HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/05/1995, 6 - WATER REUSE PROJECT - DRAFT EIR STUDY SESSION Il,ry�lY�ll��lllll��l�l�lll � MEETING DATE:
C� o san lues oBispo December 5 1995
On COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT ITEM NUMBER:
FROM: John E. Moss }/' ` Prepared by: Dave Pierce
Utilities Dir r Water Reclamation Coordinat
SUBJECT: Water Reuse Project - Draft EIR Study Session
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
1. Receive and file report concerning the Water Reuse Project Draft EIR.
2. Provide any added direction to staff, as appropriate.
DISCUSSION:
The second Draft EIR for the Water Reuse Project is ready to be released for public comment.
Review comments from Community Development and Utilities Department Staff have been
incorporated into the document. Release of the document prior to December 15, 1995 allows
the 45 day comment period to close on February 1, 1996. Most comments will be written.
However, staff plans to schedule one public meeting in mid-January at which oral public
comments will be accepted. Additional meetings will be scheduled and notification of the public
comment period will be mailed to over 100 individuals and groups that have indicated interest
in the project. After the close of the comment period, staff will prepare responses to the
comments and work at defining the specific mitigation measures to be included in the Final EIR
which will be returned to council for certification.
Water Supply & Demand
The Water Reuse Project is one of three water supply projects currently being pursued by the
City. The other two projects are the Salinas Reservoir Expansion Project and the Nacimiento
Pipeline Project. These projects were discussed with City Council on October 3, 1995. Based
on General Plan projections an additional water supply of 3,861 acre feet per year is needed to
reliably meet future demand.
Project Pro=sed in 1993Pro=sed in 1993
In March, 1993, a Draft EIR was released for a reuse project that proposed a dedicated release
of 1.0 cfs for instream uses. A considerable number of comments were received. In order to
provide adequate answers to those comments, the scope of the Instream Flow Study was
expanded to include weighted useable area and temperature considerations, anengineering firm
was hired to model the surface and groundwater flows downstream of the Water Reclamation
Facility, and biologists were hired to expand the assessment of impacts on biological resources.
'`����i�ii►liliP° ;Pdlil city of Sal aiS OBISpo
COUNCIL AGENDA R
Water Reuse Study Session
Page 2
Water Reuse Ergect
The City's Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) treats 4,000
wastewater. The effluent from the WRF is a disinfected tert
for reuse. As currently proposed, the Water Reuse Project
(1,230 afy) to the creek for the maintenance of instream us(
1,233 afy of the reclaimed water for irrigation and industri
reclaimed water that is produced during the seasons when it
discharged to the creek.
Construction necessary to implement this project will includ
for storage, refurbishment of the abandoned reservoir on Fo
station with chlorination and filtration at the south end of th
to maintain pressure throughout the City, and approximatel
CEQA Requirements
The EIR has been prepared to provide information to tht
decision makers so that they may understand the consequ
consider alternatives. The Draft EIR examines the potet
proposed project and describes mitigation measures that ac
distribution of the Draft EIR, a 45-day review period will all
citizens, and organizations to voice their opinions about the
All written comments received during this period will be inc(
will then be considered by the City Council for certification
Water Rights Issues
In order to confirm the City's rights to the wastewater effluPr
for irrigation and other non-potable uses, the City submitted
Resources Control Board, Division of Water Rights (SWR(
The SWRCB notified the City that an Application to Approl
Creek was not needed because the effluent will be diverted 1
The SWRCB accepted the petition for a Change in Place of t
Six protests were filed by various groups and individuals. 7.
all of the treated effluent originates outside the basin or fron
has any right to the wastewater effluent. The SWRCB reject
but accepted those portions of the protests that were based
city of sar AS OBISPO
MOGN COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Water Reuse Study Session
Page 2
Water Reuse Project
The City's Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) treats 4,000 acre-feet per year (afy) of municipal
wastewater. The effluent from the WRF is a disinfected tertiary reclaimed water that is suitable
for reuse. As currently proposed, the Water Reuse Project will discharge a minimum of 1.7 cfs
(1,230 afy) to the creek for the maintenance of instream uses and will distribute approximately
1,233 afy of the reclaimed water for irrigation and industrial use. An additional 1,537 afy of
reclaimed water that is produced during the seasons when irrigation demand is low will also be
discharged to the creek.
Construction necessary to implement this project will include: expansion of the effluent ponds
for storage, refurbishment of the abandoned reservoir on Fox Hollow Road for storage, a pump
station with chlorination and filtration at the south end of the WRF, two booster pump stations
to maintain pressure throughout the City, and approximately 11 miles of pipeline.
