committee will focus on a potential plan to allocate water dependent upon the degree of resident resources (fish, populations) in a manner similar to the interim agreement. All agencies agree that a long-term Mokelumne River Management Plan is needed. EBMUD Potential.for Participation in the Los Vaqueros Project An information exchange agreement has recently been established between Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) and EBMUD to maintain communication and information gathering pertinent to an enlarged reservoir option for the Los Vaqueros Reservoir project. EBMUD is in the process of preparing a water supply improvement,project-level environmental impact report which will evaluate several alternatives (including an expanded Los Vaqueros) to insure water supply for future growth, drought situations and emergency situations caused by earthquake disruption of aqueduct operations. A previous program-level EIR was completed, addressing the Buckhorn Reservoir as the preferred alternative. Court action resulted in preparation of the abovementioned, project-level EIR, which does not promote a preferred alternative. EBMUD recognizes several constraints which could preclude selection of a joint Los Vaqueros project. First, a Los Vaqueros project owned and operated by CCWD would not be able to receive American River water supplies. EBMUD has recently been allowed to utilize water from the American River source, but the recent court decision specifically precludes 3rd party sales of this water. A co-owned or joint project might resolve this issue. Secondly, the issue of water quality causes EBMUD some concern. Tom Fox, Community Affairs Representative for EBMUD, has noted that even with additional treatment, water quality would be poorer. In addition, EPA standards are becoming even more stringent. For.these reasons, EBMUD has concerns over any project which could degrade water quality. Thirdly, a joint Los Vaqueros Reservoir project may not be feasible from a cost perspective. Currently, methods of treatment for EBMUD are very different than those necessaryfor treatment of Delta water from Los Vaqueros. Costs of a joint reservoir, coupled with costs to build a pre- treatment plant (estimated at $200 million by EBMUD), retrofitting of existing facilities, and construction of an aqueduct for conveyance may prove prohibitive. EBMUD's water supply improvement draft EIR is expected to be completed by January, 1992, providing additional information on feasible water supply options available to EBMUD. RG:jal j159.wat.mem CONTRA COSTA COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO. Water Committee DATE. September 19, 1990 Supervisor Sunne McPeak Supervisor Tom Torlakson FROM. Roberta Goulart Staff SUBJECT: Sandmound Slough Water Quality Complaints The following update on Sandmound Slough water quality was at the request of Supervisor Torlakson. If you will recall, the water quality deterioration issue was initially raised by Darrell Edwards, who felt that due to the lack of water circulation within the slough, water quality was deteriorating. The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (CVRWQCB)found that no water quality deterioration had occurred, and no evidence existed to the contrary. Residents of the Sandmound Slough area (including Mr. Edwards) have again complained of water quality deterioration - this time citing agricultural drains as the problem. Attached were test results taken in September, 1989 on two samples taken in the Sandmound Slough area; the Dal Porto Ranch Drain and Carol's Harbor. Each area was tested for ammonia levels and BOD's (Biological Oxygen Demand). Ammonia levels at the Dal Porto Ranch Drain were elevated, however, this did not result in toxicity to fish, as myriads of mosquito fish and other fish and wildlife species were seen at the sample site. These tests were later declared invalid due to the fact that ph and temperature tests were not taken at the same time (when testing for ammonia, all three tests are necessary in order to determine toxicity). In addition, Louis Pratt of the CVRWQCB has stated that even if these tests were valid, the volume of water from Dal Porto Ranch is so small that it could not make a significant impact to water quality in the slough. Livestock at the Dal Porto Ranch site was thought to be responsible for