HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 03132007 - C.11 sE L
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS �=_��. Contra
FROM: TRANSPORTATION, WATER& 11 Costa
INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE o
- =� °A County
Sr'4-CO[Ji1'
DATE: MARCH 13, 2007
SUBJECT: REPORT ON THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS MAINTENANCE INSPECTION OF
THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT'S WALNUT CREEK CHANNEL
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ACCEPT the following report from the Transportation, Water& Infrastructure Committee.
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE signature by the Board Chair of the attached letter to the US Army Corps of
Engineers (Corps) and our congressional delegation emphasizing the importance of increased federal support for
this project and specifically requesting the Corps reallocate funds to the project that were previously allocated
by Congress but were spent on other Corps projects.
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE signature by the Board Chair of the attached letter to Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) requesting a policy that continues to exclude from flood hazard designation those
areas effectively protected by flood control works and not assume the effectiveness of an entire project is
compromised by sediment accumulation in an isolated downstream re
S per or daylg B.Va<em`a,Chair
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: 0
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S): / ,y
ACTION OF BOARD ON /x'4,01 406 /�, Cte�L-67—APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS: > 1 HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND CORRECT
COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED ON
V/ UNANIMOUS(ABSENT /s/Y/ -sem+ ) MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON THE
AYES: NOES:
DATE SHOWN.
ABSENT: ABSTAIN:
Contact: Mitch Avalon 313-2203
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G:\Admin\Mitch\bo\2007\Maint Inspec WC Channel 3-13-07.doc ATTESTED
JOHN CULLEN,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS
cc: Sara Hoffman,CAO
Silvano Marchesi,County Counsel
Ron Harvery,Risk Management
Dennis Barry,CDD BY: DEPUTY
Robert Goulart,CDD
Jim Kelly,CCCSD
SUBJECT: REPORT ON THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS MAINTENANCE INSPECTION OF THE
FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT'S WALNUT CREEK CHANNEL
DATE: MARCH 13, 2007
PAGE: 2,of 8
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE signature by the Board Chair of the attached letter to the Corps requesting a
policy that does not designate an entire flood control system deficient due to sediment accumulation in one
isolated segment.
DIRECT the District to work with our Congressional delegation and the Corps to include funding in the Federal
Fiscal Year 2008 budget to support the Corps' full capability to pursue the Lower Walnut Creek Restoration
project.
DETERMINE that the Lower Walnut Creek project is a top priority project for the District and the County.
DIRECT staff to determine the properties potentially affected by the reduced capacity of Lower Walnut Creek and
identify interim measures to reduce potential flooding.
DIRECT staff to apply for a dredging permit from the appropriate regulatory agencies to remove accumulated
sediment and vegetation from the Walnut Creek channel, if ultimately necessary.
DIRECT staff to report progress back to the Committee in three to six months as further information develops.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Flood Control District has been working with the Corps to complete a reevaluation study of the Lower Walnut
Creek Channel and implement an alternative Flood Control project that will address sediment accumulation and
provide a sustainable system. It is anticipated this project will meet the criteria for federal funding. In the
meantime, the Flood Control District will need to take interim measures to reduce potential flooding at a cost of
several million dollars. Additional costs will be incurred if FEMA considers the entire system is deficient and
remaps the entire watershed.
TRANSPORTATION, WATER AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE REPORT:
On February 1, 2007,The U S Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), in response to a"Freedom of Information Act"
request, released a nationwide list of Corps channel systems that contain"unacceptably maintained levees". The
Corps included the Walnut Creek channel system in this list. This memo provides the background information on
the Walnut Creek channel system and details the Flood Control District's plan for addressing the sediment
accumulation in Lower Walnut Creek. The press release is attached for reference.
Back r ound
The Flood Control District and the Corps have a long history of collaboration. The District partnered with the Corps
to construct channel improvements in many watersheds, including San Pablo, Wildcat,Rodeo,Rheem and Pinole
Creeks and,by far the largest Corps project,the Walnut Creek watershed. The Walnut Creek project was originally
authorized by Congress in the late 1950s. Over many phases of work, starting in 1958, the Corps and the District
implemented over 22 miles of channel improvements consisting of channel enlargement and stabilization and
construction of concrete linings and drop structures along Walnut, San Ramon,Las Trampas,Pine,Galindo,Lower
Grayson and Pacheco Creeks. While these channel works are far from what would be considered"environmentally
sensitive"today,they have provided the needed flood protection from the 1960s through today and are responsible
SUBJECT: REPORT ON THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS MAINTENANCE INSPECTION OF THE
FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT'S WALNUT CREEK CHANNEL
DATE: MARCH 13, 2007
PAGE: 3 of 8
for removing thousands of acres of commercial and residential property from the 100-year floodplain.
As part of these project partnerships, the District provided letters of assurance to the Corps that committed the
District to maintain the constructed facilities to Corps' standards. Each fall,the Corps inspects all 22 miles of the
constructed facilities in the Walnut Creek watershed with the District's maintenance staff, and then the Corps
produces a summary report of their findings.
Recent Inspection
The 2006 inspection occurred on September 26 and 27 and on October 10. A draft memorandum from the Corps
dated October 12(attached)details their findings. The Corps,with few exceptions,found the entire system to be in
good repair. One item that has been a long-standing concern is the amount of accumulated sediment in the lower
reaches of the Walnut Creek Channel, roughly from the Mouth of the creek up to Highway 4 near Buchanan Field
Airport. For 2006,this condition is described in item#3 of the Corps draft memorandum:"There is a large amount
of shoaling and vegetation within the channel at the downstream end of the project". While the lower reaches of
Walnut Creek do contain levees,most of the adjacent properties,such as the ACME landfill,the Martinez Gun Club
and the now closed IT-Baker disposal site, are not habitable properties.
January 1, 2006 Storm Performance
The storm on New Year's Eve 2005 and New Year's Day 2006 was characterized as approximately a 40-year storm
in the Walnut Creek watershed. Storm damage was reported from local storm drain system backups including the
Diablo Vista Mobile Home Park that experienced significant flood damage. Portions of the levees in the lower
reaches of Walnut Creek were overtopped by storm water and portions of the backside of the-levees experienced
minor erosion, which was repaired in the summer of 2006. No levees collapsed or failed as a result of the storm,
but the overtopped levees did highlight the reduced capacity of the sediment filled channel.
FEMA and Katrina
One of the lessons learned by the Federal Government from Hurricane Katrina was the need for better coordination
between FEMA and the Corps. Their renewed efforts at communication have changed the typical notification
process from the Corps' annual inspections. In December 2006, the Corps informed the District that it would
commence actively sharing its inspection data with FEMA sometime in mid-2007. After Katrina, FEMA
understandably has taken a renewed interest in systems that include levees. As a result,FEMA has embarked on an
accreditation process for all levees. This process has just begun in Contra Costa County and is currently in an
information gathering stage. Under this new program FEMA will be requiring owners of all levees to certify that
their levee meets certain standards. If they do not,then FEMA will"decertify"the levee and re-map the entire area
protected by the levee as if the levee does not exist.
Channel Desiltin Hg istorX
The lower reach of the Walnut Creek project was designed to be flat and wide to pass a 100-year storm(a 1%storm)
from its 147 square mile watershed. When it was designed in the 1960s, the rate of sediment deposition was
underestimated, and since shortly after it was constructed, the channel has needed expensive dredging work. The
channel was last dredged in the early 1970s. In 1992, the District planned another large dredging operation to
restore channel capacity. However,this time,the District encountered great resistance from the regulatory agencies
SUBJECT: REPORT ON THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS MAINTENANCE INSPECTION OF THE
FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT'S WALNUT CREEK CHANNEL
DATE: MARCH 13, 2007
PAGE: 4 of 8
and was not successful at securing necessary regulatory permits covering the dredging operations. This conflict
between the Operations and Maintenance Branch of the Corps ("must desilt the channel") and the regulatory
agencies("can't agree on a project")had no obvious solution. The District pursued permits for 3 years,but due to
the opposition from the regulatory agencies,the District reduced its project scope to exclude channel dredging,and
instead focused only on upland desilting. Additionally,the District sought funding through Congress for a general
reevaluation of the project by the Corps to address the regulatory issues facing channel dredging and to develop a
more sustainable channel system.
Lower Walnut Creek General Reevaluation
In 2002, Congress appropriated $250,000 for the Corps to re-evaluate the operation of the Lower Walnut Creek
Channel. This reevaluation study is also a collaboration between the District and the Corps and costs are split
equally. The objective of the study is to reevaluate the traditional methods of operating and maintaining a flood
control facility for the purposes of incorporating ecosystem restoration objectives. The study will look closely at
alternative methods to the traditional (and Corps required) maintenance, such as the setback of levees along the
lower reaches of the creek to create a larger floodplain. The reevaluation study is expected to identify alternatives
that will provide the capacity to pass flood flows, while creating additional wetlands, riparian habitat and the
potential for revegetation throughout the floodplain. The project will also explore the feasibility of providing fish
passage beyond Drop Structure #1, located on the creek just south of Willow Pass Road.
So far the partnership has produced wetland delineation and species data,and current topography of the creek area
that is used to determine the location and volume of trapped sediment. The project's progress has suffered due to
sporadic federal funding. Since the federal appropriation in Federal Fiscal Year 2002,the project has received only
a portion of the needed funds in 2005 and 2006; and it is currently progressing very slowly with minimal funding
due to the unresolved 2007 federal budget. In an effort to push the study along, the District has expended
significantly more than the Corps ($233,000).
Upcoming study tasks include a detailed hydraulic model to identify the current flood protection level of the
sediment-filled lower channel and a sediment analysis to determine the volume of sediment produced from the upper
watershed, how much passes through the system and how much is deposited into the channel.
The District anticipates the Corps will determine that the restoration of Lower Walnut Creek is a feasible federal
project. The District is prepared to provide the local cost share and fulfill the other obligations of the local sponsor
in support of a federal restoration project that provides for a maintainable channel.
Paiaro River Experience
Unfortunately, the District's inability to negotiate regulatory permits may not be sufficient argument to avoid
potential liability for flood damage to property that may result from the reduced capacity of the Walnut Creek
channel. Because of some apparent similarities with Lower Walnut Creek,the experience of Monterey and Santa
Cruz counties on the Pajaro River is instructive.
In a decision in 2002,Arreola v. County of Monterey(99 Cal.App. 4th 722),the Court determined that Santa Cruz
County,Monterey County and their flood control districts were liable in tort and inverse condemnation for flooding
and property damage that occurred in 1995. The 1995 flooding resulted from the failure to properly maintain the
Pajaro River flood control project,a project constructed by the Corps in 1949. Santa Cruz County and the Monterey
SUBJECT: REPORT ON THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS MAINTENANCE INSPECTION OF THE
FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT'S WALNUT CREEK CHANNEL
DATE: MARCH 13, 2007
PAGE: 5 of 8
County Flood Control and Water Conservation District gave assurances to the Federal government that they would
operate and maintain the project in accordance with the Corps' requirements. The Corps provided an"Operations
and Maintenance Manual" to guide the maintenance efforts of the local agencies to maintain the flood carrying
capacity of the project among other goals.
The local agency removed vegetation and sand bars from the project from 1949 to 1972 with tractors and bulldozers.
That practice ended in 1972, when the California Department of Fish and Game (DF&G) demanded a halt to
mechanical.clearing of the channel in order to protect the riparian habitat. The local agency attempted to comply
with the demands of both the Corps and DF&G by controlling vegetation with chemical herbicides. However,
without mechanical removal of vegetation and sediment,the project became increasingly obstructed. This condition
culminated in flooding on March 10 -11, 1995, when stormwater over topped the levee in Monterey County and
inundated the adjacent valley.