CEOA Requirements
The EIR has been prepared to provide information to the public, regulatory agencies, and
decision makers so that they may understand the consequences of the proposed actions and
consider alternatives. The Draft EIR examines the potential environmental impacts of the
proposed project and describes mitigation measures that address the negative impacts. Upon
distribution of the Draft EIR, a 45-day review period will allow responsible agencies, concerned
citizens, and organizations to voice their opinions about the project and comment on the report.
All written comments received during this period will be incorporated into the Final EIR, which
will then be considered by the City Council for certification.
Water Rights Issues
In order to confirm the City's rights to the wastewater effluent and to obtain a permit to use it
for irrigation and other non-potable uses, the City submitted two applications to the State Water
Resources Control Board, Division of Water Rights (SWRCB).
The SWRCB notified the City that an Application to Appropriate Water from San Luis Obispo
Creek was not needed because the effluent will be diverted before it is discharged to the creek.
The SWRCB accepted the petition for a Change in Place of Use of Treated Wastewater Effluent.
Six protests were filed by various groups and individuals. The SWRCB determined that, since
all of the treated effluent originates outside the basin or from groundwater, no downstream user
has any right to the wastewater effluent. The SWRCB rejected all protests based on prior rights
but accepted those portions of the protests that were based on environmental, and public trust
`'lli'�u►�!IIIIPp1�licity of sar, .FIs OBlapo
MNrnm COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Water Reuse Study Session
Page 3
issues. A final decision on the petition will be made after the City completes the environmental
impact evaluation.
Impacts
The Draft EIR addresses 14 separate areas of potential adverse impact. These impacts and
proposed mitigation measures are summarized in Table ES-1 of the Executive Summary (copy
attached). The potential impacts that have generated the most concern are those that affect the
riparian habitat, wildlife and agriculture. The use of reclaimed water will reduce the amount
of water discharged to San Luis Obispo Creek.
■ A 1.7 cfs discharge provides a minimum flow of 1.0 cfs throughout the entire length of the
creek downstream of the WRF during the average year. During the driest years
approximately half of the creek downstream of the WRF will have no flow for one or
more months. A flow of 1 cfs will maintain 90% of the wetted surface area providing
production of food for fish.
■ The Tidewater Goby, a federally listed endangered species, lives in marginal habitat
immediately downstream of the Marre Dam. A continued flow of fresh water through
this reach is needed to maintain adequate habitat.
■ Other than during successive drought years, the basin produces enough natural water for
agriculture. Reclaimed water discharged during the winter will recharge the aquifer even
during successive dry years.
The following table summarizes the impacts (BEFORE ANY MMGATION) for the four
discharge alternatives that were investigated in the Biological Resource Assessment and Impact
Analysis - San Luis Obispo Creek- Water Reuse Project (Appendix G of the Water Reuse EIR).
Summary of Impacts
Minimum Discharge Alternatives
Resources
Zero 1.0 cfs 1.7 c6: 3.0 cfs
Vegetation S U LS NE
Wildlife S U LS LS
southern steelhead s S S LS
Yellow warbler S Ls Ls Ls
Spotted owl NE NE NE NE
Southwestern pond turtle S S s LS
California red-legged frog NE NE NE NE
Tidewater goby I s S S Ls
NE No Effect s Significant
Ls Lsss than significant U Undetertnined
�i����!!!ilil'p11'�IIIIh City Of SAT AIS OBISPO
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Water Reuse Study Session
Page 4
Mitigation Measures
Following a review of the flow modeling and the biological assessment for various flows, the
proposed scope of the project was changed to increase the minimum release from 1.0 cfs to 1.7
cfs. This modification of the proposed project will reduce the impacts and therefore will reduce
the scope of the mitigation measures required to reduce the impacts to less than significant.
The EIR discusses several potential mitigation measures. These are listed below. The selection
of the specific mitigation measures to be used and the location where each will be used will be
made after comments are received on the Draft EIR. The selection will be based on several
criteria including comments received, benefit and cost relationships, acceptance by downstream
property owners, cost of maintenance, and etc.
