HomeMy WebLinkAbout#7 Director Updates AGENDA ITEM #7
Public Utility District m
MEETING DATE- September 4, 2024
TO- Board of Directors
FROM:
SUBJECT: This item provides time for each Department to update the Board of
Directors.
APPROVED BY:
Brian C. Wright, General Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
BACKGROUND:
ANALYSIS AND BODY:
Electric Utility:
• On 8/11/2024 there was a fire in Verdi, NV that caused NV Energy to turn off the
transmission power feed, resulting in an interruption of service for all TDPUD
customers. The primary cause was the threat of smoke encroaching the
transmission power lines around Verdi. The outage lasted from approximately
7:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
• Approximate power supply portfolio
General Energy Source-July 2024
Gas,21%
Undisclosed,
30%
Wind,18%
Hydro,
12%
Solar,12%
Carbon-
Free,7%
• eas .wind solar .carbon-eee Hydro .and-l—d
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Water Utility:
Water Deliveries
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With warmer temperatures and less precipitation, production has increased by 4%
when July 2023 is compared to July 2024. However, when July production data for
2024 is compared to the running three-year average, the production is 15% less.
System Updates
Water Leak at Rainbow Road and Highway 89 on Caltrans Right-of-Way
Problem Identification
A significant water leak has been identified at the intersection of Rainbow Road and Highway 89,
within the Caltrans right-of-way. The pipeline in question is the main water supply line, to the
Prosser Lake View Estates upper pressure zone. This pipeline is encased due to Caltrans
specifications for highway crossings, and located at a considerable depth of up to 32' deep at the
ends of the 200' long casing. Due to its critical role, the pipeline cannot be shut off until an
emergency intertie to this pressure zone has been established. Traffic on Highway 89 cannot be
disrupted during the repair process.
Site-Specific Challenges
The location and operational requirements present several unique challenges:
• Traffic Constraints: Highway 89 is a critical route, and traffic flow cannot be disrupted. This
limits repair methods that would require extensive surface excavation or lane closures.
• Depth and Casing: The pipeline's depth and casing make access difficult, complicating
traditional repair methods.
• Operational Continuity: The pipeline must remain operational until an emergency rerouting
pipeline and intertie is installed 1/4 mile north of the leak location. This new pipeline and
intertie will allow for the repairs to be conducted next spring without interrupting water
service to this zone.
Chosen Repair Method: In-Situ Pipe Repair
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Given the constraints, the chosen method for leak repair is in-situ pipe repair. This method allows
for the rehabilitation of the existing pipeline from within, minimizing surface disruption and allowing
the repair to be completed with the pipeline in place. This is the same method utilized in the repair of
the pipe that crossed Interstate 80 in the summer of 2023.
Planned Repair and Installation Strategy
• Rerouting Pipeline Installation:
1. Timeline: This summer, a pipeline and intertie will be installed 1/4 mile north of the
leak. This bypass pipeline will maintain water supply over the winter and during the
leak repair scheduled for next spring.
2. Method for Consideration: Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) or Bore and Jack
(BOJ)will be employed to install the rerouting pipeline with minimal surface
disruption, ensuring traffic on Highway 89 remains unaffected.
3. Required Pipe: Approximately 150' of pipe will be installed to cross the highway. An
additional 550' of 8" pipe will be replaced with new pipe paralleling Highway 89 on
the west side.
• In-Situ Pipe Repair Process (Scheduled for Next Spring):
1. Description: In-situ pipe repair involves the rehabilitation of the existing pipeline
from within. This will be accomplished by slip lining, where a new pipe is formed
inside the existing one.
2. Advantages:
■ Minimal disruption to Highway 89 and surrounding infrastructure.
■ Allows for repair at significant depth without extensive excavation.
■ Compatible with the existing pipe casing.
3. Challenges:
■ The in-situ method requires precise execution to ensure complete sealing
and structural integrity, especially given the pipeline's depth and operational
demands.