Although there may be some parallels between the Pajaro River and Lower Walnut Creek, the Court considered
other important issues -- that don't have parallels to Lower Walnut Creek -- when reaching its judgment.
Nevertheless,the Corps' determination of unacceptable maintenance in the Lower Walnut Creek channel creates a
potential risk to the District. Therefore, it is paramount that the District establishes a plan to address the sediment
accumulation in the channel and implement reasonable measures that achieve progress toward elimination of the
reduced capacity.
Dredging,versus Desilting
When the District determined that the dredging of lower Walnut Creek was not feasible without Federal assistance,
it turned to sediment removal in areas where permits were difficult to obtain,yet still possible to secure. The creek
south, or upstream,of Highway 4 has a more defined low flow channel and floodplain benches. Instead of the wet
dredging operation that was needed for the lower reaches of the creek due to tidal action,the District could remove
dry sediment from these upper floodplain benches to restore channel capacity. This dry removal operation is called
desilting.
The District removed 40,000 cubic yards in 1994 and 36,000 cubic yards in 1995 from the channel between Marsh
Drive and Drop Structure #1. In 2006, the District again removed material from this same reach. The 2006
approach was designed to remove sediment from the most impacted areas and avoid sensitive areas mapped as
wetlands. Almost 23,000 cubic yards were removed from the channel last summer. The District is currently
working on a project to remove another approximately 20,000 cubic yards of material in the summer of 2008.
Next Steps Prior to Corps' Press Release
Prior to the press release the District was working collaboratively with the,Corps to produce the next work product
from the study, a hydraulic model of the channel. The hydraulic model will allow us to identify the location and
extent of potential levee overtopping. Once this is determined we can develop interim measures to address any
potential problems. We anticipate the hydraulic model that the Corps is producing will be available in early March
2007.
The Corps Press Release
The Corps correctly identified channel capacity reduction in their 2006 annual inspection report.However,the noted
SUBJECT: REPORT ON THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS MAINTENANCE INSPECTION OF THE
FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT'S WALNUT CREEK CHANNEL
DATE: MARCH 13, 2007
PAGE: 6 of 8
sediment accumulation is not directly related to levee maintenance,as may be the case with other projects included
in the list. It is unfortunate that the sediment accumulation was combined with the"poorly maintained levees"in the
Corps' press release, since it may lead to a false impression of the District's management of the channel and the
potential problem that exists.Hopefully,the increased attention on the sediment concerns in the lower channel will
result in increased resources for the Corps to complete the study.
Consequences
So far the Corps has indicated that their annual inspection reports will be provided to FEMA in the future. Corps
staff has also informed the District of their understanding of FEMA's intent to use the Corps' inspection reports to
determine the effectiveness of flood control projects in managing flood hazards. This change in FEMA's past
practice could significantly affect the Federal Flood Insurance Rate Maps(FIRM). Other potential outcomes from
changes in FEMA policy are the following:
1) Performance of the entire flood protection system may be determined by its weakest link. Should FEMA
establish this policy, the reduced capacity in the downstream reach of Lower Walnut Creek would be
assumed to compromise the entire Walnut Creek flood control project. This would cause the revision of
existing FIRMs to reflect the assumption that system-wide improvements are not in place and lead to large
areas of Concord,Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek being placed within flood hazard areas. These areas are
not currently in a flood hazard area by virtue of a fully effective flood control project. While this logic may
apply for delta levees, or for those surrounding a flat city like New Orleans, it does not apply for a creek
system with significant vertical fall (elevation), such as Walnut Creek.
2) If FEMA decertifies the entire "federal" Walnut Creek system, then the flood control improvements on
Walnut Creek and all of its tributaries,described above,may no longer be eligible for FEMA storm damage
repair funding.
3) The levees that do exist at the downstream reach of Lower Walnut Creek and Grayson Creek may not be
eligible for provisional certification as effective flood control works under FEMA's "Provisionally
Accredited Levees" (PAL) program. The FIRMS for areas currently protected by these levees probably
would be revised immediately, resulting in increased flood insurance requirements for property owners.
4) In order to avoid revision of the FIRMS, the District would have one year to take corrective action.
5) The District's potential exposure to lawsuits for flooding damage could increase.
6) The credibility of the District as the dependable manager of flood protection facilities could be impacted.
The reduced capacity of the downstream reach of Lower Walnut Creek does not affect capacity of the upstream
reaches of the project. We believe that a FEMA policy that discounts the effectiveness of the entire Walnut Creek
project due to an isolated downstream condition is unreasonable. FEMA has not yet made its position on this issue
clear. As FEMA's response to the Corps release of the national list is still evolving, staff will present the latest
developments at the Transportation, Water and Infrastructure Committee meeting.
Options
A number of options exist to rectify this situation.
1) Continue to work collaboratively with the Corps on the Lower Walnut Creek Restoration project. This is
. the local Corps office preferred option, and the most likely long-term and sustainable solution.
2) Dredge Lower Walnut Creek as soon as the necessary regulatory permits can be secured. This option risks
alienating the regulatory community, may prove exceedingly costly, and may not be compatible with the
SUBJECT: REPORT ON THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS MAINTENANCE INSPECTION OF THE
FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT'S WALNUT CREEK CHANNEL
DATE: MARCH 13, 2007
PAGE: 7 of 8
sustainable channel design that is expected from Option 1. However, it has the potential to temporarily
remove the accumulated sediment and restore the design flood capacity of the lower channel. This option
would take longer than one year to complete and would require a time extension from the Corps and FEMA.
3) Declare a local state of emergency, and dredge Lower Walnut Creek without regulatory permits. This
option will have a profoundly negative effect on the District's relationship with the regulatory agencies. The
emergency declaration would not meet the federal standards of an emergency and significant mitigation
could be required and fines possibly would be levied. The cost and sustainability issues are the same as
Option 2.
Recommendations
Staff recommends Option 1 above with the following action items:
1) The federal progress on the Lower Walnut Creek Restoration project has been stalled because of lack of
federal funding. Direct staff to prepare a letter to the Corps and our Congressional delegation for Board
approval and signature by the Board Chair emphasizing the importance of increased federal support for this
project and specifically requesting the Corps reallocate funds to the project that were previously allocated by
Congress but were spent on other Corps projects.
2) Direct the District to work with our Congressional delegation and the Corps to include funding in the Federal
Fiscal Year 2008 budget to support the Corps' full capability to pursue the Lower Walnut Creek Restoration
project.
3) Direct staff to prepare a letter for Board approval and signature by the Board Chair to FEMA requesting a
policy that continues to exclude from flood hazard designation those areas effectively protected by flood
control works and not assume the effectiveness of an entire project is compromised by an isolated condition
in a downstream reach.
4) Determine that the Lower Walnut Creek project is a top priority project for the District and the County.
5) Direct staff to determine the properties potentially affected by the reduced capacity of Lower Walnut Creek
and identify interim measures to reduce potential flooding.
6) Direct staff to apply for permits from the appropriate regulatory agencies to remove accumulated sediment
and vegetation from the Walnut Creek channel, if ultimately necessary.
7) Direct staff to report progress back to the Committee in three to six months as further information develops.
INFORMATION RECEIVED SINCE FEBRUARY 12, 2007 TWIC MEETING
Since the TWIC meeting, staff met with the Corps and found outthat they have determined that the entire Walnut
Creek flood control system is inadequate due to the isolated condition in the lower section. This is the same position
staff feared FEMA would take in determining what portion of the flood control system is adequate for flood
mapping purposes. In the case of FEMA,a determination the entire system is deficient could result in thousands of
homes added to the floodplain maps. In the case of the Corps,the same determination could result in ineligibility for
storm damage funding from the Corps. Due to this new information from the Corps,the last recommendation was
discussed with the Committee Chair and added to this Board Order. This issue was within the scope of the
discussion at the TWIC meeting.
In addition,Flood Control District staff met with staff from the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District on February
28, 2007. The Sanitary District is concerned about the level of flood protection provided to their facility and the
critical need to protect their plant in high storm flows. Their treatment plant serves 450,000 residents and potentially
SUBJECT: REPORT ON THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS MAINTENANCE INSPECTION OF THE
FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT'S WALNUT CREEK CHANNEL
DATE: MARCH 13, 2007
PAGE: 8 of 8
could be shut down for a month or more if flooded. Flood Control District staff will be working with the Sanitary
District to better define the problem using the Corps hydrology study and to investigate a plan to protect the plant.
This effort will be reported to the Transportation Water and Infrastructure Committee as it progresses.
CONSEQUENCES OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If the recommendations are not implemented,the reduced channel capacity would continue without a plan to address
the potential consequences.
The Board of Supervisors Contra John Cullen
P Clerk of the Board
Costa and
County Administration Building County.administrator
651 Pine Street, Room 106 County (925)335-1900
Martinez,California 94553-4068
John Gioia,District I
Gayle B.Uilkema,District 11 March 13 2007
Mary Piepho,District III
Susan Bonilia,District IV of lxuq 1�
Federal D.Glover, District V a
spA Co
Colonel Ronald N. Light, District Engineer
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
1325 J Street
Sacramento, California 95814-2922
Dear Colonel Light:
The Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District(District)requests
that the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps)develop a reasonable policy regarding the
functional assessment of flood control facilities that have sediment accumulation in an
isolated section. This request concerns the District's Walnut Creek Flood Control project in
the central part of Contra Costa County. The District also requests Corps assistance in
addressing the sediment accumulation in the channel.
_Back r
The Walnut Creek Flood Control project was originally authorized by Congress in the late
1950's. Over many phases of work,starting in 1958,the Corps and the District implemented
over 22 miles of channel improvements along Walnut Creek, San Ramon Creek, Las
Trampas Creek,Pine Creek, Galindo Creek, Lower Grayson Creek and Pacheco Creek. At
the completion of each phase of construction, the District assumed maintenance
responsibilities for the flood control facility. The District is required to maintain the
facilities to Corps standards pursuant to a maintenance manual
Each fall the Corps inspects all 22 miles of the constructed facilities in the Walnut Creek
watershed. With a few exceptions,the last inspection found the entire system to be in good
working order. One item that has been a long-standing concern is the amount of accumulated
sediment in the lower reaches-of the Walnut Creek channel, roughly from the mouth of the
creek upstream to Highway 4 near the Buchanan Field Airport. Much of this reach also has a
levee on one or both sides of the creek.
In the early 1990's the District applied for regulatory permits to dredge the Lower Walnut
Creek channel. The District pursued these permits for three years but, due to the strong
opposition from various agencies, the District withdrew its permit application. Instead of
dredging, the District approached the Corps to conduct a general reevaluation of the project
to address the regulatory issues and obstacles facing channel dredging and to develop a more
CORPS
March 13, 2007
Page 2
sustainable channel system. The Corps agreed, and the District has been working together
with the Corps on the Lower Walnut Creek, California, General Reevaluation Study to define
this alternative project. To date the reevaluation study has not been completed. However,
the District and the Corps are confident that a completed reevaluation study will identify a
more sustainable channel.section that will provide the requisite flood protection,satisfy the
desired environmental standards and meet the requirements for Federal funding.
The Current Corps Inspection Report and Request for Re-inspection
The 2006 Annual Inspection of the Walnut Creek Project noted areas of sloughing on the
landslide slope of the channel levees and the accumulation of sediment that reduced channel
capacity. Subsequent to the annual inspection,the sloughed areas were reconstructed. The
District is requesting a re-inspection of the levee portion of the report to acknowledge the
repairs the District has made. The levee issues have been addressed, however, the
sedimentation issue will not be resolved until a more sustainable, alternative project is
completed.