A. Eradicate invasive exotic plant species such as giant reed, castor bean, poison hemlock, etc.
B. Enhance riparian vegetation with native species.
C. Periodic pulse flows of stored water.
D. Improve fish passage over the Marre Dam.
E. Install in-creek habitat enhancement features.
F. Reduce downstream surface diversions.
G. Create off-creek deep pool habitat.
H. Create additional tidewater goby habitat.
J. Supplement fresh water flow downstream of the Marre Dam.
K. Remove the Marre Dam.
L. Install a stream gauge downstream of the Water Reclamation Facility.
Proposed Project Schedule
Milestone.. Optimistic Realistic
Issue Draft EIR December 1995
State Board Hearing July 1996 December 1996
Certification of EIR July 1996 February 1997
Begin Design September 1996 March 1997 i
Begin Construction Phase I June 1997 April 1998
Complete Construction Phase I May 1998 April 1999
Begin Construction Phase H August 1999 April 2000
Complete Construction Phase II June 2000 December 2000
°,�""���'I�'►►1!�` iPllll city or SA, UIS OBISPO
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Water Reuse Study Session
Page 5
Other Impacts on the Creek
Under the CEQA process, the Draft EIR focuses on changes that may be caused by the Water
Reuse Project because the project is a change that requires approvals by public agencies. There
are many other factors that need to be considered to obtain a complete picture of the human
factors impacting the creek downstream of the Water Reclamation Facility. The discharge of
the City's Water Reclamation Facility effluent has always received mixed reviews. In a dry
environment, water is appreciated, but the effluent contains nutrients that contribute to the
growth of algae. In the past it contained ammonia which is toxic to some aquatic life. Over the
years, downstream property owners have increased the amount of water used for irrigation. This
water is pumped directly from the creek or from wells that extract the underflow of the creek.
Cattle have been allowed in the creek deteriorating the banks and increasing the sediment and
wastes in the creek. Row cropping contributes to increased run off which carries sediment along
with fertilizers and pesticides. The City's discharge of effluent from the Water Reclamation
Facility has masked increased water use on downstream properties. The maintenance of a viable
creek is a responsibility that has to be born by all the people that have an impact.
FISCAL EMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the current CAO recommendation, however, the
following discussion of future fiscal impacts is provided for the Council's information. Phased
construction of the reclaimed water distribution system is estimated to cost $9.3 million. The
FY 1995-96 CIP includes funding for design and the projected FY 1997-98 CIP includes funding
for the first phase of construction. The Reclaimed Water Project may be funded through a
variety of mechanisms. Funding is possible through either state low interest loans or
conventional debt financing. Debt service will be recovered through water rates. The total
project cost would result in a cost per acre foot approximately $600.
Attachment: Summary of Potential Adverse Environmental Impacts and Proposed Mitigation Measures.
i
I
I
G_s
d c. eo 60
W E N N N
z
y 'y
d
C�
^ 3:
0 cc ° d ° � q 003 ,. 8 5
a ° ohmkn
o
Qj
� .0 4 a 0D �
=� d 3
a 3 'a 3 o m R e g o 0� g � �
Lm m
y V y y m O Q y 3 ` � C t v = 0
X0 Eka
a& �
V > L 9 cis
03
cc
U > N 00
Y
U N U d L �c�E •L Q rN, L' N .—L. ` y C N 01 •5 N� " R Q N
V U
d W
F
ycc
7 aL N cd
Z y 0 .� c
W u rn as
W =A pad v) c m 3
>
G
° �mJ p ae o`o
W •C 7 N N N 0� � y b
Q c ad 3 �
a 3 °
F
R
W +�+ G L
� R b0
G -G
Q Q OD Op D0 QO Op � 00
W � N NNy N N N CNy VJ
z
V
-0 o ccC ° too m g
ca E
R rA Q d ° H N N O O ' N
WWW14 do liU
o
v ar F 3 fi = s o 3
ren o 3 a N E 3 c c° ° C y c
o >,
efi
U s — E > V E u ° — 3> 9L � °' c
o e o 5 cod > 0 7
a F o Urn a m E v c a v a $ Q; O -0 K° v <
Z a
F W
c c e3 0 v —_ oo�-
O v c m0 = e 3 -0 eo
s > H 2 c ° :: fi •c
d m '0 y ��.. ° A E `� 0. C
e v o .mom, o 3
� ° • •o 'm � fi
W c4U = P-
00 'ate
e
oto o 9 e 2 m cy C1; °ca
cc ut
y
.It
.a e 3 2 E ' E s '' y 2 ` .2 3
F .5 O F d m F a F A aG y U °a D n s
F
G4
� r o
- CO
Qn
Qn
v d F d
4- 7
r L L L s
z �
v
�.
>1
e a .W ge O x •O, 'fl .0 d p W
V N N
rm C6
a
aG 'o o
LLQ y
QX
E = 3 � •> o
o N o c 3 0 c $ °%'
Q Q C y U ,O a o
�. W C O L 7
U 3 mm a >
3 to F 6 •o
C
v! A ..10 Co o° m
W m 4. Uto 0 > t
FW.a Q 0 V CA y 7 L Z CO.. C W
EQ"
v
° U yCis
G �s5 d cc a o
N
>
N 3 W
m E O
z V L O
w •� — ° O ao, O p U
L p5
3 a a n cc
o o v 'so'o
.2 86
V
Q •--i � U G. � C = 8 C
C c7 CA
t
v O C W
U
z a
W
F
(y Y L
� L o
.� ea
++ 7