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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9 CEQA Pipeline replacement Agenda Item # 9 ACTION To: Board of Directors From: Neil Kaufman Date: November 19, 2008 Subject: Approval of CEQA Initial Study for 2009 Pipeline Replacement 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 Board presentations regarding the condition of existing water pipelines and the need to pursue a pipeline replacement program. 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, 2007 and 2008 as part of this program. The planned 2009 pipeline construction covers about 17,400 feet of pipeline, all of which is located in the Tahoe Donner area. 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 September 17, 2008, the Board approved a contract with Inland Ecosystems to perform the CEQA Initial Study. 3. NEW INFORMATION The CEQA Initial Study has been completed and is ready for circulation, review and public comment. The current project schedule is given below: November 19, 2008- Board Approval of CEQA Initial Study December 17, 2008-Public Hearing on CEQA Initial Study January 7, 2009-Adoption of Final CEQA Document January 2009- Begin Advertising for Bids February 2009-Open Bids&Award Contract May 2009- Begin Construction 4. FISCAL IMPACT There is no direct cost associated with approval of the Initial Study. 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. horizing staff to set a public hearing date of December 17, 2008. Ed Taylor Michael D. Holley Water Utility Manager General Manager