RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AGENCY- H. MAVROGENES

Make finding that approval of the agreement and construction of the Intertie project is exempt from CEQA exemption pursuant to California Public Resources Code §21080.21 and 14 CCR §15282(k), and Approve Intertie Agreement with the Tres Pinos Water District.

SBC FILE NUMBER: 160

The attached agreement allows a process by which a water intertie would be constructed between CSA 31 and Tres Pinos Water District for use used in a water emergency only.   In the past, when there has been a water failure in one of the jurisdictions, a short-term intertie has been made.  The plan is to now construct a connection that could be opened in a water emergency. 

A water emergency is defined as insufficient water for human consumption, sanitation or fire protection due to water system failure or an active fire emergency.  Water system failure is defined as complete failure of part or all of the water supply system, due to causes which may include, but not be limited to: equipment failure, human acts (deliberate or accidental), natural or human made disasters, lack of power for sustained period of time, environmental contamination, pipe breakage, pump failure, or substantial well or system repairs.

It is very important to have sufficient water for both of these jurisdictions in case of a fire or water system failure (such as due to a broken pump or well). 

Under the MOU, water shall not be transferred to serve an ongoing, day to day / normal use of either system beyond the reasonable amount of water needed to alleviate the water emergency.  Additionally, the water transferred must be fully repaid by a transfer back of an equal volume of water.  The agency receiving water additionally shall impose water conservation measures for the duration of the water emergency, and there are additional requirements set forth in the MOU, including that emergency water shall not be used for irrigation. This intertie is to be used for emergency situations only, not for the normal operational needs of either jurisdiction.

This agreement has an initial five year term, but after that will continue until terminated.

The County will be the lead agency for the intertie construction project.  Entering into this MOU does not obligate either party to construct the intertie, which would  be a separate Board action, as the MOU states that the County shall not proceed with intertie construction until the price and scope of work, and a reasonable contingency amount, is approved in advance by both parties.

1) Find that approval of the agreement and construction of the intertie project is exempt from CEQA exemption pursuant to California Public Resources Code §21080.21 and 14 CCR §15282(k), and

2) Approve Intertie Agreement with the Tres Pinos Water District