HomeMy WebLinkAbout14 Environmental Services Amendment with Ingland Ecosystems AGENDA ITEM #14
Public Utility District m
MEETING DATE: September 6, 2023
TO: Board of Directors
FROM: Neil Kaufman, System Engineer
SUBJECT: Authorization Additional Expenditure for Environmental Services with
Inland Ecosystems
APPROVED BY:
Brian C. Wright, General Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the expenditure of an additional $10,500 for environmental services with
Inland Ecosystems for a total contract amount not to exceed $25,000.
BACKGROUND:
AB 2572 was enacted in 2004. It requires the District to install water meters on all
water system customers before January 1, 2025. There are only two remaining water
system customers without a water meter.
Both services are single-family residential properties located on the north side of
Donner Lake served by a common lateral that feeds a double service box. The lateral
pipe is about 100 feet long and about 80 feet of this pipe is located within a wetlands
area. The existing lateral is constructed of 3/4" galvanized steel pipe and was installed
in the early 1970s. It is believed that there is at least one active leak occurring along
the length. Given the age and condition of this lateral pipe, it should be replaced and
the existing double service box must be upgraded in order to accommodate the
installation of water meters for the two properties.
ANALYSIS AND BODY:
As noted above, the existing lateral pipe is located in a wetlands area. Replacing the
lateral would require a permit from the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board
(RWQCB) to allow excavation activities within the wetlands area. The District retained
Inland Ecosystems to assist in obtaining the necessary permit. The fee proposal for
this work was $14,500.
In the Fall of 2022, Inland Ecosystems performed field investigations and began to
prepare documents for the permit application. Preliminary discussions were also held
with a representative from the RWQCB. During these efforts, the RWQCB suggested
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that the District pursue an alternative route for the replacement service lateral that
would minimize the wetland disturbance. This alternative route would have to cross the
adjacent vacant lot at 14952 Donner Pass Road.
A preliminary discussion was held with the adjoining property owner, who was
amenable to the installation of the water service lateral across their property. At this
point, the project was placed on hold until the spring of 2023, since new field
investigations could not be conducted due to the snowpack on the property.
In June 2023, a new route for the service lateral was identified and field investigations
for this route were conducted. This alternate route significantly reduced the wetlands
impact from about 2,500 square feet to about 40 square feet. The permit application
documents were revised accordingly and have been submitted to the RWQCB. The
District is currently awaiting a response.
Inland Ecosystems has requested an additional $8,430 to cover the additional
fieldwork, mapping, and document preparation that is beyond the scope of work
originally anticipated.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
District Code 1 .05.020 Objectives:
1. Responsibly serve the public.
3. Provide reliable and high quality water supply and distribution system to meet
current and future needs.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The original fee proposal from Inland Ecosystems for this work was $14,500. Inland
Ecosystems has requested an additional $8,430 to cover the additional field work,
mapping and document preparation that is beyond the scope of work originally
anticipated. This would total $22,930. A total authorization for $25,000 is requested to
provide sufficient funding to respond to issues that may potentially arise during the
permit application review process.
Sufficient funds exist in the Water Department General Fund to cover this cost.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
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