Department of Water Resources
California Water News
A daily compilation of significant news articles and comment
August 31, 2009
5. Agencies, Programs, People –
Placerville faces big water and sewer rate hikes
Sacramento Bee
City water, sewer rates could double
Placerville Mountain Democrat
City, water district settle differences
The Desert Sun
MWD gives water saver rebate program more money
Riverside Press-Enterprise
Water reclamation facility to get upgrade
Riverside Press-Enterprise
Power to the pipes
Placerville Mountain Democrat
Water treatment issues on tap for AmCan council
Woodland Daily Democrat
Limit to water rates coming down pipe?
L.A. Daily News
Watershed staff to host open house at Sky Oaks
Marin Independent Journal
Oxnard residents dispute flood-risk forecast
Ventura County Star
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Placerville faces big water and sewer rate hikes
Sacramento Bee-8/31/09
By Cathy Locke
The bill for decades of deferred maintenance of Placerville's water and sewer systems has come due, and city officials say the timing could not be worse.
City Council members were told last week that residential customers could face a 66.7 percent increase in their bimonthly water bill and up to a 122 percent increase in wastewater charges to cover the cost of upgrading the city's aging systems.
"This is one of the most difficult staff reports I've ever written … because of the potential impacts to the community," said finance director Dave Warren.
The city has about 45 miles of water distribution lines, and much of the system is more than 60 years old.
"At any point, we could have a major pipe break costing in the six figures, and we don't have the money to replace it," Warren said.
Randy Pesses, public works director, said water line breaks are occurring at an increasing rate, and maintenance crews spend much of their time patching the system.
Warren said the city needs $300,000 in the current fiscal year and $500,000 in 2010-11 for water system capital replacement projects.
Although the city has replaced some major sewer collection lines over the past three years, staff members said more work needs to be done.
With completion this month of a three-year project to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant, the initial $2.1 million debt service payment on a $35.8 million state loan is due.
City Manager John Driscoll said he has asked the State Water Resources Control Board to postpone the initial payment until August 2010 and to amortize the loan over 30 years, instead of 20.
If that occurs, the sewer rate increase would be about 88 percent this fiscal year, with a 9 percent increase in 2010-11, and increases of 3 percent in each of the two following years.
Under the current proposal, scheduled for council action in October, the bimonthly water charge for the average single-family residence would increase from $54.21 to $90.37. The bimonthly sewer charge would rise from $94.17 to $177 or $209, depending on whether the city obtains concessions from the state.
Commercial rates would increase as well. Tony Granados, an owner of Tony Matthews, a Main Street shop specializing in kitchen and housewares, said the increase would be a blow to businesses already struggling to survive the current economy.
"I blame councils in the past," Granados said in an interview. "When things were flush, why weren't they proactive?"
Council members said they anticipate considerable public angst over the proposed increases and scheduled a community workshop for 6 p.m. Sept. 29 to discuss concerns.#
http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/story/2149439.html?mi_rss=Our%2520Region
City water, sewer rates could double
Placerville Mountain Democrat-8/30/09
By Rosemary Revell
Placerville residents will probably get slammed by higher water and sewer bills, and like the decaying pipes running under the city, the new rates will not be a pretty sight.
The City Council heard the bad news at a special water and sewer rate workshop held Aug. 25. Placerville Director of Finance Dave Warren gave the presentation assisted by senior financial analyst Adam Lynch of Bartle Wells Associates.
Placerville Public Works Director Randy Pesses provided the three-dimensional special effects in the form of the rotting pipes of Placerville.
“This is the hardest report I've ever done, not because of the complexity, but because of the potential impact on the community in this economic climate,” Warren said.
Pesses explained that the water and sewer system in Placerville has worked well for many years. Consequently, the system was left to run itself, but under the ground, the pipes were aging. The situation is now becoming critical as the aging pipes rot and crumble.