Environmental and Regulatory Considerations
• CALTRANS Coordination: Given that the repair is within CALTRANS right-of-way, staff will
work closely with Caltrans to ensure compliance with all regulations and to minimize any
impact on Highway 89.
• Permitting: Obtaining the necessary permits for both the rerouting pipeline installation and
the in-situ repair will be crucial. This includes environmental impact assessments, traffic
management plans, and safety protocols.
• Environmental Impact: Both the rerouting pipeline installation and the subsequent repair
will be evaluated for environmental impacts, particularly in relation to groundwater and soil
conditions.
Conclusion
The chosen in-situ pipe repair method, supported by the installation of an emergency rerouting
pipeline, represents a strategic approach to addressing the water leak at Rainbow Road and
Highway 89. This plan ensures minimal disruption to traffic, maintains water supply continuity, and
allows for a comprehensive repair next spring. By carefully coordinating with CALTRANS and
adhering to all regulatory requirements, the repair can be conducted efficiently and safely,
preserving both the pipeline's integrity and the surrounding infrastructure.
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Capital Improvements:
With the construction season nearing its end, all planned capital projects have been started, except
for the Hirschdale waterline realignment project (pushed till summer of 2025) and the Tank Diving
program, which has historically taken place during the fall.
• Ski Run Tank Replacement: The tank replacement is on schedule and within budget. The
steel erection has been completed, and the interior and exterior coating process has begun.
This tank is slated to be put into service this fall.
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• Annual Pipeline Replacement Project: The pipeline replacement on
Northwoods Blvd. and asphalt replacement have been completed, and the
contractor has moved on to replacing customer services. This project is on
schedule and within budget.
• Prosser Annex Well Rehabilitation: The rehabilitation was completed in June,
with only the motor rebuild pending to finalize this project. Since this well
significantly contributes to summer production, a temporary motor has been
installed so the well can be utilized. Once the motor has been rebuilt and
installed, the project will be finalized. This project is on budget.
• Hirschdale Waterline: The Water Department is continuing to work with the
property owner to finalize the Hirschdale easement documents for constructing
an intertie between the Truckee Main system and Hirschdale, with anticipated
completion in fall 2024.
• Installation of Emergency Generator Backup at Alder Creek Pump Station:
This installation is scheduled to commence in the summer of 2024.
Finance and Accounting:
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• Promotion of Tlme of Use Rates started in early August. Initial inquiries were in
the approximately 100 customer range with approximately 25% enrolling.
• Staff is actively researching an investment solution designed for California Public
Agencies called the California Cooperative Liquid Assets Securities System
(California CLASS). California CLASS is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA)
investment pool that provides public agencies the opportunity to invest funds on
a cooperative basis in rated pools that are managed in accordance with state law
with the primary objectives of offering participants safety, daily and next-day
liquidity, and optimized returns. This investment option would be in addition to
currently utilized investment options which include California's Local Agency
Investment Fund (LAIF) through the State Treasurer's Office. Staff expects this
item to be agendized for the October regular board meeting.
• Staff researched with NV Energy concerns with June transmission invoice. NV
Energy is revising the billings, with a favorable cost adjustment outcome for the
District.
• Work Orders and News Construction activities, YTD July 2024 as compared to
YTD July 2023:
o New construction applications initiated at 30, down 33%
o Panel Upgrades 85, up 60%
o New accounts created: Residential of 47, up 12% Commercial of 21, up
260%
o Solars initiated of 18, down 10%
o Small residential projects of 24, up 33%
o Work Orders closed of 46, down 8%
General Services - Facilities Maintenance Notables
• Main Headquarters Stucco Repair— Project completion — 100% - TOT Building Final
— 7/16/2024
• East Wing Office remodel — In progress — Rough Inspection
• Facility Master Plan — TOT public Works and TSD facility tours were completed in
last month; single campus schemes are in draft status from JKAE
• Fire alarm systems repairs - Johnson Controls schedule pending
• Landscape services - Pathway installations complete and 2024 planting
Conservation Dept.
