HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 04091991 - S.2 (2) TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
FROM: J. MICHAEL WALFORD, CHIEF ENGINEER
DATE: April 9, 1991
SUBJECT: April 2, 1991 Drowning in Walnut Creek Channel
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
I. Recommended Action:
ACCEPT report from Chief Engineer on April 2, 1991 drowning in Walnut Creek Channel and
AUTHORIZE placement of additional danger signs on the channel walls along this Section of the
channel.
11. Financial Impact:
Costs to install the additional signs will be funded by Zone 3B
III. Reasons for Recommendations and Background:
On April 2, 1991, a 14 year boy climbed into the concrete lined portion of the Walnut Creek
Channel 'near Bancroft Road. At this location there is an energy dissipator which was
constructed by the Corps of Engineers in the early 1970s. The dissipator, also know as Walnut
Creek drop structure #2, reduces the velocity of flows from the upstream rectangular concrete
channel and controls turbulence before storm water enters the downstream earth trapezoidal
channel. The dissipator functions by spilling upstream flows down a chute into a pool which is
approximately 10 feet deep during dry weather. It was in this pool that Ricardo Alvarez
drowned. His family has stated that he could not swim.
Continued on Attachment: X SIGNATURE:
_ RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
_ RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S):
ACTION OF BOARD ON April 9, 1991 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED x & OTHER X
Also, REQUESTED Flood Control. staff to report back to the Board by May 7, 1991
on any additional safety measures that might be taken.
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
X UNANIMOUS (ABSENT )
AYES: NOES:
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: I hereby certify that this Is a true and correct copy of
an action taken rnd entered on the minutes of the
MK:fp Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
c:BO9.t4 ATTESTED: A6ii�c $7, l9^/
PHIL BATCHELOR,Clerk of the Board
Orig.Div: Public Works(Mte) of Supervisors and County Adminlotrator
cc: CAO l�
County Counsel
Risk Management Deputy
Public Works (Flood Control
County Administrator
,r. ;Ft ,. . .•t,'. ,
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
April 9, 1991
Page 2
According to his brother (noted in the police report), Ricardo Alvarez climbed down into the
channel but was unable to climb out. Ricardo was last seen at approximately 2:45 p.m. walking
downstream toward the drop structure (see photo #3). Concord Police and Fire personnel
arrived at approximately 2:50 p.m. and began to search the area. Due to the depth of the pool
they were unable to search immediately below the drop structure. At approximately 4:30 p.m.
a diver from the Sheriff's Office recovered Ricardo Alvarez's body from the bottom of the pool
(see photo #4).
During investigation of the site on April 3, 1991 by Flood Control District Personnel, a rope was
discovered hanging down into the channel at the northwest corner of the Bancroft Road bridge
over Walnut Creek Channel (see photo #2). Based on the brothers statement to the police this
was Alvarez's point of entry into the channel. The rope had been tied to a personnel safety
barrier post inside the fenced channel right of way. In order to gain access to the point of entry,
Alvarez had to climb over a locked gate 6 feet in height. A "No Trespassing" sign was found to
be attached to the gate (see photo #1).
The channel area was secure. All fence fabric barring entry into the channel was intact. All
gates were closed and locked. All gates and fences at the Bancroft drop are inspected at least
once a month.
In summary Ricardo Alvarez gained access to the concrete lined channel by climbing over a 6
foot high gate containing a "No Trespassing" sign. He then climbed over a two strand 3 foot
high safety fence and lowered himself down a vertical concrete wall approximately 15 feet high
to gain access to the dry channel floor. He then walked into the water in the channel. We can
only assume he slipped and fell down the drop structure chute into the dissipator pool.
The District staff has considered various means for making the area safer. However, the
potential options identified all have significant drawbacks and could be more dangeroi:s than
beneficial. Installing a cable across the chute could collect debris during high runoff and a cable
by its nature could cause bodily harm if someone ran into it unaware or slid down the chute into
it. Placement of the cable could entice youths to enter the channel and walk along the cable
in the water. Placement of a ladder in the channel wall would provide access out of the channel,
but it would also entice youth to use the ladder for access. We believe the site can not be made
safer by a physical improvement. We do recommend that additional warning signs be installed
on the channel walls inside the fenced area to give all trespassers, who have already jumped
the fence to have second thoughts about accessing the channel bottom or proceeding down
the channel toward the chute. It must be noted that the other fatality occurred when two young
adults decided to raft the channel during a storm. The proposed signs will not discourage
anyone entering the upstream channel during a storm.
IV Consequences of Negative Action:
The installation of additional signs will not completely eliminate children and teenagers from
entering the channel, but it will increase awareness of a dangerous situation. The consequences
of no action at this time would prevent installation of the wall signs to increase awareness.
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4. View of drop • downstream
and pool of water where Ricardo's body
was found.
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of drop • • warning sign.
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