The city operates and maintains approximately 45 miles of water distribution lines, much of it over 60 years old. The number of pipe failures has risen in the last few years, especially at Broadway by Save Mart and by Stage Coach Plaza, Conrad Court, Pardi Lane and Rector Street.
“Water pipes are crumbling, and pipe leaks are occurring at an increasing rate. If we don't fix it, it gets worse. We could have a major pipe break, and it will be in the six figures to fix it,” said Pesses.
Bartle Wells Associates estimates that the city needs between $300,000 to $500,000 annually for capital replacement.
What this means for the ratepayer is a 66 percent increase in the current year and a 9 percent increase in 2010-11 and 2011-12. The bimonthly bill for a median-use, single-family home will go from $54.21 to $90.37.
Councilman Dave Machado said, “There is no good solution. The water rates are going to go up. We need to give a workshop for the public so they understand the pain and suffering to come. We're in this mess because the former city councils and staff did not address the problems. The new rates will not be well received.”
The news is ugly, and there's more to come.
The city operates and maintains approximately 50 miles of sewer lines, many in excess of 50 years old and in severe need of repair or replacement. In addition, the first $2.1 million payment on the loan for the new Hangtown Creek Water Reclamation Facility is due in February 2010.
What this means for the ratepayer is a 120 percent increase in the current year and a 5 percent increase for 2010-11. The bimonthly bill for median use in a single family home would jump from $94.17 to $209.05. This amount assumes a 20-year repayment schedule of the loan. In the event the loan can be repaid over 30 years, the bimonthly sewer rate would be $177.03.
For the average consumer, the combined water-sewer bill would jump from $148.38 bimonthly to either $299.42 or $267.74.
Mayor Patty Borelli said, “We have to look into billing once a month instead of bimonthly. We have to instruct the software company to look into it. We'll pay more in postage, but it is better than the alternative.”
If the city bills monthly instead of bimonthly, the ratepayer will pay either $149.71 or $133.87 for combined water and sewer.
Lynch told the Mountain Democrat that there will be another workshop, and meanwhile the City Council will work on mitigating the figures.
“I think the City Council will probably reduce the amount set aside for capital replacement. The council is going to work to mitigate the rate increase. These are not the final figures,” Lynch said.#
http://search.mtdemocrat.com/display.php?id=52519
City, water district settle differences
The Desert Sun-8/31/09
By Xochitl Peña
The city has agreed to pay the Coachella Valley Water District $420,684 in unpaid replenishment fees dating back to July 2007.
It will also begin regular payment of the fee, which beginning Tuesday will result in an average monthly increase of $2.32 a month for Indio water users.
City officials say that increase could more than double over the next couple of years as the water district's water replenishment fees increase.
The Indio Water Authority will meet at 4 p.m. Tuesday to discuss those issues.
The monthly increase and backpay are a result of a settlement agreement reached June 30 between the city's water agency and the Coachella Valley Water District.
Per the settlement, the two agencies have agreed to drop three lawsuits — two filed by CVWD against the city/water authority and one filed by the city against CVWD.
“We are very hopeful that this is a new turn in a relationship between the water district and city,” said Dan Parks, assistant general manager of CVWD.
Indio City Councilwoman Lupe Ramos Watson, who sat on the settlement committee, agrees and thinks the settlement will allow both agencies to focus on the big water picture.
“We have bigger concerns statewide that we need to start focusing on, rather than fighting with our neighbor,” she said.
One of the lawsuits, filed by CVWD in 2008, stems from Indio's nonpayment of the replenishment fee. City officials have said they stopped payment because the city wasn't benefiting from the replenishment.
The fee is charged by CVWD to all groundwater users who take more than 25 acre-feet of water a year, including farmers, industries and cities.
“Our groundwater basin is in a state of overdraft. That means more water is being taken out of the basin than gets put back in. The way that we put water back into the basin in the Coachella Valley is through our recharge efforts,” said Parks.