Addressing the Sedimentation Issue and Request for Time
The Corps has placed the Walnut Creek project on a national list of Levees of Maintenance
Concern.The Corps has also informed us we will have one year to correct the issues noted on
the inspection report. To protect our options,the District is applying for a permit to dredge
the lower portion of the Walnut Creek channel. We believe the regulatory agencies and
environmental community really do not want us to dredge the channel. The District also
prefers not to dredge the channel and,instead,prefers to work with the Corps to complete the
reevaluation study and implement the ultimate sustainable project. The District would like to
develop an interim plan to reduce potential flooding to those properties impacted by overflow
flood waters. To determine which properties are potentially impacted and what interim
measures should be considered to protect those properties,the District needs a critical piece
of information from the Corps. The Corps has been working on a hydraulics model for some
time. We received the first draft of the model in mid-February. While this draft model is an
excellent start,we look forward to receiving the next version of the model which is expected
to provide the floodplain information we need.
The District believes it will be more cost effective and more beneficial from an
environmental and regulatory perspective to develop an interim plan to reduce potential
flooding rather than dredge the lower channel. To achieve this, the District requests
additional time to review the Corps first draft hydraulics study and develop interim flood
CORPS
March 13, 2007
Page 3
protection measures.
In the short term, the District has implemented several desilting projects upstream of
Highway 4 and has been supporting the Corps' efforts on the General Reevaluation Study. In
due course,the District has a plan to address the sediment accumulation in the lower portion
of the channel and has been diligently pursuing this solution with the Corps. The District has
taken and will continue to take appropriate measures to reduce potential flooding in the lower
portion until the final alternative project is constructed. ,
Corps Policy Interpretation and Request on Isolated Issue
The Corps has taken the position that if an isolated segment of a flood control system is not
in compliance, then the entire flood control system is considered ineligible for federal
disaster assistance. We do not believe this is a reasonable or correct interpretation of Corps.
policy.
With the apparent exception of the lower four mile reach, the entire 22 mile Federal flood
control system in the Walnut Creek watershed provides adequate flood protection and has no
significant issues. The sediment accumulation in this isolated lower reach do not impact the
effectiveness of the rest of the flood protection system. If the Corps maintains a position that
an isolated portion of a flood control system automatically affects the entire system,then the
majority of the Walnut Creek project will be ineligible for federal disaster assistance. This
will unreasonably worsen the problems of regional recovery for future disasters. In addition,
following the Corps' lead, FEMA may also determine that the entire system provides
inadequate flood protection. This means thousands of homes in the watershed may be
needlesslyplaced in a flood hazard area. These homeowners may be required to get flood
insurance even though they receive 100-year flood protection from the Walnut Creek flood
control project.
We request that the Corps not deem an entire flood protection system to be impacted due to
an isolated downstream reach, when it can be demonstrated that sediment accumulation in
the downstream reach does not impact the effectiveness of flood protection in the upper
reaches. Except for the lower reach,the Walnut Creek flood control project consists of in-
ground flood control facilities without levees. Our entire system will not be compromised by
the failure of a wet levee like those protecting a city like New Orleans,or a delta island in the
Sacramento Valley. We believe the Corps should consider flood protection systems like the
Walnut Creek project differently than a project with levees providing deep flooding
protection.
CORPS
March 13, 2007
Page 4,
Summary
In summary the District is requesting Corps assistance on the following:
• Re-inspection of-the lower Walnut Creek channel to acknowledge levee repairs
performed by the District last year.
• Additional time to develop an interim plan to reduce potential flooding..
• Expeditious completion of the reevaluation study.
• Acknowledgement that sediment accumulation in an isolated section of a channel
system does not automatically impact the entire system when the affected section
does not impact the flood protection effectiveness of the remaining system.
Thank you for your consideration.
L
PNPiepvho s,
Chair, Board of Supervisors
MP:RMA:lz
G:\Admin\Mitch\BOS\Piepho Itr to Army Corps on WC Channel 3-13-07.doc
c: John Cullen,County Administrator
Maurice Shiu,Chief Engineer
Mitch Avalon,Deputy Chief Engineer
Greg Connaughton,Flood Control
Paul Detjens,Flood Control
Rich Lierly,Flood Control
Silvano Marchesi,County Counsel
Ron Harvey,Risk Management
Jim Kelly,Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
Rachel Lenci,City of Walnut Creek
Steve Wallace,City of Pleasant Hill
Alex Pascual,City of,Concord
Joye Fukuda,City of San Ramon
Steve Lake,Town of Danville
Remy Goldsmith,Representative,Congresswoman Tauscher
Paul Kidwell,Representative,Congresswoman Tauscher
Kathy Hoffman,Representative,Congressman Miller
Ben Miller,Representative,Congressman Miller
Paul Schlesinger,Alcalde&Fay
The Board of Supervisors Contra John Cullen
Clerk of the Board
Costa and
County Administration Building County Administrator
651 Pine Street, Room 106 County (925)335-1900
Martinez, California 94553-4068
John Gioia,District 1 s....... March 13, 2007
Gavle B.tlilkema,District U
Mary Piepho,District Ill
Susan Bonilia,District IV nE
Federal D.Glover, District V x,. I'"�'
rA covKt;
Sally Ziolkowski, Director
Federal Insurance & Mitigation Division
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Region IX
I 111 Broadway, Suite 1200
Oakland, California 94607-4052
Dear Sally Ziolkowski:
The Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District(District)requests
that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) develop a reasonable policy in
addressing watersheds with flood control facilities that have sediment accumulation in an
isolated section. This request concerns the District's Walnut Creek Flood Control Channel
system in the central part of Contra Costa County.
Background
The Walnut Creek Flood Control project was originally authorized by Congress in the late
1950's. Over many phases of work, starting in 1958, the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps)
and the District implemented over 22 miles of channel improvements along Walnut Creek,
San Ramon Creek, Las Trampas Creek, Pine Creek, Galindo Creek, Lower Grayson Creek
and Pacheco Creek. At the completion of each phase of construction,the District assumed
maintenance responsibilities for the flood control facility. The District is required to
maintain the facilities to Corps standards pursuant to a maintenance manual.
Each fall the Corps inspects all 22 miles of the constructed facilities in the Walnut Creek
watershed. With a few exceptions,the last inspection found the entire system to be in good
working order. One item that has been a long-standing concern is the amount of accumulated
sediment in the lower reaches of the Walnut Creek channel,roughly from the mouth of the
creek upstream to Highway 4 near the Buchanan Field Airport. Much of this reach also has a
levee on one or both sides of the creek.
In the early 1990's the District applied for regulatory permits to dredge the Lower Walnut
Creek channel. The District pursued these permits for three years but,due to opposition from
various agencies, the District withdrew its permit application. Instead of dredging, the
District approached the Corps to conduct a general reevaluation of the project to address
FEMA
March 13, 2007
Page 2
the regulatory issues and obstacles facing channel dredging and to develop a more
sustainable channel system. The Corps agreed, and the District has been working with the
Corps ever since on defining this alternative project. At this time,however,the reevaluation
study has not been completed. However, the District and the Corps are confident that a
completed reevaluation study will identify an alternative project that will provide the
requisite flood protection, satisfy the desired environmental standards, and meet the
requirements for Federal funding.
In the short term, the District has implemented several des ilting projects upstream of
Highway 4. In due course, the District has a plan to address the sediment accumulation in
the lower portion of the channel and has been diligently pursuing this solution with the
Corps. The District has taken and will continue to take measures to reduce potential flooding
in the lower portion until the final alternative project is constructed.
The Corps Current Inspection Report
The 2006 Annual Inspection Report of the Walnut Creek flood control system noted issues
with the channel levees and the sedimentation build up in the lower channel that has reduced
channel capacity. The levee issue was noted in the prior year inspection report, and the
District had already made those repairs. As a.result, the District will be requesting a re-
inspection for the levee portion of the report. The sedimentation issue,however,will not be
resolved until the alternative project is completed.
The Corps has placed the Walnut Creek flood control system on a national list of"Levees of
Maintenance Concern". This list and the inspection report will be shared with FEMA as part
of the closer relationship the two agencies have after Hurricane Katrina.
FEMA Response to Corps Report
The Corps has informed the District that FEMA intends to use the Corps'Inspection Reports
to determine the effectiveness of flood control projects in managing flood hazards. The
Corps has taken the position that,if there is sediment accumulation in an isolated segment of
a flood control system, then the entire flood control system is considered impacted. We do
not believe this is a reasonable policy, and we are contesting it. We are also.concerned that
FEMA will take a similar position.
The entire 22 mile federal flood control system in the Walnut Creek watershed provides
adequate flood protection and has no significant issues except for the very lower reach. The
sediment accumulations in this isolated lower reach do not impact the effectiveness of the
rest of the flood protection system. If FEMA adopts a policy that an isolated portion of a
FEMA
March 13, 2007
Page 3
flood control system automatically impacts the entire system,then thousands of homes in the
watershed may be needlessly placed in:the floodplain. These homeowners may be required
to get flood insurance even though they are adequately protected by the Walnut Creek flood
control project.
We request FEMA adopt a policy that does not determine an entire flood protection system is
impacted due to an isolated downstream reach,when it could be demonstrated that sediment
accumulationin the downstream reach does not impact the effectiveness of flood protection
in the upper reaches. Except for the lower reach, the Walnut Creek flood control project
consists.of in-ground,flood control facilities with levees. Our flood control system will not
be compromised by the failure of a wet levee like those protecting a city like New Orleans or
a delta island in the Sacramento Valley. We believe FEMA should consider our system
differently than a deep flooding, wet levee system.
Thank you for your consideration.
Ve tr y ors,
iepho
Chair, Board of Supervisors
MP:RMA:lz
G:\Admin\Mitch\BOS\Piepho Itr to FEMA on WC Channel 3-13-07.doc
c: John Cullen,County Administrator
Maurice Shiu,Chief Engineer
Mitch Avalon,Deputy Chief Engineer
Greg Connaughton,Flood Control
Paul Detjens,Flood Control
Rich Lierly,Flood Control
Silvano Marchesi,County Counsel
Ron Harvey,Risk Management
Jim Kelly,Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
Rachel Lenci,City of Walnut Creek
Steve Wallace,City of Pleasant Hill
Alex Pascual,City of Concord
Joye Fukuda,City of San Ramon
Steve Lake,Town of Danville
Remy Goldsmith,Representative,Congresswoman Tauscher
Kathy Hoffman,Congressman Miller's
Michael Hornick,FEMA
Eric Simmons,FEMA
Paul Schlesinger,Alcalde&Fay
The Board of Supervisors Contra John Cullen
p Clerk of the Board
Costaand
County Administration Building County Administrator ;
651 Pine Street,Room 106 County (925)335-1900
Martinez,California 945534068
sE_L
John Gioia,District I
Gayle B.tlilkema.District 11 {
Mary Piepho,District III
Susan Bonilia,District IV n
Federal D.Glover. District V x't �nta March 13, 2007
sra coriii`
Senator Barbara Boxer
112 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington,DC 20510
Dear Senator Boxer:
The Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District(District) requests your support of full
capability funding for the U. S.Army Corps of Engineers(Corps)to complete their reevaluation study of our Lower
Walnut Creek, California, flood control project. This request concerns the District's Walnut Creek Flood Control
project in the central part of Contra Costa County.