elevated ammonia levels. Due to these complaints, on August 30, 1990 Louis Pratt and Sterling Davis of the CVRWQCB took testsfor ammonia (temperature and ph included) and electrical conductivity at the same sites, and examined the entire )Sandmound Slough area, from Rock Slough to the Nordic Truckyard. Nothing was found which would substantiate claims of water quality deterioration; Tests of electrical conductivity showed an improvement in total dissolved solids from last year's tests. Mosquito fish, dragonflies, and signs offrogs and beaver in the drains indicated a healthy environment. Test results have not yet been received, but ammonia levels are not anticipated to be high, as livestock is not currently grazing the site, and lower electrical conductivity levels do not indicate this to be the case. The CVRWQCB has taken the position that no water quality deterioration problem exists that can be associated with any type of a point source discharge. Charles Nicholsen, from the County Health Services Department, Environmental Health Division, was also referred this issue, and commented that the CVRWQCB has jurisdiction in this situation; the County has no jurisdiction in this instance. Therefore, staff recommends that future complaints involving water quality at Sandmound Slough be referred directly to the CVRWQCB for analysis. RG.jal j158:sand.mem MEMORANDUM CALIFORNIA REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD - CENTRAL VALLEY REGION 3443 Routier Road, Suite A Phone: (91.6) 361-5600 Sacramento, CA 95827-3058 ATSS Phone: 8-495-5600 TO: Rudy J. Schnagl FROM: Louis F. Pratt Kenneth D. Landau Sterling P. Davis DATE: 18 September 1990 SIGNATURE: SUBJECT: SANDROUND SLOUGH AREA INSPECTION OF 30 AUGUST 1990 On 30 August an inspection was conducted in the Sandmound Slough area is response to complaints alleging fish and duck mortalities on Sandmound Slough, oil on the surface of the water, and poor water quality from contributing sources such as Rock Slough and drainage from the Dal Porto Ranch. The inspection included observation of Rock Slough, the Veale Tract drain, Carol ' s Harbor drain, a field drain from the Dal Porto Ranch and Sandmound Slough from Carol 's Harbor to Rock Slough. Samples were taken from Carol 's Harbor Drain and the Dal Porto Ranch field drain. The inspection revealed no oil at any location or indication of stricken water fowl . Two dead carp and what appeared to be a small catfish were lying in the water on the westside of Sandmound Slough near Rock Slough. There were people fishing near by and the fish could have been caught and thrown back. There were abundant mosquito fish in the Dal Porto Ranch drain. Mosquito fish, frogs, adult dragonflies and signs of beaver (limb cuttings) could be observed in the Carol ' s Harbor drain. Electrical conductivity (EC) , temperature and pH readings were taken as follows: EC Location Micromhos/CM Temp pH Carol 's Harbor drain 1175 740 7.0 Dal Porto Ranch drain 950 750 6.5-7.0 Veale Tract drain 700 -- Rock Slough at Sand,iound control gate 460 -- --- Sandmound Slough. at con'trcl gate 490 -- --_ Sandmound Slough at end of Sandmound Blvd 540 - ' - - Sandmound Slough near Dai Porto Ranch drain 520 7 65 Sandmound S"!o �c n ��r•as a";so observed a long the Eric. shorn from Nordic Tracrd-to Roq._k Slough. None of the conditions alleged t:;r the co►-iipla-inant(s) were oh.5e: ,ved:.,lin tn_t area. :•, :: -UMNARY No conditions �•ihii h cot, '::.' r-ause fish ;va-erfo:v' wortal"it"ie-z or could cause any sign-11 icant 'lT,;)-,^l: on the gt .a1ity of 'r'•:lier 4,n SrinC,�CUnd SIruta.h could he observed. the s�.amples taken f r-o[r .CaroI Is Harbor and "aI Poi Kc1li+Cil dra,`-ns will l be a"} d 1 i �ralyz4 for cZi7�i110Tt !