By now paying the fee, Watson said, the city is doing its part to ensure long-term water sustainability.
Per the settlement, the city agrees to pay the replenishment fee and $420,684 in unpaid back fees.
The city anticipates pumping about 23,363 acre-feet of water in 2009-10, for a replenishment cost of almost $400,000.
That cost is being passed on to the city water users in the form of a $2.32 a month increase per household.
Since the replenishment fee is expected to increase from $17 per acre foot to $40 over the next couple of years, city officials expect the monthly fee for residents to increase as well, accordingly.
“This is not any different than what other residents are paying. We all need to be responsible. The city is certainly not exempt,” Watson said.
As part of the settlement, both parties have also agreed to “identify and evaluate for implementation” a project in Indio or one nearby that will benefit Indio and be paid with replenishment fee monies.
Watson said that ensures the city will see a direct benefit to paying the replenishment fee.
Other terms of agreement include:
Both parties will participate and cooperate to develop an Integrated Regional Water Management Plan.
Both parties agree to share all available technical data relating to the Lower Whitewater River Area, the area from which Indio pumps water.
Cooperation among parties regarding projects by either agency.
If Indio feels CVWD is not involving the city in decision-making, it can decide to discontinue replenishment payments, but needs to give CVWD notice and allow the agency time to remedy concerns.#
http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009908310321
MWD gives water saver rebate program more money
Riverside Press-Enterprise-8/30/09
By Janet Zimmerman
A controversial water-conservation rebate program is expected to be up and running again next month, but participants who want a return for high-efficiency appliances better hurry, because money will be doled out on a first-come, first-served basis, officials said.
Funds for the "SoCal Water$mart" program dried up in May because the overwhelming number of requests far exceeded the budget set by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
The rebates, covering 26 cities and agencies that buy water from MWD, were designed to encourage consumers to buy high-efficiency toilets, clothes washers, artificial turf, climate-sensitive irrigation controllers and special sprinkler heads.
After much debate about poor management and monitoring, MWD directors last month authorized $14.2 million for outstanding claims; the program exceeded the original $20 million budget by about $34 million. The final checks for residential customers will be going out in the next couple of weeks, said Roy Wolfe, MWD's manager of corporate resources.
Another $19 million has been earmarked for the program in 2009-2010 -- set to start Sept. 21. Most of this year's allocation will go toward commercial and industrial customers, such as hotels that replace inefficient urinals or toilets; $6 million will go for appliances for private homes.
"It is first come, first served 'til however long that money lasts. Once that money runs out, some member agencies are free to continue on, but we'll have $6 million to provide," Wolfe said.
The money probably will go quickly, if past experience is any indicator, he said. In the first nine months of last year's program, $4.2 million was paid out on more than 35,200 claims; in April, $125,000 available for that month was exhausted within eight days.
Individual rebate amounts have been cut in half to make the money go further. MWD also scrapped its rebate reservation system and now will require customers to apply online at www.SoCalWaterSmart.com or with an application from the store where the appliance is purchased. Customers also will be able to use the Web site to track how much money is left in the program.
Numerous customers have complained, including Carol Krieg, of Temecula, who said she didn't get as much of a rebate as she was promised.
In December, before she bought an $814 Maytag Epic front-loader washing machine, she called SoCal Water$mart from the store and was told the appliance qualified and there was money available. The Epic was more expensive than another brand she liked, but she figured she'd break even with the $135 rebate. Krieg said she sent the application in the next day.
Three months later, Krieg received a check for $85. The remaining $50, which was from a state fund, was no longer available because of the budget crisis -- a missed opportunity she blamed on a poorly run system. Krieg said her friend bought two high-efficiency toilets a month or two after she got her washer and got the full amount.
"Why wouldn't the people who did everything they were supposed to do be fully compensated instead of accepting (less than) the rebate they were offered?" she asked.