Background
The Walnut Creek Flood Control project was originally authorized by Congress in the late 1950's. Over many
phases of work, starting in 1958, the Corps and the District constructed over 22 miles of channel improvements
along Walnut Creek,San Ramon Creek,Las Trampas Creek,Pine Creek,Galindo Creek,Lower Grayson Creek and
Pacheco Creek. At the completion of each phase of construction,the District assumed maintenance responsibilities
for the flood control facility. The District must maintain the facilities to Corps standards pursuant to a maintenance
manual. Each fall the Corps inspects all 22 miles of the constructed facilities in the Walnut Creek watershed. With
a few exceptions the last inspection found the entire system to be in good working order. One item that has been a
long standing concern is the amount of accumulated sediment in the lower reaches of the Walnut Creek channel,
roughly from the mouth of the creek upstream to Highway 4 near the Buchanan Field Airport. Much of this reach
also has a levee on one or both sides of the creek.
In the early 1990's the District applied for regulatory permits to dredge the Lower Walnut Creek channel. The
District pursued these permits for three years but due to the strong opposition from various agencies,the District
withdrew its permit application. Instead of dredging, the District approached the Corps to conduct a general
reevaluation of the project to address the regulatory issues and obstacles facing channel dredging and to develop a
more sustainable channel system. The Corps agreed to conduct the Lower Walnut Creek, California, General
Reevaluation Study and has been working with the District on it since 2002 to define this alternative project. To,
date the reevaluation study has not been completed due to the sporadic funding the Corps has received. However,
the District and the Corps anticipate the completed reevaluation study will identify a more sustainable channel
section that will provide the requisite flood protection, satisfy the desired environmental standards and meet the
requirements for Federal funding.
In due course, the District plans to address the sediment accumulation in the lower portion of the channel in
accordance with the recommendations of the reevaluation study. To that end,the District has diligently supported
the Corps' efforts on the General Reevaluation Study. In the short term, the District has implemented several
desilting project upstream of Highway 4 and will continue to take measures to reduce flood risk in the lower portion
until the final alternative project is constructed.
Senator Boxer
March 13; 2007
Page 2
The Reevaluation Study and the Current Corps Inspection Report
The Corps 2006 Annual Inspection of the Walnut Creek Project noted the accumulation of sediment in the lower
channel that has reduced channel capacity. Based on this deficiency the Corps placed the Walnut Creek project on a
national list of deficient levees. The Corps has given us one year to correct the deficiency. This puts the District in
a difficult position. We have been working with the Corps for several years on the reevaluation study to avoid or
reduce the amount of dredging,yet we may have to dredge due to the one year correction requirements. Although
we believe the regulatory agencies and environmental community continue to oppose dredging,we will be obligated
to secure a dredge permit without a reasonable prospect of developing a feasible alternative.
We feel our best option is to continue to work with the Corps on completing the reevaluation study. We plan to use..
the recommendations from the reevaluation study to develop interim flood protection measures that we can
implement locally, to minimize flood risks until a Corps project is built. The Corps will soon provide us with a
hydrology model that will allow us to start planning our interim flood protection measures. We believe this will be
the most cost effective approach that does the least environmental damage and still provides flood protection until
the ultimate project is built. However,this approach may take longer than one year to implement and we may need a
time extension from the Corps to address the deficiency.
It is imperative that the Corps receive their full capability funding this year of$600,000 so the Corps can complete
the reevaluation study and provide the District with the near-term critical informatidn we need to develop our
interim plan. Attached are several support letters for our project in addition to a Board report dated March 13,2007
which provides more in-depth background information.
Thank you-for your consideration and continued support for our project.
Very t y o r ,
iepho
Chair, Board of Supervisors
MP:RMA:lz
G:Wdmin\Mitch\BOS\Piepho ltr to Boxer 3-13-07.doc
Attachment
c: John Cullen,CountyAdministrator
Maurice Shin,Chief Engineer
Mitch Avalon,Deputy Chief Engineer
Greg Connaughton,Flood Control
Paul Detjens,Flood Control
Rich Lierly,Flood Control
Silvano Marchesi,County Counsel
Ron Harvey,Risk Management
Jim Kelly,Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
Rachel Lenci,City of Walnut Creek
Steve Wallace,City of Pleasant Hill
Alex Pascual,City of Concord
Joye Fukuda,City of San Ramon
Steve Lake,Town of Danville
Paul Schlesinger,Alcalde&Fay
recycled paper
City of Pleasant Hill
February 21,2007
The Honorable Barbara Boxer
U.S. Senate
112 Hart Senate Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Boxer:
This letter is being sent to you to indicate the City of Pleasant Hill's continuing and strong
support for the Army Corps of Engineer's(Corps) Grayson and Murderer's Creek Feasibility
Study. Its official title is "Walnut Creek Basin, (Grayson and Murderer's Creeks, CA)."Your
past assistances have.enabled the Corps to complete Phase 1 of the study, and the City eagerly
awaits the Corps' presentation of the study's findings in early March. This information will
assist the conununity in our deliberation regarding the use of potential detention basin.sites to
provide desperately needed flood protection for our residents.
The Corps has informed us that their federal fiscal year 2008 capability is $600,000 for this
project,which will allow thein to make significant progress on the second and final phase of the
feasibility study. The proposed President's budget included no funds for this critical flood
protection project.The Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District,
(District) our partner in this project,has submitted a request for your assistance in seeking a
congressional add on appropriation in the amount of the Corps' capability for this very important
flood protection project. The District has set aside non-federal funds for their share of the study's
cost. Phase I of the feasibility study shows a high likelihood for continued Federal participation.
When completed, Phase II of the Corps' study will detenninee-if there is sufficient Federal
interest in constructing flood protection facilities to control major stones that severely impact the
community.
Background
In 1997 a moderate stone caused flooding on over 100 properties in the City. A more severe
storm occurred in 2005,but due to our enhanced creek and storm drain facilities maintenance
programs,the impacts of the flood waters was somewhat lessened. Each winter the City and its
residents fear a major stone may inflict extensive flood damage upon our residences and
commercial properties.
Since 2001,we have continually worked with the City of Walnut Creek, Contra Costa County,
Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District and our
constituents through a multi-year community-based planning process to develop a multi-purpose
basin plan that we have asked the Anny Corps of Engineers to consider in their study.
100 Gregory Lane - Pleasant Hill - California 94523-3323 - (925) 6711-5270 - FAX (925) 256-8190
C I T Y O F
WALNUT
CREEK
February 8, 2007
Mary Piepho, Chair
Contra Costa County
Board of Supervisors
651 Pine Street
Martinez, California 94553
Dear Madam Chair:
We are sending this letter to indicate the City of Walnut Creek's continuing and strong support for
the Army Corps of Engineers Grayson and Murderers Creek project,also referred to by the Corps as
the "Walnut Creek Basin (Grayson and Murderers Creeks), California"Project. This project will
provide flood protection for Walnut Creek residents who live near Grayson Creek.
Since 2003, the Contra Costa Flood Control District has been working with the Army Corps to
complete the first phase of a Feasibility Study for the Walnut Creek Basin Project.Although steady
progress has been made by the Corps to date,the Feasibility Study is significantly behind schedule,
partly due to limited appropriations each year. We anticipate that Phase I of the Feasibility Study
will be completed next month. However, the Corps has informed the District that for fiscal year
2007, $600,000 is needed to continue their work and determine if there is Federal interest in
participating in this flood protection project. It is anticipated the study will justify a Federal flood
control project to mitigate the flood hazards in the community. The Flood Control District and its
partners have committed the local share of funding to complete the remainder of the Feasibility
Study.
The City supports the Flood Control District's request for full Corps funding of$600,000 to help
complete the study in a timely fashion. It should be noted that flooding has occurred while the
Feasibility Study was in progress. On New Years Eve 2005, both Grayson Creek and Murderers
Creek overflowed, flooding approximately 80 homes and causing nearly three million dollars in
damage.
In response to the real and costly threat of flooding in Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill,the City of
Walnut Creek has worked collaboratively with Contra Costa County,the Flood Control District,the
City of Pleasant Hill, Mount Diablo Unified School District, Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park
District, and especially the residents of Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill to develop a multi-year
community-based planning process and sustainable flood protection plan. The Corps has
incorporated the comments and recommendations from our community-based planning efforts into
the Feasibility Study.
As one of three significant flooding areas in Walnut Creek, the City ap,reeiates the support and
Post Office Box 89, 1666 North Main Street,Walnut Creek,CA 4596
tel 925.943.5800 wvw.ci.walnut-creek.ca.us
printed op receded paper
recognizes the critical efforts of the Flood Control District to further this project with the.Anny
Corps of Engineers. On behalf of the residents who live along the Grayson and Murderers Creeks
and are relying on us for flood protection,we strongly support Contra Costa County's Flood Control
District's request for a Federal appropriation for this project.
Sincerely,
SUSAN M. RAINEY RACHEL LENCI
Mayor. City Engineer
Cc: Ellen Tauscher,U.S.House of Representatives
Tom Torlakson, California State Senate
Guy Houston,California State Assembly
W
C I T Y O F
WALNUT
CREEK
February 13, 2007
Mary Piepho, Chair
Contra Costa County
Board of Supervisors
651 Pine Street
Martinez, California 94553
Dear Supervisor Piepho:
On behalf of the City of Walnut Creek, we are writing to acknowledge and strongly support
the need for the Army Corps of Engineers' Lower Walnut Creek Project and the Contra Costa
County Flood Control District's appropriation request. The Lower Walnut Creek project is a
Re-evaluation Study aimed at restoring the most important regional flood control facility in
Contra Costa County.
The Lower Walnut Creek Channel was designed and constructed by the Corps over forty years
ago. Due to changes in the Federal regulatory requirements and an outdated design, it was
determined that the channel and levy system is deficient. As a result, there is a buildup of
sediment in the channel and reduced flood capacity,which is a real concern to the businesses
and residents of Walnut Creek who are affected by this watershed system.Further,the Lower
reach of Walnut Creek provides flood protection to the cities of Martinez and Concord and the
unincorporated community of Pacheco.
Channel modifications identified by the Re-evaluation Study will enable the District to
improve the flood conveyance capacity of the Walnut Creek Channel and satisfy Federal and
State regulatory requirements through restoration and enhancement of riparian habitat. The
District is ready and eager to fund its local share for this study.
As a result of the Corps' preliminary re-evaluation effort,the Lower Walnut Creek Project has
already received support from local environmental interest groups and the regulatory
community, and has received grant funding from the State of California for environmental
assessments integral to the restoration effort.
The Corps has laid the groundwork to develop a multi-objective project with excellent
potential to enhance fish-spawning habitat,create refuge for endangered species and establish
greater recreational access, while providing a sustainable flood control facility. The
momentum for this project is likely to dissipate without federal funding to maintain the Corps'
active involvement in the project. Delay of the project will diminish the value of the locally
funded environmental studies, as well as the Corps' topographic survey work. A significant
delay may render this preliminary work unusable.
Post Office Box 8039, 1666 North Main Street,Walnut Creek,CA 94596
tel 925.943.5800 wivw.ci.walnut-creekca.us
m-pacd nn iccvdc(l nnncr -
The City of Walnut Creek values the work of the Contra Costa County Flood Control District
and their work with the Army Corps of Engineers, and recognizes the importance and
timeliness of the Lower Walnut Creek Reevaluation Study. We strongly support the Flood
Control District's appropriation request for Army Corps funding this next fiscal year.
Most sincerely,
CC
� �.