�. Batchelor The Board of Supervisors Contra ` C e'rk'f the Board �' and County Administration BuildingCounty Administrator 651 Pine St., Room 106 Costa: (415)646-2371 Martinez, California 94553 County Tom Powers,1st District Nancy C.Fanden,2nd District .E ............. Robert I.Schroder,3rd District ... J Sunne Wright McPeak,4th District Tom Torlakson,5th District :"` m :� October 9, 1990 J 0 ,STA COUN'n David N. Kennedy, Director Department of Water Resources 1416 Ninth Street P.O. Box 942836 Sacramento, CA 94236-0001 Dear Mr. Kennedy: The Board of Supervisors wishes to commend you and your department for your considerable efforts toward stabilization of a quickly deteriorating levee situation at Sherman Island. We are aware that for a time this situation was extremely serious, and engineering efforts to maintain levee integrity are continuing. The Board also recommends that levee rehabilitation efforts be extended to encompass all levees on Sherman Island. The Board is also aware, that in 1988, the Delta Flood Protection Act (SB 34) was passed, allocating $12 million per year for levee restoration efforts. Levee stability of many islands is critical to. maintenance of existing water quality in the Delta, and resultant drinking water supplies. For these reasons, the Board requests current information from your Department regarding a prioritization process for Delta island levee restoration. We question whether all islands would be considered economic to maintain, or just those areas critical for maintenance of water quality, as well as projected cost estimates. Your response to the above inquiries would be appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact Roberta Goulart at (415) 646-2071. Sincerely, Nancy�CF�en Chair, Board of Supervisors NCF.•RG.jal j159.-ken.ltr Pil elor The Board: of Supervisors Contra Clerk oahehBoard and County Administration Building CostaCo(4 5)646!2371 for 651 Pine St., Room 106 County Martinez, California 94553 Tom Powers,1st District Nancy C.Fanden,2nd District Robert 1.Schroder,3rd District \.. Sunne Wright McPeak 4th District nj .< Tom Torlakson,5th District o.�. .•fir r�c6iiK'�' October 9, 1990 Jerome Gilbert, General Manager East Bay Municipal Utility District 2130 Adeline Street P.O. Box 24055 Oakland, CA 94607 Dear Mr. Gilbert: The Board of Supervisors wishes to convey their appreciation for East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) cooperation with Contra Costa Water District on establishment of an emergency water supply in the event of a Sherman Island levee break. As you are aware, a levee break could result in a temporary lack of treated water to over 400,000 Contra Costans. Although the situation at Sherman Island appears to have stabilized somewhat, the threat of levee rupture of Delta islands is constant. The Board also wishes to commend EBMUD on participation in the reservoir information exchange agreement with the Contra Costa Water District. The Board is pleased to see that a joint Los Vaqueros Reservoir Project is still an option for EBMUD, and would strongly encourage continued serious consideration. The Board continues to believe the best alternative for both water districts would be.a joint Los Vaqueros reservoir project. Your continued consideration is appreciated. If you have any questions, please call Roberta Goulart at (415) 646-2071. Sincerely, Nancy �Cn, Chair Board of Supervisors NCF.RG jal j159.gil.ltr Batchelor The Board of Supervisors Contra CerrkofttheBoard and Co unty Administration BuildingCOSta County Administrator 651 Pine St., Room 106 (415)646_2371 Martinez, California 94553 County Tom Powers,1st District Nancy C.Fanden,2nd District ? . �o. Robert I.Schroder,3rd District Sunne Wright McPeak 4th District Tom Todakson,5th District October 9, 1990 Ed Seegmiller General Manager Contra Costa Water District P.0. Box H2O 1331 Concord Avenue Concord, CA 94524 Dear Mr. Seegmiller: The Board of Supervisors has authorized this letter in order to encourage continued consideration by Contra Costa Water District of partnership options in the Los Vaqueros Project. The Board recognizes that the need for better quality water, and additional emergency supplies extends beyond Contra Costa County. Continued serious consideration and outreach by CCWD for additional partnership options now and in the future is important to ensure full opportunity for outside agency participation. The Board understands that the East Bay Municipal Utility District has provided funding to your district as part of a reservoir information exchange agreement, in order to continue an enlarged Los Vaqueros alternative as part of their water supply improvements EIR/EIS. The Board is of the opinion that some time is available during preparation of the Los Vaqueros EIR/EIS for this (and other options) to be explored further. If you have any questions, please call Roberta Goulart at 646-2071. Sincerely, Nancy Fah n Chair, Board of Supervisors NF/RG/rw jl59/miller. ltr