MWD officials said the state rebates were separate but administered by SoCal Water$mart to make it convenient for consumers. Rebates are subject to the availability of funds, Wolfe said.
After a newspaper inquiry, MWD spokesman Bob Muir said Krieg's case would be investigated.
In the Inland area, the rebates have been available to customers of Eastern and Western municipal water districts in Riverside County and Inland Empire Utilities Agency in western San Bernardino County.
The three-year, $75 million program will save 300,000 acre-feet of new supplies over the next 20 years, according to MWD. One acre-foot equals almost 326,000 gallons, enough to supply two typical families for a year.#
http://www.pe.com/rss/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_rebates31.34a572a.html
Water reclamation facility to get upgrade
Riverside Press-Enterprise-8/29/09
By Melissa Eiselein
Eastern Municipal Water District is embarking on a $46.3 million upgrade project at its Moreno Valley water reclamation facility to make it more efficient while reducing the negative impact on the environment.
EMWD's upgrade will include computer operated fuel cells that will allow the facility to generate some of it's own energy and a new regeneration process to treat the wastewater.
The improvements could make the Moreno Valley facility a model for future "green" water treatment facilities, said U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Associate Water Division Director John Kemmerer.
Eastern Municipal Water District Board President Ronald Sullivan said upgrades at the Moreno Valley water treatment will generate 125 jobs.
Funding for the project is from a combination of low- and no-interest loans from the California State Water Resources Control Board.
About $10.3 million of the project funding came to the board from federal the stimulus package.
The project will generate 125 new jobs at the Moreno Valley plant, said EMWD Board President Ronald Sullivan. The upgrade is expected to be completed in 2012.
Acid phase anaerobic digestion, also known as APAD, mimics natural water regeneration by using microorganisms such as rotifer and stalked ciliate to treat wastewater.
A proper balance of wastewater and microorganisms is required to control the odor and maximize treatment efficiency, said facility director John Jannone.
The treatment process creates a methane gas byproduct. The upgrade will increase the gas production by 20 percent. The gas will then be converted to energy by the fuel cells, said Allen Todd, partner of Carollo Engineers in Fountain Valley that designed the upgrade.
During peak energy use hours, the plant will generate up to 40 percent of its own energy, he said.
The upgrade will also reduce the solid byproduct, sludge, by 20 percent. There will be less sludge to dispose of and fewer trucks needed to haul the solids out of the facility, Todd said.
The Moreno Valley reclamation facility serves about 154,900 people and treats about 15.8 million gallons of water per day.
The upgrade will allow the facility to increase its water treatment to 18.5 million gallons per day.
EMWD is able to sell about 67 percent of its reclaimed water.
Many local schools, including Riverside Community College's Moreno Valley campus, use the reclaimed water on their landscape. Purple water pipe easily identifies the source as a nonpotable water, Jannone said.
While the water is not safe for drinking, the high-nitrogen content in the reclaimed water makes it a good irrigation choice for farmers, Jannone said.
The need for reclaimed water is especially high during the summer months. That need slows during the winter months.
Ideally, EMWD would like to sell 100 percent of its reclaimed water, Sullivan said.
To do so, the district would need to install additional storage tanks to hold the excess water from the winter months until it is needed during the warm months, he said.#
http://www.pe.com/localnews/morenovalley/stories/PE_News_Local_E_ewater30.44f28c1.html
Power to the pipes
Placerville Mountain Democrat-8/30/09
By Michael Raffety
With the prospect of immediate income and a payback in five-14 years, the El Dorado Irrigation District Board of Directors Aug. 24 approved two small hydroelectric projects.
Besides the quick payback period, EID could point to its successful experience with an array of solar panels at the El Dorado Hills Wastewater Treatment Plant.
“I think we agonized on the solar project, but the money coming in far exceeded our expectations,” said Board President George Wheeldon about the solar panels.