SUSAN M. RAINEY RACHEL LENC
Mayor City Engineer
Cc: Ellen Tauscher,U.S.House of Representatives -
Tom Torlakson,California State Senate
Guy Houston,California State Assembly
SEAL
CONTRA COSTA COUNT' AIRPORTS
��`• ;;; _ ' 550 Sally Ride Drive Concord, CA 94520-5550
^G�rA
C(3U�
February 20, 2007
Mary Piepho,Chair
Contra Costa County
Board of Supervisors
651 Pine Street
Martinez,California 94553
Dear Supervisor Piepho:
We are sending this letter to indicate the Contra Costa County Buchanan Field Airport's continuing and strong support for the
Army Corps of Engineers Lower Walnut Creek Project and the Flood Control District's appropriation request for Corps
funding. The Lower Walnut Creek project is a Reevaluation Study aimed at restoring the most important regional flood control
facility in Contra Costa County.
The Lower Walnut Creek channel was constructed by the Corps in the 1960's. The channel,as currently designed,places the
Flood Control District in a dilemma: required by its assurances to the federal government to maintain the facility in its "as
Built" condition and yet barred by federal regulatory restrictions arising from endangered species from fulfilling that
maintenance obligation. This has all resulted in a buildup of sediment in the channel and reduced flood capacity,which is a
real concern for the Airport.
The Buchanan Field Airport is one of only two general aviation airports in the county. The airport is located adjacent to the
Walnut Creek Channel,and is within the limits if the Corps reevaluation study. It is imperative for the airport to be protected
from flooding and the airport supports improving the identified creek conditions and providing future security for the adjacent
airport. This will allow the ultimate flood protection project to be built.
The Corps has laid the groundwork to develop a multi-objective project with excellent potential to enhance fish-spawning
habitat, create refuge for endangered species and establish greater recreational access, while providing a sustainable flood
control facility. The momentum this project has developed will dissipate without federal funding to maintain the Corps'active
involvement in the project. Delay to the project will diminish the value of the locally funded environmental studies,as well as
the Corps' topographic survey work, and significant delay may render this preliminary work unusable.
The Airport appreciates the efforts the County Flood Control District has performed to date in working with the Corps to
complete the reevaluation study. We view this as a benefit to the airport and to the entire watershed in which we reside. Again
we strongly support the Flood Control District's appropriation request for Army Corps funding this next fiscal year.
Very truly yours,
Keith Freitas
Director of Airports
cc: Board of Supervisors
J.Cullen,CAO
M. Shin,Director Public Works
M.Avalon,Deputy Public Works
B.Lee,Airport Business and Development Manager
K.Coyle, Supervisor of Airport Operations
Administration & Finance • Operations • Environment & Community Relations Property& Lease Management Fax
(925)646-5722 (925)646-5724 (925)646-5726 (925)646-5723 (925)646-5731
The Board of Supervisors Contra John Cullen
Clerk of the Board
Costa and
County Administration Building County Administrator
651 Pine Street,Room 106 County (925)335-1900
Martinez, California 94553-4068
E sE•L
John Gioia,District I _;'
Gayle B.Uilkema,District II
Mary Piepho,District III
Susan Bonilia,District IV n
Federal D.Glover, District V x
March 13, 2007
COUS1
Senator Dianne Feinstein
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington,DC 20510
Dear Senator Feinstein:
The Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (District) requests your support of full
capability funding for the U. S.Army Corps of Engineers(Corps)to complete their reevaluation study of our Lower
Walnut Creek, California, flood control project. This request concerns the District's Walnut Creek Flood Control
project in the central part of Contra Costa County.
Background
The Walnut Creek Flood Control project was originally authorized by Congress in the late 1950's. Over many
phases of work, starting in 1958, the Corps and the District constructed over 22 miles of channel improvements
along Walnut Creek,San Ramon Creek,Las Trampas Creek,Pine Creek,Galindo Creek,Lower Grayson Creek and
Pacheco Creek. At the completion of each phase of construction,the District assumed maintenance responsibilities
for the flood control facility. The District must maintain the facilities to Corps standards pursuant to a maintenance
manual. Each fall the Corps inspects all 22 miles of the constructed facilities in the Walnut Creek watershed. With
a few exceptions the last inspection found the entire system to be in good working order. One item that has been a
long standing concern is the amount of accumulated sediment in the lower reaches of the Walnut Creek channel,
roughly from the mouth of the creek upstream to Highway 4 near the Buchanan Field Airport. Much of this reach
also has a levee on one or both sides of the creek.
In the early 1990's the District applied for regulatory permits to dredge the Lower Walnut Creek channel. The
District pursued these permits for three years but due to the strong opposition from various agencies,the District
withdrew its permit application. Instead of dredging, the District approached the Corps to conduct a general
reevaluation of the project to address the regulatory issues and obstacles facing channel dredging and to develop a
more sustainable channel system. The Corps agreed to conduct the Lower Walnut Creek, California, General
Reevaluation Study and has been working with the District on it since 2002 to define this alternative project. To
date the reevaluation study has not been completed due to the sporadic funding the Corps has received. However,
the District and the Corps anticipate the completed reevaluation study will identify a more sustainable channel
section that will provide the requisite flood protection, satisfy the desired environmental standards and meet the
requirements for Federal funding.
In due course, the District plans to address the sediment accumulation in the lower portion of the channel in
accordance with the recommendations of the reevaluation study. To that end,the District has diligently supported
the Corps' efforts on the General Reevaluation Study. In the short term, the District has implemented several
desilting projects upstream of Highway 4 and will continue to take measures to reduce flood risk in the lower portion
until the final alternative project is constructed.
Senator Feinstein
March 13, 2007
Page 2
The Reevaluation Study and the Current Corps Inspection Report
The Corps 2006 Annual Inspection of the Walnut Creek Project noted the accumulation of sediment in the lower
channel that has reduced channel capacity. Based on this deficiency the Corps placed the Walnut Creek project on a
national list of deficient levees. The Corps has given us one year to correct the deficiency._This puts the District in.
a difficult position. We have been working with the Corps for several years on the reevaluation study to avoid or
reduce the amount of dredging, yet we may have to dredge due to the one year correction requirements. Although
we believe the regulatory agencies and environmental community continue to oppose dredging,we will be obligated
to secure a dredge permit without a reasonable prospect of developing a feasible alternative.,
We feel our best option is to continue to work with the Corps on completing the reevaluation study. We plan to use
the recommendations from the reevaluation study to develop interim flood protection measures that we can
implement locally, to minimize flood risks until a Corps project is built. The Corps will soon provide us with a
hydrology model that will allow us to start planning our interim flood protection measures. We believe this will be
the most cost effective approach that does the least environmental damage and still provides flood protection until
the ultimate project is built. However,this approach may take longer than one year to implement and we may need a
time extension from the Corps to address the deficiency.
It is imperative that the Corps receive their full capability funding this year of$600,000 so the Corps can complete
the reevaluation study and provide the District with the near-term critical information we need to develop our
interim plan. Attached are several support Ietters for our project in addition to a Board report dated March 13,2007
which provides more in-depth background information.
Thank you for your consideration and continued support for our project.
Very tru y ur ,
M iepho
Chair, Board of Supervisors
MP:RMA:iz
G:Wdmin\Mitch\BOS\Piepho ltr to Feinstein 3-13-07.doc
Attachment
c: John Cullen County Administrator
Maurice Shiu,Chief Engineer
Mitch Avalon,Deputy Chief Engineer
Greg Connaughton,Flood Control
Paul Detjens,Flood Control
Rich Lierly,Flood Control
Silvano Marchesi,County Counsel
Ron Harvey,Risk Management
Jim Kelly,Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
Rachel Lenci,City of Walnut Creek
Steve Wallace,City of Pleasant Hill
Alex Pascual,City of Concord
Joye Fukuda,City of San Ramon
Steve Lake,Town of Danville
Paul Schlesinger,Alcalde&Fay
�.a recycled Paper-
City of Pleasant Hill
February 21, 2007
The Honorable Diane Feinstein
U.S. Senate
331 Hart Senate Building
Washington,D.C.20510
Dear Senator Feinstein:
This letter is being sent to you to indicate the City of Pleasant Hill's continuing and strong
support for the Arany Corps of Engineer's(Corps) Grayson and Murderer's Creek Feasibility
Study. Its official title is"Walnut Creek Basin, (Grayson and Murderer's Creeks, CA)."Your
past assistances have enabled the Corps to complete Phase I of the study,and the City eagerly
awaits the Corps' presentation of the study's findings in early March. This,infonnation will
assist the community in our deliberation regarding the use of potential detention basin sites to
provide desperately needed flood protection for our residents.
The Corps has informed us that their federal fiscal year 2008 capability is$600,000 for this
project,which will allow them to make significant progress on the second and final phase of the
feasibility study. The proposed President's budget included no funds for this critical flood
protection project. The Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District,
(District)our partner in this project,has submitted a request for your assistance in seeking a
.congressional add on appropriation in the amount of the Corps' capability for this very important -
flood protection project. The District has set aside non-federal funds for their share of the study's
cost. Phase I of the feasibility study shows a high likelihood for continued Federal participation.
When completed, Phase II of the Corps' study will determine if there is sufficient Federal
interest in constructing flood protection facilities to control major storms that severely impact the
community.
Back rg ound
In 1997 a moderate stone caused flooding on over 100 properties in the City.A more severe
stormy occurred in-2005,but due to our enhanced creek and storm drain facilities maintenance
programs, the impacts of the flood waters was somewhat lessened. Each winter the City and its
residents fear a major storm may inflict extensive flood damage upon our residences and
commercial properties.
Since 2001,we have continually worked with the City of Walnut Creek,Contra Costa County,
Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District and our
constituents through a multi-year community-based planning process to develop a multi-purpose
basin plan that we have asked the Arany Corps of Engineers to consider in their study.
100 Gregory Lane - Pleasant Hill - California 94523-3323 - (925) 671-5270 - FAX (925)256-8190
The City of Pleasant Hill will, again, greatly appreciate your assistance.
jS1erely'
hn K. Hanecak
ice-Mayor
Cc Anny Corps of Engineers
City Council
City Manager
City of Walnut Creek
Congressman Miller
Contra Costa County Flood Control District
Contra Costa County
Mt. Diablo Unified School District
Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District
Y:\Soutli PH Task ForceMetter Congressional Add On-feb 2007.doc
C I T Y O F
WALNUT
CREEK
February 8, 2007
Mary Piepho, Chair
Contra Costa County
Board of Supervisors
651 Pine Street
Martinez, California 94553
Dear Madam Chair:
We are sending this letter to indicate the City of Walnut Creek's continuing and strong support for
the Army Corps of Engineers Grayson and Murderers Creek project,also referred to by the Corps as
the"Walnut Creek Basin (Grayson and Murderers Creeks), California" Project. This project will
provide flood protection for Walnut Creek residents who live near Grayson Creek.
Since 2003, the Contra Costa Flood Control District has been working with the Army Corps to
complete the first phase of a Feasibility Study for the Walnut Creek Basin Project. Although steady
progress has been made by the Corps to date,the Feasibility Study is significantly behind schedule,
partly due to limited appropriations each year. We anticipate that Phase I of the Feasibility Study
will be completed next month. However, the Corps has informed the District that for fiscal year
2007, $600,000 is needed to continue their work and determine if there is Federal interest in
participating in this flood protection project. It is anticipated the study will justify a Federal flood
control roject to mitigate the flood hazards in the community. The Flood Control District and its
partners have committed the local share of funding to complete the remainder of the Feasibility
Study.
The City supports the Flood Control District's request for full Corps funding of$600,000 to help
complete the study in a timely fashion. It should be noted that flooding has occurred while the
Feasibility Study was in progress. On New Years Eve 2005, both Grayson Creek and Murderers
Creek overflowed, flooding approximately 80 homes and causing nearly three million dollars in
damage.