• Corp Yard Fencing repairs — Tholl fence — completed
• Water Facility Painting — 7 stations complete, 1 remaining
• Water Tank painting — 3 tanks complete, 2 postponed to 2025
• Asphalt Maintenance 2024 — HQ complete — 6170 road scheduled after tank
completed
• Asphalt Replacement/EV Infrastructure design meetings w/ JKAE - proposal
pending
In the Fleet world, EV wraps and CHIP DOT Inspections on site 8/8 were successful,
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with No Violations or citations!
Public Information & Strategic Affairs:
• This is a very busy time for Legislative & Regulatory affairs (L&R) with the end of
the legislative session and major regulatory efforts around water conservation,
water quality, wildfire, electric resources/renewables, and local control. Staff from
the California Municipal Utilities Association will present an informational
workshop on key issues in California's energy and water policy and regulations.
• The District continues to implement the 2024 Public Information Plan with
communications and outreach focused on: Your Money at Work; Electrification &
Rebates; Wildfire Season; Integrated Resource Planning and Your Role, and
Responsible Water Usage. This includes Board recap press releases, the many
electric and water capital projects, ongoing roll-out of the optional Time-of-Use
(TOU) rate, and wildfire season power outages.
• Staff successfully communicated with customers and the community during the
Pass Fire, the NV Energy encroachment outage from the Verdi Fire, and the
subsequent red flag warning. The District received messages from the
community on social media praising our communications and saying they were
glad that we kept them informed. The next day, The District also sent out an all-
customer email about the red flag warning in effect, and cautioning customers
that outages were still possible. This series of events provided a good
opportunity for community education on wildfire-related outages, which may
come without warning.
• The District assisted Truckee Fire and Donner Lake residents in their goal of
creating a Firewise community by utilizing our email system to send out
information to customers in that area on their behalf. The community liaisons for
the project said they immediately saw a jump in signups, and were thankful for
our assistance in getting information out to their neighbors.
• Upcoming communications and outreach efforts will include a recap press
release of the Ploneer Pump Station naming ceremony in honor of Director
Aguera. September will also be about all things water for the District's
communications team including:
o Communicating targeted at water conservation and education on new
water regulations
o Promoting and supporting a "garden party" event that will promote water-
wise irrigation using the District's Conservation Garden.
o Targeting customer communications around substantial water project
near Prosser Lakeview and 89 North
o Finalizing the joint drink water campaign in partnership with the Town of
Truckee
o Participating in Visit California event in Sacramento with Visit Truckee-
Tahoe to talk about our water for tourism storytelling
Human Resources& Risk
Staffing
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Current Job Openings:
Contract Administrator-in process, 3 internal applicants
Customer Service Representative- 1 new hire starting 9/09, 1 current opening
Culture
8/28-Thunderstorms made it to the playoffs!
9/04- Birthday &Anniversary Celebrations
Recognition
Linda Pendleton -Accountability
Jennifer Mason -Timeliness
Ryan Pursel - Communication
Safety& Risk
Successful Department of Transportation audit in August with zero violations reported by CHP auditor
for both the vehicle inspection and credentialing records.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
District Code 1 .05.020 Objectives:
1. Responsibly serve the public.
2. Provide a healthy and safe work environment for all District employees.
3. Provide reliable and high quality water supply and distribution system to meet
current and future needs.
4. Provide reliable and high quality electric supply and distribution system to meet
current and future needs.
5. Manage the District in an environmentally sound manner.
6. Manage the District in an effective, efficient and fiscally responsible manner.
District Code 1 .05.030 Goals:
1. Manage for Financial Stability and Resiliency
2. Environmental Stewardship: Create a sustainable resilient environment for all our
communities.
3. Engage with our customers and communities in a welcoming and transparent way to
identify opportunities.
4. Take the best of private sector thinking to modernize the utility and add value to our
communities.
5. Developing an inclusive culture drives organizational integration and success.
FISCAL IMPACT:
ATTACHMENTS:
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None
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