The 5.5-acre solar array was installed in June 2006, according to Communications Director Deanne Kloepfer, and the 12-year payback period has shrunk to seven years. The solar farm cost EID $2.8 million, with PG&E paying an equal amount.
The two hydro projects recommended by the engineering staff will take the place of pressure reducing stations on the Pleasant Oak Main at Reservoir 7 and the El Dorado Main at Reservoir 3. Each will cost about $1.5 million. The hydroelectic generators will take advantage of the pressure in the pipes at those points.
The Reservoir 7 hydroelectric project will generate $265,000 annually and be paid back in five-seven years. The Reservoir 3 project will generate $187,000 annually and have an eight-14-year payback period, according the engineering staff estimates.
Initially EID had looked at four projects that would be financed by Clean Renewable Energy Bonds. Further investigation found, however, that there was “a substantial incremental cost associated with separate bond offerings, recent poor bidding interest on other CREB offerings, and additional restrictive regulations associated with CREBS,” said the report signed by senior engineer Jake Eymann.
Instead the staff found it more economical and less restrictive to designate it a capital improvement project and piggyback onto the district's existing bond funding.
The key attraction of the small hydro projects is the 11.2 cents per kilowatt hour that PG&E will pay as part of a special tariff rate that the state Public Utilities Commission has established. At peak generating hours the district will make 23 cents per KWh, said Engineering Manager Cindy Megerdigian.
To get the special rates EID must apply by November.
“In December the rates will change and we believe they will be less. The income was estimated conservatively,” Megerdigian told the board Aug. 24.
Director Harry Norris said he was concerned about the approximately $130,000 of staff time already spent analyzing the four projects and working with the county Water Agency that had developed the renewable energy bonds.
“I'm struggling with our bond coverage (required debt ratio). I don't know how we're going to do that,” Norris said.
Finance Director Mark Price said the financing would come from the existing bond funding and not affect the district's bond debt ratio.
“The investment is spread out over five to 10 years, but the cash flow is forever,” said Director George Osborne.
“In 2011 it will start coming in. It makes sense to do this investment. That's what I call it. It is an investment,” Price said.
“I think our customers would approve,” said Director John Fraser.
“It's a 10 percent return,” said Osborne
“It's a great rate — to be able to capture that,” Price said.
The board approved adding the project to its capital projects list and hiring Domenichelli & Associates for $125,000 to prepare the engineering designs and work on permitting from the Forest Service and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission exemption, and apply for the special PG&E rates. Staff time for project management, permitting and environmental documents was budgeted at $110,000.#
http://search.mtdemocrat.com/display.php?id=52529
Water treatment issues on tap for AmCan council
Woodland Daily Democrat-8/31/09
By Rachel Raskin-Zrihen
Water recycling, emergency alerts and a long-awaited new senior center are among issues slated for Tuesday's regular City Council meeting.
Council members will consider establishing a $95,386 budget for recycled water meter and pump station upgrades at the wastewater treatment plant, and approving the purchase of a new $35,410 recycled water pump.
They also will consider adopting a policy for the city's new non-emergency notification system which was approved in March.
The mass communication system is to be used to rapidly communicate information like road closures, water issues and community events to American Canyon households and businesses. The system also will be used for interactive surveys with database members.
A database of city residents and businesses was gathered over the past few months from phone listings and the city's utility billing list, according to a staff report.
The policy establishes procedures to ensure only approved and verified information is distributed, designates which officials may access the system and provides safeguards so the system isn't overused.
The Community Advisory Network can rapidly communicate with residents, businesses and city employee groups over cellular and land line telephones, e-mail, and wireless devices. But it will not be used to broadcast emergency information. Emergency protocols are in place and will be maintained by the American Canyon Fire District and Police Department, according to a staff report.
The system's purpose is not to alarm people but to advise them of important situations or information, the report notes.
It can also be used to invite residents for community dialogue on issues like the budget and general plan or to alert them to special city-sponsored events. It can also be used for surveys, according to the report.