In response to the real and costly threat of flooding in Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill, the City of
Walnut Creek has worked collaboratively with Contra Costa County,the Flood Control District,the
City of Pleasant Hill, Mount Diablo Unified School District, Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park
District, and especially the residents of Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill to develop a multi-year
community-based planning process and sustainable flood protection plan. The Corps has
incorporated the comments and recommendations from our community-based planning efforts into
the Feasibility Study.
As one of three significant flooding areas in Walnut Creek, the City appreciates the support and
Post Office Boy:89, 1666 North Main Street,Walnut Creek,CA 4596
tel 925.943.5800 www.ci.walnut-creek.ca.us
printed on recyded paper
recognizes the critical efforts of the Flood Control District to further this project with the Army
Corps of Engineers. On behalf of the residents who live along the Grayson and Murderers Creeks
and are relying on us for flood protection,we strongly support Contra Costa County's Flood Control
District's request for a Federal appropriation for this project.
Sincerely,
^�
SUSAN M. RAINEY RACHEL LENCI
Mayor City Engineer
Cc: Ellen Tauscher,U.S.House of Representatives
Tom Torlakson,California State Senate
Guy Houston,California State Assembly
C I- T Y O F
WALNUT
CREEK
February 13, 2007
Mary.Piepho, Chair
Contra Costa County
Board of Supervisors
651 Pine Street
Martinez, California 94553
Dear Supervisor Piepho:
On behalf of the City of Walnut Creek,we are writing to acknowledge and strongly support
the need for the Army Corps of Engineers' Lower Walnut Creek Project and the Contra Costa
County Flood Control District's appropriation request. The Lower Walnut Creek project is a
Re-evaluation Study aimed at restoring the most important regional flood control facility in
Contra Costa County.
The Lower Walnut Creek Channel was designed and constructed by the Corps over forty years
ago. Due to changes in the Federal regulatory requirements and an outdated design, it was
determined that the channel and levy system is deficient. As a result, there is a buildup of
sediment in the channel and reduced flood capacity,which is a real concern to the businesses
and residents of Walnut Creek who are affected by this watershed system.Further,the Lower
reach of Walnut Creek provides flood protection to the cities of Martinez and Concord and the
unincorporated community of Pacheco.
Channel modifications identified by the Re-evaluation Study will enable the District to
improve the flood conveyance capacity of the Walnut Creek Channel and satisfy Federal and
State regulatory requirements through restoration and enhancement of riparian habitat. The
District is ready and eager to fund its local share for this study.
As a result of the Corps'preliminary re-evaluation effort,the Lower Walnut Creek Project has
already received support from local environmental interest groups and the regulatory
community, and has received grant funding from the State of California for environmental
assessments integral to the restoration effort.
The Corps has laid the groundwork to develop a multi-objective project with excellent
potential to enhance fish-spawning habitat,create refuge for endangered species and establish
greater recreational access, while providing a sustainable flood control facility. The
momentum for this project is likely to dissipate without federal funding to maintain the Corps'
active involvement in the project. Delay of the project will diminish the value of the locally
funded environmental studies, as well as the Corps' topographic survey work. A significant
delay may render this preliminary work.unusable.
Post Office Box 8039, 1666 North Main Street,Walnut Creek, CA 94596
tel 925.943.5800 www.cimalnut-creek.ca.us
printed an recycled paper
The City of Walnut Creek values the work of the Contra Costa County Flood Control District
and their work with the Army Corps of Engineers, and recognizes the importance and
timeliness of the Lower Walnut Creek Reevaluation Study. We strongly support the Flood
Control District's appropriation request for Army Corps funding this next fiscal year.
Most sincerely,
SUSAN M. RAINEY RACHEL LENC
Mayor City Engineer
Cc: Ellen Tauscher,U.S. House of Representatives
Tom Torlakson,California State Senate
Guy Houston,California State Assembly
SEAK
'. CONTRA COSTA COUNT' AIRPORTS
y ? 550 Sally Ride Drive • Concord, CA 94520-5550
February 20,2007
Mary Piepho, Chair
Contra Costa County
Board of Supervisors
651 Pine Street
Martinez, California 94553
Dear Supervisor Piepho;
We are sending this letter to indicate the Contra Costa County Buchanan Field Airport's continuing and strong support for the
Army Corps of Engineers Lower Walnut Creek Project and the Flood Control District's appropriation request for Corps
funding. The Lower Walnut Creek project is a Reevaluation Study aimed at restoring the most important regional flood control
facility in Contra Costa County.
The Lower Walnut Creek channel was constructed by the Corps in the 1960's. The channel,as currently designed,places the
Flood Control District in a dilemma: required by its assurances to the federal government to maintain the facility in its "as
built" condition and yet barred by federal regulatory restrictions arising from endangered species from fulfilling that
maintenance obligation. This has all resulted in a buildup of sediment in the channel and reduced flood capacity, which is a
real concern for the Airport.
The Buchanan Field Airport is one of only two general aviation airports in the county. The airport is located adjacent to the
Walnut Creek Channel,and is within the limits if the Corps reevaluation study. It is imperative for the airport to be protected
from flooding and the airport supports improving the identified creek conditions and providing future security for the adjacent
airport. This will allow the ultimate flood protection project to be built.
The Corps has laid the groundwork to develop a multi-objective project with excellent potential to enhance fish-spawning
habitat, create refuge for endangered species and establish greater recreational access, while providing a sustainable flood
control facility. The momentum this project has developed will dissipate without federal funding to maintain the Corps'active
involvement in the project. Delay to the project will diminish the value of the locally funded environmental studies,as well as
the Corps' topographic survey work,and significant delay may render this preliminary work unusable.
The Airport appreciates the efforts the County Flood Control District has performed to date in working with the Corps to
complete the reevaluation study. We view this as a benefit to the airport and to the entire watershed in which we reside. Again
we strongly support the Flood Control District's appropriation request for Army Corps funding this next fiscal year.
Very truly yours,
Keith Freitas
Director of Airports
cc: Board of Supervisors
I Cullen,CAO
M. Shiu,Director Public Works
M.Avalon,Deputy Public Works
B.Lee,Airport Business and Development Manager
K. Coyle,Supervisor of Airport Operations
Administration & Finance • Operations • Environment & Community Relations Property & Lease Management • Fax
(925)646-5722 (925)646-5724 (925)646-5726 (925)646-5723 (925)646-5731
Supervisors
Contra John Cullen
` The Board of Supervisors Clerk of the Board
Costa and
County Administration Building County Administrator
651 Pine Street, Room 106 County (925)335-1900
Martinez, California 94553-4068
John Gioia,District I
Gayle B.Uilkema,District II ti —
Mary Piepho,District III -
Susan Bonilia,District IV p 41auT •1S
Federal D.Glover, District V x. March 13, 2007
STA-court`+"t
Congressman George Miller
2205 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Congressman Miller:
The Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (District) requests your support of full
capability funding for the U. S.Army Corps of Engineers(Corps)to complete their reevaluation study of our Lower
Walnut Creek, California,flood control project. This request concerns the District's Walnut Creek Flood Control
project in the central part of Contra Costa County.
Background
The Walnut Creek Flood Control project was originally authorized by Congress in the late 1950's. Over many
phases of work, starting in 1958, the Corps and the District constructed over 22 miles of channel improvements
along Walnut Creek,San Ramon Creek,Las Trampas Creek,Pine Creek,Galindo Creek,Lower Grayson Creek and
Pacheco Creek. At the completion of each phase of construction,the District assumed maintenance responsibilities
for the flood control facility. The District must maintain the facilities to Corps standards pursuant to a maintenance
manual. Each fall the Corps inspects all 22 miles of the constructed facilities in the Walnut Creek watershed. With
a few exceptions the last inspection found the entire system to be in good working order. One item that has been a
long standing concern is the amount of accumulated sediment in the lower reaches of the Walnut Creek channel,
roughly from the mouth of the creek upstream to Highway 4 near the Buchanan Field Airport. Much of this reach
also has a levee on one or both sides of the creek.
In the early 1990's the District applied for regulatory permits to dredge the Lower Walnut Creek channel. The
District pursued these permits for three years but due to the strong opposition from various agencies, the District
withdrew its permit application. Instead of dredging, the District approached the Corps to conduct a general
reevaluation of the project to address the regulatory issues and obstacles facing channel dredging and to develop a
more sustainable channel system. The Corps agreed to conduct the Lower Walnut Creek, California, General
Reevaluation Study and has been working with the District on it since 2002 to define this alternative project. To
date the reevaluation study has not been completed due to the sporadic funding the Corps has received. However,
the District and the Corps anticipate the completed reevaluation study will identify a more sustainable channel
section that will provide the requisite flood protection, satisfy the desired environmental standards and meet the
requirements for Federal funding.
In due course, the District plans to address the sediment accumulation in the lower portion of the channel in
accordance with the recommendations of the reevaluation study. To that end,the District has diligently supported
the Corps' efforts on the General Reevaluation Study. In the short term, the District has implemented several
desilting projects upstream of Highway 4 and will continue to take measures to reduce flood risk in the lower portion
until the final alternative project is constructed.
Congressman Miller
March 13, 2007
Page 2
The Reevaluation Study and the Current Corps Inspection Report
The Corps 2006 Annual Inspection of the Walnut Creek Project noted the accumulation of sediment in the lower
channel that has reduced channel capacity. Based on this deficiency the Corps placed the Walnut Creek project on a
national list of deficient levees. The Corps has given us one year to correct the deficiency. This puts the District in
a difficult position. We have been working with the Corps for several years on the reevaluation study to avoid or
reduce the amount of dredging, yet we may have to dredge due to the one year correction_requirements. Although
we believe the regulatory agencies and environmental community continue to oppose dredging,we will be obligated
to secure a.dredge permit without a reasonable prospect of developing a feasible alternative.
We feel our best option is to continue to work with the Corps on completing the reevaluation study. We plan to use
the recommendations from the reevaluation study to develop interim flood protection measures that we can
implement locally, to minimize flood risks until a Corps project is built. The Corps will soon provide us with a
hydrology model that will allow us to start planning our interim flood protection measures. We believe this will be
the most cost effective approach that does the least environmental damage and still provides flood protection until
the ultimate proj ect is built. However,this approach may take longer than one year to implement and we may need a
time extension from the Corps to address the deficiency.
It is imperative that the Corps receive their full capability funding this year of$600,000 so the Corps can complete
the reevaluation study and provide the District with the near-term critical information we need to develop our
interim plan. Attached are several support letters for our project in addition to a Board report dated March 13,200.7
which provides more in-depth background information.
Thank you for your consideration and continued support for our project.
V
ery ,
C
Chair, Board of Supervisors
MP:RMA:lz
G:\Admin\Mitch\BOS\Piepho Itr to Miller 3-13-07.doc
Attachment
c: John Cullen,County Administrator
Maurice Shiu,Chief Engineer
Mitch Avalon,Deputy Chief Engineer
Greg Connaughton,Flood Control
Steve Lake,Town of Danville
Paul Detiens,Flood Control
Rich Lierly,Flood Control
Silvano Marchesi,County Counsel
Ron Harvey,Risk Management
Jim Kelly,Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
Rachel Lenci,City of Walnut Creek
Steve Wallace,City of Pleasant Hill
Alex Pascual,City of Concord
Joye Fukuda,City of San Ramon
Kathy Hoffman,Representative,Congressman Miller
Ben Miller,Representative,Congressman Miller
Paul Schlesinger,Alcalde&Fay
G 1 T Y O F
WALNUT
CREED
February 8, 2007
Mary Piepho, Chair
Contra Costa County
Board of Supervisors
651 Pine Street
Martinez, California 94553
Dear Madam Chair:
We are sending this letter to indicate the City of Walnut Creek's continuing and strong support for
the Army Corps of Engineers Grayson and Murderers Creek project,also referred to by the Corps as
the "Walnut Creek Basin (Grayson and Murderers Creeks), California" Project. This project will
provide flood protection for Walnut Creek residents who live near Grayson Creek.
