HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 6e. Authorize a Change Order for the Whale Rock Pump Station Improvement Project
Staff Report
Whale Rock Commission Meeting – May 28, 2026
Agenda Item 6e – Authorize a Change Order for the Whale Rock Pump Station Improvement Project
FROM: Shawna Scott, Assistant Director of Utilities
PREPARED BY: Noah Evans, Whale Rock Reservoir Supervisor
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE A CHANGE ORDER FOR THE WHALE ROCK
PUMP STATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize a change order in the amount of $500,000 to the existing contract with
Carollo Engineering for the Whale Rock Pump Station Improvement Project, resulting
in a total project budget of $1,000,000.
DISCUSSION
Background
Whale Rock Reservoir uses two
pump stations, originally
completed in 1961, to deliver water
to Whale Rock Commission
members (WRCM). Since 1961,
multiple pump station
improvement projects have been
built, with the most recent
improvements being constructed
in 1993. The 1993 upgrade was
extensive, including building the
existing masonry block buildings,
adding two pumps to each station,
upgrading electrical systems, and
installing diesel-powered
generators designed to power one
pump at each pump station. The motor control centers (MCCs) that control the pumps
have been in service for over thirty years and need replacement to ensure reliable
water deliveries to commission member agencies. The pump station roofs, pavement,
and fencing need to be improved as these assets range from thirty-three to sixty-five
years old. The generator at Pump Station A failed during the early 2000s, and a
portable generator has been on loan from the City of San Luis Obispo for th e past
five years to provide power to Pump Station A when PG&E is unavailable.
In 2024, the Whale Rock Commission approved $500,000 to perform a condition
study and design improvements for the two Whale Rock Pump Stations. An RFQ was
issued for the Project, and based on a qualifications-based process, Carollo
Engineering was the selected firm. Carollo Engineering’s proposal exceeded the
Pump Station A
Page 29 of 103
approved budget for the study (condition analysis) and design phases of the Project.
Therefore, staff authorized Carollo to proceed with the study phase of the project only.
Carollo Engineering will complete the condition analysis study during the summer of
2026, and staff aims to maintain project momentum by moving into the design phase
of pump station improvements. Based on the current status of the condition analysis
study, staff estimate that design of pump station improvements will require a budget
of approximately $800,000, bringing the total cost of the study and design phases to
$1,000,000. Once the improvements are designed, staff will return to the Whale Rock
Commission to consider future projects for construction.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15302, Replacement or
Reconstruction of existing structures and facilities. The Condition Study and Design
of Improvements to the two Whale Rock pump stations will have the same purpose
as the existing pump stations system and will not alter the Reservoir’s capacity.
Specific analysis may be required for pump station upgrades prior to the construction
phase of the project, depending on the recommendations of the study and final
design. If additional analysis is necessary, this information will be presented to the
Commission upon consideration of specific projects and the associated CEQA
determination(s).
FISCAL IMPACT
Study and Design of Whale Rock Pump Station Improvements
Funding
Category
Contribution
Source
Amount
Budgeted
Amount
Spent
Amount
Available
Capital Asset
Expense
2024-25 CIP
Contributions
$500,000 $195,8501 $304,150
Capital Asset
Expense
2026-27 CIP
Contributions
$500,000 $0 $500,000
Total Available Budget $804,1502
ALTERNATIVES
Direct staff not to move forward with the design for pump station improvements
with Carollo Engineering. Direct staff to continue delivering water to Whale
Rock Commission Members using the existing pump station equipment. Staff
recommend moving forward with the design for pump station improvements, as
anticipated upgrades and improvements will reduce stress to the Whale Rock
Pipeline, facilitate water delivery requests, and allow for multiple pumps to be
operated by generator power. If cessation or delay of the Project occurs, these
benefits and necessary improvements would not be realized.
1 $195,850 is the total cost of the condition assessment phase of the project.
2 $800,000 is the total cost of the design phase of the project.
Page 30 of 103
ATTACHMENTS
No attachments.
Page 31 of 103
Page 32 of 103