Top level access is granted to the city manager and directors of the public works, community development and the parks and recreation departments.
All information will be for official use only and any use for marketing, advertising, or other commercial or community purposes is prohibited, according to the report. Unauthorized use will be subject to discipline including and up to termination or prosecution. The contact database also is confidential and can't be used for any purpose other than those outlined in the policy.
Councilmembers also will consider increasing the new senior center project's projected $1.5 million budget and awarding the approximately $1.2 million construction contract to S.W. Allen Construction, Inc. They also will consider authorizing funds for construction management and professional services for the project and authorizing the purchase of furnishings, computers and telecommunication equipment.#
http://www.dailydemocrat.com/ci_13238091?IADID=Search-www.dailydemocrat.com-www.dailydemocrat.com
Limit to water rates coming down pipe?
L.A. Daily News-8/30/09
By Rick Orlov
Nick Patsaouras has been an insider for years, serving on a variety of commissions and boards.
But after his stint on the Board of Water and Power Commissioners, he wants to be known as the Howard Jarvis of the DWP.
Patsaouras said several city officials have promised to put his proposal for a ratepayers' advocate on an upcoming ballot, but he has even bigger plans.
"I want to put a measure on the ballot that would put a ceiling on DWP rates," Patsaouras said. "We need to put controls on the rates so that we aren't pricing ourselves so high that people can't afford it.
"The DWP keeps saying its cheaper than Edison. That's true now, but what about in three years?"
Patsaouras served as president of the Water and Power Commission before he stepped down for his unsuccessful campaign for city controller.
However, he continues to focus on the agency and has said he will use the initiative process to get his proposal on the ballot if the council doesn't do it first.
"I am very optimistic it will be on the ballot in 2010," Patsaouras said. "One way or the other, it will be on the ballot."
The idea for a rate ceiling came when the commission recently voted to lift the Energy Cost Adjustment Factor, a pass-through to ratepayers to cover the cost of fuel.
"That is the straw that will break the camel's back," Patsaouras said. "If that is adopted, the pass-through will exceed the base rates. We have to stop it now."
Patsaouras said city officials should recognize the growing anger among DWP customers and take steps to put protections in place.
As the race for the 2nd Council District seat heats up, the Studio City Residents Association has sent out a notice warning voters to beware of candidates claiming the group's endorsement in the Sept. 22 election.
"SCRA members have received candidate flyers for the upcoming election ... by which some of our members have concluded that SCRA is endorsing certain candidates," wrote President Andy Dymond, who did not identify any of the candidates.
"SCRA does not endorse any candidate in this election or any election whether city, state, federal or otherwise. SCRA does not make campaign contributions in any election. Any candidate flyer, Web site or other form of communication that implies or attempts to make the connection that a board member, officer or member ... represents an SCRA endorsement is factually incorrect."
The SCRA is among the most active of homeowner groups and has long prided itself on its independence. Like other homeowner groups, it has resisted effort to be dragged into the race.
Ten candidates are running to succeed Wendy Greuel, who was elected city controller. If no candidate gets a majority of votes in the September, a runoff between the top two vote getters will be held Dec. 8.#
http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_13236409?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com
Watershed staff to host open house at Sky Oaks
Marin Independent Journal-8/30/09
Marin Municipal Water District's watershed protection staff will host an open house at the Sky Oaks watershed headquarters from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 9 to share information about a new habitat protection program called "Project Restore."
The program aims to address problems caused by unofficial trails on the watershed. There are more than 53 miles of unofficial trails that degrade habitat, provide pathways for invasive weeds, increase erosion and present a public safety hazard, officials said.