Since 2003, the Contra Costa Flood Control District has been working with the Army Corps to
complete the first phase of a Feasibility Study for the Walnut Creek Basin Project.Although steady
progress has been made by the Corps to date,the Feasibility Study is significantly behind schedule,
partly due to limited appropriations each year. We anticipate that Phase I of the Feasibility Study
will be completed next month. However,- the Corps has informed the District that for fiscal year
2007, $600,000 is needed to continue their work and determine if there is Federal interest in
participating in this flood protection project. It is anticipated the study will justify a Federal flood
control project to mitigate the flood hazards in the community. The Flood Control District and its
partners have committed the local share of funding to complete the remainder of the Feasibility
Study.
The City supports the Flood Control District's request for full Corps funding of$600,000 to help
complete the study in a timely fashion. It should be noted that flooding has occurred while the
Feasibility Study was in progress. On New Years Eve 2005, both Grayson Creek and Murderers
Creek overflowed, flooding approximately 80 homes and causing nearly three million dollars in
damage.
In response to the real and costly threat of flooding in Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill, the City of
Walnut Creek has worked collaboratively with Contra Costa County,the Flood Control District,the
City of Pleasant Hill, Mount Diablo Unified School District, Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park
District, and especially the residents of Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill to develop a multi-year
community-based planning process and sustainable flood protection plan. The Corps has
incorporated the comments and recommendations from our community-based planning efforts into
the Feasibility Study.
As one of three significant flooding areas in Walnut Creek, the City appreciates the support and
Post Office Bot 89, 1666 North Main Street,Walnut Creek, CA 4596
tel 925.943.5800 wwwomalnut-creek.ca.us
m-mrrd n rervried nanrr
recognizes the critical efforts of the Flood Control District to further this project with the Army
Corps of Engineers. On behalf of the residents who live along the Grayson and Murderers Creeks
and are relying on us for flood protection,we strongly support Contra Costa County's Flood Control
District's request for a Federal appropriation for this project.
Sincerely,
14"Y 6�
SUSAN M. RAINEY RACHEL LENCI
Mayor City Engineer
Cc: Ellen Tauscher,U.S.House of Representatives .
Tom Torlakson,California State Senate
Guy Houston, California State Assembly
C I T Y O F
WALNUT
CREEK
:February 13, 2007
Mary Piepho, Chair
Contra Costa County
Board of Supervisors
651 Pine Street
Martinez, California 94553
Dear Supervisor Piepho:
On behalf.of the City of Walnut Creek, we are writing to acknowledge and strongly support
the need for the Army Corps of Engineers' Lower Walnut Creek Project and the Contra Costa
County Flood Control District's appropriation request. The Lower Walnut Creek project is a
Re-evaluation Study aimed at restoring the most important regional flood control facility in
Contra Costa County.
The Lower Walnut Creek Channel was designed and constructed by the Corps over forty years
ago. Due to changes in the Federal regulatory requirements and an outdated design, it was
determined that the channel and levy system is deficient. As a result, there is a buildup of
sediment in the channel and reduced flood capacity,which is a real concern to the businesses
and residents of Walnut Creek who are affected by this watershed system.Further,the Lower
reach of Walnut Creek provides flood protection to the cities of Martinez and Concord and the
unincorporated community of Pacheco.
Channel modifications identified by the Re-evaluation Study will enable the District to
improve the flood conveyance capacity of the Walnut Creek Channel and satisfy Federal and
State regulatory requirements through restoration and enhancement of riparian habitat. The
District is ready and eager to fund its local share for this study.
As a result of the Corps'preliminary re-evaluation effort,the Lower Walnut Creek Project has
already received support from local environmental interest groups and the regulatory
community, and has received grant funding from the State of California for environmental
assessments integral to the restoration effort.
The Corps has laid the groundwork to develop a multi-objective project with excellent
potential to enhance fish-spawning habitat,create refuge for endangered species and establish
greater recreational access, while providing a sustainable flood control facility. The
momentum for this project is likely to dissipate without federal funding to maintain the Corps'
active involvement in the project. Delay of the project will diminish the value of the locally
funded environmental studies, as well as the Corps' topographic survey work. A significant
delay may render this preliminary work unusable.
Post Office Box 8039, 1.666 North Main Street,Walnut Creek, CA 94596
tel 925943.5800 www.cimalnut-creek.ca.us
printed on recycled paper
The City of Walnut Creek values the work of the Contra Costa County Flood Control District
and their work with the Army Corps of Engineers, and recognizes the importance and
timeliness of the Lower Walnut Creek Reevaluation Study. We strongly support the Flood
Control District's appropriation request for Army Corps funding this next fiscal year.
Most sincerely,
SUSAN M. RAINEY RACHEL LENC
Mayor City Engineer
Cc: Ellen Tauscher,U.S.House of Representatives
Tom Torlakson,California State Senate
Guy Houston,California State Assembly
/ sent
` 1 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY AIRPORTS
550 Sally Ride Drive • Concord, CA 94520-5550
�CCnJI�
February 20, 2007
Mary Piepho,Chair
Contra Costa County
Board of Supervisors
651 Pine Street
Martinez, California 94553
Dear Supervisor Piepho:
We are sending this letter to indicate the Contra Costa County Buchanan Field Airport's continuing and strong support for the
Army Corps of Engineers Lower Walnut Creek Project and the Flood Control District's appropriation request for Corps
funding. The Lower Walnut Creek project is a Reevaluation Study aimed at restoring the most important regional flood control
facility in Contra Costa County.
The Lower Walnut Creek channel was constructed by the Corps in the 1960's. The channel,as currently designed,places the
Flood Control District in a dilemma: required by its assurances to the federal government to maintain the facility in its "as
built" condition and yet barred by federal regulatory restrictions arising from endangered species from fulfilling that
maintenance obligation. This has all resulted in a buildup of sediment in the channel and reduced flood capacity,which is a
real concern for the Airport.
The Buchanan Field Airport is one of only two general aviation airports in the county. The airport is located adjacent to the
Walnut Creek Channel,and is within the limits if the Corps reevaluation study. It is imperative for the airport to be protected
from flooding and the airport supports improving the identified creek conditions and providing future security for the adjacent
airport. This will allow the ultimate flood protection project to be built.
The Corps has laid the groundwork to develop a multi-objective project with excellent potential to enhance fish-spawning
habitat, create refuge for endangered species and establish greater recreational access, while providing a sustainable flood
control facility. The momentum this project has developed will dissipate without federal funding to maintain the Corps'active
involvement in the project. Delay to the project will diminish the value of the locally funded environmental studies,as well as
the Corps' topographic survey work, and significant delay may render this preliminary work unusable.
The Airport appreciates the efforts the County Flood Control District has performed to date in working with the Corps to,
complete the reevaluation study. We view this as a benefit to the airport and to the entire watershed in which we reside. Again
we strongly support the Flood Control District's appropriation request for Army Corps funding this next fiscal year.
c V ery truly yours,
Keith Freitas
Director of Airports
cc: Board of Supervisors
J.Cullen,CAO
M. Shiu,Director Public Works
M. Avalon,Deputy Public Works
B.Lee,Airport Business and Development Manager
K.Coyle,Supervisor of Airport Operations
Administration & Finance • Operations • Environment & Community Relations Property & Lease Management Fax
(925)646-5722 (925)646-5724 (925)646-5726 (925)646-5723 (925)646-5731
The"Board of Su ervisors Contra John CullenP Clerk of the Board
Costa and
County Administration Building County Administrator
651 Pine Street, Room 106 County (925)33571900
Martinez,California 945534068 l•
John Gioia,District I
Gavle B.Uilkema,District 11
Mary Piepho,District III
Susan Bonilia,District IV
Federal D.Glover, District V x;. llaM March 13, 2007
rA'coiiri`�
Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher
1034 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Congresswoman Tauscher:
The Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (District) requests your support of full
capability funding for the U. S.Army Corps of Engineers(Corps)to complete their reevaluation study of our Lower
Walnut Creek, California, flood control project. This request concerns the District's Walnut Creek Flood Control
project in the central part of Contra Costa County.
Back rg ound
The Walnut Creek Flood Control project was originally authorized by Congress in the late 1950's. Over many
phases of work, starting in 1958, the Corps and the District constructed over 22 miles of channel improvements
along Walnut Creek, San Ramon Creek,Las Trampas Creek,Pine Creek,Galindo Creek,Lower Grayson Creek and
Pacheco Creek. At the completion of each phase of construction,the District assumed maintenance responsibilities
for the flood control facility. The District must maintain the facilities to Corps standards pursuant to a maintenance
manual. Each fall the Corps inspects all 22 miles of the constructed facilities in the Walnut Creek watershed. With
a few exceptions the last inspection found the entire system to be in good working order. One item that has been a
long standing concern is the amount of accumulated sediment in the lower reaches of the Walnut Creek channel,
roughly from the mouth of the creek upstream to Highway 4 near the Buchanan Field Airport. Much of this reach
also has a levee on one or both sides of the creek.
In the early 1990's the District applied for regulatory permits to dredge the Lower Walnut Creek channel. The
District pursued these permits for three years but due to the strong opposition from various agencies, the District
withdrew its permit application. Instead of dredging, the District approached the Corps to conduct a general
reevaluation of the project to address the regulatory issues and obstacles facing channel dredging and to develop a
more sustainable channel system. The Corps agreed to conduct the Lower Walnut Creek, California, General
Reevaluation Study and has been working with the District on it since 2002 to define this alternative project. To
date the reevaluation study has not been completed due to the sporadic funding the Corps has received. However,
the District and the Corps anticipate the completed reevaluation study will identify a more sustainable channel
section that will provide the requisite flood protection, satisfy the desired environmental standards and meet the
requirements for Federal funding.
In due course, the District plans to address the sediment accumulation in the lower portion of the channel in
accordance with the recommendations of the reevaluation study. To that end,the District has diligently supported
the Corps' efforts on the General Reevaluation Study. In the short term, the District has implemented several
desilting projects upstream of Highway 4 and will continue to take measures to reduce flood risk in the lower portion
until the final alternative project is constructed.
Congresswoman Tauscher
March 13, 2007
Page 2
The Reevaluation Study and the Current Corps Inspection Report
The Corps 2006 Annual Inspection of the Walnut Creek Project noted the accumulation of sediment in the lower
channel that has reduced channel capacity. Based on this deficiency the Corps placed the Walnut Creek project on a
national list of deficient levees. The Corps has given us one year to correct the deficiency. This puts the District in
a difficult position. We have been working with the Corps for several years on the reevaluation study to avoid or
reduce the amount of dredging,yet we may have to dredge due to the one year correction requirements. Although
we believe the regulatory agencies and environmental community continue to oppose dredging,we will be obligated
to secure a dredge permit without a reasonable prospect of developing a feasible alternative.
