HomeMy WebLinkAbout10 CEQA Prosser Dam Pipeline Agenda Item # 10
Public Utility District
ACTION
To: Board of Directors
From: Neil Kaufman
Date: April 01, 2009
Subject: Adoption of the CEQA Mitigated Negative Declaration for the
Prosser Dam Road Pipeline
1. WHY THIS MATTER IS BEFORE THE BOARD
The District is proposing construction of the Prosser Dam Road Pipeline Project. Prior
to starting construction activities, the District is required to complete an environmental
review of the proposed project in accordance with CEQA.
2. HISTORY
During the Fall of 2008, the District conducted discussions with property owners along
Prosser Dam Road regarding the status of the private wells in that area.
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 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 CEQA Initial Study for the Prosser Dam Road Pipeline was approved by the
Board on February 18, 2009. The current project schedule is:
February 18, 2009 - Board Approval of CEQA Initial Study
March 18, 2009 - Public Hearing on CEQA Initial Study
April 1, 2009 - Continuance of the 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.
3. NEW INFORMATION
The District has not received any comments regarding the CEQA Initial Study.
4. FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct cost associated with approval of the CEQA Mitigated Negative
Declaration.
5. RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board take the following actions regarding the
environmental review for the Prosser Dam Road Pipeline Project.
1. Adopt the Final Mitigated Negative Declaration
2. Approve the project for purposes of CEQA
3. Approve the Mitigated Monitoring Plan
4. Authorize the filing of the Notice of Determination with the Office of the Nevada
County Clerk and the Governor's Office of Planning and Research
5. Adopt the De Minimis Impact Finding and authorize the filing of the Certificate
of Fee Exemption with the Nevada County Clerk
6. Adopt a finding that the draft documents as circulated and the negative
declaration reflect the District's independent judgment
Ed Tayl , r Michael D. Holley
Water Utility Manager General Manager