HomeMy WebLinkAbout8 CEQA Prosser Dam Road Agenda Item # 8
Public Utility District
ACTION
To: Board of Directors
From: Neil Kaufman
Date: February 18, 2009
Subject: Review of the Prosser Dam Road Pipeline CEQA and Set a Public
Hearing Date
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
During the Fall of 2008, the District was conducting discussions with property owners along
Prosser Dam Road regarding the status of the private wells in that area.
During those discussions, the Water Department was directed by the General Manager to prepare
pre-design level plans for construction of a water pipeline along Prosser Dam Road. These plans
were used to develop cost estimates that were presented to the property owners. The planned
route for the pipeline is shown on Figure 1. The Water Department also held meetings with the
Town of Truckee and reviewed the environmental documentation that would be required for the
proposed pipeline.
3. NEW INFORMATION
A CEQA Initial Study for the Prosser Dam Road Pipeline has been completed and is ready for
circulation, review and public comment.
The property owners along Prosser Dam Road were unable to reach agreement regarding the
funding of the new pipeline and the project was put on hold. However, the possibility exists that
grant funding may be available through the economic stimulus legislation currently under
consideration by the US Congress. This legislation will route economic stimulus funds for
construction of water infrastructure through the existing Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
administered by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
CDPH requires that the environmental review of proposed projects be completed at the time
of application. Therefore, the CEQA review for the Prosser Dam Road Pipeline must be
completed if economic stimulus funds will be sought. The District will likely apply for economic
stimulus funds for other water system construction projects. These other projects currently
under consideration are considered Categorically Exempt under CEQA.
The current project schedule for the Prosser Dam Road Pipeline is given below:
February 18, 2009- Board Approval of CEQA Initial Study
March 18, 2009- Public Hearing on CEQA Initial Study
April 1, 2009-Adoption of Final CEQA Document
Advertising for bids would not occur until money for the project is secured by the District from the
State. If grants through the economic stimulus program are not given to the District, the project
would not proceed to advertising for bids.
Attachments:
Figure 1
Draft Initial Study
4. FISCAL IMPACT
The initial cost of preparing the CEQA Initial Study was $4,500. During field investigations, a
significant historical artifact was identified. An additional cost of $2,760 was incurred to
properly document this find and coordinate with the appropriate agencies.
5. RECOMMENDATION
1) Authorize staff to file the proposed negative declaration and environmental initial study
with the Office of the Nevada County Clerk.
2) Authorize staff to file the proposed negative declaration and environmental study with
responsible and interested agencies and with the State Clearinghouse.
3) Authorizing staff to publish a notice of public review period and public hearing on the
proposed negative declaration.
4) Authori ' g staff to set a public hearing date of March 18, 2009.
Ed Taylor Michael D. Holley
Water Utility Manager General Manager