We feel our best option is to continue to work with the Corps on completing the reevaluation study. We plan to use
the recommendations from the reevaluation study to develop interim flood protection measures that we can
implement locally, to minimize flood risks until a Corps project is built. The Corps will soon provide us with a
hydrology model that will allow us to start planning our interim flood protection measures. We believe this will be
the most cost effective approach that does the least environmental damage and still provides flood protection until
the ultimate project is built. However,this.approach may take longer than one year to implement and we may need a
time extension from the Corps to address the deficiency.
It is imperative that the Corps receive their full capability funding this year of$600,000 so the Corps can complete
the reevaluation study and provide the District with the near-term critical information we need to develop our
interim plan. Attached are several support letters for our project in addition to a Board report dated March 13,2007
which provides more in-depth background information.
Thank you for your consideration and continued support for our project. .
Very t y u
iepho
Chair, Board of Supervisors
MP:RMA:lz
G:\Admin\Mitch\BOS\Piepho Itr to Tauscher 3-13-07.doc
Attachment
c: John Cullen,County Administrator
Maurice Shiu,Chief Engineer
Mitch Avalon,Deputy Chief Engineer
Greg Connaughton,Flood Control
Paul Detjens,Flood Control
Rich Lierly,Flood Control
Silvano Marchesi,County Counsel
Ron Harvey,Risk Management
Jim Kelly,Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
Rachel Lenci,City of Walnut Creek
Steve Wallace,City of Pleasant Hill
Alex Pascual,City of Concord
Joye Fukuda,City of San Ramon
Steve Lake,Town of Danville
Remy Goldsmith,Representative,Congresswoman Tauscher
Paul Kidwell,Representative,Congresswoman Tauscher
Paul Schlesinger,Alcalde&Fay
I'
I's
recycled paper
City of Pleasant Hill
February 21, 2007
The Honorable Ellen Taus-cher
10"'Congressional District
1122 Longworth HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Tauscher:
This letter is being sent to you to indicate the City of Pleasant Hill's continuing and strong
support for the Army Corps of Engineer's(Corps) Grayson and Murderer's Creek Feasibility
Study. Its official title is"Walnut Creek Basin, (Grayson and Murderer's Creeks, CA)."Your
past assistances have enabled the Corps to complete Phase I of the study, and the City eagerly
awaits the Corps' presentation of the study's findings in early March. This information will
assist the community in our deliberation regarding the use of potential detention basin sites to
provide desperately needed flood protection for our residents.
The Corps has informed us that their federal fiscal year 2008 capability is$600,000 for this
project, which will allow them to make significant progress on the second and final phase of the
feasibility study. The proposed President's budget included no funds for this critical flood
protection project. The Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District,
(District) our partner in this project,has submitted a request for your assistance in seeking a
congressional add on appropriation in the amount of the Corps' capability for this very important
flood protection project. The District has set aside non-federal funds for their share of the study's
cost. Phase I of the feasibility study shows a high likelihood for continued Federal participation.
When completed, Phase II of the Corps' study will determine if there is sufficient Federal
interest in constructing flood protection facilities to control major storms that severely impact the
community.
Background
In 1997 a moderate storm caused flooding on over 100 properties in the City. A more severe
storm occurred in 2005, but due to our enhanced creek and storm drain facilities maintenance
programs, the impacts of the flood waters was somewhat lessened. Each winter the City and its
residents fear a major stone may inflict extensive flood damage upon our residences and
commercial properties.
Since 2001, we have continually worked with the City of Walnut Creek, Contra Costa County,
Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District and our
constituents through a multi-year community-based planning process to develop a multi-purpose
basin plan that we have asked the Army Corps of Engineers to consider in their study.
100 Gregory Lane - Pleasant Hill - California 94523-3323 - (925) 671-5270 - FAX (925)256-8190
i
The City of Pleasant Hill will, again, greatly appreciate your assistance.
Si c ely
f
ohn K. Hanecak
ice-Mayor
Cc Arany Corps of Engineers
City Council
City Manager
City of Walnut Creek
Congressman Miller
Contra Costa County Flood Control District
Contra Costa County
Mt. Diablo Unified School District
Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District
YASouth PH Task ForceVetter Congressional Add On-feb 2007.doc
i
C I T Y O F
WALNUT
CREEK
February 8, 2007
Mary Piepho, Chair
Contra Costa County
Board of Supervisors
651 Pine Street
Martinez, California 94553
Dear Madam Chair:
We are sending this letter to indicate the City of Walnut Creek's continuing and strong support for
the Army Corps of Engineers Grayson and Murderers Creek project,also referred to by the Corps as
the "Walnut Creek Basin (Grayson and Murderers Creeks), California"Project. This project will
provide flood protection for Walnut Creek residents who live near Grayson Creek.
Since 2003, the Contra Costa Flood Control District has been working with the Army Corps to
complete the first phase of a Feasibility Study for the Walnut Creek Basin Project. Although steady
progress has been made by the Corps to date,the Feasibility Study is significantly behind schedule,
partly due to limited appropriations each year. We anticipate that Phase I of the Feasibility Study
will be completed next month. However, the Corps has informed the District that for fiscal year
2007, $600,000 is needed to continue their work and determine if there is Federal interest in
participating in this flood protection project. It is anticipated the study will justify a Federal flood
control project to mitigate the flood hazards in the community. The Flood Control District and its
partners have committed the local share of funding to complete the remainder of the Feasibility
Study.
The City supports the Flood Control District's request for full Corps funding of$600,000 to help
complete the study in a timely fashion. It should be noted that flooding has occurred while the
Feasibility Study was in progress. On New Years Eve 2005, both Grayson Creek and Murderers
Creek. overflowed, flooding approximately 80 homes and causing nearly three million dollars in
damage.
In response to the real and costly threat of flooding in Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill, the City of
Walnut Creek has worked collaboratively with Contra Costa County,the Flood Control District,the
City of Pleasant Hill, Mount Diablo Unified School District, Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park
District, and especially the residents of Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill to develop a multi-year
community-based planning process and sustainable flood protection plan. The Corps has
incorporated the comments and recommendations from our community-based planning efforts into
the Feasibility Study.
As one of three significant floodingareas in Walnut Creek the City appreciates the support and
Post Office Boa 89, 1666 North Main Street,Walnut Creek, CA 94596
tel 925.943.5800 wwwci.walnut-creek.ca.us
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recognizes the critical efforts of the Flood Control District to further this project with the Army
Corps of Engineers. On behalf of the residents who live along the Grayson and Murderers Creeks
and are relying on us for flood protection,we strongly support Contra Costa County's Flood Control
District's request for a Federal appropriation for this project.
Sincerely,
Z
SUSAN M. RAINEY RACHEL LENCI
Mayor City Engineer
Cc: Ellen Tauscher,U.S.House of Representatives
Tom Torlakson,California State Senate
Guy Houston,California State Assembly
C I T Y O F
WALNUT
CREEK
February 13, 2007
Mary, Piepho, Chair
Contra Costa County
Board of Supervisors
651 Pine Street
Martinez, California 94553
Dear Supervisor Piepho:
On behalf of the City of Walnut Creek, we are writing to acknowledge and strongly support
the need for the Army Corps of Engineers' Lower Walnut Creek Project and the Contra Costa
County Flood Control District's appropriation request. The Lower Walnut Creek project is a
Re-evaluation Study aimed at restoring the most important regional flood control facility in
Contra Costa County.
The Lower Walnut Creek Channel was designed and constructed by the Corps over forty years
ago. Due to changes in the Federal regulatory requirements and an outdated design, it was
deterniined that the channel and levy system is deficient. As a result, there is a buildup of
sediment in the channel and reduced flood capacity,which is a real concern to the businesses
and residents of Walnut Creek who are affected by this watershed system.Further,the Lower
reach of Walnut Creek provides flood protection to the cities of Martinez and Concord and the
unincorporated community of Pacheco.
Channel modifications identified by the Re-evaluation Study will enable the District to
improve the flood conveyance capacity of the Walnut Creek Channel and satisfy Federal and
State regulatory requirements through restoration and enhancement of riparian habitat. The
District is ready and eager to fund its local share for this study.
As a result of the Corps'preliminary re-evaluation effort,the Lower Walnut Creek Project has
already received support from local environmental interest groups and the regulatory
community, and has received grant funding from the State of California for environmental
assessments integral to the restoration effort.
The Corps has laid the groundwork to develop a multi-objective project with excellent
potential to enhance fish-spawning habitat,create refuge for endangered species and establish
greater recreational access, while providing a sustainable flood control facility. The
momentum for this project is likely to dissipate without federal funding to maintain the Corps'
active involvement in the project. Delay of the project will diminish the value of the locally
funded environmental studies, as well as the Corps' topographic survey work. A significant
delay may render this preliminary work unusable.
Post Office Boa 8039, 1666 North Main Street, Walnut Creek,CA 94596,
tel 925.943.5800 iAnAIIA%ci.wahiut-creek.ca.us
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The City of Walnut Creek values the work of the Contra Costa County Flood Control District
and their work with the Army Corps of Engineers, and recognizes the importance and
timeliness of the Lower Walnut Creek Reevaluation Study. We strongly support the Flood
Control District's appropriation request for Army Corps funding this next fiscal year.
Most sincerely, /
SUSAN M. RAINEY RACHEL LENC
Mayor City Engineer
Cc: Ellen Tauscher,U.S. House of Representatives
Tom Torlakson,California State Senate
Guy Houston,California State Assembly
-SEA.[.-
`�' CONTRA COSTA COUNTY AIRPORTS
550 Sally Ride Drive Concord, CA 94520-5550
February 20, 2007
Mary Piepho,Chair
Contra Costa County
Board of Supervisors
651 Pine Street
Martinez, California 94553
Dear Supervisor Piepho:
We are sending this.letter to indicate the Contra Costa County Buchanan Field Airport's continuing and strong support for the
Army Corps of Engineers Lower Walnut Creek Project and the Flood Control District's appropriation request for Corps
funding. The Lower Walnut Creek project is a Reevaluation Study aimed at restoring the most important regional flood control
facility in Contra Costa County.
The Lower Walnut Creek channel was constructed by the Corps in the 1960's. The channel,as currently designed,places the
Flood Control District in a dilemma: required by its assurances to the federal government to maintain the facility in its "as
built" condition and yet barred by federal regulatory restrictions arising from endangered species from fulfilling that
maintenance obligation. This has all resulted in a buildup of sediment in the channel and reduced flood capacity, which is a
real concern for the Airport.
The Buchanan Field Airport is one of only two general aviation airports in the county. The airport is located adjacent to the
Walnut Creek Channel,and is within the limits if the Corps reevaluation study. It is imperative for the airport to be protected
from flooding and the airport supports improving the identified creek conditions and providing future security for the adjacent
airport. This will allow the ultimate flood protection project to be built.
The Corps has laid the groundwork to develop a multi-objective project with excellent potential to enhance fish-spawning
habitat, create refuge for endangered species and establish greater recreational access, while providing a sustainable flood
control facility. The momentum this project has developed will dissipate without federal funding to maintain the Corps'active
involvement in the project. Delay to the project will diminish the value of the locally funded environmental studies,as well as
the Corps' topographic survey work,and significant delay may render this preliminary work unusable.
The Airport appreciates the efforts the County Flood Control'District has performed to date in working with the Corps to _
complete the reevaluation study. We view this as a benefit to the airport and to the entire watershed in which we reside. Again
we strongly support the Flood Control District's appropriation request for Army Corps funding this next fiscal year.
c�Very truly yours,
Keith Freitas
Director of Airports
cc: Board of Supervisors
J. Cullen,CAO
M. Shiu,Director Public Works
M. Avalon,Deputy Public Works
B.Lee,Airport Business and Development Manager
K. Coyle, Supervisor of Airport Operations
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