HomeMy WebLinkAbout9 District Pipeline Replacement CEQA Agenda Item #
TRUCKEE DONNER
Public Utility District 7�
Memorandum
To: Board of Directors
From: Neil Kaufman
Date: November 27, 2007
Subject: CEQA Review of the District Pipeline Replacement- 2008 Project
1. WHY THIS MATTER IS BEFORE THE BOARD
Board authorization is required to approve a CEQA Initial Study and direct that it be circulated.
2. HISTORY
In 2005 and 2006, the Water Department made some presentations regarding the condition of
existing water pipelines and the need to pursue a pipeline replacement program. This pipeline
replacement program is part of the District's Objective No. 1 — Provide an adequate, reliable,
and high quality water supply and distribution system to meet current and future needs
and Objective No. 5 — Manage the District in an environmentally sound manner. Specific
goals under these objectives are Goal No. 1.4 — Provide effective and efficient maintenance
and replacement programs; Goal No. 5.4 — The District will conduct its business in an
environmentally lawful manner and Goal No. 5.6 — The District will seek to minimize any
negative impact of its operations on the environment.
The District subsequently issued a COP in 2006 and dedicated a portion of those funds for the
pipeline replacement program. Pipeline construction projects have been undertaken during
2006 and 2007 as part of this program. At the September 19, 2007 Board Meeting, Ed Taylor
made a presentation regarding planned Water Department Capital Expenditures for 2008. This
presentation included a discussion of the planned pipeline replacement projects.
The planned 2008 pipeline construction covers about 16,500 feet of pipeline. These pipeline
alignments are shown on Figure 1. A number of these pipeline alignments involve replacement
of the existing pipe with a new pipe of the same size. These pipelines are Categorically Exempt
from review under CEQA.
However, some of the existing pipelines are too small and need to be upsized. These pipelines
require a CEQA review. On October 3, 2007, the Board approved a contract with Inland
Ecosystems to perform this CEQA work.
3. NEW INFORMATION
Initial Study has been completed and is ready for circulation, review and public comment. The
current project schedule is given below:
October 3, 2007—Board Approval of Inland Ecosystems Contract
December 5, 2007—Board Approval of CEQA Initial Study
January 2, 2008—Public Hearing on CEQA Initial Study
January 2, 2008—Board Authorization to Begin Advertising for Bids
January 16, 2008—Adoption of Final CEQA Document
January 30, 2008—Bid Opening
February 6, 2008—Award of Contract
May 1, 2008—Begin Construction
If the Board of Directors meeting scheduled for January 2, 2008 is moved to another date, the
above schedule will be modified accordingly.
I currently anticipate three separate construction contracts to cover this work. Contract A will
cover work in Tahoe Donner. Contract B will cover work in Sierra Meadows and Ponderosa
Palisades. Contract C will cover work in the Glenshire area. The bid openings and bid awards
may be staggered to accommodate this packaging.
It should also be noted that the CEQA review includes installation of a pipeline along
Copenhagen Drive. Copenhagen Drive is one of the pipelines on the Priority 1 replacement list.
At the time that the contract for the CEQA work was awarded, the Water Department was
considering its inclusion in the 2008 construction project. However, Copenhagen Drive is
currently planned for construction in 2009. The work performed this Fall for should be valid to
cover the 2009 construction.
4. SOURCE OF FUNDING
Funding of the CEQA preparation was addressed when the contract with Inland Ecosystems
was approved. Additional funding is not needed.
5. RECOMMENDATION
a) Authorize staff to file the proposed negative declaration and environmental initial study with
the Office of the Nevada County Clerk
b) Authorize staff to file the proposed negative declaration and environmental study with
responsible and interested agencies and with the State Clearinghouse
c) Authorizing staff to publish a notice of public review period and public hearing on the
proposed negative declaration.
d) Authorizing staff to set a public hearing date of January 2, 2008.
dtaylor. Water Utility Manager Ulrich, Interim GM
Attachments:
Figure 1
CEQA Initial Study