Sky Oaks watershed headquarters is at 49 Sky Oaks Road in Fairfax. People who plan to attend should RSVP by Sept. 3 to volunteerprogram@marinwater.org or call 945-1169.#
http://www.marinij.com/fairfax/ci_13236922
Oxnard residents dispute flood-risk forecast
Ventura County Star-8/31/09
By Scott Hadly
Michael Bisnett is familiar with numbers, regressions and probabilities, but that’s what troubles him about the predictions of how much water could flow down the Santa Clara River if the county is hit by a so-called “100-year flood.”
“There’s all these assumptions in there and I just don’t think you should make a $32 million bet on those kinds of assumptions,” said Bisnett, an Oxnard resident who is also a senior field engineer.
Bisnett was referring to his estimate of what flood insurance might cost over 10 years for the affected residents.
He’s leading a group of homeowners trying to get local leaders and federal authorities to reconsider the new Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map, completed earlier this year. The map includes 1,700 Oxnard properties in the 100-year flood zone, showing where water might go in an extreme flood that has a 1 percent chance of happening in any given year, or once every century.
Bisnett said that if you tweak the assumptions downward by about 4 percent, most of the homes included in the Oxnard flood zone would be excluded.
He concedes that he and other homeowners have an interest in seeing the map revised. Property owners who are in the zone and who have federal insured loans must buy flood insurance. Bisnett also expects that being included in the zone will lower property values.
Homeowners in the zone have until January to qualify for discounted flood insurance. Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, has asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to consider extending the time period for enrolling in the discount program, but that has yet to happen.
Bisnett and another engineer, Wally Olsen, who both live in neighborhoods included in the flood zone map, have been working to poke holes in the data and get federal officials to reconsider where the lines are drawn. They were instrumental in rallying more than 280 homeowners to sign a letter seeking help from Capps.
Bisnett and Olsen argue that it’s not just the assumptions used in drawing up the map, but the process and logic behind it.
Federal officials, operating in the wake of the devastating floods in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, are reassessing flood risks across the country. Their interest is making sure property owners and others are aware of those risks.
But Bisnett, quoting a county official, said federal officials are being unnecessarily “hyperconservative.”
“What is the rush?” he asked, arguing that more time should be given to the process. He questions the wisdom of forcing homeowners to buy expensive insurance. He said if the risk really is there, that money instead could be used to help pay to fill the gap in the levee through which floodwaters are predicted to flow.
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors recently approved a study to find what it would cost to fill the gap and bolster the existing levee along the river. Some early estimates peg the cost at about $30 million.
Despite meeting with city and county officials and representatives of Capps, no one seems to be budging. That doesn’t mean Bisnett and Olsen haven’t made their point, however.
Bisnett points to the language within the document that looks at historical water flow in the Santa Clara River over the last 70 years used to predict a “100-year flood.”
“Yes, language in there shows some uncertainty,” said Bruce Rindahl, manager of the Ventura County Watershed Protection District’s Hydrology Section, who did work on the flow study. “But there’s also many, many years of data that’s not in dispute.”
The maps are likely to be redrawn again next summer because FEMA is still working on two parallel studies — one looking at the status of a levee protecting the city and the other looking at new hydrology, flow and contour studies of the Santa Clara River.
Those two studies will indicate whether the properties in the Wagon Wheel area and the new RiverPark development will be included in the flood zone.
Even though the studies aren’t complete, local and federal officials say the flood map will ultimately include the Wagon Wheel area — where Oxnard Village Investments has approved plans for a $750 million makeover that includes building 1,500 homes, as well as town homes and commercial properties, on 64 acres.#
http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/aug/31/oxnard-residents-dispute-flood-risk-forecast/
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
DWR’s California Water News is distributed to California Department of Water Resources management and staff, for information purposes, by the DWR Public Affairs Office. For reader’s services, including new subscriptions, temporary cancellations and address changes, please use the online page: http://listhost2.water.ca.gov/mailman/listinfo/water_news . DWR operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam safety and flood control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and water conservation planning, and plans for future statewide water needs. Inclusion of materials is not to be construed as an endorsement of any programs, projects, or viewpoints by the Department or the State of California.
